Cardigans in Stylecraft Life Changes - 9545 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Life Changes DK – Pattern 9545: Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern 9545 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic children's cardigan designs worked in Life Changes DK yarn. Described as easy knit designs, the pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters and covers sizes to fit children aged 2–3 years through to 10–11 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56 cm (22 in) to 76 cm (30 in). Both cardigans are constructed with raglan shaping, giving them a neat, fitted silhouette that works beautifully in double knitting weight yarn.

Design One: Round Neck Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The first design is a round neck cardigan for children, knitted flat in separate pieces and finished with a neat neckband. It features a classic, timeless shape with set-in raglan sleeves, making it a versatile wardrobe staple for everyday wear. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in Life Changes DK in Biscuits (shade 2700), a warm, neutral colourway well suited to children's knitwear.

Sizing and Measurements

• To fit ages: 2–3 yrs, 4–5 yrs, 6–7 yrs, 8–9 yrs, 10–11 yrs
• Actual chest: 61 cm (24 in) to 81 cm (32 in)
• Full length: 36 cm (14 in) to 54 cm (21¼ in)
• Sleeve length: 24 cm (9½ in) to 41 cm (16 in)

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast on – used throughout for a neat, elastic edge
• Raglan shaping – stitches are decreased at each end of alternate rows to create the characteristic diagonal raglan seam line
• Garter stitch borders – worked over 4 rows at the lower edges to prevent curling
• Decrease rows – including paired decreases at raglan edges and a waist shaping row using P2tog to reduce stitch count after the lower body section
• Flat knitting – all main pieces worked back and forth on straight needles
• Button band finishing – the front bands are worked to accommodate 6 buttons

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main fabric of the body and sleeves, creating a smooth knit face and a purl wrong side
• Garter stitch (g-st) – used for the lower body borders, providing a firm, non-rolling edge
• Purl two together (P2tog) – used in the waist shaping row to reduce stitch count neatly on the wrong side

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Life Changes DK, 100 g balls – 2 balls for sizes 2–3 and 4–5 yrs, 3 balls for 6–7 and 8–9 yrs, 4 balls for 10–11 yrs
• Shade shown: Biscuits 2700
• Needles: 1 pair 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles for main fabric; 1 pair 3¼ mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles for ribbed or border sections
• Buttons: 6 buttons required
• Alternative yarns listed: Stylecraft Batik DK, Batik Swirl, Special DK, Life DK, and Life