Baby Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK - 5424 - Downloadable PDF

Baby Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK – Pattern 5424

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two charming baby cardigans designed for sizes 0–3 months through 18–24 months, making it a versatile choice for knitters looking to create handmade knitwear for newborns and toddlers. Both designs are worked in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK, a soft double knit yarn perfectly suited to delicate baby skin. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore simple decorative details.

About the Two Designs

Moon and Stars Cardigan

The Moon and Stars Cardigan is a classic baby cardigan featuring decorative motifs added using the Swiss darning technique (also known as duplicate stitch). Swiss darning is an embroidery method worked on top of completed knitting that mimics the structure of knit stitches, allowing knitters to add colourful motifs — in this case, moon and star designs — without the complexity of stranded colourwork during knitting. This makes the decorative element accessible even to those newer to colourwork.

The main body of the cardigan is knitted in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK shade 854 Baby Blue, while oddments of shade 630 Baby Navy are used for the Swiss darning embellishment. The contrast between the soft blue ground and the navy motifs creates a sweet, classic aesthetic perfectly suited to a baby gift or wardrobe staple.

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Bonus DK, 100g balls, shade 854 Baby Blue (main); shade 630 Baby Navy (oddments for Swiss darning)
• Balls required: 2 balls for sizes 0–3 months through 12–18 months; 3 balls for size 18–24 months
• Key technique: Swiss darning / duplicate stitch for moon and star motifs

Moss Stitch Front Cardigan

The second design in this pattern is the Moss Stitch Front Cardigan, which features moss stitch as a prominent textural element. Moss stitch (also called seed stitch in some traditions) is created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row, with the stitches offset on subsequent rows so that knits sit above purls and vice versa. The result is a beautifully textured, non-curling fabric that adds visual interest and a professional finish to the cardigan fronts.

This design is worked in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK shade 581 Baby Peach, a soft, warm pastel tone that gives the finished garment a gentle, timeless look. The moss stitch detailing provides both aesthetic appeal and practical structure, keeping button bands and front panels flat and neat without the need for additional finishing.

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Bonus DK, 100g balls, shade 581 Baby Peach
• Balls required: 2 balls for sizes 0–3 months through 12–18 months; 3 balls for size 18–24 months
• Key technique: Moss stitch texture on cardigan fronts

Sizing and Measurements

Both cardigans are available in six sizes to suit babies and toddlers from newborn through to two years of age. The chest measurements range from 42 cm (16½ inches) for the smallest size up to 56 cm (22 inches) for the largest. Full lengths range from approximately 25 cm to 36 cm, and sleeve lengths from 16 cm to 25 cm, ensuring a comfortable, well-proportioned fit at every stage of a baby's early growth.

• Age range: 0–3, 3–6, 6–9, 9–12, 12–18, and 18–24 months
• Chest: 42 cm – 56 cm (16½" – 22")
• Full length: 25 cm – 36 cm (9¾" – 14")
• Sleeve length: 16 cm – 25 cm (6¼" – 9¾"