Blanket, Matinee Coat, Cardigan & Hat in King Cole Beaches DK - 5588 - Downloadable PDF

Blanket, Matinee Coat, Cardigan & Hat Knitted in King Cole Beaches DK – Pattern 5588

This charming collection from King Cole brings together four classic baby and toddler knits in a single downloadable PDF pattern. Worked in King Cole Beaches DK yarn, the set includes a blanket, a traditional matinee coat, a cardigan, and a hat, all sized to fit babies and toddlers from premature up to 2 years, covering chest measurements of 31–54 cm (12–21 inches). The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple stitch patterns and are ready to develop their skills further.

Purchasing this pattern also contributes to a good cause — King Cole donates to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern sold.

Materials & Tension

All four designs are worked in King Cole Beaches DK, a double knitting weight yarn. The recommended needle size is 4 mm, and the stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension square before beginning any of the garments, as achieving the correct tension is essential for accurate sizing. If fewer stitches or rows than stated are achieved over 10 cm, finer needles should be used.

Designs Included

Blanket

The blanket is a cosy, practical piece suitable for use in a pram, cot, or as a wrap. Worked flat on straight needles, it makes an excellent project for building confidence with larger-scale knitting. The blanket showcases the tonal or variegated colour qualities of King Cole Beaches DK, allowing the yarn's colour changes to create visual interest without the need for complex colourwork techniques.

• Techniques used: Flat knitting, tension management over a large piece
• Stitches used: Garter stitch (every row knit) and stocking stitch (right side knit, wrong side purl)

Matinee Coat

The matinee coat is a timeless baby garment, traditionally slightly longer in length than a standard cardigan, designed to keep a baby's legs and lower body warm. This classic style is a staple of baby knitwear and is particularly well suited to the soft drape of a DK weight yarn. The matinee coat is worked in pieces — typically front panels, a back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, giving knitters practice in garment construction and finishing.

• Techniques used: Flat knitting in pieces, shaping through increasing and decreasing, seaming, and finishing
• Stitches used: Stocking stitch, garter stitch
• Sizing: Premature to 2 years (31–54 cm / 12–21 in)

Cardigan

The cardigan is a versatile, everyday baby garment that can be layered over vests and sleepsuits or worn as a standalone top layer. Like the matinee coat, it is knitted in separate pieces and sewn together, with shaping worked at the armholes and neckline. The open-front design typically features a button band, giving knitters the opportunity to practise picking up stitches and working neat button and buttonhole bands — key skills in garment knitting.

• Techniques used: Flat knitting, armhole and neckline shaping, picking up stitches, button band construction, seaming
• Stitches used: Stocking stitch, garter stitch
• Sizing: Premature to 2 years (31–54 cm / 12–21 in)

Hat

The hat completes the set and is designed to coordinate with the matinee coat and cardigan. Baby hats