Cardigan and Beret in Sirdar Supersoft Aran - 1760 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Supersoft Aran 1760 – Knitted Cardigan and Beret Pattern for Babies and Children (Birth to 7 Years)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar includes instructions for two coordinating projects: a classic knitted cardigan and a matching knitted beret, both worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran yarn. Designed to fit babies and children from birth through to 7 years of age, this pattern is an ideal choice for handknitters looking to create a complete, coordinated outfit for a little one.

About the Designs

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless, structured garment designed to be practical and comfortable for everyday wear. It is worked to fit chest sizes ranging from 41 cm (16 in) for 0–6 months up to 66 cm (26 in) for 6–7 years, with actual finished measurements providing a small amount of positive ease across all sizes. Full lengths range from 22 cm (8¾ in) for the smallest size up to 46 cm (18 in) for the largest, measured just below the armholes over the back piece. Sleeve lengths are adjustable and range from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in), making it easy to customise the fit as a child grows.

As is typical of Aran-weight cardigans for children, the construction is likely to involve working the back, fronts, and sleeves as separate flat pieces before seaming, a traditional method that produces neat, durable results well suited to children's garments. The use of 5mm (UK6 / USA8) knitting needles for the main fabric and 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles for any ribbed or edging sections is standard practice when working Aran-weight yarn, ensuring the body fabric has good stitch definition while the borders sit neatly and firmly.

The Beret

The beret is designed to fit an average-sized baby's or child's head for each of the corresponding age ranges covered by the pattern. Berets are typically worked in the round or flat and shaped with increases and decreases to create the characteristic domed crown and fitted band. The pattern notes that a 4mm (UK8 / USA6) circular needle may be required, suggesting the beret may be worked in the round for a smooth, seamless finish — a common and effective technique for hat construction that eliminates the need for a side seam.

Working a beret in Aran weight yarn produces a cosy, substantial fabric that holds its shape well, making it practical for cooler weather while remaining soft and comfortable against a child's skin.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting on straight needles for the cardigan pieces
• Circular knitting (optional, using a circular needle) for the beret
• Shaping techniques including increases and decreases for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, and beret crown
• Ribbing worked on smaller needles for neat, elastic borders and cuffs
• Seaming to join cardigan pieces after blocking
• Adjustable sleeve length construction for a customisable fit

Stitches Used

• Knit and purl stitches forming the main fabric (likely stocking stitch or a simple textured pattern typical of Aran-weight children's designs)
• Rib stitch (commonly 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing) for cuffs, hem borders, and beret band
• Increase and decrease stitches for shaping throughout both garments

Materials Required

Yarn

Both the cardigan and the beret are knitted in Sirdar Supersoft Aran, shade 881. This is a soft, Aran-weight yarn well suited to children's knitwear, offering warmth without bulk and a gentle feel against delicate skin. Yarn quantities are given per project:

• Cardigan: 1 to 3 x 100g balls of Sirdar Supersoft