Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK - 9842 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK – Pattern 9842

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft includes instructions for two classic baby and toddler garments: a lace-detail cardigan and a sweater, both worked in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK yarn. Designed with beginner knitters in mind, the pattern is an excellent introduction to simple lace knitting while producing beautifully finished, practical knitwear for young children. The pattern reference number is 9842.

Sizes and Fit

Both garments are available in five sizes, covering a wide range of ages from newborn through to school age:

• 0–6 months – to fit 41 cm (16 in) chest, actual measurement 51 cm (20 in)
• 6–12 months – to fit 46 cm (18 in) chest, actual measurement 56 cm (22 in)
• 12–24 months – to fit 51 cm (20 in) chest, actual measurement 62 cm (24½ in)
• 2/3 years – to fit 56 cm (22 in) chest, actual measurement 65 cm (25½ in)
• 4/5 years – to fit 61 cm (24 in) chest, actual measurement 71 cm (28 in)

Full lengths range from 24 cm to 42 cm, and sleeve lengths from 15 cm to 29 cm, ensuring a comfortable, generous fit appropriate for each age group.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is the first of the two designs presented in pattern 9842. It features a charming lace stitch panel worked across the body, giving the finished garment a delicate, decorative texture that is perfectly suited to the soft, print colourway of Bambino Prints DK. Despite the lace detailing, the construction is straightforward and well-suited to beginner knitters who are ready to move beyond plain stocking stitch.

Construction and Techniques – Cardigan

The cardigan back begins with a cast-on of between 64 and 90 stitches depending on size, worked on 4mm needles. The lower edge is established with four rows of garter stitch (knit every row), which creates a neat, non-curling border. A decorative eyelet row is then introduced before the main lace pattern begins.

• Garter stitch border: Four rows of knit every row form the hem, providing structure and a classic finish.
• Eyelet row: A simple k2tog, yfwd repeat creates a row of small eyelets, adding a pretty detail at the transition from border to body.
• Lace pattern: A six-row repeat forms the main body fabric, incorporating yfwd (yarn forward), ssk (slip, slip, knit), and k2tog (knit two together) decreases to create a balanced, symmetrical lace motif. The pattern is repeated twice in full across the body section.

Stitches Used – Cardigan

• Garter stitch – knit every row
• Stocking stitch – knit on right side, purl on wrong side
• k2tog – knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• yfwd – yarn forward (creates a decorative eyelet or lace hole)

The Sweater

The second garment in this pattern is a sweater, also worked in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK. While the full sweater instructions continue beyond the extracted PDF content provided, the sweater is designed to coordinate with the cardigan and shares the same yarn, needle size, and sizing range. It offers an alternative pullover style for those who prefer a garment without a button band opening.

Techniques – Sweater