Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Special for Babies DK - 9678 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Special for Babies DK Pattern 9678 – Cardigan and Sweater Knitting Pattern

Pattern 9678 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic baby and toddler designs: a Cardigan and a Sweater, both worked in Stylecraft Special for Babies DK. Sized to fit ages birth to 5 years, with chest measurements ranging from 41 cm (16 in) up to 61 cm (24 in), these are versatile, practical garments ideal for a growing wardrobe. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and garment construction.

Sizes and Measurements

Both garments are available in five sizes, covering the following age ranges and chest measurements:

• 0–6 months – to fit 41 cm (16 in) chest; actual measurement 47 cm (18½ in)
• 6–12 months – to fit 46 cm (18 in) chest; actual measurement 52 cm (20½ in)
• 12–24 months – to fit 51 cm (20 in) chest; actual measurement 57 cm (22½ in)
• 2–3 years – to fit 56 cm (22 in) chest; actual measurement 62 cm (24½ in)
• 4–5 years – to fit 61 cm (24 in) chest; actual measurement 67 cm (26½ in)

The Cardigan has a full length ranging from 24 cm (9½ in) to 42 cm (16½ in) and sleeve lengths from 15 cm (6 in) to 29 cm (11½ in). The Sweater is slightly longer, with a full length of 26 cm (10¼ in) to 44 cm (17¼ in) and sleeve lengths from 10 cm (4 in) to 24 cm (9½ in).

Design 1 – The Cardigan

The Cardigan is a neat, structured baby and toddler cardigan worked in Stylecraft Special for Babies DK in White 1001. It features a combination of a garter stitch border and a stocking stitch body, giving it a clean, classic finish that is both soft against delicate skin and easy to launder.

Construction and Techniques

The back is worked flat from the cast-on edge upward. The lower border is worked in garter stitch (knit every row) for approximately 5 cm (2 in), providing a neat, non-curling hem. A right-side marker is placed at the beginning to help the knitter track the right side of the fabric throughout. After the border, the body transitions into stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows), which forms the smooth main fabric of the garment.

Shoulder and back neck shaping is worked using cast-off rows and decreases. Stitches for the back neck are placed onto a stitch holder while each shoulder is completed separately, with a p2tog decrease used to shape the neck edge neatly. This structured approach to shaping ensures a well-fitted, professional-looking finish.

Stitches Used – Cardigan

• Garter stitch – knit every row; used for the lower border and cuffs
• Stocking stitch – knit on right side, purl on wrong side; used for the main body and sleeves
• p2tog – purl two stitches together; used in neck shaping decreases
• p2tog tbl – purl two stitches together through the back loop; used for mirrored neck shaping on the opposite shoulder
• Cast off – standard cast-off used for shoulder sh