Cardigan, Hat, Blanket, Bootees and Socks in King Cole Cuddles DK - 4003 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Cuddles DK Pattern 4003: Cardigan, Hat, Blanket, Bootees and Socks — Full Pattern Summary

This King Cole pattern 4003 is a comprehensive baby knitting collection worked in King Cole Cuddles DK yarn. The set includes five separate designs — a cardigan, a hat, a blanket, bootees, and socks — making it an ideal all-in-one resource for outfitting a newborn or young baby from head to toe. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty and is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters who are ready to begin a project right away.

King Cole also notes that for every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, adding a charitable dimension to your crafting.

Yarn and Materials

All five designs are knitted using King Cole Cuddles DK, a double knit weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The pattern notes that the collection is also suitable for other King Cole Double Knitting yarns, giving knitters some flexibility in colour and fibre choice. Two specific colourways are referenced in the pattern:

• 1179 Lilac — used for the Cardigan, Hat, Bootees, and Socks
• 1197 Dollymix — used for the Blanket

Two sizes of knitting needles are required:

• 4mm needles (UK 8 / USA 6) — used as the primary needle size for most of the knitting
• 3.25mm needles (UK 10 / USA 3) — used for finer ribbed sections and finishing details

The cardigan also requires 4 [4:5:5:6] buttons, depending on the size being made.

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch and pattern using 4mm needles. As with all garment knitting, checking tension before beginning is essential. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10cm, a finer needle should be used; if more stitches are achieved, a larger needle is recommended.

Sizes and Measurements

The cardigan is worked across five chest sizes, making it suitable for babies and young infants:

• To fit chest: 31, 36, 41, 46, and 51 cm (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 inches)
• Actual chest measurement: 36, 41, 47, 52, and 56 cm (14, 16, 18½, 20½, and 22 inches)
• Full length: approximately 18, 20, 24, 28, and 32 cm (7, 8, 9½, 11, and 12½ inches)
• Sleeve length: 8, 12, 15, 17, and 20 cm (3, 4¾, 6, 6½, and 8 inches)

The blanket is knitted to a finished size of 61 x 91 cm (24 x 36 inches), making it a generous pram or cot blanket. The hat, bootees, and socks are each sized to fit an average baby's head or average baby's foot respectively.

The Cardigan

The baby cardigan is a classic, button-fastening design worked in King Cole Cuddles DK. It is constructed using a combination of stitch patterns typical of traditional baby knitwear. The button band and cuffs are worked in 2x2 rib, which creates a neat, stretchy edge that helps the garment retain its shape and fit snugly at the wrists and front opening. The body and sleeves are primarily worked in stocking stitch, producing a smooth, flat