Cardigan in Sweet Dreams DK in Stylecraft - 9897 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9897 – Cardigans in Sweet Dreams DK: Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9897 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic baby and toddler cardigan designs worked in Sweet Dreams DK yarn. The pattern covers sizes from Newborn through to 2–3 Years, fitting chest measurements of 36 cm to 56 cm (14 in to 22 in), making it a versatile addition to any handknitter's collection. Both designs are rated intermediate in difficulty, making them ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and have some experience working garment pieces in the round or flat.

The Two Designs

Design One: Round Neck Cardigan

The first design is a neat, classic round neck cardigan worked in Sweet Dreams DK in the shade Rosy 7021. This is a timeless baby garment featuring a structured ribbed hem and cuffs, a smooth reverse stocking stitch body, and carefully shaped raglan armholes for a neat, tailored fit on tiny frames. The round neckline is clean and practical, ideal for dressing and undressing babies and toddlers with ease. Fastening is provided by 5 buttons for the four smaller sizes and 6 buttons for the largest size.

• Yarn used: Sweet Dreams DK, shade Rosy 7021
• Yarn quantity: 1 x 100g ball for Newborn and 0–6 months; 2 x 100g balls for 6–12 months through 2–3 years
• Neckline: Round neck
• Fastening: 5[5:5:6:6] buttons
• Key shaping: Raglan armhole shaping with decrease rows

Design Two: V-Neck Cardigan

The second design is an equally charming V-neck cardigan worked in Sweet Dreams DK in the shade Sunshine 7024. The V-neck opening gives this version a slightly more grown-up, classic look while remaining entirely practical and comfortable for babies and young children. Like the round neck version, it features raglan armhole shaping and a ribbed finish. This version uses slightly fewer buttons, with 4 buttons for the four smaller sizes and 5 buttons for the largest size.

• Yarn used: Sweet Dreams DK, shade Sunshine 7024
• Yarn quantity: 1 x 100g ball for Newborn and 0–6 months; 2 x 100g balls for 6–12 months through 2–3 years
• Neckline: V-neck
• Fastening: 4[4:4:5:5] buttons
• Key shaping: Raglan armhole shaping with V-neck shaping

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are constructed in separate flat pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This is a traditional construction method well-suited to intermediate knitters, as it allows each piece to be worked and checked individually before assembly. The raglan shaping is a defining feature of both designs: decreases are worked at each armhole edge on the back, fronts, and sleeves simultaneously, so that when assembled, the raglan seam runs diagonally from the underarm to the neckline. This creates a close, comfortable fit around the shoulders and upper body — particularly well-suited to babies and toddlers who need ease of movement.

The body fabric of both cardigans is worked in reverse stocking stitch (rev st-st), which gives a softly textured, purl-faced surface to the main fabric. This is achieved by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows when working flat. The resulting texture is subtly different from standard stocking stitch and gives the garments a cosy, tactile quality that complements the softness of Sweet Dreams DK yarn.

Stitches Used

• K2, P2 Rib: Used for