Cardigans and Bonnet in King Cole Giza Cotton Sorbet - 5001 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans and Bonnet Knitting Pattern – King Cole Giza Cotton Sorbet 4 Ply (Pattern 5001)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (King Cole 5001) provides instructions for creating a set of baby cardigans and a matching bonnet, sized to fit chest measurements of 31–46 cm (12–18 inches). Designed for intermediate knitters, this charming set makes a beautiful handmade gift or wardrobe staple for babies and young infants. The pattern is published by King Cole, a well-respected UK yarn brand, and a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every purchase.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically written for King Cole Giza Cotton Sorbet 4 Ply yarn. As a 4 ply weight yarn, this is a finer yarn that produces a lightweight, delicate fabric — ideal for baby garments where softness and breathability are essential. Giza Cotton is known for its smooth, lustrous finish derived from high-quality cotton fibres, making it gentle against a baby's sensitive skin.

• Yarn: King Cole Giza Cotton Sorbet 4 Ply
• Needle size: 3.25mm needles are specified to achieve the correct tension
• Tension: 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch and pattern on 3.25mm needles

As with all knitting projects, checking your tension before beginning is strongly recommended. If you have fewer stitches or rows than stated over 10 cm, switch to finer needles; if you have more, switch to larger needles. Achieving the correct tension ensures the finished garments match the intended sizing.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers the construction of baby cardigans — a classic, versatile garment that fastens at the front and is easy to put on and take off — along with a coordinating bonnet. Together, these pieces form a complete and practical baby set. The size range of 31–46 cm (12–18 inches) chest measurement covers several stages of infant growth, making this pattern useful across multiple sizes.

• Cardigans: Front-opening baby cardigans suitable for everyday wear
• Bonnet: A matching baby bonnet to complete the set
• Size range: 31–46 cm (12–18 inches) chest

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to work with shaping, stitch patterns, and garment construction. The cardigans and bonnet are worked flat on straight needles and assembled using standard seaming methods.

Key Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The primary fabric stitch, worked with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic finish
• Garter stitch (gst): Every row knitted, producing a ridged, reversible fabric often used for borders, cuffs, and edgings
• Increasing and decreasing: Used to shape the garment pieces, including armholes, necklines, and the bonnet
• Slipping stitches and passing slipped stitches over (psso): A decrease technique used for neat, directional shaping
• Yarn forward (yfwd): A technique used to create deliberate yarn-overs, often forming eyelets or lace-style details
• Pattern repeats: Sections of the design involve working a set stitch pattern, requiring the knitter to follow and maintain a repeat across rows

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the foundational stitches of all knitting
• Stocking stitch — smooth fabric for the main body sections
• Garter stitch — textured ridged