Cardigans in Bambino DK in Stylecraft - 9501 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Bambino DK by Stylecraft – Pattern 9501: Complete Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9501 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two easy-knit cardigan designs for babies and toddlers, worked in Bambino DK yarn. The pattern covers sizes from newborn up to 3 years, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection of baby garment patterns. Both designs are described as easy, placing this pattern at an intermediate to beginner-friendly level, ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques but do not yet want to tackle complex stitch patterns.

Garments Included in Pattern 9501

Round Neck Cardigan

The first design in this pattern is a classic Round Neck Cardigan, a timeless baby garment that works beautifully as an everyday layer or a special occasion piece. The cardigan is constructed in pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together, which is a traditional construction method well suited to DK weight yarn and small garment sizing.

Sizing and Measurements:

• To Fit Age: Newborn, 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months, 2–3 years
• To Fit Chest: 36 cm / 14 in up to 56 cm / 22 in
• Actual Measurement: 42 cm / 16½ in up to 62 cm / 24½ in
• Full Length: 20 cm / 8 in (newborn) up to 38 cm / 15 in (2–3 years)
• Sleeve Length: 12 cm / 4¾ in (newborn) up to 24 cm / 9½ in (2–3 years)

Techniques and Construction:

• The back is cast on using the thumb method cast on, a popular and straightforward technique that creates a neat, elastic edge well suited to baby garments
• The lower border is worked in moss stitch, which creates a textured, non-rolling edge — a practical and decorative choice for baby knitwear
• The body transitions into stocking stitch (stockinette) for the main fabric, giving a smooth, classic finish
• Shaping is achieved through decrease rows, with stitches decreased at each end of specified rows to shape the body and sleeves; the frequency of decreases varies by size, demonstrating careful graded shaping across all five sizes
• A p2tog (purl two together) decrease is used during the transition row between the moss stitch border and the stocking stitch body, neatly reducing the stitch count to the correct working number

Stitches Used:

• Moss stitch — used for borders and edgings, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence to produce a firm, textured fabric
• Stocking stitch — the main body fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• p2tog — a standard decrease stitch used in the transition row

Second Cardigan Design

Pattern 9501 includes a second cardigan design, described alongside the Round Neck Cardigan as part of the two easy knit designs featured in this publication. Both designs share the same yarn and size range, offering knitters a choice of style within a single pattern booklet. Full details of the second design's specific neckline, shaping, and stitch pattern are contained within the downloadable PDF.

Materials Required

Yarn

Both cardigans are knitted in Stylecraft Bambino DK, a double knitting weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The colourway shown in the pattern photography is Vintage Blue 7116. The yarn requirements vary by size:

• Round Neck Cardigan: 1 ball (newborn) up to 3 balls