Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK - 5423 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Bonus DK - 5423

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting two distinct cardigan designs for babies aged 0-24 months. The pattern includes six size options ranging from 0-3 months through 18-24 months, with chest measurements from 42 cm (16½") to 56 cm (22"). Both cardigan styles feature button closures and are designed to be practical, comfortable garments for infants and toddlers.

Cardigan Styles Included

Rib Cardigan

The first design features ribbed construction throughout, creating a textured, stretchy fabric that provides excellent comfort and fit for growing babies. This style uses ribbed knitting to create vertical lines of texture that add visual interest while maintaining elasticity for ease of movement.

Garter Stitch Cardigan

The second design utilizes garter stitch construction, which produces a bumpy, reversible fabric with excellent drape and warmth. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, resulting in horizontal ridges that are visible on both sides of the fabric.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Ribbed knitting for textured, elastic fabric in the Rib Cardigan style
• Garter stitch for a classic, reversible knit texture in the Garter Stitch Cardigan
• Shaping techniques for fitted sleeves and body construction
• Button band construction for functional closures
• Seaming or joining techniques to assemble cardigan pieces

Stitches and Construction Details

Both cardigans employ fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The Rib Cardigan relies on rib stitch patterns to create elasticity and texture, while the Garter Stitch Cardigan uses consistent garter stitch throughout for simplicity and visual texture. Each design includes five buttons for secure fastening, with button bands worked into the front edges of the cardigans.

Yarn and Materials

These patterns are designed for Hayfield Baby Bonus DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn supplied in 100g balls. The DK weight classification makes this yarn suitable for creating lightweight, breathable garments ideal for babies.

Rib Cardigan Yarn Requirements

• Yarn A (Baby Cream, shade 855): 1-2 balls depending on size
• Yarn B (Baby Navy, shade 630): 1 ball
• Yarn C (Baby Mint, shade 853): 1 ball
• Yarn D (Baby Pink, shade 851): 1 ball
• Buttons: 5 buttons per cardigan

Garter Stitch Cardigan Yarn Requirements

• Yarn A (Baby Rusk, shade 621): 2 balls for all sizes
• Yarn B (Baby Elephant, shade 620): 1 ball
• Yarn C: 1 ball
• Yarn D: 1 ball
• Buttons: 5 buttons per cardigan

Size Range and Measurements

The pattern accommodates six different age groups and sizes. Chest measurements range from 42 cm (16½") for newborns to 56 cm (22") for 18-24 month old babies. Full length varies from 25 cm (9¾") to 36 cm (14"), and sleeve length ranges from 16 cm (6¼") to 25 cm (9¾"), ensuring proper fit as babies grow.

Difficulty Level

These cardigans are classified as intermediate difficulty, making them suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The combination of basic stitches with shaping and finishing techniques requires understanding of fundamental knitting principles and ability to follow multi-step instructions.

Pattern Format

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to complete instructions for both cardigan designs in all six sizes. The PDF format includes detailed measurements and yarn requirements