Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Chunky - 4409 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Baby Chunky Cardigans – Pattern 4409: Two Designs for Babies and Young Children (6 Months to 7 Years)

Pattern 4409 from Hayfield is a knitting pattern offering two distinct cardigan designs for children aged 6 months through 7 years: a Cardie with Collar and a Hooded Cardie. Both are worked in Hayfield Baby Chunky yarn, making them quick and satisfying projects that produce warm, cosy garments perfectly sized for babies and toddlers up to school age. The chunky weight yarn ensures a soft, snuggly result that is practical for everyday wear in cooler weather.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers five sizes across a wide age range, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection:

• 6–12 months: to fit 46 cm (18 in) chest, actual measurement 50 cm (19¾ in)
• 1–2 years: to fit 51 cm (20 in) chest, actual measurement 56 cm (22 in)
• 2–3 years: to fit 56 cm (22 in) chest, actual measurement 59 cm (23¼ in)
• 4–5 years: to fit 61 cm (24 in) chest, actual measurement 64 cm (25¼ in)
• 6–7 years: to fit 66 cm (26 in) chest, actual measurement 70 cm (27½ in)

Full lengths range from approximately 26 cm (10¼ in) for the smallest size up to 42 cm (16½ in) for the largest. Sleeve lengths are adjustable and range from 17 cm (6½ in) to 33 cm (13 in), giving knitters flexibility to tailor the fit.

Design One: Cardie with Collar

The Cardie with Collar is a classic, neat children's cardigan featuring a shaped collar as its defining detail. This design is ideal for slightly more formal or dressed-up occasions while remaining entirely practical for everyday use. The collar adds a traditional, timeless finish that complements the textured stitch pattern used throughout the body and sleeves.

Techniques and Stitches

• Irish Moss Stitch: A key texture stitch used across the garment, Irish moss stitch creates a dense, slightly elastic fabric with a subtle woven appearance. It is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific offset sequence across rows, producing a fabric that is firmer and more structured than standard stocking stitch — ideal for children's outerwear.
• Stocking Stitch: Also featured in the pattern, stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) provides smooth sections that contrast with the textured moss stitch areas.
• Shaping: Standard knitting shaping techniques are used for armholes, sleeves, and the collar, requiring knitters to increase and decrease stitches at appropriate intervals.
• Collar Construction: The collar is worked as an integral part of the finishing, giving the cardigan its distinctive neckline.
• Button Bands: The front opening is finished with button bands, and the pattern calls for 3 buttons to fasten the cardigan.

Materials for Cardie with Collar

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Chunky, shade 408
• Yarn quantity: 2 balls (6–12 months and 1–2 years), 3 balls (2–3 years and 4–5 years), 4 balls (6–7 years) — each ball 100g
• Needles: 1 pair 6½mm (UK3 / USA 10.5) and 1 pair 5½mm (UK5 / USA 9) knitting needles
• Notions: Cable needle, 3 buttons

Design Two: Hooded Cardie

The Hooded Cardie is a contemporary, practical alternative that replaces the collar with a full