Cardigans in Sirdar Peekaboo DK - 4488 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Snuggly Peekaboo DK Cardigans – Pattern 4488: Detailed Summary

Pattern 4488 from Sirdar is a knitting pattern offering two distinct cardigan designs for babies and young children, sized from birth (0–6 months) through to 7 years. Both garments are worked in Sirdar Snuggly Peekaboo DK, a yarn celebrated for its soft, baby-friendly fibre content and subtle colour-changing or tonal effects. This downloadable PDF pattern is a practical and charming choice for knitters looking to create handmade knitwear for little ones, combining classic construction with decorative stitch detailing.

The Two Cardigan Designs

Shawl Collared Cardigan

The first design featured in this pattern is a Shawl Collared Cardigan, a timeless style that wraps babies and toddlers in cosy warmth. The shawl collar adds a sophisticated, traditional finish that frames the face beautifully and provides extra coverage around the neck — ideal for cooler weather. This design is knitted in Sirdar Snuggly Peekaboo DK shade 107 and requires between 2 and 6 balls of 50g yarn depending on the size being made, ranging from the smallest 0–6 month size up to the 6–7 year size.

The shawl collar construction is a classic feature in baby and children's knitwear, typically worked by picking up stitches around the neckline and working outward in a ribbed or garter-based fabric to create the characteristic wide, folded lapel effect. This adds both visual interest and practical warmth.

V Neck Cardigan

The second design is a V Neck Cardigan, a neat and versatile style that works equally well as a layering piece over babygrows or as a standalone top for toddlers and older children. The V-neckline gives a slightly more tailored, open appearance compared to the shawl collar version. This cardigan is knitted in Sirdar Snuggly Peekaboo DK shade 102 and requires between 2 and 5 balls of 50g yarn across the size range.

V neck cardigans are a staple of children's knitwear patterns, offering a clean, classic silhouette that is easy to put on and take off — a practical consideration for busy parents dressing young children.

Sizing and Fit

Both cardigans are available in six sizes to suit children from birth through to 7 years:

• 0–6 months – to fit 41 cm (16 in) chest, actual measurement 45 cm (17¾ in)
• 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 55 cm (21¾ in)
• 2–3 years – to fit 56 cm (22 in) chest, actual measurement 60 cm (23¾ in)
• 4–5 years – to fit 61 cm (24 in) chest, actual measurement 65 cm (25½ in)
• 6–7 years – to fit 66 cm (26 in) chest, actual measurement 70 cm (27½ in)

Full lengths range from 24 cm (9½ in) for the smallest size up to 45 cm (17¾ in) for the largest. Sleeve lengths are described as adjustable, ranging from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in), giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit for their child.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both cardigans incorporate a combination of classic and decorative knitting stitches and techniques, making this pattern suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level:

• Stocking stitch – the primary background fabric used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Rope and diamond pattern – a textured stitch panel that adds visual interest and a handcrafted quality to