Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK - 1888 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK – Pattern 1888: Two Classic Baby and Children's Cardigan Designs

Sirdar pattern 1888 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two charming cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Snuggly DK yarn. The pattern covers sizes from birth through to 7 years, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Whether you are knitting for a newborn or a school-age child, this pattern provides everything needed to create a beautifully fitted, classic cardigan. The two designs — a Round Neck Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan — share the same construction approach but offer distinct neckline finishes to suit different tastes and occasions.

Design One: Round Neck Cardigan

The Round Neck Cardigan is a timeless children's knit featuring a neat, classic rounded neckline that suits babies and toddlers especially well. It is shown in Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 219, a soft, baby-appropriate colourway. The round neck finish is typically achieved with a picked-up neckband knitted in ribbing, giving a tidy and comfortable edge that sits neatly against the child's neck.

Sizing and Fit

The Round Neck Cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), corresponding to ages 0–6 months through 6–7 years. Actual garment measurements are generously eased, ranging from 46 cm to 71 cm, ensuring comfortable room for movement and layering. Full lengths range from 24 cm to 48 cm, and sleeve lengths are adjustable, spanning 15 cm to 33 cm depending on size.

Buttons and Fastenings

The Round Neck Cardigan fastens with 5 buttons for the three smallest sizes and 6 buttons for the three larger sizes, providing a secure and neat front opening. Button bands are a standard feature of this style of cardigan, typically worked in rib stitch to maintain elasticity and a professional finish.

Design Two: V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan offers a slightly more tailored and grown-up look, with a V-shaped neckline that is flattering across all ages in the size range. It is shown in Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 212. The V neck shaping is worked through careful decreasing on either side of the front opening as the knitter works upward from the body, creating a clean diagonal line to the shoulder. A neatly knitted V neck border or band completes the neckline.

Sizing and Fit

Like the Round Neck version, the V Neck Cardigan covers the full size range from 0–6 months to 6–7 years, with identical chest, length, and sleeve measurements, making it straightforward to switch between the two designs or knit both in the same size.

Buttons and Fastenings

The V Neck Cardigan uses 4 buttons for the three smallest sizes and 5 buttons for the three larger sizes, reflecting the slightly shorter button band created by the V neckline shaping.

Knitting Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques, meaning all pieces are worked back and forth in rows on straight needles and then seamed together. This is an excellent method for beginners and intermediate knitters alike, as it allows each section — back, fronts, and sleeves — to be worked and checked individually before assembly.

• Ribbing: Used for welts, cuffs, button bands, and neckbands. Ribbing creates a stretchy, neat edge and is typically worked as knit one, purl one or knit two, purl two combinations.
• Stocking stitch: The main body fabric of both cardigans is almost certainly worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), the standard smooth fabric used in classic children's knitwear.
• Shaping: Both designs involve standard garment shaping including armhole shaping, sleeve cap shaping, and neckline shaping through increases and decreases.