Jackets and Hat in Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK & Bambino DK - 9980 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9980 – Jackets and Hat in Sweet Dreams DK & Bambino DK: Full Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9980 is a collection of three easy knit designs for babies and toddlers, sized from newborn up to 3 years, with chest measurements ranging from 36 cm (14 in) to 56 cm (22 in). The collection includes a Round Neck Jacket, and a Hat, all worked in double knitting weight yarn using Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK and Stylecraft Bambino DK. This is a beginner-friendly pattern, making it an ideal choice for knitters who are new to garment construction or those looking for a satisfying, straightforward project for a new arrival.

Designs Included in Stylecraft Pattern 9980

Round Neck Jacket

The Round Neck Jacket is a classic, neat-fitting baby cardigan worked in double knitting yarn on 3.25 mm and 4 mm needles. It is sized to fit ages newborn, 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months, and 2–3 years, with actual chest measurements of 45 cm to 65 cm. The full length ranges from 22 cm to 40 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths range from 11 cm to 23 cm, making this a well-proportioned, practical garment for everyday wear.

The jacket is constructed in separate pieces — Back, Fronts, and Sleeves — which are then seamed together, a standard construction method that helps beginner knitters practise shaping and finishing techniques. The Back is cast on using the thumb method, a popular cast-on technique that creates a neat, slightly elastic edge well suited to baby garments.

• Rib border: The lower edges begin with a moss-stitch inspired rib worked on 3.25 mm needles, using a combination of knit and purl stitches in a k1, p1 sequence. This creates a firm, tidy border that resists curling and adds a subtle texture to the hem and cuffs.
• Stitch reduction row: After the rib section, a decrease row is worked on the wrong side using p2tog (purl two together) decreases to reduce the stitch count before moving to the main body. This is a common technique to create a neat transition between the border and the body fabric.
• Main body fabric: The body is worked on 4 mm needles, with a moss stitch button band integrated into the front edges as knitting progresses. The main fabric is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows), which produces a smooth, classic finish ideal for showcasing the soft colours of Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK or Bambino DK.
• Integrated front bands: The pattern incorporates k1, p1 moss stitch panels along the front edges of the jacket, worked simultaneously with the body. This avoids the need to pick up and knit separate button bands afterwards, keeping the construction streamlined for beginner knitters.

The Round Neck Jacket is a timeless design that works beautifully as a gift for a newborn or as a wardrobe staple for babies and toddlers through their first years.

Hat

The pattern also includes a matching Hat designed to fit an average baby and toddler head, coordinating with the jackets in the same double knitting yarn. Like the jackets, the hat is rated as easy, making it accessible to beginner knitters and a quick project to complete. It is worked using the same Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK or Bambino DK yarn and the same needle sizes, so both items can be made from a single yarn purchase where quantities allow.

• Rib brim: The hat features a k1, p1 rib border at the lower edge, providing stretch and a snug fit around a baby's head.