1397 Yukou - Cardigan and Leggings Knitting Pattern for Babies in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK

Pattern 1397 Yukou: Baby Cardigan and Leggings Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman

The 1397 Yukou pattern, designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns, is a charming two-piece knitting set for babies, comprising a festive cardigan and a pair of coordinating leggings. Worked in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK, this set is designed to be both special-occasion worthy and practical, thanks to the yarn's softness and easy-care properties. The pattern is rated Adventurous Beginner (also described as Advanced Beginner), making it an excellent next step for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore shaping, construction techniques, and simple colorwork.

Sizes are available for 0–6, 6–12, 12–18, and 18–24 months, with the sample shown in the 6–12 month size. The two pieces together create a cohesive, coordinated look that is ideal for gifting or dressing a little one for a special event.

About the Yarn: Valley Yarns Haydenville DK

Both pieces are knitted in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK, a blend of 60% Superwash Merino Wool and 40% Acrylic Microfiber, sold in 50 g / 136-yard skeins. This fiber blend is particularly well-suited for baby garments — the superwash merino provides natural softness and warmth against delicate skin, while the acrylic microfiber adds durability and machine-washability, a feature parents genuinely appreciate.

The colorway used in the pattern is Color 16 – Royal as the Main Color (MC) and Color 08 – Silver as the Contrast Color (CC), creating a striking and festive color combination. The Silver accent appears in the stripe and slipped stitch details that give the Yukou set its distinctive decorative character.

Yarn Requirements

• Cardigan MC (Royal): 3 (3, 4, 4) skeins of Haydenville DK
• Cardigan CC (Silver): 1 skein of Haydenville DK
• Leggings MC (Royal): 2 (3, 3, 4) skeins of Haydenville DK
• Leggings CC (Silver): 1 skein of Haydenville DK

Needles and Materials

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to achieve the correct gauge and ribbing tension:

• US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16" and 24" lengths, plus double-pointed needles (dpns) — used for the main body fabric
• US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in 16" and 24" lengths, plus dpns — used for ribbing and tighter-tension sections

Additional materials required include stitch holders, stitch markers (including six locking stitch markers), ¾" elastic for the leggings waistband, six ⅜" buttons for the cardigan front bands, a sewing needle and thread to match the CC yarn, a safety pin, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is important for ensuring the finished garment matches the stated measurements.

The Cardigan: Construction and Design Details

The Yukou cardigan is a button-front baby cardigan with a decorative slipped stitch motif and stripe detailing. It is a seamed garment, worked flat in rows, and constructed largely in one piece from the bottom up.

Finished Measurements – Cardigan

• Chest: 17¾ (19¾, 21¼, 22¾) inches