Baby Boy's & Boy's Cardigans in Sirdar Supersoft Aran - 4900 - Downloadable PDF

Baby Boy's & Boy's Cardigans in Sirdar Supersoft Aran – Pattern 4900

This knitting pattern from Sirdar offers two charming cardigan designs for babies and boys, sized from birth through 7 years (to fit chest sizes 16–26 inches). Both garments are worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran yarn, a soft and cosy aran-weight yarn perfectly suited to children's knitwear. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore cable techniques.

The Two Designs

Flat Collar Cardigan

The first design is a classic Flat Collar Cardigan, a timeless style featuring a neat, flat collar that frames the neckline with a tidy, polished finish. This design is worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran shade 933 and requires between 1 and 3 x 100g balls depending on the size being knitted. The flat collar adds a smart, traditional touch that makes this cardigan equally suitable for everyday wear and special occasions.

Hooded Cardigan

The second design is a Hooded Cardigan, a more contemporary and playful option that incorporates an attached hood for added warmth and style. This version is worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran shade 932 and requires between 2 and 3 x 100g balls depending on the size. The hood construction makes use of a stitch holder to keep live stitches in reserve while other sections are completed, a technique familiar to intermediate knitters.

Sizes and Measurements

Both cardigans are available in six sizes to suit a wide range of ages:

• 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 48 cm (19 in) for the largest. Sleeve lengths range from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in) and are described as adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both cardigans feature a diamond cable panel as a central design element, worked over 12 stitches. Cable knitting involves crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like or geometric textured patterns. The diamond cable is a classic motif in Aran knitting, producing a raised, structured texture against a background of smoother stitches.

• Diamond cable panel – a 12-stitch decorative cable panel forming the signature texture of both cardigans
• Cable needle techniques – used to cross stitches and form the cable pattern
• Stitch holder usage – required for the Hooded Cardigan to hold stitches during hood construction
• Shaping techniques – including armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping appropriate to an intermediate skill level
• Ribbing – typically used on cuffs, button bands, and lower edges in Aran-style garments to provide stretch and a neat finish

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well