Baby Girl's Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK - 1268 - Downloadable PDF

Baby Girl's Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK – Pattern 1268

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar includes instructions for two charming baby and toddler cardigans: a classic V Neck Cardie and a cosy Shawl Collar Cardie. Both designs are worked in Sirdar Snuggly DK yarn and are sized to fit babies and children from birth through to 7 years, making this a wonderfully versatile pattern to return to as little ones grow.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers six size options, designed to fit chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), corresponding to ages 0–3 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and 6–7 years. The actual finished measurements are generously proportioned, ranging from approximately 46 cm to 70 cm around the chest, allowing comfortable room for movement. Sleeve lengths are listed as adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit.

Design 1: V Neck Cardie

The V Neck Cardie is a timeless, neat-fitting cardigan featuring a classic V-shaped neckline that is both practical and pretty for everyday wear. The clean lines of this design make it an ideal layering piece over babygrows or dresses. It is knitted in Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 200, requiring between 2 and 5 x 50g balls depending on the size being made. The V neck shaping is achieved through careful decrease work along the front bands, a technique that introduces knitters to straightforward garment shaping in a manageable, child-sized project.

Design 2: Shawl Collar Cardie

The Shawl Collar Cardie offers a softer, more relaxed aesthetic with its wide, folded shawl collar that wraps cosily around a baby's neck and shoulders. This style is particularly well suited to cooler months and adds a touch of vintage charm to any outfit. It is knitted in Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 199, also requiring 2 to 5 x 50g balls across the size range. The shawl collar is a notable construction detail, typically worked by picking up stitches around the neckline and knitting outward to create the characteristic wide, draped lapel effect.

Knitting Techniques Used

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key techniques featured throughout the pattern include:

• Tension/gauge management to ensure accurate sizing across six different measurements
• Raglan or set-in sleeve shaping using standard knitting decreases and increases
• V-neck shaping through paired decreases along the front edges
• Shawl collar construction, typically involving picking up and knitting stitches around the neckline
• Stitch holder usage to hold live stitches during neckline and armhole shaping
• Cable needle techniques, referenced in the materials list, suggesting decorative cable or textured detailing may feature in one or both designs
• Buttonband and buttonhole construction along the front opening edges

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a combination of foundational and decorative knitting stitches, including:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the smooth, classic fabric used for the main body and sleeves
• Rib stitch — typically a 1x1 or 2x2 rib used for cuffs, hems, and button bands to provide stretch and a neat finish
• Possible cable stitches — indicated by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials requirements

Materials Required

Both cardigans are designed for DK weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Sirdar Snuggly DK, a soft, baby-appropriate yarn well known