Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly 4 ply - 4578 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply – Pattern 4578: Complete Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic baby and children's cardigans worked in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply yarn. The pattern covers sizes from birth to 7 years, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Both designs are thoughtfully constructed with neat, tidy finishes — notably featuring no pick-up borders, which simplifies the making-up process considerably. Each cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), with corresponding actual garment measurements of 47 cm to 73 cm to allow comfortable ease.

The Two Designs

Cardigan with Collar

The first design is a Cardigan with Collar, worked in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply shade 462. This garment features a neat collar detail that adds a classic, traditional finish perfectly suited to babies and young children. It requires 2 to 4 balls of yarn depending on the size being knitted, with each ball weighing 50g. The collar construction adds an extra dimension to the shaping, making this a slightly more involved knit than the second design, though still very accessible for knitters with basic skills.

Round Neck Cardigan

The second design is a Round Neck Cardigan, worked in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply shade 444. This version offers a clean, simple neckline that is timeless and easy to dress up or down. It is a slightly more yarn-efficient design, requiring 1 to 3 balls of 50g yarn across the size range. The round neck finish gives it a neat, contemporary look that suits both boys and girls.

Sizing and Measurements

Both cardigans are available in six sizes:

• 0–6 months – to fit 41 cm (16 in) chest
• 6–12 months – to fit 46 cm (18 in) chest
• 1–2 years – to fit 51 cm (20 in) chest
• 2–3 years – to fit 56 cm (22 in) chest
• 4–5 years – to fit 61 cm (24 in) chest
• 6–7 years – to fit 66 cm (26 in) chest

Full lengths range from 24 cm to 36 cm (9½ in to 14 in). Both cardigans offer the choice of a long sleeve or a short sleeve option. Long sleeves range from 15 cm to 33 cm depending on size, while short sleeves are a neat 3 to 4 cm across all sizes — ideal for warmer months or layering. Each cardigan fastens with 5 or 6 buttons depending on the size chosen.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, left front, right front, and sleeves — and then sewn together during making up. Key construction techniques include:

• Thumb method cast on — used throughout for a neat, elastic edge
• Armhole shaping — worked with decreases at each end of rows to create a clean, fitted armhole
• No pick-up borders — button bands and neckbands are integrated or worked without the need to pick up stitches, simplifying finishing
• Short sleeve and long sleeve options — both versions are adjustable in length, giving the knitter flexibility

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of two primary stitch patterns, each worked on different needle sizes to achieve the correct drape and structure:

• Stocking stitch — the main body fabric, worked on 3¼mm needles, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface. The tension for stocking st