Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK - 4516 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK – Pattern 4516

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic baby and children's cardigans worked in the beloved Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK yarn. Designed to fit sizes from birth through to 7 years, the pattern covers six size options with chest measurements ranging from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Both designs share the same construction foundation but offer distinct finishing details, giving knitters a choice of style to suit the recipient.

The Two Designs

Round Neck Cardigan

The first design is a neat, timeless Round Neck Cardigan, worked in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK shade 181. This is a clean, classic silhouette perfectly suited to babies and toddlers, featuring a rounded neckline that is comfortable and easy to dress little ones in. The button band runs down the front opening, fastened with 4 to 5 buttons depending on the size being made. Its unfussy neckline makes it an ideal layering piece over babygrows or under outerwear.

Cardigan with Collar

The second design adds a collar detail for a slightly more traditional, dressed-up look. This version is worked in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK shade 184 and requires a slightly greater yarn quantity in the larger sizes due to the additional collar fabric. Like the round neck version, it features a front button band and is fastened with 4 to 5 buttons across the size range. The collar gives this cardigan a charming, heirloom quality that works beautifully for special occasions as well as everyday wear.

Sizes and Measurements

Both cardigans are available in six sizes, designed to fit the following age ranges and chest measurements:

• 0–6 months – 41 cm (16 in) chest, actual measurement 46 cm (18 in)
• 6–12 months – 46 cm (18 in) chest, actual measurement 49 cm (19¼ in)
• 1–2 years – 51 cm (20 in) chest, actual measurement 55 cm (21¾ in)
• 2–3 years – 56 cm (22 in) chest, actual measurement 60 cm (23¾ in)
• 4–5 years – 61 cm (24 in) chest, actual measurement 65 cm (25½ in)
• 6–7 years – 66 cm (26 in) chest, actual measurement 70 cm (27½ in)

Full lengths range from 22 cm (8¾ in) for the newborn size up to 36 cm (14 in) for the largest size. Sleeve lengths are listed as adjustable, ranging from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in), allowing knitters to customise the fit as needed.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This is a traditional construction method well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Slip stitch pattern – the main fabric texture used across the body and sleeves, creating a subtle, tactile surface interest
• Stocking stitch – used in certain sections of the garment construction
• Armhole shaping – worked by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows to create the armhole curve
• Increasing and decreasing – used to shape the sleeves and other sections
• Ribbing – typically used on cuffs, lower edges, and button bands for a neat, stretchy finish
• Picking up stitches – required for working the neckband and button bands
• Collar construction (Cardigan with Collar