Cardigans in Stylecraft Special DK - 10224 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Special DK Cardigans – Pattern 10224: Two Easy Raglan Designs for Children Ages 2–11

Stylecraft Pattern 10224 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic children's cardigan designs worked in Stylecraft Special DK yarn. Both garments are constructed using a raglan armhole shaping technique, making them an excellent project for advanced beginners who are ready to move beyond the basics and explore garment construction. The pattern covers sizes to fit children aged 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11 years, with chest measurements ranging from approximately 56 cm to 76 cm (22–30 inches).

The two designs share the same fundamental construction method but differ in sleeve length, giving knitters a practical choice depending on the season or the child's preference. Both cardigans are worked flat in separate pieces and seamed, following a traditional garment-making approach that helps beginners build core skills in shaping, seaming, and finishing.

Design One: Long Sleeved Cardigan

The Long Sleeved Cardigan is a timeless, versatile children's garment suitable for cooler weather and year-round layering. It is a fully fitted cardigan with set-in raglan armhole shaping, long sleeves, and a neat, structured silhouette.

Measurements and Sizing

• To fit chest: 56, 61, 66, 71, 76 cm (22, 24, 26, 28, 30 in)
• Actual measurement: 62, 67, 73, 76, 82 cm
• Full length: approximately 38, 42, 48, 52, 56 cm
• Sleeve length: 24, 29, 33, 37, 41 cm

Construction and Techniques

The back piece is begun on 3.25 mm needles using a contrast colour (CC1) for the border ribbing, working 4 rows and ending with a wrong-side row. Needles are then changed to 4 mm needles, CC1 is broken off, and the main colour (MC) is joined. The body is then worked in stocking stitch throughout, continuing straight until the back measures the required length before beginning raglan armhole shaping.

Raglan armhole shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of the next two rows, then working paired decreases at each end of right-side rows over a series of rows specific to each size. This classic raglan method creates a smooth, diagonal seam line from the underarm to the neckline, distributing ease evenly across the shoulder and giving the finished cardigan a comfortable, flexible fit that is ideal for children's active wear.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st) – the primary fabric stitch used throughout the body and sleeves
• Rib stitch – used for the border and cuffs, worked on smaller 3.25 mm needles in CC1
• Raglan decreases – paired decreases worked at each end of right-side rows to shape the armhole
• Cast off and cast on techniques – used at armhole and neckline shaping points

Colour Details

The pattern uses a two-colour approach: a contrast colour (CC1) for the ribbed borders and cuffs, and a main colour (MC) for the body and sleeves. This simple colourwork detail adds a polished, professional finish without requiring complex stranded or intarsia techniques, keeping the pattern accessible for advanced beginners.

Design Two: Short Sleeved Cardigan

The Short Sleeved Cardigan is a lighter, warmer-weather version of the same classic silhouette. It shares the same raglan construction and two-colour approach as the long sleeved design but features significantly shorter sleeves, making it ideal as a spring or summer layer or as a smart topping for a dress or shirt.

Measurements and Sizing