Cardigans in Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK & Bambino DK - 9979 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9979: Cardigans in Sweet Dreams DK & Bambino DK — Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9979 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed for beginners, offering two charming baby and toddler cardigan styles: a V Neck Cardigan and a Round Neck Cardigan. Both designs are worked in double knitting weight yarn and sized to fit ages newborn through 2–3 years, covering chest measurements from 36 cm to 56 cm (14–22 inches). With their delicate lace detailing and soft yarn choices, these cardigans make beautiful handknitted gifts for babies and young children.

Who These Cardigans Are For

Both designs are rated easy, making them well suited to beginner knitters who are ready to try a simple lace pattern. The repeat is straightforward and works over just two rows, so even those new to lace knitting will find the construction approachable. Five sizes are available across the range, giving knitters flexibility to make garments that grow with the child.

V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan features an elegant all-over lace pattern across the fronts, back, and sleeves, giving it a light and airy appearance that is perfectly suited to delicate baby knitwear. The full lengths range from 20 cm (7¾ inches) for newborn up to 38 cm (14¾ inches) for 2–3 years, with sleeve lengths ranging from 12 cm to 24 cm. The actual chest measurements of the finished garment range from 42 cm to 62 cm, providing comfortable ease.

This version is knitted in Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK, with the colourway Mermaid 7029 shown in the pattern. Sweet Dreams DK is a soft, baby-appropriate yarn that produces a beautiful stitch definition, ideal for showing off the lace motif.

• Yarn: Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK, 100g balls — 1 to 2 balls depending on size
• Colourway shown: Mermaid 7029
• Needles: 3.25mm (UK 10 / USA 3) and 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles

Round Neck Cardigan

The Round Neck Cardigan is a slightly shorter design, with full lengths ranging from 15 cm (6 inches) for newborn up to 26 cm (10¼ inches) for 2–3 years. Like the V neck version, it incorporates the same pretty lace pattern, giving both designs a cohesive aesthetic while offering a different neckline silhouette. The round neck style is a classic choice for babies and toddlers, sitting comfortably and making dressing easy.

This cardigan is worked in Stylecraft Bambino DK, using two colours: Colour A – Soft Pink 7113 and Colour B – Clotted Cream 7112. The two-colour combination gives the finished garment a soft, traditional look that works beautifully for gifting.

• Yarn: Stylecraft Bambino DK, 100g balls — 1 ball each of Colour A and Colour B across all sizes
• Colourways shown: Soft Pink 7113 (A) and Clotted Cream 7112 (B)
• Needles: 3.25mm (UK 10 / USA 3) and 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both cardigans are constructed using a combination of classic knitting techniques and a simple two-row lace repeat. The lace pattern creates a delicate, open texture that is visually impressive yet easy to execute. Key stitches and techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Garter stitch (g-st): Knitting every row, used for borders and edgings to create a neat, non-curling finish
• Yarn forward (yfwd): The primary