Crochet Cardigan and Hat in Stylecraft Bambino DK - 9610 - Downloadable PDF

Crochet Cardigan and Hat in Stylecraft Bambino DK – Pattern 9610

This downloadable PDF crochet pattern from Stylecraft contains two easy crochet designs for babies and young children: a crochet cardigan and a matching crochet hat. The pattern is worked in Stylecraft Bambino DK yarn and covers a wide size range, making it a versatile addition to any crocheter's collection.

Who This Pattern Is For

Rated as easy and suitable for intermediate crochet skill levels, this pattern is ideal for makers who are comfortable with basic crochet stitches and ready to explore simple textured techniques. The two-design format means you can create a coordinating set — perfect as a handmade gift or a wardrobe staple for little ones from birth through 7 years.

Size Range and Measurements

The pattern includes six sizes to fit ages and chest measurements as follows:

• 0–6 months – to fit chest 41 cm / 16 in, actual measurement 46 cm / 18 in
• 6–12 months – to fit chest 46 cm / 18 in, actual measurement 52 cm / 20¼ in
• 12–24 months – to fit chest 51 cm / 20 in, actual measurement 57 cm / 22¼ in
• 2–3 years – to fit chest 56 cm / 22 in, actual measurement 62 cm / 24¼ in
• 4–5 years – to fit chest 61 cm / 24 in, actual measurement 67 cm / 26¼ in
• 6–7 years – to fit chest 66 cm / 26 in, actual measurement 72 cm / 28¼ in

Full length ranges from approximately 24 cm / 9½ in for the smallest size up to 46 cm / 19 in for the largest. Sleeve length ranges from approximately 14 cm / 5½ in to 32 cm / 12½ in, ensuring a well-proportioned fit across all ages.

Design 1: The Crochet Cardigan

The cardigan is the centrepiece of this pattern and features a beautifully textured berry stitch design that gives the fabric a rich, tactile surface. This classic stitch creates small raised bobble-like clusters across the fabric, adding visual interest without requiring complex construction techniques.

The body is constructed using a 4mm crochet hook, beginning with a foundation chain. The stitch pattern alternates between the berry stitch and slip stitches (sl st), creating a repeating textured row structure. Right-side rows establish the berry stitch clusters, while subsequent rows work back through the tops of those clusters with double crochet and slip stitch combinations to build up the fabric evenly.

Stitches Used in the Cardigan

• Double crochet (dc) – the foundational stitch used throughout the body and sleeves
• Berry stitch – a textured cluster stitch that creates a raised, bobble-like surface effect, worked on wrong-side or right-side rows to build the pattern repeat
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used both as a structural element within the stitch pattern and as a turning chain substitute
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for the foundation chain and turning chains throughout

The berry stitch is a popular technique in baby and children's crochet because it produces a plush, padded texture that is soft against delicate skin. It is typically formed by working multiple loops or partial stitches into a single stitch and then closing them together, creating a small puff or bobble on the fabric surface.

Design 2: The Matching Crochet Hat

The second design in this pattern is a crochet hat sized to coordinate with the cardigan across the same age range. Like the cardigan, it is worked in Stylecraft Bambino DK