Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Hayfield Baby DK - 4455 - Downloadable PDF

Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Hayfield Baby DK – Pattern 4455

This knitting pattern from Hayfield (pattern number 4455) provides instructions for two classic baby and children's cardigans: a long sleeved cardigan and a short sleeved cardigan, both knitted in Hayfield Baby DK yarn. The pattern covers sizes from birth to 7 years, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection for gifting or building a child's wardrobe.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes two distinct garment variations worked in the same yarn weight and on the same needles:

• Long Sleeved Cardigan – A traditional button-front cardigan with full-length sleeves, suitable for everyday wear across all six sizes. Sleeve length ranges from 15 cm (6 in) for the smallest size up to 33 cm (13 in) for the largest, and is noted as adjustable.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan – A lighter, warm-weather version of the same cardigan silhouette, featuring very short sleeves of just 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) depending on size. Ideal for spring and summer layering over babygrows or light tops.

Both cardigans are worked flat in pieces and feature a neat button band, with 3 to 4 buttons depending on the size being made (3 buttons for sizes 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and 1–2 years; 4 buttons for sizes 2–3, 4–5, and 6–7 years).

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is graded across six sizes to fit chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), with actual garment measurements providing a comfortable amount of ease:

• Age 0–6 months: To fit 41 cm chest; actual measurement 45 cm; full length 24 cm
• Age 6–12 months: To fit 46 cm chest; actual measurement 51 cm; full length 26 cm
• Age 1–2 years: To fit 51 cm chest; actual measurement 55 cm; full length 29 cm
• Age 2–3 years: To fit 56 cm chest; actual measurement 60 cm; full length 32 cm
• Age 4–5 years: To fit 61 cm chest; actual measurement 65 cm; full length 35 cm
• Age 6–7 years: To fit 66 cm chest; actual measurement 71 cm; full length 38 cm

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using classic knitting techniques well-suited to knitters with some experience, though the straightforward shaping and familiar stitch patterns make them accessible to confident beginners too. Key techniques include:

• Flat knitting – The garment pieces are worked back and forth in rows on straight needles, with seams sewn up at the end. An optional 80 cm circular needle in size 3¼ mm may be used for picking up and working the button band or neckband.
• Tension/gauge management – The pattern strongly emphasises working to the stated tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. Knitters are instructed to adjust needle size up or down as needed to achieve the correct gauge.
• Needle changes – A smaller needle size (3¼ mm) is used for ribbed or textured edgings, with a change to the larger 4 mm needles for the main body fabric, a common construction technique in garment knitting.
• Bobble making (MB) – The pattern introduces a decorative bobble stitch worked into the fabric. The bobble is created by working (k1, p1, k1, p1) all into a single stitch, then turning and working across those stitches over several short rows before completing with decreases. This adds a charming