Sweater & Tank in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky - 4862 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky Pattern 4862 – Sweater & Tank for Babies and Children (Birth to 7 Years)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (4862) from Hayfield offers two adorable designs for babies and young children: a classic pullover sweater and a sleeveless tank top. Both garments are rated as beginner-friendly and are knitted in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn, making them an ideal project for those new to knitting or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying make. Sizes range from birth to 7 years, covering chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), with actual garment measurements from 46 cm to 71 cm to allow for comfortable ease.

About the Two Designs

The Sweater

The sweater is a traditional long-sleeved pullover designed to keep little ones warm and comfortable. Full lengths range from 24 cm (9½ in) for the smallest newborn size up to 48 cm (19 in) for the 6–7 years size. Sleeve lengths are listed as adjustable, running from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in), giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit as children grow. The sweater is worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky shade 362, requiring between 1 and 3 x 100g balls depending on the size being knitted.

The Tank Top

The tank top is a sleeveless vest-style garment, slightly shorter in length than the sweater, ranging from 22 cm (8¾ in) to 46 cm (18 in). It is a versatile layering piece, perfect for wearing over a long-sleeved top or on its own during warmer months. The tank is knitted in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky shade 360, requiring just 1 to 2 x 100g balls, making it a particularly economical and speedy project.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Both garments are constructed using straightforward, traditional flat knitting methods — meaning the pieces are worked back and forth in rows on a pair of straight needles and then seamed together. This approach is well suited to beginner knitters, as it avoids the complexity of working in the round. Key techniques involved include:

• Casting on and binding off — fundamental skills for starting and finishing each piece cleanly
• Shaping — simple increases and decreases are used to shape the armholes, neckline, and shoulders, helping beginners develop confidence with basic garment construction
• Seaming — the finished pieces are joined using mattress stitch or a preferred seaming method to create neat, durable seams
• Use of a stitch holder — stitches are placed on hold while working neckline shaping, a common technique in garment knitting

Stitches Used

The pattern uses two core knitting stitches that are standard in almost all beginner patterns:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) — the primary stitch used for the main body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. This produces a smooth, flat fabric on the right side, which is ideal for showcasing the subtle tonal qualities of Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn.
• Rib stitch — typically used for the welts, cuffs, and neckband to add stretch and structure. Ribbing is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row, creating a fabric that hugs the body comfortably and helps garments retain their shape.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 6½mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for ensuring the finished garment matches the stated measurements, so knitting a tension swatch before beginning is always recommended.

Materials Required