Hayfield 4832 Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Hayfield 4832 Easy Knit Baby Blossom Chunky Cardigans

What Is Being Made

These are baby cardigans designed for newborns through children aged 7 years, available in two style variations: a cardigan with hood and a cardigan with collar. The pattern is part of the Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky collection and offers six different size options to accommodate growth from birth to 7 years of age. The cardigans feature button closures and are designed with adjustable sleeve lengths, making them practical garments for growing children.

Techniques Used

These cardigans are constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and then seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach is ideal for beginners as it allows for easier stitch counting and tension management compared to circular knitting methods. The construction method makes it straightforward to try on and adjust fit as you progress through the pattern.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout these cardigans is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric. The pattern also incorporates basic knitting techniques including knit and purl stitches as foundational elements. Shaping is achieved through increases and decreases, with the pattern specifying the m1 (make one) increase method, which involves picking up the loop between stitches and knitting into the back of it. These fundamental stitches combine to create a straightforward, beginner-friendly knitting experience.

Materials and Specifications

The cardigans are knitted using Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn, a chunky-weight yarn supplied in 100g balls. Two colorway options are available: shade 358 (for the hooded version) and shade 356 (for the collared version). The yarn amounts vary by size, ranging from 2 balls for the smallest sizes (0-6 and 6-12 months) to 4 balls for the largest size (6-7 years). A special note applies to shades with pink and green spots: you must check which color appears first when unwinding the yarn to ensure the floral pattern displays correctly with flowers appearing above leaves.

Knitting needles required are 6½mm (UK size 3, US size 10.5) for the main fabric and 5½mm (UK size 5, US size 9) for ribbing or edging. The pattern calls for 5 or 6 buttons depending on the size being made, and a stitch holder is needed for the hooded cardigan version. The recommended tension is 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on the larger needles, making this a relatively loose gauge suitable for chunky yarn.

Size Range and Measurements

The pattern accommodates six size options:

• 0-6 months: 41cm (16 inches) chest, 44cm (17¼ inches) actual measurement, 24cm (9½ inches) full length
• 6-12 months: 46cm (18 inches) chest, 50cm (19¾ inches) actual measurement, 28cm (11 inches) full length
• 1-2 years: 51cm (20 inches) chest, 56cm (22 inches) actual measurement, 32cm (12½ inches) full length
• 2-3 years: 56cm (22 inches) chest, 61cm (24 inches) actual measurement, 38cm (15 inches) full length
• 4-5 years: 61cm (24 inches) chest, 64cm (25¼ inches) actual measurement, 42cm (16½ inches) full length
• 6-7 years: 66cm (26 inches) chest, 70cm (27½ inches) actual measurement, 48cm (19 inches) full length

Sleeve lengths are adjustable and range from 15cm (6 inches) for the smallest size to 33cm (13¾ inches) for the largest size, allowing customization based on individual measurement needs.

Difficulty Level