Hayfield 4843 Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Hayfield 4843 Baby Blossom DK Cardigans

What is Being Made

These are classic baby cardigans designed in Hayfield Blossom DK yarn, available in both long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions. The patterns are sized from birth through 7 years, with six different size options to accommodate growing children. The long-sleeved cardigan uses shade 352, while the short-sleeved version uses shade 351 of the Blossom DK yarn. Each cardigan is finished with three buttons for closure.

Techniques Used

These cardigans are worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin knitting from the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. This approach allows for straightforward shaping and makes it easy to try on and adjust length as needed. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout these cardigans is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a purl side. Stocking stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to create the armholes, sleeve caps, and neckline shaping. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches temporarily during construction, particularly when working the neckline and other sections that require later pickup.

Materials and Yarn

The cardigans are knitted in Hayfield Blossom DK, a double knitting weight yarn. Yarn requirements vary by size and sleeve length: the long-sleeved cardigan requires between 1 and 2 balls of 100g each (depending on size), while the short-sleeved version requires 1 to 2 balls. The Blossom DK yarn features a distinctive spotted design with pink and green elements; the pattern includes a helpful note about checking yarn orientation to ensure the flower motifs appear above the leaf details.

Needles and Notions

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 4mm needles (UK size 8, USA size 6) for the main fabric and 3¼mm needles (UK size 10, USA size 3) for ribbed edgings. Stitch holders are necessary for holding stitches during construction, and each cardigan requires three buttons for the front closure.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit, as the cardigans are sized for specific chest measurements ranging from 41cm (16 inches) for newborns to 66cm (26 inches) for 6–7 year-olds. The actual finished measurements include ease for comfortable wear, and sleeve lengths are adjustable, with long sleeves ranging from 15cm to 33cm depending on size, and short sleeves offered as a fixed 2–3cm option.