Hayfield Daisy Chain Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Hayfield Daisy Chain Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Hayfield Daisy Chain Cardigan is a button-front knitted cardigan designed for babies and toddlers aged 1 to 4 years. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a warm, chunky-knit layering piece with a classic cardigan silhouette, featuring set-in sleeves and a front button band. The cardigan is available in four size options to accommodate growing children, with chest measurements ranging from 49 cm (19¼") for 1-year-olds to 59 cm (23¼") for 4-year-olds.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method is flat knitting, working pieces separately before assembly. Key shaping techniques include decreasing to form armholes and shoulder shaping achieved through successive cast-offs at the beginning of rows. The pattern uses stocking stitch as the main fabric throughout, creating a smooth, professional finish. Sleeve cap shaping is incorporated to ensure proper fit at the armhole. The front border is worked as an integral part of the front panels, eliminating the need for separate edging application.

Stitches Used

The Hayfield Daisy Chain Cardigan is constructed almost entirely in stocking stitch (abbreviated as st-st in the pattern), which alternates knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch creates the characteristic smooth V-pattern texture on the front of the fabric. The pattern abbreviations include standard knitting notation: k for knit, p for purl, dec for decrease, and inc for increase. The straightforward stitch selection makes this project accessible for intermediate knitters while producing a polished, wearable garment.

Materials Required

This cardigan is worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn, a worsted-weight option specifically formulated for baby garments. The shade used is 356 Budding Babe. Yarn requirements vary by size: 1-year and 2-year sizes require 2 balls of 100g each, the 3-year size needs 2 balls, and the 4-year size requires 3 balls, based on average yardage when working at the specified tension. Knitting needles in two sizes are essential: 6½mm (UK size 3, US size 10.5) needles for the main fabric and 5½mm (UK size 5, US size 9) needles for the ribbed cuffs and welts. The pattern is worked to a tension of 14 stitches and 19 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using the larger needles.

Pattern Specifications

• Finished chest width: 49–59 cm depending on size
• Full cardigan length: 34–40 cm from shoulder to hem
• Sleeve length: 20–27 cm from cuff to underarm
• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Format: Downloadable PDF pattern