Sirdar 4872 Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 4872 Snuggly Baby Crofter DK Cardigan

What is Being Made

This is a classic knitted cardigan designed for babies and young children, ranging from newborn through 7 years of age. The Sirdar 4872 cardigan features button-front closure and adjustable sleeve length, making it a practical and versatile garment suitable for layering across multiple seasons and growth stages.

Size Range and Measurements

The cardigan is available in six size options:

• 0-6 months: To fit chest 41cm (16in), actual measurement 45cm (17¾in), full length 24cm (9½in)
• 6-12 months: To fit chest 46cm (18in), actual measurement 51cm (20in), full length 28cm (11in)
• 1-2 years: To fit chest 51cm (20in), actual measurement 55cm (21¾in), full length 30cm (11¾in)
• 2-3 years: To fit chest 56cm (22in), actual measurement 60cm (23¾in), full length 33cm (13in)
• 4-5 years: To fit chest 61cm (24in), actual measurement 65cm (25½in), full length 37cm (14½in)
• 6-7 years: To fit chest 66cm (26in), actual measurement 71cm (28in), full length 42cm (16½in)

Sleeve length is adjustable, ranging from 15cm (6in) for the smallest size to 33cm (13in) for the largest size.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project is worked primarily in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance suitable for babies' garments. The pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The main fabric construction throughout the cardigan, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Make 1 (M1) increase: Picking up the loop between the last and next stitch and knitting into the back of this loop to create new stitches without visible holes
• Wrap 1 technique: Slipping a stitch onto the right-hand needle, taking yarn to the opposite side of work between needles, and slipping the same stitch back onto the left-hand needle—a method used for creating texture or managing yarn placement
• Decreasing: Reducing stitches as indicated in the pattern instructions
• Cast off: Binding off stitches at designated points, such as 5 to 9 stitches at the beginning of rows depending on size

The cardigan features button bands and a front opening, requiring careful attention to stitch counts and shaping throughout construction.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The cardigan is designed for use with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK and Sirdar Snuggly DK yarns, both double knitting weight (DK). Yarn quantities vary by size:

• Main shade (Snuggly Baby Crofter DK): 2 to 5 balls of 50g depending on size (2 balls for 0-6 months and 6-12 months, 3 balls for 1-2 years, 4 balls for 2-3 years and 4-5 years, 5 balls for 6-7 years)
• Contrast shade (Snuggly DK): 1 ball of 50g for all sizes

The pattern notes that the yarn is also suitable for Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, Snuggly Spots DK, Snuggly Pearls DK, Snuggly Doodle DK, and Snuggly Rascal DK, though yarn amounts may vary with yarn substitution.

Needles and Notions

Two pairs of knitting needles are required:

• 4mm needles (UK size 8