Sirdar Jackets Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK Jackets

What is Being Made

This pattern collection features two cardigan jacket designs for babies and young children, available in both long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions. The garments are sized from birth through 7 years old, with six size options ranging from newborn (0-6 months) to 6-7 years. The jackets are designed as button-front cardigans, making them practical layering pieces for infants and toddlers.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills. Key techniques include:

• Lace pattern work — the garments feature a decorative lace pattern that requires understanding yarn-forward increases and knit-together decreases
• Stocking stitch — the primary fabric construction method, alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic finish
• Tension-critical construction — achieving correct gauge is emphasized as essential for proper fit across multiple size ranges
• Shaping techniques — decreasing stitches to create fitted armholes and necklines appropriate for small garments
• Button band finishing — front bands worked to accommodate button placement, with 4 to 6 buttons depending on size

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace elements:

• Knit stitch (k) — the primary stitch for creating fabric texture
• Purl stitch (p) — used in alternation to create stocking stitch
• Knit two together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used for shaping and lace pattern creation
• Purl two together (p2tog) — a decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — creates decorative eyelet holes in the lace pattern, adding visual interest and breathability

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern is designed for Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, a double knitting weight yarn made from bamboo fiber, ideal for soft baby garments. The long-sleeved cardigan requires 3 to 7 balls of 50g (depending on size), while the short-sleeved version uses 2 to 5 balls. The pattern notes that alternative compatible yarns include Snuggly DK, Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, Snuggly Spots DK, Snuggly Pearls DK, and Snuggly Rascal DK, though yardage may vary.

Needles: Two needle sizes are required — 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles for ribbed edges and cuffs. The smaller needles create a tighter gauge for neat finishing.

Notions: Each jacket requires 4 to 6 buttons depending on the child's age and size, for the front cardigan closure.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is critical for this pattern. The specified tension is 20 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the lace pattern, and 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if their gauge differs — using thinner needles if they have too many stitches, or thicker needles if they have too few. This precision ensures the finished jacket fits properly across the six size options.

Garment Measurements

The pattern provides detailed sizing across six age ranges. Chest measurements to fit range from 41cm (16 inches) for newborns to 66cm (26 inches) for 6-7 year olds, with actual finished measurements slightly larger for comfortable wear. Full length varies from 24cm (9½ inches) for the smallest size to 40cm (15¾ inches) for the largest. Long sleeve lengths are adjustable and range from 15cm to 33cm,