Sirdar 4905 Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 4905 Snuggly Rascal DK Cardigans

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for knitting two distinct cardigan designs for infants and young children, sized from birth through 7 years. The collection includes a Cardigan with Collar and a Hooded Cardigan, both crafted from Sirdar Snuggly Rascal DK yarn. Each design offers six size options to accommodate growing children, with actual chest measurements ranging from 45cm (17¾ inches) for newborns to 70cm (27½ inches) for 6-7 year olds.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. Cable knitting forms a central design element, with cable panels worked using a cable needle to create twisted rope-like textures. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques including increases and decreases to construct fitted garment pieces. Tension work is critical, as the pattern specifies precise stitch and row counts to ensure proper fit across all six sizes. Knitters will work flat pieces that are subsequently assembled, with button bands and collar or hood additions completed after main construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout both cardigans is stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Cable stitches provide textural interest and are worked using two main cable crosses: C6B (cable 6 back—slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold at back, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle) and C6F (cable 6 front—slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold at front, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle). Garter stitch (knit every row) is used for welts and edgings to provide structure and prevent curling. The pattern also incorporates ribbed sections for fitted cuffs and waistbands.

Materials and Tools

Both cardigans are worked in Sirdar Snuggly Rascal DK, a double knitting weight yarn available in multiple shades. The Cardigan with Collar uses shade 459, while the Hooded Cardigan uses shade 457. Yarn requirements range from 2 balls (50g each) for the smallest newborn size to 7 balls for the largest 6-7 year old size. The pattern notes that the yarn is also suitable for alternative Sirdar options including Snuggly DK, Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, and Snuggly Spots DK.

Essential tools include two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for ribbed sections. A cable needle is required for working cable crosses, and a stitch holder is needed to secure stitches temporarily during construction. Each cardigan requires 5 to 7 buttons depending on size, for the front button band closure.

Tension and Fit

Achieving correct tension is essential for success with this pattern. The cable panel should measure 5cm (2 inches) across 16 stitches when worked on 4mm needles. Over stocking stitch on 4mm needles, the pattern specifies 22 stitches and 28 rows per 10cm (4 inches). Knitters should swatch before beginning and adjust needle size accordingly—using a thinner needle if achieving more stitches than specified, or a thicker needle if achieving fewer stitches. This ensures the finished garments achieve the intended measurements and proper fit for each age group.