Sirdar 4907 Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 4907 Cardigans in Snuggly Rascal DK

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Sirdar features two classic cardigan designs for babies and young children, sized from birth through 7 years old. The collection includes a Round Neck Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan, both constructed in soft Snuggly Rascal DK yarn. The pattern provides six size options with chest measurements ranging from 41cm (16 inches) for newborns up to 66cm (26 inches) for 6-7 year olds, making these versatile garments suitable for growing children.

Techniques Used

These cardigans are worked using bottom-up construction, meaning pieces are knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the neckline. The garments are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with individual pieces created separately and then seamed together to form the finished cardigan. Lace pattern details are incorporated into the design, adding visual interest and texture to the fabric while maintaining breathability suitable for children's wear.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches to create the lace pattern. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing and increasing of stitches at key points, particularly around armholes and necklines. The pattern uses standard abbreviations such as st(s) for stitch(es), dec for decrease, inc for increase, rep for repeat, and patt for pattern. Stitch holders are required to temporarily hold stitches during construction, particularly when shaping the neckline.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern specifies Sirdar Snuggly Rascal DK yarn in two colorways: shade 452 for the Round Neck Cardigan and shade 458 for the V Neck Cardigan. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 balls (100g) for the smallest newborn size to 5 balls (250g) for the largest 6-7 year old size. The pattern notes that alternative Sirdar DK weight yarns are also suitable, including Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, Snuggly Spots DK, Snuggly Pearls DK, and standard Snuggly DK, though yarn amounts may vary with substitutions.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for ribbed edgings and cuffs. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing live stitches during shaping, and buttons for fastening: the Round Neck Cardigan requires 5 to 7 buttons depending on size, while the V Neck Cardigan requires 4 to 6 buttons.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over the lace pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is emphasized as essential for garment success. The pattern provides clear guidance: if your gauge shows fewer stitches, use thinner needles; if more stitches, use thicker needles. Finished measurements are provided for all six sizes, with actual chest measurements ranging from 45cm to 71cm and full lengths from 24cm to 38cm, accommodating growth from birth through early childhood.