Sirdar 4926 Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 4926 Snuggly Doodle DK Cardigans for Babies and Young Children

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Sirdar presents four distinct cardigan designs in Sirdar Snuggly Doodle DK yarn, sized from birth through 7 years old. The pattern offers versatility with four neckline variations: Round Neck Cardigan, Flat Collar Cardigan, V Neck Cardigan, and Shawl Collar Cardigan. Each style is available across six size options (0–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and 6–7 years), making these cardigans suitable for gifting or creating a coordinated collection for growing children.

Techniques Used

These cardigans are constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning pieces are worked from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garments are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and stitch manipulation. Assembly involves seaming, where individual knitted pieces are sewn together to create the finished cardigan. This traditional approach provides excellent control over fit and allows for precise button placement and collar finishing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the pattern is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of these cardigans. Stocking stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a fabric with distinctive V-shaped stitches on the front and horizontal bumps on the back. This fundamental stitch provides excellent drape and is ideal for children's garments requiring comfort and ease of movement.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for Sirdar Snuggly Doodle DK yarn in various shades depending on cardigan style: shade 201 for the Round Neck Cardigan, shade 207 for the Flat Collar Cardigan, shade 202 for the V Neck Cardigan, and shade 203 for the Shawl Collar Cardigan. Yarn requirements range from 2 to 6 fifty-gram balls depending on the child's age and size. The pattern also notes that these cardigans are suitable for alternative Sirdar DK-weight yarns including Snuggly DK, Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, Snuggly Baby Pearls DK, Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, Snuggly Spots DK, Snuggly Rascal DK, and Snuggly Pattercake DK, though yarn amounts may vary with yarn substitution.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK8 – USA6) needles for working the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK10 – USA3) needles for ribbed edgings and cuffs. Stitch holders are necessary for managing stitches during construction. Button requirements vary by style: the Round Neck and Flat Collar Cardigans require 5 to 6 buttons depending on size, while the V Neck and Shawl Collar Cardigans require 4 to 5 buttons.

Tension and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stocking stitch when worked on 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is emphasized as essential for success, with guidance that fewer stitches require a thinner needle while more stitches require a thicker needle. Actual chest measurements range from 45 centimeters (17¾ inches) for the newborn size to 71 centimeters (28 inches) for the 6–7 year size, with full length measurements varying from 22.5 centimeters (9 inches) for the smallest size to 35.5 centimeters (14 inches) for the largest. Sleeve length is adjustable across all sizes, ranging from 15 centimeters (6 inches) in the smallest size to 33 centimeters (13 inches) in the largest.