Sirdar Shawl Collar Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Shawl Collar Cardigan in Snuggly Heirloom

What is Being Made

This is a classic matinee jacket cardigan designed for infants and toddlers aged 0-2 years. The garment features a distinctive shawl collar and button front closure, creating a heritage-inspired piece suitable for special occasions or everyday wear. The cardigan is available in six size options ranging from 0-3 months through 1-2 years, with chest measurements from 42cm to 56cm and full lengths from 28cm to 40cm.

Construction Techniques

The cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional shaping and stitch definition throughout the construction process. This approach provides excellent stitch definition and creates the polished, classic appearance characteristic of heritage baby knitwear.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern utilizes lightweight chainette construction in the Snuggly Heirloom yarn, which creates exceptionally warm yet lightweight fabric. The design emphasizes beautiful stitch definition and incorporates softly marled shades that enhance the visual texture and classic aesthetic. The shawl collar design requires careful shaping to create the signature draped neckline.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Sirdar Snuggly Heirloom yarn in 25g balls. The yarn composition is 90% pure wool chainette, making it exceptionally soft and gentle on delicate baby skin while providing superior warmth without excessive bulk. Yarn requirements range from 3 balls for the smallest sizes (0-3 months and 3-6 months) to 5 balls for the larger sizes (12-18 months and 1-2 years).

The cardigan is worked on 4mm (UK8 - USA10) knitting needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK10 - USA6) knitting needles for ribbed edgings and finishing details. A 4mm 80cm circular needle option is also provided as an alternative. The pattern requires 2 Sirdar Elegant Buttons (Button Code B5600-0096) for the front closure.

Yarn and Color Options

Snuggly Heirloom is available in several heritage-inspired shades designed to complement delicate baby skin tones:

• Shade 555: Precious Purple
• Shade 557: Mother of Pearl
• Shade 551: Royal Blue
• Shade 553: Regal Red

Pattern Details and Quality Assurance

This is Design No. 5325 from Sirdar, classified as an intermediate level pattern. The pattern is triple-checked by Sirdar to guarantee success, reflecting the company's commitment to quality instruction. The design is part of Sirdar's heritage collection, drawing inspiration from classic baby knitwear traditions while utilizing modern yarn technology. Snuggly Heirloom has been rigorously tested to ensure it remains soft and gentle through repeated washing, meeting the stringent requirements for baby garments.

About Sirdar Yarns

Sirdar is an established British yarn company founded in West Yorkshire in 1880, bringing over 140 years of hand knitting heritage to contemporary patterns. The Snuggly brand is specifically trusted by customers for keeping infants and toddlers warm and comfortable. The combination of traditional design aesthetics with modern yarn performance makes this cardigan a timeless piece suitable for heirloom quality baby knitwear.