Sirdar Rugby Shirts Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Rugby Shirts - Baby Bamboo Double Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Sirdar Design No. 5358 creates classic rugby-style sweaters for babies aged 0-24 months. The collection includes both short-sleeved and long-sleeved variations, offering versatile options for year-round wear. The garments are designed with a traditional rugby shirt aesthetic, featuring button details and comfortable proportions suitable for infants and toddlers.

Garment Specifications and Sizing

The pattern provides six size options to accommodate babies from newborn through 24 months:

• 0-3 months: Chest 42 cm (16½"), Full Length 25 cm (9¾")
• 3-6 months: Chest 46 cm (18"), Full Length 27 cm (10¾")
• 6-9 months: Chest 50 cm (19¾"), Full Length 30 cm (11¾")
• 9-12 months: Chest 52 cm (20½"), Full Length 32 cm (12½")
• 12-18 months: Chest 54 cm (21¼"), Full Length 34 cm (13½")
• 18-24 months: Chest 56 cm (22"), Full Length 36 cm (14")

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters with basic experience. The design utilizes double knitting as the primary construction method, a technique that creates a smooth, even fabric with excellent stitch definition. Double knitting involves working with two yarns simultaneously or alternating colors to produce a reversible, densely-knitted textile that provides durability and comfort for delicate baby garments.

The pattern incorporates button bands as a closure feature, requiring knitters to work buttonholes and finishing edges. The short-sleeved version features minimal sleeve length at approximately 3 cm (1¼") across all sizes, while the long-sleeved option provides graduated sleeve lengths ranging from 16 cm (6¼") for newborns to 25 cm (9¾") for 24-month-olds.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo in double knitting weight. This yarn combines natural bamboo fibers with wool, creating a smooth, silky texture with superior stitch definition. The blend of natural fibers makes it particularly suitable for sensitive baby skin, remaining soft and gentle through repeated washing.

Yarn requirements vary by size and sleeve length:

• Short-sleeved versions: Yarn A requires 2-3 balls depending on size; Yarn B requires 1-2 balls
• Long-sleeved versions: Additional yardage needed for extended sleeves

The pattern recommends selecting from the available Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo color palette, with shades including Bobbi Blue (115), Hush A Bye (109), Tickety Boo (092), and Willow (133). Each garment requires 2 buttons for closure.

About Sirdar

Sirdar is an established British yarn company founded in West Yorkshire in 1880, bringing over 140 years of hand knitting heritage to contemporary crafters. The Sirdar Snuggly line represents the brand's commitment to baby-safe yarns, with every product rigorously tested to ensure it remains kind to tender infant skin while maintaining softness through multiple wash cycles.