Sirdar Forest Fair Isle Sweater & Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Forest Fair Isle Sweater & Cardigan in Snuggly DK

What Is Being Made

This advanced knitting pattern from Sirdar (Design No. 5432) features two coordinating garments for babies aged 0-24 months: a pullover sweater and a button-front cardigan. Both pieces showcase Fair Isle colorwork with woodland-themed motifs, part of the Walk In The Woods collection. The designs are sized to grow with your baby, with six size options ranging from 0-3 months through 18-24 months, with chest measurements from 42 cm (16½") to 56 cm (22").

Techniques Used

Fair Isle Knitting: Both garments employ Fair Isle colorwork techniques, which involve carrying multiple yarn colors across rows to create intricate patterned designs. This advanced technique requires careful tension management and attention to floats (the strands carried behind the work) to ensure even fabric and prevent puckering.

Construction Methods: The sweater is knitted in the round, which creates a seamless body and eliminates the need for side seams—a practical choice for delicate baby garments. The cardigan is knitted flat, allowing for the addition of button bands and front openings. Both garments feature set-in sleeves with structured shaping.

Finishing Details: The cardigan includes five buttons for secure closure, and both pieces are designed with careful attention to proportions suitable for infants and toddlers.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern information, Fair Isle garments typically employ fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches worked in stockinette stitch as the base fabric. The colorwork is achieved through strategic yarn changes on knit rows, creating the characteristic Fair Isle pattern repeat. Ribbing is commonly used at cuffs, necklines, and hems to provide elasticity and a finished appearance.

Materials

Yarn: This pattern uses Sirdar Snuggly DK (Double Knitting weight), a yarn specifically formulated for babies. The collection combines Snuggly DK with Snuggly 4 Ply and Snuggly Bunny (a soft, fluffy yarn) to create the woodland-themed designs. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Sweater: 2 balls of Yarn A (main shade) for sizes 0-3 through 12-18 months; 3 balls for size 18-24 months. 1 ball of Yarn B (contrasting shade) for all sizes. An oddment of Yarn C for accent details.
• Cardigan: 2 balls of Yarn A for sizes 0-3 through 12-18 months; 3 balls for size 18-24 months. 1 ball of Yarn B for all sizes. An oddment of Yarn C for accent details.

Recommended Yarn Shades: The pattern suggests Yarn A in shade 477 Twinkle Toes, Yarn B in shade 515 Tree House, and Yarn C in shade 514 Squirrel. Additional shade options provided include 251 White, 487 Cloud, 446 Rice Pud, and 326 Denim Blue, allowing customization while maintaining the woodland aesthetic.

Needles & Notions: Double Knitting weight yarn is typically worked on UK sizes 10-11 needles (3.75-4 mm). The cardigan requires 5 buttons for closure. Exact needle sizes are referenced on the back page of the pattern.

About Sirdar Snuggly

Sirdar, established in West Yorkshire in 1880, is a British yarn company with a heritage of hand knitting design. Sirdar Snuggly is their trusted baby yarn brand, rigorously tested to ensure softness and gentleness on tender infant skin while maintaining durability through repeated washing. The Walk In The Woods collection combines practical, soft yarns with charming woodland friend motifs designed to photograph beautifully for sharing with family and friends.