Sirdar Striped Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Striped Baby Cardigan Design N° 5480

What is Being Made

This is a baby cardigan designed for infants aged 0-2 years, available in six size options ranging from 0-3 months through 18-24 months. The cardigan features a classic striped design created using two complementary yarn shades from the Sirdar Snuggly Cashmere Merino collection. The design includes button front closure with 5-6 buttons depending on size, making it a practical layering piece for keeping babies warm and comfortable during spring and cooler seasons.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments and fitting as you progress
• Worked flat: The pattern is knitted on straight needles in rows rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters of all levels
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates horizontal stripes using two alternating yarn shades (Teal shade 471 and Cream shade 451), creating visual interest without complex colorwork techniques

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this cardigan is Stocking Stitch (also known as Stockinette Stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side. This fundamental knitting stitch is ideal for baby garments as it produces a soft, comfortable fabric that drapes beautifully. The gauge for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in Stocking Stitch, which is important for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern is designed to be worked in Sirdar Snuggly Cashmere Merino Double Knitting (DK) yarn. This premium yarn blend combines the softest cashmere with natural pure merino wool, creating a luxuriously soft fiber that is gentle against delicate baby skin. The yarn is available in beautiful baby-friendly shades, with this particular design showcasing shade 471 Teal and shade 451 Cream. Yarn requirements vary by size, with smaller sizes (0-3 months through 9-12 months) requiring 2 balls each of Yarn A and Yarn B, while larger sizes (12-18 months and 18-24 months) require 2 balls of Yarn A and 3 balls of Yarn B.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: a pair of 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and a pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for ribbed edgings. Additionally, you will need Sirdar Elegant Buttons (Code B5611-0026) in quantities of 5 buttons for smaller sizes or 6 buttons for larger sizes, depending on which size you are knitting.

Size Range and Measurements

The cardigan is available in six sizes to accommodate babies from newborn through 24 months. Chest measurements range from 42 cm (16½ inches) for the smallest size to 56 cm (22 inches) for the largest size. Full length varies from 25 cm (9¾ inches) to 36 cm (14 inches), and sleeve length ranges from 16 cm (6¼ inches) to 25 cm (9¾ inches), ensuring a proper fit at each developmental stage.

About Sirdar Snuggly

Sirdar is an established British yarn company founded in West Yorkshire in 1880, with a rich heritage in hand knitting. The Snuggly brand is specifically trusted by customers for creating warm and comfortable garments for babies and young children. Every Sirdar Snuggly yarn is thoroughly tested to ensure it remains kind and gentle against sensitive baby skin through repeated washing, making it an ideal choice for precious little ones.