Looking for an easy knitting pattern for a hooded cardigan, this is a great place to start. The hooded cardigan is a simple constructions, perfect for the beginner. Then add tons of character with some simple spikes and a tail and you have… The Little Dinosaur Explorer Hooded Cardigan or Derek as he is known to his friends.

Until recently this pattern was only available upto size 4-5 years, it has now been extended to include 6-7 (8-9: 10-11) years sizHave you ever met a small child who is not fascinated by fire engines? Meet Derek, a dinosaur hooded cardigan knitting pattern for babies and children from newborn to 10-11 years.

If you are looking for an easy knitting pattern for a hooded cardigan, this is a great place to start. The construction is straightforward seamed stocking stitch, perfect for a beginner. Then add knitted spikes running down the hood and back, a knitted tail, and a front button band, and you have a cardigan a small person will wear until it falls apart.

Designed by Jane Burns, with 18 years of experience creating exclusive baby and children’s knitting patterns.

This pattern was previously available up to size 4-5 years and has now been extended to include 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11 years, covering newborn right through to age 11 in one pattern. There are instructions for working the spikes and tail both in the round and flat on two needles, so it works whatever needles you have to hand. Did I mention this is a great beginner project?

Knitted in King Cole Big Value DK, a machine-washable acrylic, but works equally well in any DK weight yarn.

SIZES: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years

TO FIT CHEST: 43 (45.5, 48, 53, 56, 61, 65.5, 69, 73.5) cm / 17 (18, 18.75, 20.75, 22, 24, 25.75, 27, 28.75) in

ACTUAL CHEST: 48 (52, 59, 62, 65.5, 69, 76, 80, 85.5) cm / 19 (20.5, 23.25, 24.5, 25.75, 27.25, 30, 31.5, 33.5) in

FINISHED LENGTH: 27 (29, 32, 34, 34, 37, 48, 52, 56) cm / 10.5 (11.5, 12.5, 13.25, 13.25, 14.5, 19, 20.5, 22) in

SLEEVE LENGTH: 16 (18, 26, 30, 32, 36, 36, 39, 40) cm / 6.5 (7, 10.25, 12, 12.5, 14.25, 14.25, 15.25, 15.75) in

YARN: King Cole Big Value DK, 100% Acrylic, 50g / 145m per ball
Yarn A (4051) Platinum: 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 9, 10, 11) balls
Yarn B (4032) Bordeaux: 1 ball all sizes
Yarn C (4059) Leaf: 1 ball all sizes
Yarn D (4026) Mustard: 1 ball all sizes

NEEDLES: Straight 3.25mm and 4mm. Long circulars recommended around the hood. Optional 3.25mm needles for working spikes in the round.

ALSO NEEDED: Dark grey buttons 2.5cm diameter: 4 (4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7). Darning needle, stitch markers, stitch holder, sewing needle and thread.

GAUGE: 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch on 4mm needles.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE: Written instructions for all 9 sizes, spike and tail instructions worked both in the round and flat on two needles, schematic with full finished measurements, and a blocking tip for shaping the hood.

For new patterns, free downloads, and knitting inspiration, sign up to my newsletter at https://jane-burns-designs.kit.com/413556a207

Find me on Pinterest at https://pinterest.com/janeburnsdesigner, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JaneBurnsDesigns, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jane.burns.designs

Tag your makes with #janeburnsdesigns and I will share them.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY