Dinosaur Explorer Hooded Cardigan by Jane Burns

Dinosaur Explorer Hooded Cardigan

Knitting
August 2025
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch with larger needles
US 3 - 3.25 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
1100 - 1320 yards (1006 - 1207 m)
0-6 months thru 4-5 years
English
This pattern is available for £4.95 GBP buy it now

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.

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 sizes.

There are instructions for knitting the tail and spikes in the round OR flat on two needles, did I mention this is a great beginner project?

The project is sized to fit babies, toddlers and now upto 11 years old, and would make a fun gift for any budding dinosaur enthusiast. It’s knitted in King Cole, Big Value (50g) DK a machine-washable acrylic yarn, but would work well in any DK weight yarn (great stash buster).

Needles:

Straight 3.25mm & 4mm, you may find it easier to use long circulars particularly around the hood. Optional 3.25mm needles for working in the round.

Also Needed:

Buttons dark grey 2.5cm diameter  4 (4: 4: 6: 6: 6) 7 (7: 7)
Darning needle
Stitch markers
Stitch holder
Sewing needle and thread

THE PATTERN HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR KNITTING THE SPIKES FLAT.

YARN
King Cole, Big Value (50g) DK (DK weight; 100% premium acrylic; 145m per 50g)

Platinum (4051) 4 (4: 5: 5: 6: 6: 9: 10: 11) x50G Balls

Plus 1 x 50g ball of each: B Bordeaux (4032); C Leaf (4059); D Mustard (4026) for spikes

SIZE
AGE

0-6m (6-12m: 12-18m: 18-24m: 2-3y: 4-5y: 6-7y: 8-9y: 10-11y)

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: 25.25: 27.75: 30: 31.5: 33.5) in

ACTUAL 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

BEGINNER FRIENDLY