This classic baby cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, using raglan increases to shape the yoke. The body and sleeves are worked in simple stockinette stitch, with garter stitch used for the hem, cuffs, and button bands. The pattern includes sizes from 0-6 months to 24-36 months. The use of a DK weight yarn makes it a versatile garment for various seasons.
This is a design using, mostly Stockinette stitch (st st), a simple design for Easy/Intermediate skill level.
This pattern is suitable for an easy/intermediate knitter. It involves:
- Working flat (body) and in the round (sleeves).
- Basic stitches: knit, purl, kfb (knit front and back), k2tog, ssk.
- Raglan increases.
- Picking up stitches (for button bands).
- Creating buttonholes (yo, k2tog).
- Using stitch markers and stitch holders.
Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate (Top-down raglan construction, basic increases and decreases, picking up stitches, buttonholes)
Finished Measurements:
| Size | 0-6 Months | 6-12 Months | 12-24 Months | 24-36 Months |
| To Fit Chest (in) | 16 | 18 | 20 | 23 |
| To Fit Chest (cm) | 40.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 |
| Actual Chest (in) | 20 | 22 | 24 | 27 |
| Actual Chest (cm) | 51 | 56 | 61 | 69 |
| Back Neck to Hem (in) | 10½ | 11½ | 12½ | 13½ |
| Back Neck to Hem (cm) | 26.5 | 29 | 32 | 34 |
Materials Used:
- Pure Baby DK (100g): 1 (1, 2, 2) balls in shade Peppermint 878 (or any DK weight yarn that meets gauge)
Needles:
- 4mm circular needle (UK 8 – US 6)
- 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) (optional, for sleeves – can use magic loop with circular needle)
Notions:
- 4/5 small buttons
- 4 stitch markers
- 2 stitch holders
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Knitting Pattern for a Baby Cardigan
Free Pattern
Pattern Considerations:
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Crucially, the pattern emphasizes the importance of achieving the correct gauge.
- Yarn Substitution: Any DK weight yarn can be used, provided you match the specified gauge.
- Construction: The cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down. You start with the neck edge, then work raglan increases to shape the yoke. The sleeve stitches are placed on holders while the body is completed. Then, the sleeves are worked in the round.
- Sleeves: The sleeves can be worked either on DPNs or using the magic loop technique with a circular needle.
- Button Bands: The button band and buttonhole band are picked up and knit after the body and sleeves are complete.
- Buttonholes: Buttonholes are created using a simple yarn-over, k2tog combination. The pattern specifies 5 buttonholes, but only provides yarn for 4.
- Abbreviations: All abbreviations are standard.
