A simple cardigan is a most useful garment for a baby. It adds a cozy layer of warmth without the fuss of pulling a sweater over the head. Wrap your new little one in love with this classic design. This sweater is knit in one piece from the neck down with raglan shaping in the yoke. After the yoke is complete, the sleeves are worked flat to the cuffs. Then the sleeve seams are sewn, and the body continues down to the hem. The button bands are worked from stitches picked up along the front edges.

While this is a great first sweater project for a beginner, this is also a pattern you can turn to again and again. Make the sweater in plain stockinette stitch to show off a special yarn or add a simple lace or texture panel down each side of the front (instructions for these variations are included!) Once you’re comfortable with the basic construction, use this pattern as a blank canvas for your own creative expression. Use your stash of leftovers to add stripes. Try different stitch patterns.

MATERIALS

Yarn: 400 (450, 500, 550) yds DK weight yarn

The sample was made with the following: 2 skeins Hand Dyed Diva DK (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 250 yds / 228 m / 115 g)

Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular knitting needles, 24” long, or size needed to obtain the correct gauge.

US 3 (3.25 mm) circular knitting needles, 24” long, or two sizes smaller than size used to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn, tapestry needle, five buttons 1⁄2” diameter

GAUGE

22 sts and 30 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch using larger needles, after blocking.

Save time by taking time to check gauge.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To fit baby sizes 0-6 mos (6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos)

Chest: 18 1/4 (19 1/2, 21, 22 1/2”, buttoned Length: 9 (9 1/2, 10, 11)“
Intended to fit with 1-2” ease.
Sample shown is size 12-18 months.