totally free/totally adorable baby cardigan

March 05, 2014




 


Once upon a time I gathered all my machine washable DK oddballs with the intention of making a scrappy granny square afghan.  I got as far as a baby blanket size and then ran out of interest.  I was left with a giant basket of single balls of machine washable wool.  It's all high quality and mostly Rowan because that's what I like.  It dawned on me one day that these lovely oddballs would make beautiful baby sweaters.  I found an easy top-down cardigan on Ravelry and found it was very fun to knit using my leftovers.  Now looking through my leftover basket gives me inspiration and ideas for more scrappy baby sweaters.  The pattern I used is Basic Raglan Baby Cardigan Sweater and it's free.  It comes in 3 sizes, 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 months.  This sweater was knit in the 3-6 month size.  The instructions are very well written and if you are new to top down construction it would be a super intro.  At the end I have links to 3 free patterns using fingering, dk and worsted weight wool so you'll be able to use up your scraps of any weight.

Here are my suggestions for baby gifting:  Always make your baby knits in super soft yarn; baby has his way of letting you know if he is uncomfortable.  And always knit in a machine yarn because mommy will appreciate that little thing.  The above sweater was knit with Rowan Pure Wool DK using a partial skein of each.  I ran out of the gray yarn and so subbed in some of the green to make the last stripes on the sleeves.  

It's true that babies are notoriously fussy about a lot of things, but one thing they don't care a jot about is what side the button band is on (male on the left side, female on the right side).  When I make a unisex baby sweater like this I just do whatever.  The buttons here are vintage from grandmother's button box and are sewn on super tightly as I don't want any loose buttons on anything baby is wearing.  

As a side note, almost as soon as this was off the needles I heard that my youngest cousin had his first baby!  Such happy news!  This is being shipped off to Bainbridge Island for little Finn.  I've already started my second cardi in blues with white for the third son of a family who lives in San Diego.  I'm trying out a newly re-released yarn and I'll tell you all about it soon.


I have a few knitting tips:  

1. Between the ribbing and stripes, work one row stockinette in the rib color before beginning the rib (when knitting the cuffs) or finishing the rib (when knitting the collar).   This extra row of stockinette in the rib color will make a neater looking transition.  You do not need to do this row of stockinette for the button band.

2. When picking up stitches for the button band, pick up 3 stitches for every four.  It will lay nice and flat. 

3.  Use the KFB increase for the raglan increases.

4.  For gentle sleeve shaping that narrows to the cuff, decrease 1 stitch at each end 4 times evenly spaced (8 sts. decreased total)

5. Make your button band first, then place your buttons where you want them, mark their placement, then knit the buttonhole band.  

6. Remember to use machine washable wool or cotton for baby items. My yarn stash is mostly wool and some cottons.  I don't bother with matching fiber content in these sweaters and happily mix wools with cottons.  As long as it's the same weight and machine washable, I have great success. 

7. As for weaving in the ends, I tend to do that as I go along.  After weaving the end in, I leave about 1/2" of yarn on the inside.  If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing.  Leaving it longer tends to insure it will stay on the inside.

8. When a baby sweater is completed, I turn it inside out and machine wash in cool water and tumble dry on low.  I want to make sure that it passes the "washer-dryer test", and luckily they always do.  When gifting, I always tie a little care-tag to the top button.  The care is simple, and even the busiest mom can manage:  Button up the cardigan, turn inside out, machine wash on gentle in cool water, tumble dry on low or pat to shape and dry flat.  
 
Below are the pattern links.  You'll find a pattern for fingering, DK and worsted weight yarns.  All are free downloads and most are sized 3 mos. to 2 years.  Print out all these patterns and gather up your machine washable oddballs and put them in a zip lock bag with the patterns.  You're all set for some great travel projects, and of course, a most welcome gift.

I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I'd like to give a big thank you to the kind ladies who have published these cute baby patterns!


The above pattern has been removed from Ravelry. I don't think the designer would mind if I shared it with you. Email me. You can find my email on the Knitionary website on the right sidebar.

Below are Rowan yarns I love that are perfect for baby.

Cotton Cashmere (heavy DK weight)
Handknit Cotton (light worsted weight)
Baby Cashsoft Merino (sport weight)

I have knit with and can highly recommend all of the above yarns. The ball bands prefer hand washing (and I do too), but if any of these yarns go in the washing machine it will not be a terrible disaster. Garments will last longer if hand washed of course, but if gifting a hand knit to a busy new mom, you'll at least know the sweater won't felt with the above yarns. 

I have a few knitting tips:  

1. Between the ribbing and stripes, work one row stockinette in the rib color before beginning the rib (when knitting the cuffs) or finishing the rib (when knitting the collar).   This extra row of stockinette in the rib color will make a neater looking transition.  You do not need to do this row of stockinette for the button band.

2. When picking up stitches for the button band, pick up 3 stitches for every four.  It will lay nice and flat.  

3. Make your button band first, then place your buttons where you want them, mark their placement, then knit the buttonhole band.  

4. Remember to use machine washable wool or cotton for baby items. My yarn stash is mostly wool and some cottons.  I don't bother with matching fiber content in these sweaters; as it's long as it's the same weight and machine washable, I've had great success. 

5. As for weaving in the ends, I tend to do that as I go along.  After weaving the end in, I leave about 1/2" of yarn on the inside.  If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing.  Leaving it longer tends to insure it will stay on the inside.

6. When a baby sweater is completed, I turn it inside out and machine wash in cool water and tumble dry on low.  I want to make sure that it passes the "washer-dryer test", and luckily they always do.  When gifting, I always tie a little care-tag to the top button.  The care is simple, and even the busiest mom can manage:  Button up the cardigan, turn inside out, machine wash on gentle in cool water, tumble dry on low. 

Even though I've shared these free pattern links many times, I always pick up a few new readers so I will add the pattern links again.  All are free downloads and most are sized 3 mos. to 2 years.  Print out all these patterns and gather up your machine washable oddballs and put them in a zip lock bag with the patterns.  You're all set for some great travel projects, and of course, a most welcome gift.

I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I'd like to give a big thank you to the kind ladies who have published these cute baby patterns!
- See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html#.dpuf
I have a few knitting tips:  

1. Between the ribbing and stripes, work one row stockinette in the rib color before beginning the rib (when knitting the cuffs) or finishing the rib (when knitting the collar).   This extra row of stockinette in the rib color will make a neater looking transition.  You do not need to do this row of stockinette for the button band.

2. When picking up stitches for the button band, pick up 3 stitches for every four.  It will lay nice and flat.  

3. Make your button band first, then place your buttons where you want them, mark their placement, then knit the buttonhole band.  

4. Remember to use machine washable wool or cotton for baby items. My yarn stash is mostly wool and some cottons.  I don't bother with matching fiber content in these sweaters; as it's long as it's the same weight and machine washable, I've had great success. 

5. As for weaving in the ends, I tend to do that as I go along.  After weaving the end in, I leave about 1/2" of yarn on the inside.  If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing.  Leaving it longer tends to insure it will stay on the inside.

6. When a baby sweater is completed, I turn it inside out and machine wash in cool water and tumble dry on low.  I want to make sure that it passes the "washer-dryer test", and luckily they always do.  When gifting, I always tie a little care-tag to the top button.  The care is simple, and even the busiest mom can manage:  Button up the cardigan, turn inside out, machine wash on gentle in cool water, tumble dry on low. 

Even though I've shared these free pattern links many times, I always pick up a few new readers so I will add the pattern links again.  All are free downloads and most are sized 3 mos. to 2 years.  Print out all these patterns and gather up your machine washable oddballs and put them in a zip lock bag with the patterns.  You're all set for some great travel projects, and of course, a most welcome gift.

I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I sew them in pretty much as I go. After weaving, I leave about 1/2" of thread on the inside. If I've cut the yarn too close to the fabric, the yarn end tends to poke out on the front side after washing. Leaving it longer, it will stay on the inside. - See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html?showComment=1446065487958#c7281798423550994988
I'd like to give a big thank you to the kind ladies who have published these cute baby patterns!
- See more at: http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-boy-lollipop.html#.dpuf

10/26/15--Edited to add:  Since I wrote this post I made quite a few more!






I wrote out the pattern for the hat and offer it for free here.








It's Ash Wednesday today.  Our church has a lovely brunch this morning and it's one of my favorite events on the church calendar.  We have an old fashioned hymn sing and I just love that.  My mother organizes it with a small army of helpers and engages a dozen or more of us to make egg casseroles.  I love mine best ;) and have made the same recipe for years.  I just put it on my recipe blog if you ever need to make a really great egg casserole!  I'm giving up chocolate for lent.  Not very creative, true, but difficult for me.  Last year I did get creative and gave up car radio, never again!





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38 Comments

  1. I live a stripe! So sweet Kristen!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. So totally cute! Thank you for the link.s

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great, versatile cardi! Yours is adorable. And such a great way to use up stash. I have a bunch of odds and ends that I should use for a project like this. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm bored... I've been searching for 'baby' inspiration for hours and I'm bored. Then I found you. Thank you so much for saving me. Your stripes are perfect. A simple knit with funky stripes. So simple, yet so classic & I'm kicking myself for not thinking of it myself. Thanks a million x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful sweaters, and thank you for the helpful tips!

    ReplyDelete
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  7. I like your post and I am happy to share this post to my friends. The post contains really lot of valuable information i really gathered lot of information from your post.

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  8. Ich habe diese Strickjacke geliebt, als ich sie auf Ravelry fand, also begann ich heute Abend zu weben. Wie auch immer, ich komme um die 20 herum und das Modell ist auf alle Fälle zu der Strickjacke geändert, die auf dem Foto zu finden ist. Es berücksichtigt 4 vertikale Abschnitte der Ösen, jenseits dessen, was viele die Strickjacke für möglich halten würden. Für den Fall, dass Sie diese Art von Beispielen zu einem vernünftigen Wert benötigen, müssen Sie zu Modasto.de gehen. Sie bieten beste Angebote für alle Gegenstände.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So beautiful sweaters and thank you for the tips!😍

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi! Love these! It seems that the DK pattern is no longer available on Ravelry; is there any way you can share that pattern?

    ReplyDelete
  11. I too, would love to make this patter for our granddaughter. It's my kind of knitting. Like other readers, I found it's no longer available. How can I get the pattern for DK and worsted?

    ReplyDelete
  12. I generally want quality content and I found that in your post. The information you have shared about baby cardigan sweater, is beneficial and significant for us. Keep sharing these kinds of articles here. Thank you.
    buy baby boy cardigan sweater

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  15. Hello, good morning Kristen.
    Your description of the basic top-down baby cardigan hooked me! Particularly the fact that it's a good, first one for someone new to tpo down knitting. And as the others over the last months, I found Ravelry has discontinued the pattern. It it's still possible, would you kindly send it to me?

    Thanks very much,

    Rebecca
    beckiemaine@gmail.com

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  17. Hi please can you help I can't find the link for the little stripe jersey

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mir gefällt das Jäckchen sehr gut. Leider ist die Anleitung für das Kamngarn weg. Können Sie mir die bitte schicken?
    hannaerlwein@web.de
    Danke

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  20. Thanks for sharing this interesting Blog, If you want buy Buy baby sweaters online you must visit The Original Knit Once. They have best quality woolen sweaters hand knitted by experts. sweaters are made with 100% pure wool, which is kind to sensitive skin and provides warmth during the winter season.

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