I adore knitting for baby and collect baby patterns like one might collect seashells.  While writing this top ten list, I went way over my budget and gathered twenty free patterns instead of ten.  Pattern links, yarn weights, and sizes available are in the captions below each picture. All yarn weights are featured in the patterns below: fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran and bulky weights.  If you have some stash, you can quickly scan down to find the right pattern.  Use these patterns as a springboard for your imagination; make a dear baby sweater in a solid color or add stripes, intarsia, fair isle, or stitch texture; let whimsy be your guide!  Which one will you make first?

Gingersnap by Kristen Rettig of Knitionary knit in worsted weight in one size:  1 yr.  (change to DK weight for 6 mos.)

 And now for some baby things that don't fall in the sweater category:

Top Ten FREE baby blanket patterns are here. 

Totally Free/Totally Adorable has been a popular post this last year and has some good tips.

A word about yarn--please do mother a favor and knit your baby and children's garments in machine washable wool or cotton.  A mere whisper of hand wash only and your precious sweater will quickly land in the bottom of the dresser drawer.  Think soft--baby will let you know if he's uncomfortable.  I am a Rowan fan and can recommend these wool and cotton yarns:  Pure Wool Superwash DK and Worsted, Summerlite DK and 4-ply, Softyak, Baby Merino Silk and all the Super Fine Merinos.  Quince and Co. makes some great machine washables as does Cascade.  The Cashmerino line by Debbie Bliss is also machine washable.  Not all superwash yarns can go in the dryer so if it's a gift, give a little "care tag".  If you are knitting stripes from stash, like the first one below, make sure your yarns are all the same weight and require the same care.  When gifting, I almost always knit the 12 mos. size and here's why: at one year, babies are standing up and smiling, clapping and causing commotions, and generally craving attention wherever they go.  Everyone looks at them, and therefore, everyone will look at your sweater too!