Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan
Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan Pattern
The Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan is a free baby knitting pattern from ColourSpun with an interesting side to side construction that makes it a satisfying project to knit. Worked entirely in garter stitch, this little cardigan is deceptively simple and knits up quickly, whether you choose to keep it plain or add stripes for extra colour interest.Â
The pattern is written in two sizes, 0 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months, with the smaller size knitted in ColourSpun Pure Merino Sock/4ply on 3.5mm needles and the larger size in ColourSpun Pure Merino DK on 4.5mm needles.
With over 500 hand dyed natural colours to choose from at ColourSpun, this cardigan is a wonderful way to use two complementary shades together. The stripe detail in the sample shows just how effective a simple colour combination can be, and because you are working in garter stitch throughout, the pattern is accessible enough for a beginner who is comfortable with basic knitting techniques.
This free pattern is part of our Free Crafting Resources library at ColourSpun, where you will find more free knitting and crochet patterns using our hand dyed natural yarns. The Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan makes a beautiful handmade gift for a new baby or baby shower, and is practical enough to knit in multiples for charity donations.
Language
Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan Pattern is available in English only.
Skill level:
Confidant Beginner
Size:
0 to 3 and 3 – 6 months
You will need
0 – 3 months
-
- 2 x 50g ColourSpun Pure Merino Sock/4plyÂ
- 1 pair 3.5mm needles
- 2 buttons
3 – 6 months
-
- 3 x 50g ColourSpun Pure Merino DKÂ
- 1 pair 4.5mm needles
- 2 buttons
Abbreviations
The Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan Pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations as follows:
- KÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â knit
- PÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â purl
- K2tog        knit next 2 stitches together to decrease
- Inc          increase by knitting into the front and back of the next stitch
- YOÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â yarn over
- C/on         cast on
- C/off        cast off
- St/s        stitch/es
Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan Pattern Instructions
Left Sleeve
Cast on 30 sts and work 10 rows
Next row: K1; inc; K to last 2 sts; inc; K1
**Work 9 rows
Next row: K1; inc; K to last 2 sts; inc; K1**
Repeat from ** to ** twice (38 sts)
Left Body Back and Front
Next 2 rows: cast on 10sts, knit to end
Work 34 rows
Left front
Next row: K22; turn
Work 18 rows (on these 22 sts)
Buttonhole Tabs
Next row: c/off 3 sts; K7; turn
*Work 6 rows (on these 7 sts)
Next row: K3; YO; K2tog; K2
Next row: Knit
Next row: K1, K2tog; K1; K2tog; K1
C/off*
Re-join yarn to sts on needle; c/off 5 sts; K6
Repeat from * to *
Back
Re-join yarn to remaining sts at neck edge, c/off 8 sts; K to end
Work 28 rows( on these 28 sts)
Leave sts on needle
Right Front
C/on 22sts and work 14 rows; c/on 8 sts. Leave sts on needle
Right Body Back and Front
Re-join yarn to back sts and work a row across all back and right front sts (58 sts)
Work 33 rows
Next 2 rows: C/off 10 sts; K to end (38sts)
Right Sleeve
***Next row: K1; K2tog; K to last 3 sts; K2tog; K1
Work 9 rows***
Repeat from *** to *** 3 times
C/off
Stitch underarm and side seams.
Bottom Edge
Pick up and knit stitches evenly around bottom edge
Work 3 rows
C/off
Neck Edge
Pick up and knit stitches evenly around neck edge
Work 1 row
Next row: Knit – dec 1 st each side of 4 corner sts
C/off.
Weave in any threads.
Stitch on buttons
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Note:Â
Please share the links with your friends and not a copy of the pattern. © Dana Biddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is needed for this pattern?
This pattern is suitable for beginner knitters who are comfortable with casting on, knitting every stitch and basic shaping. The side to side construction is unusual but the instructions are straightforward, and working entirely in garter stitch means there is no purling involved.
What yarn do I need for this pattern?
The pattern uses two different ColourSpun yarns depending on the size you are knitting. The 0 to 3 month size uses ColourSpun Pure Merino Sock/4ply on 3.5mm needles, and the 3 to 6 month size uses ColourSpun Pure Merino DK on 4.5mm needles. You will need 2 x 50g skeins for the smaller size and 3 x 50g skeins for the larger size.
What sizes does this pattern come in?
The Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan is written in two sizes, 0 to 3 months and 3 to 6 months.
Can I knit this in stripes?
Yes, the pattern is designed to be knitted plain or with stripes. Because it is worked entirely in garter stitch, adding stripes is straightforward and a great way to use two ColourSpun colours together.
Does this cardigan make a good gift?
Yes, it makes a lovely handmade gift for a new baby or baby shower. The classic garter stitch texture and simple stripe detail give it a timeless look that suits a baby of either gender.
Is this pattern suitable for charity knitting?
Yes, the simple garter stitch construction and quick knit make it an excellent choice for charity knitting projects. For donated garments that will be washed frequently, ColourSpun Pure Merino Sock/4ply or ColourSpun Pure Merino DK are both good choices as both are Superwash merino, making them naturally soft, durable and easy care.
What other free patterns are available?
You can find more free knitting and crochet patterns in our Free Crafting Resources section on the ColourSpun blog.
Copyright Notice
This pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared, copied or distributed by any means whatsoever without written permission from the author. Please feel free to share the link to the pattern.
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