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If you have been following my blog for some time, you probably have noticed that, for me, “less is more”; it’s a motto of mine! When it comes to 2-needle knitting, I like simple stitches and simple patterns, with not too much decoration and I always try to use natural fiber.
Not long ago I came upon a post on Facebook of a knitted baby sweater that met all of my criteria; it was love at first sight. So today I’m showing you my step by step tutorial to knit this adorable baby sweater yourselves.
This Baby Sweater pattern is available in size new born, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-24 months.
As usual, you will find the instructions to knit this baby Sweater in size 3 months on the text and images, but if you prefer to download the pattern to get the diagram, row by row instructions and print it to make notes without relying on the cell phone or internet connection, you are in luck because everything is ready for you! You can find all the downloadable and printable patterns by clicking on the button below.
You also have the option to buy all sizes together with a good discount on this other link.
As you can imagine, judging by how easy it is to make it, the materials we’re using is what stands out, which is why I thought about knitting it with 100% merino wool (no mixes or acrylics used, it had to be the most natural possible). Therefore, my choice for this project has been Big Merino by DROPS.
You can knit this pattern either with straight or circular needles. If you have never knitted with circular needles, don’t be scared because the use I have given them has been exactly the same I would give the straight needles, knitting in rows and turning my work every time I finish one. The big difference in this case is that with circular needles, you can knit in a more comfortable way because they’re shorter and easy to handle, and allow you to have many stitches at once on the cable (it’s clearly visible on the pictures).
To knit this baby sweater (3 months size) we will need:
- Three 50g balls of Big Merino wool by DROPS – off white 01 (or any other color of your choice)
- 4 wooden buttons
- 5,5mm. needles
- Tapestry needle
And since we have all the materials ready and set, shall we begin now?
How to make a Garter Stitch baby Sweater – Natural Baby
1. Cast on the stitches for the body
We begin by casting on 30 stitches and knitting garter stitch until we get 16cm.
2. Cast on the stitches for the sleeves
Once you have 16cm long fabric, cast on 25 stitches at the end of the work for a sleeve, turn the work and knit all the stitches. Cast on another 25 stitches for the other sleeve to finish the row.
3. Reserve stitches for the bib and one sleeve
Once you reach this point, divide the work in three parts, first the sleeve on a side, then the part that will make up the bib and on the other side the other sleeve
- Knit 35 stitches and reserve them in a stitch holder
- Knit 10 stitches and reserve them to make up the bib part of the sweater
- Knit the 35 remaining stitches
4. Knit the sleeves
Now is time to start knitting one of the sleeves. For that, turn your work and knit 35 stitches. At the end of the work, without turning work again, we pick up two of the stitches from the bib. We do this step so the bib can be put on the sweater and we attach the buttons, if it’s easier for you, you can pick up these two stitches at the end, when it’s time to knit the stitches we set aside for the bib.
Once you knit the first sleeve, cut your yarn and start over the other sleeve with a new strand. 😉 You will weave all those loose ends once you finish your project.
Knit 35 stitches from the second sleeve in the same way.
The next step will be to join the two sides of the sleeves to keep knitting one piece, for that, on the next row we will continue like this:
- Knit 35 stitches, cast on 10 stitches and knit 35 stitches.
5. Knit the sleeves and finish up the back
Now that you have joined both parts, continue knitting what will be the back part of the sleeves until you get 16 cm. of fabric (as shown on the picture).
Once you’re there, bind off the 25 stitches from one sleeve, knit the row, turn your work and bind off the 25 stitches from the other sleeve. With the remaining 30 central stitches, we will knit garter stitch until completing 16 cm. and then bind off all the stitches.
6. Seam the sleeves and the sides of the body
Turn your work and with a tapestry needle, seam the sleeves and the sides of the body of your knitted baby sweater.
We’re almost there! Now you have to pick up the stitches for the bib. Remember that if you didn’t pick up 2 stitches on each side before you started on every sleeve, now it’s the time to do it.
To shape the bib, knit 18 rows taking into account we must sew the buttonholes for the buttons to pass.
Rows 1-2: Knit all the stitches
Row 3: Knit 2 st. yarn over, knit two stitches together, knit 7 st., yarn over, knit two stitches together, knit 2 st.
Row 4-14: Knit all the stitches
Row 15: Knit 2 st. yarn over, knit two stitches together, knit 7 st., yarn over, knit two stitches together, knit 2 st.
Row 16-17: Knit all the stitches
Rows 18: Bind off all the stitches
For the final touch, even though I did it after taking the pictures, I put on a wooden “handmade” tag, which I talked about on this post.
Now you have your knitted baby sweater – Natural Baby ready to wear!
Remember that just like I said before on this post, the size of the garment depends on the size of the needles you use, the type of wool you choose and your particular way to knit, so if you’re going to knit this garment with another type of wool or needle different from the ones indicated above, I recommend you to first make a small sample of the fabric to avoid any surprises and so you can adapt the pattern, if necessary.
Just like I mentioned above, I came upon this picture of a sweater on Facebook, but I haven’t found anything about it on the internet, so if you have something on the source, don’t forget to let me know so I can mention it on the post.
So, will you say yes to the minimalist tendency?
If you have enjoyed this free hand knitted baby sweater pattern and tutorial, please feel free to pass our website address along to a friend and do not hesitate to share it or comment below. I love to hear your opinions and I can try to resolve any questions that you may have if you decide to make it.
Kisses!
Tutorial, pattern and images registered under a Creative Commons licence Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 .
This tutorial is for personal use only. Please do not claim it as your own or distribute it. If you would like to share this tutorial, please link to this site and do not repost it on your site. You can sell finished items made from this pattern, but please link back and give credit to Creativa Atelier. Thanks!
I can’t wait to knit this beautiful little sweater. I love your instructions they are so helpful. Best I have come across. I am a beginner and I am building up my skills and your patterns are really helpful. Thank very much
I purchased the 3 to 6 month pattern and some instructions aren’t on here that are on the free one. Ive had to print off the free one as well. Very confusing!
And also cannot get tutorial
Thank you very much for your purchase!
You should have received an email with the receipt of your purchase and a link to download your pattern. Since it is an automatically generated e-mail, be sure to check your spam folder if you can’t find it. 😉
I mean that you have to have the free pattern and the pur chased one printed off so you can see the pictures of what to do. I will get there.
I purchased the pattern. Had a few problems. Now I’m attempting again. Baby is older. Can I adapt the original pattern or do I have to purchase a second pattern
Hi Anne! You have several options, you can adapt the pattern to the measurements you need, knit the same pattern with thicker yarn and needles to obtain a larger size, or buy the pattern in the size you need. 😉
Hi Christine!
The tutorial is free, and you can knit the sweater in size 1-3 months only following the instructions on this tutorial. The downloadable and printable PDF is an updated version and is the ideal complement to make your work easier. By paying for the pattern, your get a PDF file which:
👉🏼You can download it and check it whenever you need without depending on the mobile connection.
👉🏼You can print it to have it always at your side while knitting and making notes, tracking rows, etc …
👉🏼You will have all the detailed instructions, row by row and stitch by stitch
👉🏼You will have a graphic guide of the pattern. A diagram where you will see in a very visual way the shape of the garment, the disposition of the stitches, the rows, the details…
👉🏼 And last but not least, by getting the PDF file you support my work 😉
Hi! I’m trying to purchase the pattern in a bigger size but it isn’t working for me! I was able to make a purchase earlier but now I can’t. Just wondering if there is a solution. Would love to have it in a bigger size! Thanks in advance! 😊
I agree, and it says knit 18 rows! This would make the bib as long as the jumper itself! But I’ve adjusted it and it is a sweet little sweater and easy to make.
I M having a problem
The pattern says knit 54 rows but the tutorial states knit until it measures 16cm
Help
I love this pattern and was eager to knit it for my grandson. I ordered the largest size, but received newborn directions. Help, please!
Thank you!
I knitted this for my gdaughter & my daughter loves it! So easy to put on a squirming little girl. Will be making more as it is so quick to knit up and a wonderful gift for new mums <3
Bonjour
Auriez-vous les explications pour un enfant de 12-24 mois ?
Merci
Yes! You can find the pattern here 👉🏼 https://www.creativaatelier.com/producto/size-12-24-natural-baby-sweater-pattern/?lang=en
Ive noticed that you have not answered anyones posts
How many stitches per inch is the gauge?
I have made one of thes lovely garter stitch jumpers for a recent newborn grandaiughter and now my daughter would
I,e a matching one for her two year old. Have you any advice on ‘ sizing up ‘ ??
Hi. Love this pattern. How do I make it for newborn ages as the 3 month jumper is a tad to big at the moment.
I think there are some directions missing from this pattern, for knitting the sleeves. I’m not sure about picking up 2 stitches from the 10 stitches for the bib, if you take 2 from each side that leaves only 6 for the bib??. I figured from the pictures that each sleeve is 16 cm ( 6 inches) that you should connect the back at 8 cm ( 3 inches). this pattern is confusing but cute.
Hi Brenda,
I was also confused, but worked out that you knit INTO and create two new stitches from the bib on the holding needle and add to the working needle and two stitches whilst making the second sleeve when making that one. Hope this is helpful
Thank you for the amazing pattern, however I’m having some difficulty with the sleeves at stage 4. I’m good up to the part where I have to pickup the 2 stitches to attatch the bib. But after that it goes straight into connecting the sleeves, binding off and making the back. I’m a bit lost on how to get the sleeves completed before this part? Please give me some pointers
Hi Becky, when it says to pick up 2 stitches from the bib, each side. doesn’t that take away from the bib size? Thanks
Hi Becky,
Yes… same for me. It doesn’t say how long to knit each sleeve before joining. Did you work it out al all?
Thank you
Hi Becky 😊
I’ve worked it out by translating the spanish version.
At the point of picking up the bib stitches, don’t take them from the holding needle, insert your working needle into those two stitches one at a time and knit as if picking up along an edge. Knit into them and create two new stitches, then repeat when you get to the other sleeve.
Sleeve 1
1. Create the 2 st from bib.
2. Knit on tthose and the remaining sleve stitches until work measures 8cm. Keep stitches live.
Sleeve 2
Repeat for sleeve 2 (Break yarn from sleeve 1 and move to the other sleeve to pick up the 2 stitches from the bib and the other sleeve stitches)
Then follow pattern to join both sleeves and that should all work.
Such a cute pattern.
Good luck ladies 🙂
Oh!
I meant to add that after you do that, you knit for another 8 cm of sleeves for a total of 16 cm wode of sleeves BEFORE you make the body
Cheers!
Love it so much!
Could you please give any tips to make it for a 9-12 months old?
Thanks so very much!
I love this pattern but want to make it in 12 or 18 months size. Any advice?
Since one year a have been waiting an English pattern of Garter Stitch Baby Sweater . I am very much happy to find the pattern here. But untill I was searching my granddaughter become one year old.
Now could you please inform me how can I change the pattern for 1 year old size? I’ll be very very happy….
My e.mail : [email protected]
Maybe if you knit it in bigger needles it would be big enough for your Granddaughter.
Hi, I have been knitting for 60 years and you learn something new every day.
Thank you for such lovely easy patterns (now that I have arthritis) I love them. I have 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and l love to knit have taught 2 grandchildren to knit and they’ll love this site.
Do you have the pattern written down without the photos?
Hi Again! Trying to figure out a few things on this pattern. Can you send me the url on Facebook where you found this? Thanks a lot.