Today, I’d like to introduce you to a unique way of creating a Knitted Baby Cardigan. As many of you already know, we’ve crafted cardigans by starting from the neck, from the bottom, or by seaming different pieces together. However, what makes today’s tutorial fascinating is that we won’t be shaping the knitted garment in the traditional horizontal lines; instead, we’ll be working vertically.
In this case, the twist doesn’t end there. We’ll also be using the wrong side of the stockinette stitch – an uncommon choice that yields a beautiful and original result.
Whether you’re an expectant mother or simply want to create a special handmade gift for a newborn, this PINK LADY Knitted Baby Cardigan offers a perfect and comprehensive option for the cooler months ahead.
Materials to make a Knitted Baby Cardigan size 3 months
1 ball of Katia Merino Classic en el color 26. 100g = 240m. DK/Light weight.
4 mm straight knitting needles (or the size needed to obtain the tension sample).
1 wood button
Tapestry needle
Gauge
20 stitches x 38 rows in Garter stitch
Stitches, techniques and abbreviations
Available Sizes
In addition to the free size (3 months) that you will find in this tutorial, the Pink Lady cardigan is available in different sizes, both for babies and girls.
- Girl’s sizes: 2 years, 4 years and 6 years
Each size is available for individual purchase, allowing you to select the specific size you need. You can also choose to purchase the pattern containing all eight sizes at an irresistible price. You can choose the perfect size for your little one, ensuring she will be comfortable in her new cardigan. Simply Click here or on the image below to get the PDF pattern!
With the PDF pattern, you’ll enjoy several additional advantages that will greatly simplify your knitting experience:
Downloadable pattern
You’ll be able to download it and have it readily available whenever you need it, without relying on a mobile connection.
Printable Format
You can conveniently print the PDF pattern to have a physical copy at your fingertips while you knit. This enables you to take notes, highlight crucial sections, and reference the pattern without the need to switch between screens.
Detailed row-by-row indications
And stitch-by-stitch guidance!
You won’t need to worry about making calculations on your own.
Do you prefer to knit your garment without hem at the bottom?
The PDF pattern offers instructions on how to knit a border that won’t roll up, for those who don’t want a hem at the bottom of their garment.
Detailed measurements
You’ll have access to all the precise measurements of the garment, including width, total length, armhole length, neckline, sleeve dimensions, and more.
Step by step on how to make a Knitted Baby Cardigan
Knit the first sleeve and shape the body
To begin your Garter Stitch Cardigan, start by knitting one of the sleeves. Cast on 32 stitches and knit for 29 turns (remember that each turn equals two rows) until you have a 15 cm length of fabric.
When you have reached this length of 15 cm, which corresponds to the sleeve from the cuff to the armhole, knit 22 stitches at the end of the work and knit one row. Then, knit another 22 stitches at the other end. This will shape both the front and the back of the handmade cardigan.
Once you have the 22 stitches on each side, knit the first 22 stitches in stockinette stitch, the middle 32 stitches in garter stitch and the remaining 22 stitches in stockinette stitch. You will continue knitting in this manner until the fabric measures 11 cm.
It’s time to start creating the opening for the neck…
Knit the neck opening and right front
You should knit 38 stitches, then bind off 6 stitches, and continue knitting the row until the end. Always remember that the first 22 stitches are worked in stockinette stitch, and from there on, switch to garter stitch until you reach the final 22 stitches, which should also be worked in stockinette stitch
If you prefer a more guided approach to knitting and want to follow along stitch by stitch, I’ve got you covered! You can purchase the Pink Lady Knit Cardigan pattern in our tutorial size (3 months) for just €2.99. And if you need a larger size for your little lady, I have a range of baby and girl sizes available for only €3.99.
From this point onward, you will be working with the 32 stitches at the front. You can safely leave the other stitches on the needle; they won’t interfere with your knitting.
Simply knit these 32 stitches for 16 rows (8 turns) in garter stitch. Counting the rows in garter stitch is quite straightforward; each little bump created after a row counts as a turn. So, if you’d rather not count each row as you knit, you can check after a few rows to ensure you have ‘8 bumps.’
Once you reach your desired length, bind off the stitches and cut the yarn.
Continue knitting the back
You will proceed to knit the back area of your knitted baby cardigan by working the 38 stitches you had set aside on the needle for 24 rows.
At the end of the final row, cast on 6 stitches at the edge of the work and leave your knitting on the needle without cutting the yarn. You will resume working on it once the right front piece is completed.
Knit the right front piece
Although this cardigan is easy to knit, this is the moment when close attention is crucial for everything to turn out just right.
You’ll need to create a small piece to form the other front section where the buttonhole will be placed. To do this, on the available needle, cast on 32 stitches and knit two rows in garter stitch. On the next row, knit 3 stitches, knit two together, bring the yarn to the front, and finish knitting the row as usual
Afterward, knit 8 rows, starting with 10 stitches in garter stitch and the following 22 stitches in stockinette stitch. Once completed, the finished piece should resemble the one in the photo. It’s essential to ensure that the yarn tail ends in the location shown in the picture, specifically in the garter stitch region.
Join the front piece to the main piece and knit the body
You now have two fabric pieces, one smaller and one larger. The smaller piece has just been completed with the yarn ending in the garter stitch area. The larger piece has the yarn attached, also ending in the garter stitch area. It is time to join the two pieces together. The ball of yarn should be attached to the larger piece, and we will use it to continue knitting the remaining stitches of the smaller piece. First, knit the 10 garter stitches, followed by the 22 stockinette stitches. No hesitation, let’s get it done!
The two pieces are now connected! All that’s left is to continue knitting for another 13 rows, alternating between stockinette and garter stitch.
Knit the other sleeve
To shape the second sleeve, bind off 22 stitches, knit the 32 center stitches, and then bind off the remaining 22 stitches.
All that remains is to knit the 29 turns (58 rows) of the other sleeve and bind off all the stitches.
Final touches
Now that you have finished knitting the sleeves of your project, it’s time to assemble everything. To do this, use a tapestry needle to join the sleeves and sides seamlessly. Once these pieces are securely in place, you can add the finishing touch – a button that will give your creation a polished look.
Although it’s not a standard practice, I personally like to add a hem at the bottom to prevent any unwanted rolling. This gives the final product a more refined appearance that I find quite satisfying. So, let’s get started and put the finishing touches on our masterpiece
Do you prefer to knit your garment without hem at the bottom?
The PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting an alternative border that won’t curl up, allowing you the option to skip hemming at the bottom. Follow these steps with confidence and select the method that best suits your project and personal preferences.
As you can see, this is a unique and straightforward approach to creating a Knitted Baby Cardigan, starting from the sleeve rather than the neck or the bottom, as we typically do.
I adore the combination of garter stitch with the reverse side of stockinette stitch. It’s not a technique we often use since we usually reserve the reverse side for the wrong side of the work. However, in this case, it adds a distinctive touch to the finished piece.
What do you think of combining this Knitted Baby Cardigan with a matching pixie hat and booties?
To make these adorable knitted booties, all you must do is follow this tutorial I published a couple of months ago. The only variation is done in the first step, when knitting the ankle region, instead of knitting 16 rows (8 turns) you must knit 26 rows (13 turns). The rest is knitted, as shown in the tutorial. Finally, this time, I added two yarn tassels to match the pixie hat instead of adding a button as decoration.
If you want to learn how to make a pixie hat you can find the pattern and step-by-step tutorial in this link, so you do not stay without this winter matching set!
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, I hope this tutorial and pattern will inspire you to unleash your creativity and take on the challenge of knitting your own Pink Lady Cardigan. With its charming design and cozy texture, this cardigan is sure to become a beloved addition to any little one’s wardrobe.
I hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed this post and are feeling a strong dose of inspiration to kickstart your next project. If Pink Lady Rebecca has won you over, I encourage you to share your experiences and accomplishments with all of us on social media. I’d love to see your unique interpretation! Don’t forget to include the hashtags #creativaatelier, #rebecaPinkLady, and #PinkLadyCardigan, so we can all admire your creations. Knitting within a community is even more enriching! 💖🧶”
Kisses!
Please respect the designers and their intellectual property. Pattern for personal use only. Do not distribute copies in physical or digital format. Using this pattern to make products for sale, workshops, or any other commercial activity is not permitted. If you have any doubts about what you can do, please write contact me at marta@creativaatelier.com
NATURtop Knitted Tank Top – Pattern and Tutorial
Looooove how clear and easy you make this with the help of step by step photos! I had so much fun making this. Thank you!
Excellent instructions
Hi Marta, I would like to make for a 2-3 years old girl do you have instructions for bigger size?
Knitted Baby Cardigan
Hi Marta I want to knit pink lady cardigan to fit 18/24months how many more stitches for each piece or have you a pattern for bigger sizes x
Hi, all going well and I am now on to the final strip with the buttonhole, I cast on stitches, then 2 rows of garter stitch, the next row I knit 3 then two together and finished the row with a knit, leaving the correct amount of stitches. The pattern then says garter stitch followed by stocking stitch for 8 turns, surely that means that the buttonhole is at the wrong end. Sorry, a bit confused. Is the cast on stitches the first row of knitting?
I cracked it after frogging the piece a good few times:
co 32 stitches,
knit 1 row,
purl 22 knit 10,
then do the buttonhole row!
Hopefully this will help!
Looks lovely can’t wait to try it. Could you just tell me if I hem the bottom edge should I make it a little longer/wider to allow for the hem?
Hi Lynda! If you want to get the same result, you don’t need to make it longer 😉
Ok, thanks Marta
Looks lovely, can’t wait to try it. Could you just tell me if I hem the bottom edge should I make it a little longer to allow for that ?
Hi
Thank you for posting this pattern, it’s a lovely cardigan and very clear to follow. I am a beginner and have just finished the first front panel of the cardigan (I have cast off 32 stitches). Where I have cast off the stockinette stitching it is now starting to curl – I notice at the end of the pattern you say that you add a hem to stop this. Please can you advise how I should do this?
Thanks
Am having difficulty at the point: KNIT 38 stitches for 24 rows. If you knit every row, it will not match the stockinette pattern of the body of the sweater. I have my needle in the same position as your diagram but am trying to purl or knit at this point. Keep ripping out this area. Help!
I have the same question! If you do the buttonhole you are left with one stitch less, Do you have to add it again in the next row? Do you have to make two stitches two together as the one seems to be not big enough,so now I am stuck!!
Hi Rene, when you knit the two together you then bring the yarn forward & then knit, this makes an extra stitch so you then have the correct number again.
I love this pattern, it is so quick and easy to make. And now I can finally make one for my 1st granddaughter, due any time.
Hi its an awesome pattern….cn i have this pattern fr a 3-4 year old
Thanks for the interesting pattern. Got it right and increased stitches to get a bigger size.
I made the cardigan, now I need to find the pattern for the pixie hat in English. The link on here is in Spanish.
Love the look of your patterns but it would be very helpful to write how many rows altogether we should end up with after every part .you have more rows on your pictures than you are telling us to knit.Ive nearly finished cardigan but i don’t feel like I’ve achieved to make it right!
Hi I’m half way in knitting the cardigan but got stuck confused regarding the two piece which needs to be knit together, as they is no picture to show me how to do it
Hi just to say as one of the ladies said may be have a video of showing how to knit the two small bits on would be helpful.
Hello, what a lovely cardigan! Easy to follow – one question: the yarn I used really rolls at the edges, what kind of hem did you use for yours?
I’m almost done, just finishing the last part of the sleeve.
Just a bit worried about the edges rolling – any ideas anyone?
Hi Irena. I am also having the problem with the edges rolling – did you find a good solution?
IS there a way to get this pattern without the add in it, it’s a beautiful pattern but being new to knitting I think I need a few more instructions.
Can’t wait to finish it, hopefully that will be soon.
Sorry, not use to posting
About casting on the 6 stitches; remember when it first said to bind off 6 stitches? That formed the neck opening at the shoulder. Going to the the 38 stitch side. Starting at neck opening, knit 12 turns (or 24 rows), following the 16 garter and 22 stockinette pattern. You should end up back at the neck. Now, cast on those 6 stitches; They are for the opposite shoulder-neck opening.
Hello all,
If you cast off on the one side how do you start up again on the other side to complete the 38 stitches for 12 turns (which would be 24 rows)?
Thanks,
Leah
Hi, just tie your wool on to the 1st stitch and carry on knitting…..or just start knitting with your loose end…..the 6 stitches are added on after you complete the other side, it’s a confusing pattern as it’s written incorrectly
Are there any provisions for a larger sweater such as six to nine months? Thank you in advance.
Well I’ve tried several times to make the small piece come out right. Like someone commented earlier, I too couldn’t get the piece to not be backwards. Very frustrating!!! Don’t waste your time on this one😡
Pattern incorrect……don’t knit 1st 2 rows instead:
1st row Knit
2nd row Purl until last 10sts knit to end.
Why is the button hole on the wrong side
Hi Marta,
I just want to start of with a thank you for a spectacular presentation for a difficult project? I just needed to clarify…if you cast off on the one side how do you start up again on the other side to complete the 38 stitches for 12 turns (which would be 24 rows). Pattern says 12(16 rows). Would the cast on 6 come after you completed the additional piece so you can add it on and join the two pieces?
Thank you again for the great pictorial pattern!,
Did you ever figure this out? Im up to the same part and am a beginner so i have no idea how to start off again to do the next 38 sitches…
Hi there
This looks beautiful! What are the horizontal measurements at each stage and for the final garment? I am trying to adapt the pattern to a different sized wool and needles.
Many thanks!
Sorry I can see these on the ‘unseamed’ photo now! Thanks!
HELLO, THIS IS A VERY LOVELY CARDIGAN TO MAKE, BUT I NEED TO MAKE THIS FOR OLDER BABY AND I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO ? CAN YOU PLEAS HELP
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Hi, I am also making this cardigan for a slightly bigger baby than newborn. I was told that if you increase your needle to 4.5 mm the pattern increases by one size. I am using size 5mm needles so increasing by 2 sizes. You use exactly the same number of stitches and just follow the pattern. My cardigan appears to be turning out okay. I am just about to knit my final sleeve. Fingers crossed👍 Hope this helps.
how do i get the pattern off to knitt bye val
Can I get the super pink baby’s cardigan pattern by post please
Hi, I’m a beginner and making your very cute Pink Lady Cardigan. I’m feeling very confused where pattern says “then we cast on 6 stitches at the end of the work. To end, cut off yarn leaving a 20 – 25cm tail. I’m not sure what to do here and there is no visual direction to work from? Can you help? 🙂
Hi Pamela! Sorry about the delay! One you cast off 32 from one off the front parts, you have to keep on knitting the remaining 38 stitches on your needle that will be the back of the cardigan. Knit these 38 stitches for 24 rows or 6cm. Then increase 6 stitches at the end of the work and cut your yarn. Wi will be knitting and adding a small piece of fabric later to keep on with our work.
How do i keep knitting when the yarn was already bind off (from the 32 stitches)?? Maybe stupid question but i couldnt figure it out. Do i make a new yarn and if so how do i make sure it wont unravel??
I am making your knitted baby cardigan Pink Lady but no matter how I try to make the small piece it seems to be backwards so it doesn’t match up- could you please tell me exactly how to knit after I cast on 32 stitches then knit 2 rows of garter stitch?
Also,questioning the six cast on stitches???
where do I find the answer to my question about the six cast on stitches?
Grand merci pour les explications nettes et précises pour réaliser ce magnifique gilet!!!
Excellent photos, very helpful. Clever pattern. Hope to see more directions like this one.
Marta,
Thank you so much for the very best knitting directions that I have ever seen! What a relief to be
entirely clear about what to do when making this. Thank you. Thank you.
Susan
I am making your knitted baby cardigan Pink Lady but no matter how I try to make the small piece it seems to be backwards so it doesn’t match up- could you please tell me exactly how to knit after I cast on 32 stitches then knit 2 rows of garter stitch?
The first time a detailed perfectly patern. I’ve been searching for days on Pinterest.
Thank you so much
I love your sweater design but I agree with Pauline Harriden. Some of the directions are very confusing. I’m frustrated and don’t want to give up and rip the sweater out. You say to cast on 32 and knit two together which brings the count down to 31.stitches. Do you have a correction for this?
Hi Anne, when you knit the two together you then bring the yarn forward & then knit, this makes an extra stitch so you then have the correct number again.
Hi there.
I love the pattern used, but some of the instructions are very confusing. If only there was a video tutorial to go with it.
I found doing your cardigan was very confusing. Some areas you have written doesn’t explain what to do example:
It mentions at the end of the 32 stitches blind off and cut off yard but the next step you say cast on 6 stitches at the end of the work. Not sure where or what to do. The diagrams don’t even show you. Also when making the small piece you ask us to cast on 32 stitches then knit to rows in garter then you say knit 3 then knit two together and finish row then you say to knit 8 turns (16 rows) the first 10 stitches knit and the other 22 in stockinette stitch. It doesn’t work out because 32 – 2 together you lose 1 stitch which means after knitting the first 10 you are left with only 21 stitches not 22. The only way around this is you start with 33 stitches not 32. Can you help me with this as I am only a beginner and am finding it hard do you have a updated version with correct instructions
Hi there, I’m also a beginner and am having the same trouble with understanding about casting on 6 stitches as the end “Then we cast on 6 stitches at the end of the work. To end, cut off the yarn leaving a 20-25 cm tail.” I’m just wondering if you’ve sorted out how this works? I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
Very lovely, I will be making this pattern in the next 3 months
Good morning, is there anyway that you could email me this pattern please Knitted Baby Cardigan – PINK LADY . I found it on the internet and would love to knit it for the newborn babies that mommies have who don’t have anything. I would truly appreciate it.
Thank you and have a wonderful day
What a very pretty and unusual pattern, I will be knitting it for a friend as soon as possible
How do I get the printed pattern for the pink lady baby cardigan?
Sue
WOW! I am really impressed with these stunning pattern’s and the beautiful illustrated tutorial.
Thank you so much – these cuties are making me happy.
Greetings from South Africa x
I am simply blown away with your knitting patterns! I love the simplicity, the pictures of every step that helps me to see what I am suppose to see at each phase , I want more! Thank you for your generosity
I love the Pink Lady sweater pattern and thank you for publishing it in English.
Oh my goodness thank you so much for translating your patterns to English. I love all the work that you do , but I understand a little Spanish and I wanted to make your patterns and now that they are in English I can. Thank you again and god bless you.