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Today I want to show you a different way of making a Knitted Baby Cardigan. As many of you know, we have made cardigans starting from the neck, starting from the bottom and seaming different pieces together, but the interesting thing about today’s tutorial is that the knitted garment is not going to be shaped the usual way of making horizontal lines but instead vertical. On this occasion, we are going to learn to make a Knitted Baby Cardigan using a pattern that starts by knitting a sleeve and ending with the other one.
In this case, not only will it have this twist, but also, we will be using the wrong side of the stockinette stitch. A very unusual option but that leaves a very pretty and original result.
Materials to make a Knitted Baby Cardigan size 1-3 months
- 1 skein of Katia Merino Classic en el color 26. 100g = 240m. DK/Light weight.
- A pair of 4 mm straight knitting needles
- 1 wood button
- A tapestry needle
Gauge
20 stitches x 30 rows in Stockinette Stitch (after blocking)
Step by step on how to make a Knitted Baby Cardigan
To make our Garter Stitch Cardigan, we will start by knitting one of the sleeves. We must cast on 32 stitches and knit 29 turns (remember that each turn equals two rows) until we have 15 cm. of fabric.
Once we have this 15 cm., which is the length of the sleeve from the armhole, we cast on 22 stitches at the end of the work and knit one row. Afterwards, we cast on another 22 stitches on the other end, this way, we will be making the front part and the back of the handmade cardigan.
Once we have the 22 stitches on each side, we will knit the first 22 stitches in stockinette stitch, the middle 32 stitches in garter stitch and the remaining 22 stitches in stockinette stitch. We will continue knitting in this manner until the fabric measures 11 cm.
This is the time where we need to begin to open the work for the neck opening…
You need to knit 38 stitches, bind off 6 stitches and continue knitting the row as you have been doing before. Remember that no matter what you do, the first 22 stitches are knitted in stockinette stitch and from then on in garter stitch until the remaining 22 stitches, which are knitted in stockinette stitch.
From this point on, we will only work with the 32 stitches of the front. Do not worry about the other stitches on the needle, they can remain in the needle while you knit, they will not bother you.
This way, we will knit these 32 stitches for 8 turns (16 rows). It is easy not to lose count of the knitted turns in garter stitch; each little bump made after each turn counts as a turn, this way, if you do not want to count each turn while you knit, you can count after a few turns just make sure you have “8 bumps”.
Once you achieve the desired length, we bind off the 32 stitches and cut off the yarn.
Knit 38 stitches for 12 turns (24 rows) and cast on 6 stitches at the end of the work. Cut off the yarn leaving a 20-25 cm tail.
Although this cardigan is easy to knit, maybe this is the moment in which you must pay close attention for everything to come out right.
We will have to make a small piece that will form the other front part where the buttonhole will be located, for this, in the needle that we have available we will cast on 32 stitches and knit two rows in garter stitch. In the next row, we will knit 3 stitches, knit two together, bring the yarn to the front and finish knitting the row as established.
Afterwards, we must knit 8 turns knitting the first 10 stitches in garter stitch and the following 22 stitches in stockinette stitch. Once done the finished piece should look like the one in the photo. It is very important that the yarn tail ends where it is shown in the picture, in other words, it ends in the garter stitch region.
At this point, we should have two knitted pieces, the small one that we just finished with the yarn in the garter stitch region and the other large one with the yarn ending in the same stitch.
Now we are going to join both pieces. If everything is correct, we must knit with the yarn from the small piece, this way we can continue knitting in garter stitch the first 6 stitches we casted on at end of the work of the large piece, the 16 stitches in garter stitch and then the 22 stitches in stockinette stitch.
Now we have joined both pieces! All we must do now is to continue in the established pattern of alternating between garter and stockinette stitch within a row for 13 turns. After we must bind off 22 stitches, knit the middle 32 stitches and bind off the remaining 22 stitches.
29 turns of the other sleeve and bind off all the stitches.
Finally, with a tapestry needle, we must seam the sleeves together and the sides of the body and sew on the button.
Although this is something that is not typically done when knitting, I have opted to do a kind of hem at the bottom because I like the result and it prevents the fabric from rolling up.
As you can see, it is a different and simple way of making a Knitted Baby Cardigan starting from the sleeve instead of the neck or from the bottom, as we are used to doing.
I love the combination of garter stitch with the reverse side of stockinette stitch, it is something that we are not used to doing often because we usually save this side for the wrong side of the work, but in this case, it gives the finished work a different touch.
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) me must knit 26 rows (13 turns). The rest is knitted as shown in the tutorial. Finally, this time, instead of adding a button as decoration, I added two yarn tassels to match the pixie hat.
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 are an expectant mother or want to make a special handmade gift to a newborn, this Knitted Baby Cardigan is a perfect and complete option for the cooler months.
Kisses!
Tutorial, pattern and images registered under a Creative Commons licence Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 .Rebeca de punto bobo de bebé – Pink Lady – CC by-nc-nd 4.0 – Marta Porcel
This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not claim this pattern as your own, or sell or distribute it. If you would like to share this pattern, please link to this site and do not repost the pattern on your site. You can sell finished items made from this pattern, but please link back and give credit to Creativa Atelier. Please, respect designers and their Intellectual Property. Thanks!
Knitted Baby Romper made with garter stich- DIY Pattern & Tutorial
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.