by A handmade baby cardigan is one of the most cherished gifts you can give—or make—for a new arrival. Soft, cozy, and timeless, a knitted baby sweater not only keeps little ones warm but also becomes a treasured keepsake for years to come. If you’re a knitter looking for a project that’s both easy and satisfying, this Easy Knit Baby Cardigan is ideal for you. It’s perfect for beginners and comes with sizing options for babies aged 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–9 months, and 9–12 months.
Why Knit a Baby Cardigan?
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Quick to make: Small size means faster knitting time.
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Practical: Cardigans are easy to put on and take off.
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Customizable: Choose your own yarn colors, buttons, and finishing details.
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Great gift: Handmade baby items are always appreciated.
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Skill-building: Simple construction makes it a great project for beginners to intermediate knitters.
Pattern Overview
This easy-knit baby cardigan is knit flat in pieces (back, fronts, sleeves) and seamed together at the end. It’s worked in stockinette stitch with garter stitch edging, giving it a clean, classic look. A button band adds a sweet, functional finish.
Sizes
This pattern includes instructions for four sizes:
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0–3 Months: Chest – 16 in (40.5 cm), Length – 8 in (20 cm)
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3–6 Months: Chest – 18 in (45.5 cm), Length – 9 in (23 cm)
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6–9 Months: Chest – 20 in (51 cm), Length – 10 in (25.5 cm)
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9–12 Months: Chest – 22 in (56 cm), Length – 11 in (28 cm)
Always check your gauge before starting to ensure a proper fit.
Materials Needed
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Yarn: DK (double knitting) or light worsted weight yarn
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Approx. 200–300 yards depending on size
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Soft baby-friendly fibers like cotton blends, acrylic, or superwash merino recommended
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Needles:
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US Size 6 (4.0 mm) straight or circular needles for body
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US Size 5 (3.75 mm) for ribbing/button band (optional)
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Notions:
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Tapestry needle
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Stitch markers
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3–5 small buttons (⅜”–½” diameter)
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Measuring tape
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Scissors
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Gauge
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using US Size 6 (4.0 mm) needles.
Construction Breakdown
The sweater is constructed in five parts:
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Back Panel
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Left Front
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Right Front
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Sleeves (2 identical pieces)
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Button Band and Assembly
Instructions
1. Back Panel
Cast on:
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50 (54, 58, 62) stitches depending on size.
Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows to form the bottom hem.
Switch to stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) and work until the piece measures:
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8″ (9″, 10″, 11″) from cast-on edge.
Shoulder shaping:
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Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13) stitches at the beginning of next 2 rows.
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Bind off remaining 30 (32, 34, 36) stitches for neck.
2. Left Front Panel
Cast on:
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26 (28, 30, 32) stitches.
Garter stitch hem: Knit 6 rows.
Work in stockinette stitch, maintaining the first 4 stitches in garter stitch for the front edge/button band.
Continue until same length as back panel.
Shoulder shaping:
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Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13) stitches at armhole edge.
Neck shaping:
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Bind off remaining stitches at neckline.
3. Right Front Panel
Work the same as the Left Front but mirror the shaping (i.e., garter edge on opposite side for buttonholes).
Optional Buttonholes:
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Space 3–5 buttonholes evenly along the garter edge.
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Use simple yarn over (YO), k2tog buttonhole every ~2 inches.
4. Sleeves (Make 2)
Cast on:
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28 (30, 32, 34) stitches.
Garter cuff: Knit 6 rows.
Stockinette body: Continue in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch each side every 6 rows until you reach:
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36 (38, 40, 42) stitches.
Continue until sleeve measures:
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6.5″ (7″, 7.5″, 8″).
Bind off all stitches.
5. Assembly & Finishing
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Block all pieces lightly with steam or wet blocking.
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Sew shoulder seams first.
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Attach sleeves to armholes, easing the fit.
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Sew underarm and side seams.
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Pick up stitches along front edges and neckline (if desired) to knit a button band or collar.
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Weave in all ends.
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Sew buttons to match buttonholes.
Tips for Success
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Gauge swatch is crucial. Babies grow fast, but a too-small sweater might not be worn at all.
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Use soft, washable yarn. New parents don’t want hand-wash-only garments.
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Stitch markers help. Especially for shoulder and arm shaping.
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Make it gender-neutral or themed. Choose colors that suit the recipient—pastels, neutrals, or even bold stripes.
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Embellish if you like. Add a tiny pocket, applique, or embroidery for a personalized touch.
Modifications & Customization
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Change the stitch pattern: Try seed stitch, garter throughout, or textured panels.
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Add a hood: For a hoodie version, pick up stitches around neckline and knit a simple hood.
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Knit in the round (advanced): If you prefer seamless construction, you can adapt this to be worked from the bottom up in one piece.
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Cropped or tunic length: Adjust the body length to suit your vision.
Care Instructions
For most baby-friendly yarns:
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Machine wash cold or warm
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Lay flat to dry
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Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
Always include a tag or card with care instructions if gifting.
Conclusion
The Easy Knit Baby Cardigan Sweater is a versatile, beginner-friendly project that looks polished and professional when finished. With classic styling and simple construction, it makes an ideal gift for baby showers, birthdays, or just because. Whether you’re new to knitting or a seasoned pro looking for a relaxing project, this pattern is sure to delight both the maker and the wearer.
So grab your favorite soft yarn, some buttons, and your knitting needles, and enjoy creating something truly special for a little one.
Video tutorial:
