How to Knit a Cardigan: Try an Adorable Baby Sweater

Knitting a baby sweater is the perfect way to practice sweater knitting. Check out these 9 free knitting patterns

Do you find knitting cardigan sweaters intimidating?

I think a lot of people do. I have, for the longest time. It seems like an exercise in juggling variables.

To wit:

• You have to, first and foremost, make sure it fits if you ever want it worn.
• You have to ensure that the sleeves are long enough and wide enough.
• That the bodice isn’t too long or too short.
• That the shoulders actually fall onto the shoulders.

And so on… 🤯

The Benefits of Knitting Baby Cardigans

That, my friend, is what makes knitting a baby sweater so appealing to me. While the variables still exist, they do so on a much smaller scale. Which means that if you mess up, you won’t have to spend nearly as much time fixing it. 😥

And if you’re knitting for charity, you’re even more fortunate. Because your creation is bound to fit some baby, somewhere !

And as an added bonus, a baby cardigan is part of any good newborn layette. Take a hat and a blanket or booties, add a cardigan, and the ensemble is complete. Presto: you have a well-dressed and warm baby.

So if you would love to make a full-sized cardigan but feel intimidated like I do, why not try a baby cardigan first? When you’re done, you have a great charity knitting project to donate (or gift for a future baby). And you’ll have gained experience in cardigan construction. It’s a win-win!

Now then, let’s make some cardigan magic! 🪄

For your convenience, I’ve divided these patterns into two categories: cardis with buttons, and cardis without.

Tie One On: Baby Cardigans without Buttons

1. Easy Baby Cardigan

• What you’ll need to make it: 385 to 465 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 7 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers; scrap yarn; blunt darning needle; 1 yard 5/8-inch ribbon (optional)

• Why you’ll want to: This is a fabulous place to start knitting a simple baby cardigan. You’ll knit it almost entirely in one piece and without buttonholes; it just ties into place. It also offers not only a sweet little hood but also multiple sizes, from newborn to 18 months.

2. Newborn Vertabrae

• What you’ll need to make it: 200 to 220 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 2 and 3 circular needles, straight needles, and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round as well as flat!); stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: There’s a lot to like with this pattern, which is really more of a shrug than a cardigan. Firstly, because it’s got very little front to it–it’s more back than front!–it may be easier for knitters new to cardigan knitting. Secondly, this is specifically designed for newborns that not only spit up frequently (thus tending to mess up the fronts of their cardigans!) but also need skin-to-skin bonding time without getting baby cold. Adorable and practical!

3. Bedtime Stories

• What you’ll need to make it: 382 to 764 yards sport weight yarn; US Size 2.5 circular needles at least 24 to 32 inches long (to hold the many stitches); US Size C crochet hook

• Why you’ll want to: Firstly, baby kimonos are just the cutest thing. Secondly, once again, no worries about buttons or buttonholes. Finally, this little kimono features a lovely edging that brings this sweet pattern right over the top in adorableness.

Buttoned-Up Cardigans for Beautiful Babies

4. Five-Hour Baby Sweater

• What you’ll need to make it: 220 to 300 yards worsted weight yarn (or baby yarn for preemie sizes); US Size 10.5, 8, or 5 needles (depending on what size you’re making); 4 stitch markers; 5 buttons (optional)

• Why you’ll want to: This pattern has so many additional features! Not only does it offer both a tie and a button-down version, but it also has several other variations and sizes listed at the bottom. It also features instructions for knitting a matching hood, matching booties, a matching cap or bonnet, and so on. With all the variations and matching accessories, not to mention the lovely bit of texture detail at the top and bottom of the sweater, you might never need another pattern for baby-to-toddler cardigans!

5. Garter Stitch Baby Kimono

• What you’ll need to make it: 400 to 600 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 2.5 or 3 needles; 2 buttons

• Why you’ll want to: I absolutely love the crisp and clean appearance of this lovely baby kimono that’s knitted entirely in garter stitch.

6. Newborn Top Down Cardigan

• What you’ll need to make it: 225 to 320 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 5 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch holders or scrap yarn; stitch markers; 5 buttons

• Why you’ll want to: This is a very simple pattern, but simple definitely does not mean any less lovely. I love the neat and clean lines, and I love the texture of the button bands and the top and bottom edges (that are achieved simply with garter stitch!).

7. Baby Eyelet Cardi

• What you’ll need to make it: 186 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 6 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers; one button

• Why you’ll want to: First of all, I love V-neck cardigans. (Though if you prefer crew neck cardigans, a link to instructions for that modification is available at the bottom of the pattern.) Secondly, the airy eyelets at the bottom of this cardigan are simply precious. And honestly, I want to find an adult version now because this is too cute.

8. Five-Pound Baby Cardigan

• What you’ll need to make it: 365 DK weight yarn; US Size 3 and 5 needles (any combination of straight, circular, and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit flat or in the round–both are part of this pattern); stitch markers; stitch holders or scrap yarn; 5 buttons

• Why you’ll want to: What better way to practice your cardigan knitting skills than with this sweet, simple pattern for preemies or small newborns?

9. Striped Baby Cardigan

• What you’ll need to make it: 240 yards DK weight yarn (in 2 different colors); US Size 4 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers; 2 buttons

• Why you’ll want to: Can’t get enough of baby kimonos? Try this adorable striped version!

Baby cardigans are the perfect way to abolish your intimidation over knitting a sweater. So why not try one or more–and enjoy giving them away as gifts or for charity!