Free Knitting Patterns for Baby Cardigans is a lovely way to celebrate a new arrival. Knitting baby cardigans is a lovely way to celebrate a new arrival. We’ve compiled a collection of over 45+ adorable and snug baby cardigan knitting patterns for you to explore. Whether you prefer straightforward, timeless styles or contemporary pieces, these complimentary patterns are bound to spark ideas for your next baby knitting project. So, grab your knitting needles and dive into the world of sweet and cozy creations!
Over 50 completely free baby cardigan knitting patterns to download now! From beginner knitting patterns for baby cardigans to more experienced patterns with lace and cables. Cute ideas that will get your craving to get your needles clicking together as soon as possible.
Create one of these free knit cardigans for a new baby in your life, a beautiful handmade gift to keep baby warm.
Table of Contents
- Can a beginner knit a baby cardigan?
- Supplies for Knitting a Baby Cardigan
- Best Yarns for Baby Cardigans
- Free Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Can a beginner knit a baby cardigan?
Definitely! If you’re just starting out and wondering if you can tackle a baby cardigan, the answer is a yes. While cardigans might seem a bit more intricate than knitting a scarf or potholder, there are plenty of beginner-friendly designs out there.
In fact, opting for a baby cardigan is a smart move. They’re more manageable compared to adult-sized ones and won’t take forever to finish. Check out garter stitch baby cardigan for a good place to start.
Quick tip: Before you dive in, take a moment to check the pattern’s skill level and familiarize yourself with any listed techniques.
Supplies for Knitting a Baby Cardigan
Here are some things you might need for knitting your baby cardigan:
Yarn: Opt for something soft, hypoallergenic, and easy to wash.
Knitting needles: Check your pattern for the right type and size. After making a gauge swatch, adjust your needle size as needed to match the correct gauge.
Other Essentials: Don’t forget scissors, stitch markers, tapestry needles, buttons, and maybe some embroidery thread for those special touches.
Best Yarns for Baby Cardigans
When choosing yarn for baby cardigans, it’s crucial to pick the right one. Look for baby-friendly yarn that’s soft, hypoallergenic, and durable. Since babies can be messy, selecting a machine-washable and dryable yarn is a big time-saver.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure whether your yarn is soft enough for a baby, try rubbing it against your cheek or neck. If it feels comfy to you, chances are it’ll feel the same for the baby.
50 Amazing Free Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Easy & Beginner Knit Baby Cardigans
Whether you’re picking up the needles for the first time or simply want a quick, satisfying project, these easy and beginner knit baby cardigan patterns are a great place to start. Featuring simple construction, clear instructions, and timeless designs for newborns and babies, each pattern is ideal for creating a soft, practical handmade cardigan that’s as enjoyable to knit as it is to give.
Elijah Cardigan
A fantastic project for newer knitters looking to play with colorblocking without the headache of managing multiple strands at once. The most brilliant part of this design is the yardage—you only need a single skein of each color, even for the largest 6-year size, making it an incredibly economical stash-buster. Because the main body is simple stockinette, the finished cardigan relies heavily on neat seaming; take the extra time to block your pieces flat and pin them carefully before joining so your color transitions line up perfectly. Using a high-quality superwash wool here is a smart move, as it gives the garment a smooth, premium feel while remaining completely machine-washable for busy parents.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3 mo, 6-12 mo, 12-18 mo, 2 yr, 4 yr, 6 yr
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat (DPNs used for sleeves)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Elijah Cardigan pattern
Easy Garter Stitch Baby Sweater
A completely brainless, TV-watching knit since the entire garment is worked in simple garter stitch, but be prepared for a very boxy, retro silhouette due to the drop-shoulder construction. The biggest trap with this pattern lies in the final step: the instructions explicitly tell you to reverse your seaming about 2 inches from the bottom edge. If you mindlessly sew the side and sleeve seams straight up from the cast-on edge, you will sew the slits shut and won’t be able to fold up the cuffs as the pattern intends.
Also, keep a close eye on the buttonhole spacing if you are knitting anything other than the 6-month size; the starting points for the buttonholes aren’t mathematically uniform across the sizing, so don’t just blindly follow a set row count. Encore Worsted is a fantastic, indestructible workhorse yarn that will survive literally thousands of trips through the washing machine, making this an ideal pattern for everyday wear or charity knitting.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: US 9
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mon, 12 mon, 18 mon, 24 mon
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Easy Garter Stitch Baby Sweater pattern
Besties Cardigan
A delightfully colorful and easy knit, but do not be fooled by the “Easy” rating—your gauge swatch will make or break this project. The pattern calls for a staggering 40 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch, which is an incredibly dense fabric. If you are a naturally relaxed knitter, your sweater will end up inches too short, so be fully prepared to drop down a needle size or two. Also, keep in mind that the polyacrylic/polyamide blend is wonderfully durable and completely machine-washable, but it has zero structural memory and will “grow” once gravity takes over, meaning hitting that exact stitch and row gauge is crucial.
The hybrid construction is a nice touch—you knit the body bottom-up and join the shoulders with a 3-needle bind off, then pick up and work the sleeves seamlessly from the top down. Just take your time picking up stitches evenly for the button and neck bands; if your stitch count is off here, the final contrast-colored 2-stitch I-cord edging will pucker and wave instead of lying flat.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3 mo, 6-12 mo, 12-18 mo, 2 yr, 4 yr, 6 yr
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Besties Cardigan pattern
This and That Cardigan
A fantastic, modern open-front cardigan, but the front panels feature a highly specific construction trick you need to respect: they are knit entirely on the bias starting from the inner neck corner. Knitting on the bias creates a beautiful, swingy drape that toddlers love, but it completely warps your row gauge—do not measure your length from the cast-on edge or your sweater will end up completely lopsided. You must follow the pattern’s instructions to measure straight down from the shoulder.
Additionally, working a built-in I-cord edge while knitting on a diagonal angle requires a relaxed tension on those slipped edge stitches; if you pull them too tight, the front panels will curve inward and refuse to lay flat. Finally, take the yardage warning seriously for the size 8 years. Because it uses almost exactly 529 yards (an entire 200g ball of this yarn), if you encounter a bad knot in the middle of the skein, you will not have enough yarn to finish. Buy that extra ball just to be safe.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 2 yrs, 4 yrs, 6 yrs, 8 yrs, 10 yrs, 12 yrs, 14 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free This and That Cardigan pattern
Easy Rib Baby Jacket
Don’t let the name fool you—while the stitching itself is simple, the construction has a few quirks you need to watch out for. The pattern uses a wide, twisted rib (K1 tbl, P4) on the front panels to create subtle texture, but if you are a tight knitter, constantly twisting those stitches can quickly fatigue your hands, so try to keep your tension relaxed. Interestingly, only the front bands and panels get this texture; the back is worked entirely in plain stockinette, so don’t accidentally try to carry the twisted pattern across the whole piece. When you get to the sleeves, note that there is absolutely zero cap shaping—you just bind off straight across and “ease” it into the armhole.
To avoid a bulky, gathered shoulder seam, take the time to aggressively block the top edge of those sleeves flat before sewing them in. Finally, the neckband instructions tell you to pick up “about” 20 stitches; do yourself a favor and do the actual math based on your row gauge, or your neckband will ripple.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 3 mm (US 2-3) and 3.25 mm (US 3-4)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Easy Rib Jacket pattern
A Simple Style Baby Cardigan and Hat
A perfect, classic baby shower knit that lives up to its name—this is exactly the kind of straightforward, no-fuss pattern you want when your brain is too tired for complex charts. Because it is a traditional Lion Brand design, expect it to be knit flat in separate pieces, which means you will have some seaming to do at the end. Don’t be tempted to skip the blocking; simple stockinette edges have a nasty habit of rolling, and a good steam press will make your seamed shoulders and sides look incredibly professional.
The light blue colorway shown is a beautiful, timeless choice that works for any baby, and knitting the matching hat is a brilliant way to use up every last scrap of yarn so you don’t end up with orphaned skeins cluttering your stash.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: US 8 (5.0 mm)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6-9 mos (and additional standard baby sizes)
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free A Simple Style Baby Cardigan and Hat pattern
Daisy Cardi
A wonderfully soft and squishy layering piece that works up incredibly fast on chunky needles, but knitters need to take the gauge swatch for this one very seriously. The pattern calls for a highly unusual 26 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch. If your natural garter stitch tension is even slightly looser than this—and for most knitters, it is—your cardigan will end up hanging past the baby’s knees.
Don’t be afraid to drop down a needle size or two to get that dense, cozy fabric the design requires. Additionally, because this is knit in 100% cotton, keep in mind that the fiber has absolutely zero stretch or give. When you seam the sides and set the sleeves in, use a gentle, relaxed tension with your tapestry needle; if you pull your mattress stitches too tight, the seams will become rigid, bulky lines that restrict a baby’s movement.
- Yarn weight: Worsted / Chunky
- Needle size: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) and US 10 (6 mm)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3-6 mo, 6-12 mo, 18-24 mo
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Daisy Cardi pattern
Bernat Li’l Tots Top Down Cardigan
The ultimate mindless, TV-watching knit since the entire sweater is worked in squishy garter stitch, but do not let the simplicity trick you into skipping your gauge swatch. The pattern calls for a highly unusual 30 rows per 4 inches—which is an incredibly dense fabric. If you are a loose knitter and only check your stitch gauge, your cardigan will end up inches too short.
You also need to pay close attention to the raglan increase setup: the pattern explicitly tells you to place the stitch marker on the last stitch of the section, not between the stitches. If you default to your usual marker placement, your yarn-overs will migrate off-center and your raglan lines will look wobbly and lopsided. It’s a brilliant, fast-knitting design, and leaving the bottom hem completely un-ribbed gives it a perfectly wavy, cozy finish that requires zero extra effort.
- Yarn weight: Bulky
- Needle size: 5 mm (US 8)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Top Down Cardigan pattern
Jelli Beenz Side by Side Baby Cardigan
A visually striking cardigan that looks incredibly complex but uses a clever trick: the back is knit in two halves, side-by-side, using two different colors of yarn. Because you are essentially knitting two separate pieces on the same needle, the golden rule of this pattern is to never forget to twist your two working yarns at the center back on every wrong-side row. If you space out and forget to cross them, you will end up with a giant, unintentional slit right up the back of the sweater.
The rest of the construction is incredibly basic—a traditional drop-shoulder with plain stockinette sleeves—so the yarn really does all the heavy lifting. Just keep a close eye on your tension when switching between the two colors at the center seam; a tight twist will cause the fabric to pucker, while a too-loose twist will leave a sloppy gap.
- Yarn weight: Worsted / Chunky
- Needle size: US 6 & US 8
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 0-6 months, 9-12 months
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Jelli Beenz Side by Side Baby Cardigan pattern
In the Details Knit Hoodie
A fantastic pattern for newer knitters who want to dip their toes into textured stitches without committing to a full, complicated cable project. The body and sleeves are simple, squishy garter stitch, but don’t let the “Easy” label fool you—check your row gauge strictly before you start. With 36 rows to 4 inches, this fabric knits up incredibly dense; if you are a naturally loose knitter, your sweater will end up inches too long before you even hit the underarms.
The “Wrap 3” stitch on the hood is a lovely, modern detail that creates a faux-cable effect without a cable needle, but it does require a bit of manual dexterity to maneuver the yarn over the slipped stitches. Also, take special care when you reach the pocket placement; the pattern has you bind off mid-row, knit across a separate needle of lining stitches, and then continue, which can feel completely awkward if you haven’t read that step ahead of time.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free In the Details Knit Hoodie pattern
Cable & Textured Knit Baby Cardigans
For knitters who enjoy a little extra texture, these cable and textured knit baby cardigan patterns combine beautiful stitch details with timeless style. From classic cable panels to subtle textured stitches, these designs add warmth, depth, and character while creating cosy baby cardigans that are perfect for everyday wear, special occasions, or treasured handmade gifts.
Fantasy Rib & Cable Cardigan
A beautifully textured, classic cardigan, but you need to brace yourself for one of the most notoriously confusing cast-on instructions in vintage-style patterns. The pattern establishes the 3/2 rib and 9-stitch cables all in a single, massive run-on sentence that changes depending on the size you are knitting. Before you even touch your yarn, sit down with a highlighter and write out your specific size’s stitch sequence on a separate piece of paper, and place stitch markers between every cable panel immediately. The yarn itself is a cozy, low-maintenance blend, but pay close attention to the buttonholes; instead of a standard yarn-over, you are instructed to bind off 2 stitches and cast them back on the next row. This creates a somewhat horizontal, rustic slit, so keep those cast-on edges neat. Also note that the collar is knit completely separately as a flat garter stitch strip and sewn on at the end, rather than being picked up and knit directly from the neck edge.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: 4.5 mm
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 6-9 mos, 12-18 mos, 2 yrs, 4 yrs, 6 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Fantasy Rib & Cable Cardigan pattern
Johannes Baby Cardigan
A brilliantly architectural cardigan inspired by Danish modernist churches, but knitters need to be fully prepared for the unique physical act of knitting this pattern. You are holding three strands of yarn together simultaneously—two of a fluffy brushed mohair/silk blend and one of wool. This creates an incredibly squishy, warm fabric, but it will split constantly. Put away your blunt bamboo needles and use ultra-sharp, metal tips to prevent the plies from catching.
Because mohair blooms and grows dramatically, the pattern explicitly states that your gauge must be measured after washing your swatch; if you measure it dry, your sweater will end up inches too large. The construction features a highly unusual finishing touch: the shoulder seams are grafted together using a Kitchener stitch worked directly over the bound-off edges. It creates a beautifully invisible seam, but working Kitchener over bound-off stitches is notoriously fiddly. Finally, read the buttonhole instructions carefully; you bind off a stitch on one row, and then use a make-1 increase to cast on over the gap on the next row. It’s a great technique for chunky yarn, but easy to mess up if you try to do it all in one go.
- Yarn weight: Bulky (effectively, using 3 strands held together)
- Needle size: 4.5 mm & 5 mm
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Johannes Baby Cardigan pattern
Cherub Baby Cabled Raglan Cardigan
A gorgeous, classic cable-knit that makes a stunning gift, utilizing a practical nylon-acrylic blend that can handle endless trips through the washing machine. However, because acrylic doesn’t have the stitch memory of wool, you’ll want to block this aggressively to make those intricate Diamond and Swinging cables really pop.
The most unusual—and potentially frustrating—part of this pattern is the construction. You aren’t cabling all the way to the collar; once you hit the underarm, the pattern explicitly tells you to decrease a stitch right out of the middle of your cable panels and switch to plain stockinette for the raglan shaping. If you aren’t expecting your beautiful cables to abruptly vanish halfway up the sweater, it can feel like you made a mistake. Additionally, read the band instructions carefully before you cast on: the pattern only reminds you to make the first buttonhole, and after that, you are entirely on your own to remember to work them every 14 to 18 rows depending on the size.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: US 2 & 3
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Cherub Baby Cabled Raglan Cardigan pattern
Katia Merino 100 Baby Jacket with Cable Yoke
A sweet, classic baby cardigan that relies on a striking cable yoke to do all the heavy lifting in the design department. The Katia Merino 100 Extrafine is buttery soft and perfect for sensitive baby skin, but because it’s a 100% wool, be prepared for a little bit of pilling over time in high-friction areas like the underarms. The most crucial part of this pattern is nailing your gauge before you start the yoke. Cables naturally pull in the fabric, so if your stockinette gauge is even slightly looser than your cable gauge, you’ll end up with a puckered, wavy seam where the yoke meets the plain body. Take the extra time to swatch both the cable panel and the plain stockinette side-by-side to ensure they measure the exact same width, and keep a row counter handy to track your yoke decreases accurately.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3M, 6M, 12M, 18M, 24M
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Katia Baby Jacket pattern
Left of Center Cardi
A beautifully textured option for knitters who want a step up from basic stockinette, with a breathable bamboo-cotton blend that makes it perfect for spring and fall layering. The “Creative Reliefs” stitch pattern gives the fabric lovely dimension, but you need to stay sharp when hitting the armhole and neckline shaping. The pattern specifically advises dropping to plain stockinette if you don’t have enough stitches to complete the full textured stitch during your increases or decreases—ignore this, and your edges will pucker awkwardly. It also features a whopping ten tiny buttons down the front, which is an incredibly charming vintage detail, but definitely requires a bit of patience at the finishing stage.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 3.25 mm (US 3) and 2.75 mm (US 2)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 2 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Left of Center Cardi pattern
Sullivans Baby Soft Textured Jacket
A beautifully textured cardigan that uses a “Knit 1 Below” stitch to create a deeply squishy, almost woven fabric, but you need to be extremely careful with your stitch count. Because the K1B technique interlocks the stitches vertically, if you drop a stitch, it will happily unravel down multiple rows, and tinking (unknitting) stitch by stitch is incredibly frustrating. I highly recommend threading a lifeline through your needles after you finish the bottom ribbing. The shoulder construction is also a bit quirky; you work a cute little decorative increase pattern (K1, yo, K1 into one stitch) and then deliberately decrease it away with a P3tog to create a gathered, puffy yoke effect. Pay close attention when working that P3tog row to ensure you are only catching the correct yarn overs. Finally, when you get to the finishing, read the sleeve seaming instructions carefully—only the very top 2cm of the sleeve cap is sewn to the armhole bind-off, with the rest of the sleeve seamed straight down the side. If you try to ease the whole sleeve cap into the armhole, you’ll end up with a gathered, lumpy shoulder.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 3.25 mm (US 3-4) and 3.75 mm (US 5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Jacket pattern
Little Explorer
A gorgeous, classic top-down raglan, but knitters need to be highly vigilant about their gauge before casting on. The pattern calls for a massive 48 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch using tiny 3mm needles with fingering weight yarn. If you are a naturally relaxed knitter, your sweater will end up inches too large and the cables won’t sit properly, so do not skip the swatch—block it and measure it twice. The cables do the heavy lifting for the visual interest, and because the raglan increases are worked as yarn-overs immediately adjacent to the cable panels, you’ll want to use nice, pointy needle tips to avoid splitting the fine BabyMerino wool. Also note that while this is a top-down sweater, it is worked entirely flat and seamed at the end (including the sleeves), with a delicate crochet border added to frame the edges for a highly polished finish.
- Yarn weight: Fingering
- Needle size: 3 mm (US 2.5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: Premature – 4 years
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Little Explorer pattern
Sparkle Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan
A classic, densely knit cardigan with a touch of novelty sparkle, but you need to pay extremely close attention to your row gauge before you cast on. The pattern calls for an unusually tight 40 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in garter stitch. If you are a relaxed knitter, your sweater will end up inches too short; you may even need to drop down a needle size to achieve this dense, pillowy texture. The cotton-acrylic blend is wonderfully sturdy and machine-washable, but it lacks the elasticity of wool, so seaming requires a gentle hand to avoid bulky, rigid seams.
You also need to study the cast-on numbers closely before you begin: the left front casts on nearly double the stitches of the right front. This indicates the button band is knitted concurrently with the left front piece—a very old-school European construction method that can confuse knitters used to picking up bands later. Finally, when you reach the back neck, take a deep breath; you are binding off the center stitches and slanting the shoulders simultaneously, so row tracking here is absolutely mandatory.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: Birth, 6 mos, 12 mos, 2 yrs, 3 yrs, 4 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Sparkle Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan pattern
Bunny Hugs Jacket and Shorts
A sweet, classic set that looks like it stepped straight out of a boutique, but knitters need to respect the fact that this is worked entirely in 100% cotton. Cotton has absolutely zero stretch or “give,” which means your gauge swatch needs to be dead-on accurate. If you knit even slightly too tightly, you will have a nightmare trying to ease those set-in sleeve caps into the armholes during the finishing phase. Also, pay close attention to the buttonhole construction; binding off the middle 3 stitches of a 7-stitch garter band and casting them back on can look a bit clunky. Use a tight, knitted cast-on for those 3 stitches on the return row to keep the edges tidy. The textured pattern is gorgeous, but because cotton highlights every single stitch, take the extra time to count your pattern repeats frequently so you don’t end up having to tink back through a fuzzy, inelastic fiber.
- Yarn weight: Fingering
- Needle size: 2.5 mm (US 1.5) and 3 mm (US 2.5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6/9 mos, 12/18 mos, 2 yrs, 3 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round then flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Bunny Hugs pattern
Lace & Delicate Knit Baby Cardigans
Lulu Cardigan
A beautifully breathable cardigan that perfectly showcases a marled cotton-acrylic blend, but knitters need to be highly cautious when reaching the neck shaping. The “Lace Rib” pattern relies heavily on double yarn-overs. If you blindly try to work these double yarn-overs while binding off for the neckline, you will end up with giant, unintentional holes. Heed the designer’s advice and drop those edge stitches into plain stockinette stitch when you run out of room. The most crucial part of this pattern, however, is reading the buttonhole instructions in their entirety before you start the right front band. The buttonholes are worked over two rows using a highly unusual method of pairing the yarn-overs with adjacent stitches—and you have to check if those adjacent stitches are knits or purls to decide whether to use an SSK or an SSP. It is incredibly fiddly, but it creates a perfectly sized, beautifully polished opening that standard yarn-overs just can’t match.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: US 7 & US 8 (4.5 mm & 5 mm)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 6-12 mos, 18-24 mos, 2-3 yrs, 3-4 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Lulu Cardigan pattern
Cute as a Button Cardi
A beautifully delicate top-down cardigan with a stunning leaf-lace yoke, but knitters need to be highly vigilant during the increase rows. Unlike traditional raglans where you increase 8 stitches neatly at the marker lines, this pattern requires you to blindly increase 20 to 29 stitches randomly across a single row of stockinette. If you do not distribute these increases as evenly as humanly possible, your “Larkspur” lace pattern will become completely lopsided and impossible to track. Maintaining a strict 6-stitch garter border on both edges while simultaneously working the 8-row lace repeat and those massive increase rows requires intense focus. Because the yarn is a 100% anti-pilling acrylic, don’t expect the eyelets to block open quite as crisply as they would in wool; a light steam press is all you need, as aggressive blocking can flatten the beautiful misty texture of the yarn.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 18-24 mos, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs, 9-10 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Cute as a Button Cardi pattern
Dipped Detail Knit Cardigan
A clever take on the traditional baby raglan, where delicate lace panels are strategically placed right along the raglan seam lines to create a beautiful “dipped” visual effect. Before you cast on, absolutely swatch for this one—the pattern calls for a highly unusual 40 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch, which is incredibly dense. If you are a typical knitter, you may need to drop down a needle size or two; otherwise, your yarn will balloon and your cardigan will turn into a stiff bulletproof vest. The construction is satisfying but requires your full attention: you knit the body and sleeves flat, then join everything onto one long circular needle for the yoke. Because your raglan decreases happen immediately adjacent to the lace panel stitch markers, it is very easy to accidentally eat into the 7-stitch lace panel if you lose focus. Count your stitches between markers religiously after every decrease row.
- Yarn weight: Light / DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat (joined for yoke)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Dipped Detail Knit Cardigan pattern
Arches Baby Cardigan
A beautifully delicate cardigan with an elegant openwork motif, but you need to be highly disciplined when it comes to the shaping. The “Arches” pattern relies on a Centered Double Decrease (CDD) paired with yarn-overs. When you reach the armholes and neck shaping, you will inevitably run out of stitches to complete both the decrease and the yarn-over at the edges. Heed the designer’s note and drop those edge stitches into plain stockinette; if you try to force the lace pattern into the decreases, your seams will pucker and pull awkwardly. Also, pay close attention to the front bands—they are knit slightly differently. The left band is standard garter stitch, but the right band is worked in purl garter stitch so that the bind-off buttonholes face the correct direction. It’s a clever construction detail, but if you zone out and knit them identically, your buttonholes will end up backwards.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: 3.75 mm (US 5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Arches Baby Cardigan pattern
Odeta Jacket and Slippers
A stunning, heirloom-quality set that looks incredibly delicate, but requires a knitter who pays close attention to gauge and unconventional construction. First, a warning: the gauge is incredibly dense—24 stitches and a whopping 48 rows in garter stitch using fingering weight yarn on tiny 3mm needles. If you are a loose knitter, you will need to drop a needle size or two, otherwise your jacket will turn out entirely too large.
The construction is also highly unusual; instead of knitting sleeves separately or picking up stitches, you cast on new stitches at the end of every row to build the sleeves outward from the body, all while simultaneously shaping a deep V-neck. You absolutely must read the pattern through completely before casting on so you understand how the front, back, and sleeves divide. The finishing touch—a delicate crocheted picot edge with tied cords—makes it well worth the mental gymnastics for a special occasion gift.
- Yarn weight: Fingering
- Needle size: 3 mm (US 2.5) and 2.5 mm (US 1.5)
- Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Sizes included: Premature – 4 years
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Odeta Jacket and Slippers pattern
Baby Bloom Set
A beautifully soft, luxury baby gift that feels like a cloud, but knitters need to adjust their expectations before casting on. Because the pattern calls for Bella Cash—a delicate, buttery blend of alpaca, silk, and fine merino—the yarn is incredibly slippery and notoriously splitty. You will want to put away your blunt bamboo needles and use ultra-sharp, metal needle tips to prevent the plies from separating as you work. The design relies on simple, classic lines to let the luxury yarn do the talking, but keep a close eye on your gauge; using tiny US 2 and US 3 needles means that even a slight deviation in your natural tension will drastically throw off the sizing for the smaller 3-month option. It’s rated as an easy knit, but treat it with care, as this delicate fiber doesn’t frog (unknit) gracefully if you have to rip back multiple rows to fix a mistake.
- Yarn weight: Sport / Fine
- Needle size: US 2 & US 3
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3-6 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat (with DPNs for hat)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Bloom Set pattern
Striped & Colorwork Knit Baby Cardigans
Add a splash of colour to your knitting with these striped and colourwork knit baby cardigan patterns. Featuring everything from simple stripes to eye-catching Fair Isle and other decorative motifs, these designs are a wonderful way to create unique baby cardigans that are both fun to knit and beautiful to wear.
Parker
A wonderfully fast knit thanks to the chunky yarn, but knitters need to be hyper-aware of a massive gauge shift before they cast on. The stockinette gauge is a relaxed 13 stitches to 4 inches, but the striped chevron pattern pulls the fabric in so tightly that it measures 18 stitches to 4 inches. Because the pattern has you work a single stitch of plain stockinette on each edge to transition from the ribbing into the chevrons, you might experience some weird rippling or pulling at those seams—just block it aggressively and it should settle. The “V-dec” (a centered double decrease) is a fun, textural detail, but pay close attention when you reach the armhole shaping. The pattern specifically warns you to drop into plain stockinette if you run out of room to work both the yarn-over and the decrease at the edges, which is a very common trap with chevron patterns.
- Yarn weight: Bulky / Chunky
- Needle size: 6.50 mm (US 10½)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 9 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Parker Cardigan pattern
Speckle Cardigan
A fantastic introduction to colorwork for knitters who are intimidated by stranding and managing multiple floats. Because it relies entirely on slipped stitches, you only ever handle one color per row, making the striking multi-color effect look much harder than it actually is. However, don’t let the “Easy” label make you complacent when working the bottom ribbing.
The stitch count adjustments on the very last row of the ribbing are highly unusual and vary wildly depending on the size you are making—some sizes add stitches, the 6-month size stays the same, and the 9-month size actually decreases by 2 stitches, so read that specific line carefully before you proceed. Also, since you’ll be carrying the inactive colors loosely up the side edges, take the extra second to twist your yarns together at the start of every right-side row; if you skip this, you’ll end up with sloppy, sagging loops when it’s time to seam your sides.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4.00 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 9 mos, 12 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Speckle Cardigan pattern
Hot Cakes
The perfect project for knitters who want the look of complex colorwork without actually having to manage multiple strands of yarn, but you need to be strategic about how you use this self-striping cake. The construction is a very traditional, true drop-shoulder design—meaning there is absolutely zero armhole shaping on the body, and the sleeves are simple rectangles. If you are used to knitting modern, shaped garments, do not panic and try to add armhole decreases; just sew those sleeves straight into the flat side edges. The most important tip for this specific pattern: pay attention to where your color changes are falling when you start the fronts and back. Because the shoulders are seamed using a 3-needle bind off with live stitches, starting your front and back pieces at different points in the color repeat will result in a jarring, mismatched stripe right across the top of the sweater.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: US 5 & US 7
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 0-3 months, 6-9 months, 12-18 months
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Hot Cakes Baby Cardigan pattern
Cherub Aran Baby Blooms Cardigan
A fantastic introduction to colorwork since the slip-stitch checks mean you only ever handle one color per row, but you have to be incredibly disciplined about your yarn tension. The pattern specifically requires you to slip purlwise with yarn in back (YB) and knit with yarn in front (YF); if your muscle memory takes over and you slip knitwise or mess up the yarn position, those neat little checks will look twisted and distorted.
The construction also features a highly unusual detail: you cast on 4 extra stitches right at the armhole edge before working the colorwork, and then later pick up stitches along that cast-on edge to knit tiny side vents. Don’t skip those little vent borders—they give crucial structure to an otherwise very boxy, drop-shoulder silhouette. Because the Cherub Aran yarn is a nylon-acrylic blend with zero memory, take the time to block this firmly; otherwise, the slip stitches might look a little puckered and the cardigan will just hang limply instead of holding its shape.
- Yarn weight: Worsted / Aran
- Needle size: US 5 & US 7
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 6-9 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 2 yrs, 3 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Cherub Aran Baby Blooms Cardigan pattern
Five a Day Knit Cardigan
A fun, highly customizable top-down raglan that lets you play with cute fruit motifs, but don’t let the “Easy” yarn distract you from the mental gymnastics required at the transition point. Bernat Softee Baby is a classic, budget-friendly workhorse that holds up beautifully in the washing machine, but it can be quite splitty. Do yourself a favor and use sharp, pointy needle tips when working the colorwork chart so you don’t accidentally snag the acrylic plies.
The most challenging part of this pattern isn’t the stitches themselves, but the row where the chart ends. Immediately after finishing your colorwork motif, you have to start counting raglan increases while simultaneously juggling the color changes for the striped pattern. Keep a row counter handy and consider placing a removable stitch marker on the first stitch of every new stripe repeat so you don’t lose your place. Also, prepare yourself for the buttonhole band—you’ll be working a tight cast-off/cast-on rhythm up to 10 times in a single row!
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: US 5 & US 6 (3.75 mm & 4 mm)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Five a Day Knit Cardigan pattern
Rah Rah Baby Hat and Cardi
A fantastic, practical baby gift that will actually survive the washing machine, thanks to Universal Yarn’s anti-pilling acrylic. The self-striping “Spirit Stripes” yarn does all the heavy lifting for the visual appeal, but knitters need to go into this project with the right mindset regarding the seams. Because this is a traditional bottom-up cardigan worked in separate pieces, you will have to seam the sides and sleeves.
Do not drive yourself crazy trying to match the self-striping color changes perfectly at the side seams—just accept that they will be slightly offset, use a nice, elastic mattress stitch, and move on. Also, because acrylic has zero memory or stretch, those seams can feel a bit rigid if pulled too tight; keep your seaming tension relaxed so the cardigan retains a soft drape. Pairing the busy stripes with a solid contrast color for the button bands and collar is a brilliant design choice that grounds the whole look.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm)
- Skill level: Easy to Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, 24 mos, 4T
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat (Cardigan), Knit in the round (Hat)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Rah Rah Baby Hat and Cardi pattern
Top-Down & Seamless Knit Baby Cardigans
Baby Bear Knit Hoodie
A delightfully seamless, top-down knit that is incredibly cute, but you need to stay awake during the first few rows because the construction is a little quirky. Unlike most top-down raglans where you cast on the front bands right at the neck with the rest of the stitches, this pattern has you work a few increase rows and then cast on the 4 band stitches mid-yoke (Rows 5 and 6). If you zone out and forget to add them, your stitch counts for the entire sweater will be completely thrown off. Additionally, the buttonholes start surprisingly early—right in the middle of your raglan increases on Row 10—and then continue down the body. You’ll need to keep a close eye on your row counter so a buttonhole doesn’t accidentally land exactly on an increase line. The Bunches of Hugs yarn is famously soft, but it can be a bit splitty, so use nice, sharp needle tips to keep your increases looking tidy.
- Yarn weight: Bulky / Chunky
- Needle size: 5 mm (US 8)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Bear Knit Hoodie pattern
Top Down Vintage Cardigans
A charming, classic top-down raglan that uses a clever, old-school construction trick you absolutely need to watch out for. The front button bands are not picked up and knit at the end like modern cardigans; instead, you cast on the band stitches mid-row right after you finish your initial raglan increases. If you zone out and miss that one specific purl row where you cast on 3 to 7 stitches at each end, your stitch counts will be completely derailed for the rest of the yoke.
The 8-stitch cable panels are relatively simple, but balancing those cables while maintaining your raglan increase rhythm requires keeping a close eye on your stitch markers. Also note that the girl and boy versions diverge significantly at the bottom hem—the girl gets a delicate picot eyelet border, while the boy gets a handsome allover cable border—so make sure you highlight the correct set of finishing instructions before you cast off.
- Yarn weight: Sport
- Needle size: 3.25 mm (US 3) and 3.75 mm (US 5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Top Down Vintage Cardigans pattern
Baby Duck Jacket
A beautifully classic raglan cardigan that feels incredibly luxurious against a baby’s skin, but knitters need to be hyper-aware of the yarn’s behavior before they cast on. DROPS Alpaca is famously buttery soft, but because it is a 100% alpaca hair fiber, it is heavy and has zero structural memory. This means the sweater will “grow” significantly in length once gravity takes over, so you absolutely must match both the stitch and row gauge perfectly. In fact, it is highly recommended to knit your gauge swatch, hang a little weight on it overnight to simulate wear, and re-measure before starting. Additionally, working a fuzzy, slippery yarn on tiny 2.5 mm needles for the ribbing can be a frustrating chore if you are a tight knitter; consider switching to wood or bamboo needles for this section to keep your tension relaxed and your hands from cramping.
- Yarn weight: Fingering
- Needle size: 2.5 mm (US 1.5) and 3 mm (US 2.5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: Premature – 4 years
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit in the round to underarms, then flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Duck Jacket pattern
Knit Baby Jacket Set
An incredibly beginner-friendly set, but do not let the “Easy” label trick you into skipping your gauge swatch. The pattern calls for a wildly dense 38 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch—if your natural tension is even slightly looser, your cardigan will end up hanging past the baby’s knees before you even divide for the body. The raglan shaping relies on maintaining a simple 2-stitch purl panel between your markers, which gives a nice subtle textural break against the garter stitch, but you need to keep your stitch count precise so those purl lines don’t start leaning or migrating. Because the entire cardigan and hat are done in simple garter stitch, it’s delightfully squishy and reversible, making it a highly forgiving project for newer knitters who want a polished, matching gift without the stress of complex colorwork or cables.
- Yarn weight: Light / Sport
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: Newborn, 3 mos, 6/12 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Knit Baby Jacket Set pattern
Seamless Baby Cardigan
A clever take on bottom-up construction that eliminates seaming, but knitters need to be prepared for a slightly fiddly yoke join. Because the underarm bind-offs are only 2 stitches wide, trying to stretch that tiny gap across your circular needle to join the sleeves and body can feel like wrestling an octopus. Take the designer’s advice and switch to DPNs for those first few transition rows. See more Seamless Baby Knitting Patterns.
You also need to stay sharp when reaching the raglan shaping, because you are decreasing for the shoulders and the V-neck at the exact same time on alternating rows. Plymouth Knitcol creates beautiful, effortless color stripes, but keep a row counter handy; if you lose track of your alternating ridge rows in the yoke, the color shifts will look jagged instead of smooth. Lastly, note the old-school buttonhole placement—boys get buttons starting at the bottom hem, while girls get them starting at the neckline.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: US 3 (3.25 mm) and US 6 (4 mm)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 6-12 mos, 18-24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round, joined for yoke)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Seamless Baby Cardigan pattern
Unique & Unusual Construction Knit Baby Cardigans
Looking for something a little different? These unique and unusual knit baby cardigan patterns feature creative construction techniques, innovative shaping, and distinctive designs that go beyond the traditional cardigan. They’re perfect for knitters who enjoy trying new methods while creating beautiful handmade garments for babies.
Cygnet DK Baby Cardigan with Pockets
A charming, vintage-style cardigan that is entirely knit in squishy garter stitch, but be warned: the construction is highly unusual by modern standards. Before you start, read the whole pattern, because there are no traditional sleeves to knit and set in. Instead, you build the sleeves outward from the armhole by casting on 8 stitches at the beginning of six consecutive rows. You also need to pay close attention during the left front, as you’ll be binding off stitches mid-row to create a slit and immediately knitting across a separately made pocket lining. Additionally, check your gauge closely—the pattern calls for a very dense 40 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch; if you are a relaxed knitter, your sweater will end up inches too long. The finishing is lovely, though, featuring a clever trick of reversing the seam allowance to fold back the sleeve cuffs.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 20″, 21″, 23″, 24″ chest
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Cygnet DK Baby Cardigan pattern
Checco’s Dream Cardigan
A stunning, textured baby cardigan that features an incredibly unique and highly unusual construction method that will keep you on your toes. Do not attempt this pattern while watching TV; you absolutely must read the entire construction section before casting on. Rather than knitting top-down or bottom-up in the traditional sense, you knit the right front from the bottom hem up to the shoulder, simultaneously casting on stitches at the end of every row to build the sleeve while decreasing for a V-neck.
You then do the left front, join the two fronts at the shoulders with a back-neck cast-on, and knit the back piece downward to the hem. Because you are balancing sleeve increases and neck decreases at the exact same time while working seed stitch (M.1), keeping your stitch count aligned is notoriously fiddly. The pocket slits are also knit separately and sewn on later with duplicate stitch, which gives a beautiful, polished finish, provided you don’t lose your place in the pattern while working over the held stitches.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Sizes included: 1/3 mos, 6/9 mos, 12/18 mos, 2 yrs, 3/4 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Checco’s Dream Cardigan pattern
Baby Ferris
A beautifully polished little cardigan, but knitters should be prepared for some highly unconventional construction techniques that break away from standard sweater knitting. The back is split into two entirely separate pieces—a lower back that is bound off, and a back yoke that is knitted from the shoulders down—which you then seam together at the waistline. The real challenge, however, is the U-shaped cable placket on the front. You are simultaneously decreasing for the side seam while working a 26-stitch cable chart that dictates the front edge shape.
Pay extremely close attention to the right front band instructions; instead of standard buttonholes, you have to pick up a few stitches, cast on 2 stitches, skip a half-inch gap on the sweater front, and repeat. It’s a clever way to create a shaped opening, but if you try to just pick up stitches continuously across, you will completely lose the architectural look of the placket.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 3.50 mm (US 4) and 4.00 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: Newborn, 3 mos, 6 mos, 9 mos, 12 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Ferris pattern
Quick Stitch Cardigan
Don’t let the “Easy” skill level fool you—the construction of this little cardigan is highly unconventional and will completely throw off an experienced knitter who doesn’t read the pattern through first. You start at the lower back hem, knit up the back, and then abruptly build the sleeves outward by casting on 8 stitches at the beginning of the next 6 rows. Once you reach the shoulders, you bind off the back neck, split the piece, and actually work the fronts downward, binding off the sleeve stitches to shape the armholes. Because you are working a self-striping yarn in seed stitch, be aware that all those sudden cast-ons and bind-offs are going to create jagged, unpredictable color breaks along the sleeves and front edges. Seed stitch is notoriously difficult to tink (unknit) row by row if you make a mistake, so place a lifeline right before you start the sleeve cast-ons just to be safe.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Quick Stitch Cardigan pattern
Knit Baby Jacket Set
An incredibly beginner-friendly set, but do not let the “Easy” label trick you into skipping your gauge swatch. The pattern calls for a wildly dense 38 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch—if your natural tension is even slightly looser, your cardigan will end up hanging past the baby’s knees before you even divide for the body. The raglan shaping relies on maintaining a simple 2-stitch purl panel between your markers, which gives a nice subtle textural break against the garter stitch, but you need to keep your stitch count precise so those purl lines don’t start leaning or migrating. Because the entire cardigan and hat are done in simple garter stitch, it’s delightfully squishy and reversible, making it a highly forgiving project for newer knitters who want a polished, matching gift without the stress of complex colorwork or cables.
- Yarn weight: Light / Sport
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: Newborn, 3 mos, 6/12 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Knit Baby Jacket Set pattern
A Simple Style Baby Cardigan and Hat
A perfect, classic baby shower knit that lives up to its name—this is exactly the kind of straightforward, no-fuss pattern you want when your brain is too tired for complex charts. Because it is a traditional Lion Brand design, expect it to be knit flat in separate pieces, which means you will have some seaming to do at the end. Don’t be tempted to skip the blocking; simple stockinette edges have a nasty habit of rolling, and a good steam press will make your seamed shoulders and sides look incredibly professional.
The light blue colorway shown is a beautiful, timeless choice that works for any baby, and knitting the matching hat is a brilliant way to use up every last scrap of yarn so you don’t end up with orphaned skeins cluttering your stash.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: US 8 (5.0 mm)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6-9 mos (and additional standard baby sizes)
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free A Simple Style Baby Cardigan and Hat pattern
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Knit Hoodie
A sweet, vintage-inspired hoodie that requires strict attention to finishing rather than complex stitch work. Because it’s made entirely of cotton, it will feel incredibly heavy and have absolutely zero stretch while you’re knitting it, which can cause hand fatigue if you are a tight knitter. The most critical step in this entire pattern is the blocking instruction at the end—do not skip pinning your pieces to exact measurements and steam-blocking them, as cotton will easily grow or warp during seaming. The construction uses a traditional drop-shoulder method to form perfectly square armholes, meaning you just sew the flat sleeve top right up against the flat body edge. The hood shaping is quite abrupt, binding off 7 stitches at the start of 8 consecutive rows to form the curve, so take your time matching the center seam to the back neck so it doesn’t sit lopsided. The little knitted button covers are a charming, polished detail that really elevate the final look.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6) and 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Knit Hoodie pattern
Baby’s Hoodie
A classic, straightforward knit that is perfect for beginners, but you need to pay very close attention to the sleeve construction during the finishing phase. This pattern uses a true drop-shoulder method to create square armholes. When you knit the sleeves, you place a marker a few rows before the end, and the finishing instructions explicitly tell you to only sew the rows above those markers into the armhole. If you ignore the markers and try to ease the entire bound-off edge of the sleeve into the body, you will end up with weird, bulky, gathered flaps sticking out of the armpits. Also, brace yourself when you reach the top of the hood—the shaping is exceptionally steep, binding off 7 stitches at the start of 8 consecutive rows. It happens so fast you might think you’re reading the pattern wrong, but just trust the instructions and keep binding off.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: 3.75 mm (US 5) and 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby’s Hoodie pattern
Baby Jacket with Picot Edge
A fascinatingly sculptural knit that feels more like origami than traditional sweater construction, so you need to leave all your standard cardigan assumptions at the door. This jacket is worked in one continuous, dizzying sequence of short rows to build the front, sleeve, back, second sleeve, and final front without ever picking up a separate piece.
Before you cast on, take the gauge warning extremely seriously: 55 rows to 10 cm in garter stitch is an insanely dense, fine gauge. If your natural tension is even slightly looser, the mathematical geometry of the short rows will fail, and your sleeves will be miles too long. Because the entire piece is garter stitch, any holes caused by loose tension at your short-row turns will be glaringly obvious.
Follow the pattern’s specific wrap-and-turn method (slipping the stitch back and forth) religiously. Also, resist the urge to steam or press the sweater at the end—those delicate picked-up picot edges are meant to be folded to the wrong side and slip-stitched while the yarn retains its natural, springy loft.
- Yarn weight: Fingering / 4-ply
- Needle size: 3.25 mm
- Skill level: Advanced
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat (in one continuous modular piece)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Baby Jacket pattern
Cozy Cardi
A brilliantly cozy, ultra-thick cardigan, but you need to completely shift your brain out of traditional sweater-knitting mode because this piece is constructed entirely side-to-side. The fronts and hood are actually knit in one continuous piece, which feels completely counterintuitive at first. Because of this sideways construction, your row gauge absolutely dictates the finished length and sleeve circumference—do not skip the swatch.
The pattern calls for a very dense 27 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch on size 10 needles; if you are a naturally loose knitter, your sweater will be inches too short and the sleeves won’t fit around the arms. The finishing is also a bit of a mixed-media project; you pick up a traditional knitted band for the bottom hem, but you’ll need to pick up a crochet hook to create the button loops along the front edge. Since it uses a giant 200g ball of 100% acrylic, this is practically indestructible, making it the ultimate playground sweater.
- Yarn weight: Bulky
- Needle size: 6 mm (US 10)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3-6 mos, 9-12 mos, 18-24 mos, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat (side-to-side construction)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Cozy Cardi pattern
Year-Round Baby Cardigan
A classic, safe, and incredibly soft cardigan thanks to the Oeko-Tex certified yarn, but you must absolutely swatch for this one before you cast on. The pattern calls for a remarkably dense 40 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch. If your natural knitting tension is even slightly looser—and for most knitters, it is—your sweater will end up inches too short. You may need to drop down a needle size or two just to achieve that squishy, dense fabric.
Also, pay close attention to the sleeve construction, as it uses a slightly old-school method. You are instructed to pick up stitches only along the front and back armhole edges, deliberately skipping the bound-off underarm stitches. You then knit the sleeve downward, and hand-sew the top edge of that sleeve cap flat against the skipped underarm stitches. If you ignore this and pick up stitches all the way around, your sleeves will be baggy and sit strangely off the shoulder.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: 4 mm (US 6)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Year-Round Baby Cardigan pattern
Garter Stitch Hooded Jacket
A completely mindless, squishy project that is perfect for travel knitting, but you need to take the gauge swatch for this one very seriously. The pattern calls for an absolutely staggering 44 rows per 4 inches—which translates to 11 rows per single inch of fabric. If you are a relaxed knitter, your sweater will be inches too short, so be fully prepared to drop down a needle size or two to achieve that dense fabric.
The construction is also highly unconventional: there is absolutely zero neck shaping on the body. You simply knit the fronts and back straight up, put the live stitches on holders, and pick them up all at once for the hood, which creates a very wide, slouchy neck opening. Additionally, note that the pattern has you work the exact same buttonhole band twice on the front pieces—once near the bottom hem, and once near the collar. Don’t panic and think you missed a shaping row when you’re told to repeat that section; it’s just an odd vintage-style layout.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: 3.75 mm (US 5)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Garter Stitch Hooded Jacket pattern
Seeds of Spring Baby Cardi
A beautifully classic, traditional bottom-up cardigan, but you need to pay close attention to the cable technique because it breaks away from standard cabling. Instead of using a cable needle, the “Twisted Cable Pattern” requires you to manually knit the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st stitches in reverse order without dropping them off the left-hand needle. It creates a gorgeous, ultra-tight spiral, but if your needles are too blunt or you aren’t comfortable manipulating multiple live stitches, it can feel incredibly fiddly.
Also, don’t gloss over the designer’s note about the left front ribbing; you have to manually check your stitch count to decide whether to start the row with a knit or purl stitch so that the 2×2 rib perfectly transitions into the 6-stitch garter front band. Because the yarn is a ultra-soft acrylic, it lacks the natural “stickiness” of wool, so take the time to block this firmly so those manipulated cable stitches relax and show off their definition instead of looking like a tight, muddled knot.
- Yarn weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Needle size: 4.5 mm (US 7) and 5 mm (US 8)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Seeds of Spring Baby Cardi pattern
Picket Cardigan
A stunningly textured cardigan that really lets you show off your cable skills, but you need to be prepared to juggle a lot of moving parts at once. The 20-stitch Lattice Cable running down the front is a gorgeous showstopper, and because of how it’s constructed, you will need two cable needles at the same time. The most challenging part of this pattern isn’t the cables themselves, but the shaping. You are simultaneously working raglan decreases on one side and neck bind-offs on the other, all while trying to keep your cable panels intact.
If you do not place highly visible stitch markers on either side of both cable panels on the front pieces, you will inevitably eat into your cables when you execute your ssk ot k2tog decreases. Also, don’t blindly cast on and start ribbing—read the fine print, because the starting stitch of your 2×2 rib changes depending on the size you’re making. Finally, be prepared for a heavily buttoned look; this pattern asks for up to 11 tiny buttons spaced very closely together, which creates a beautifully vintage feel but requires a lot of patience at the finishing line.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: US 3 (3.25 mm) and US 4 (3.5 mm)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo, 24 mo
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Picket Cardigan pattern
Art Class Cardigan
A fantastically fun knit that lets the self-striping yarn do all the heavy lifting, making this an incredibly satisfying project for newer knitters. The wool/nylon blend is an excellent, practical choice for baby wear—the nylon adds crucial durability for little crawling knees, while the superwash wool keeps it soft and breathable. Based on the materials list calling for DPNs and stitch holders, you can safely assume this is a classic top-down raglan construction where the sleeves are placed on hold, the body is worked flat, and then the sleeves are finished seamlessly in the round.
The only thing you really need to watch out for is where your color transitions land when you divide for the underarms; if a jarring color change happens right at the split, your stripes will look mismatched across the seam. Also, take advantage of the fact that the designer specifically asks for a sewing needle and thread—sewing the buttons on with thread instead of yarn ensures they won’t stretch out and pop off in the wash.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: US 7 & US 8 (4.5 mm & 5 mm)
- Skill level: Easy
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, 24 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Art Class Cardigan pattern
Fir Cone Cardigan
A beautifully textured cardigan with a gorgeous, nubby stitch pattern, but you need to read the “Join Sleeves” section like a lawyer before you cast on. The construction method is highly unusual: instead of knitting the sleeves separately and seaming them, you knit the lower sleeves flat, put the inner 4 edge stitches of each sleeve onto stitch holders, and then mathematically juggle those stitches together with the body stitches and underarm stitches on holders all in one massive, chaotic row.
If you don’t map out exactly where your stitch holders are going before you reach that row, you will completely lose your place. Additionally, be mentally prepared for the yoke shaping—it is incredibly aggressive. The first decrease row removes almost half your stitches in a single pass by working k2tog across the entire row, and the third decrease row removes half of what’s left. This rapid decrease is intentional to create a deep, snuggly, folded shawl collar that is fastened with just a single button at the very tip.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 4 mm (UK 8 / US 6)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Fir Cone Cardigan pattern
Ypsilon Baby Cardigan
A beautifully architectural cardigan inspired by Arne Jacobsen’s iconic Ypsilon wallpaper, but knitters need to be hyper-aware of how mohair behaves before they cast on. Because you are holding a fluffy mohair/silk blend (Anina) together with a smooth wool (Alva), the fabric will grow and bloom dramatically. The pattern explicitly states that your gauge swatch must be measured after washing; if you measure it dry, your sweater will end up baggy and inches too large.
The top-down construction is clever, featuring a charted yoke, but you are also tracking buttonhole rows at the exact same time. Keeping track of an 8-stitch pattern repeat, raglan increases, and a 14-to-16 row buttonhole schedule requires a highly disciplined row counter. Also, swap out any blunt bamboo needles for sharp metal tips; trying to execute a Right Lifted Increase (RLI) with two strands of yarn—especially fuzzy mohair—will drive you crazy if your needles keep splitting the plies.
- Yarn weight: DK (held double)
- Needle size: 3 mm & 3.5 mm
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 9 mos, 1 yr, 2 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Ypsilon Baby Cardigan pattern
Dottie V-Neck Cardigan
A classic, wardrobe-staple V-neck that offers incredible value—the Dottie yarn comes in massive 200-gram balls with over 650 yards, meaning you can knit an entire toddler sweater from a single skein. However, do not let the simple stockinette stitch fool you; the top-down raglan shaping in this pattern is an absolute organizational marathon. You are required to simultaneously increase the neck edge, the body sides, and the sleeves all at completely different, mathematically specific rates on the exact same rows.
If you do not place highly visible, distinct stitch markers for your raglan lines right at the cast-on, you will inevitably lose track of where your sleeve increases end and your body increases begin. Use a row counter, write out your increase schedule on a sticky note, and strictly follow the rhythm. When you get to the finishing, take your time picking up stitches for the front bands along the deep V-neck point, as grabbing too many stitches in that corner will cause the fabric to pucker and fold awkwardly.
- Yarn weight: DK
- Needle size: 3.5 mm (US 4) and 3.75 mm (US 5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes included: 3 mos, 6 mos, 12 mos, 2T, 4T, 6 yrs, 8 yrs, 10 yrs
- Knit flat or in the round: Combination (Body knit flat, Sleeves knit in the round)
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Dottie V-Neck Cardigan pattern
Free Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns – Roundup You’ll Love Knitting Video
Quick Glance: Baby Cardigan Pattern Specs
(Yarn Weight | Skill Level | Sizes Included)
- Elijah Cardigan | Worsted | Easy | 3 mo – 6 yr
- Easy Garter Stitch Baby Sweater | Worsted | Easy | 6 mon – 24 mon
- Besties Cardigan | DK | Easy | 3 mo – 6 yr
- This and That Cardigan | DK | Easy | 2 yrs – 14 yrs
- Easy Rib Baby Jacket | DK | Easy | 0-3 mos – 6-12 mos
- A Simple Style Baby Cardigan and Hat | Worsted | Easy | 6-9 mos+
- Daisy Cardi | Worsted / Chunky | Easy | 3-6 mo – 18-24 mo
- Bernat Li’l Tots Top Down Cardigan | Bulky | Easy | 6 mos – 24 mos
- Jelli Beenz Side by Side Baby Cardigan | Worsted / Chunky | Easy | 0-6 mos – 9-12 mos
- In the Details Knit Hoodie | DK / Light | Easy | 6 mos – 24 mos
- Fantasy Rib & Cable Cardigan | DK / Light Worsted | Intermediate | 0-3 mos – 6 yrs
- Johannes Baby Cardigan | Bulky | Intermediate | 3 mos – 24 mos
- Cherub Baby Cabled Raglan Cardigan | DK | Intermediate | 0-3 mos – 18-24 mos
- Katia Merino 100 Baby Jacket with Cable Yoke | DK | Intermediate | 3M – 24M
- Left of Center Cardi | DK | Intermediate | 3 mos – 2 yrs
- Sullivans Baby Soft Textured Jacket | DK | Intermediate | 0-3 mos – 6-12 mos
- Little Explorer | Fingering | Intermediate | Premature – 4 years
- Sparkle Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan | DK | Intermediate | Birth – 4 yrs
- Bunny Hugs Jacket and Shorts | Fingering | Intermediate | 3 mos – 3 yrs
- Lulu Cardigan | DK | Intermediate | 0-3 mos – 3-4 yrs
- Cute as a Button Cardi | Worsted | Intermediate | 18-24 mos – 9-10 yrs
- Dipped Detail Knit Cardigan | Light / DK | Intermediate | 6 mos – 18 mos
- Arches Baby Cardigan | Worsted | Intermediate | 6 mos – 24 mos
- Odeta Jacket and Slippers | Fingering | Intermediate to Advanced | Premature – 4 years
- Baby Bloom Set | Sport / Fine | Easy | 3-6 mos – 18-24 mos
- Parker | Bulky / Chunky | Intermediate | 6 mos – 18 mos
- Speckle Cardigan | DK | Easy | 3 mos – 12 mos
- Hot Cakes | DK | Easy | 0-3 mos – 12-18 mos
- Cherub Aran Baby Blooms Cardigan | Worsted / Aran | Intermediate | 6-9 mos – 3 yrs
- Five a Day Knit Cardigan | DK / Light Worsted | Intermediate | 6 mos – 24 mos
- Rah Rah Baby Hat and Cardi | Worsted | Easy to Intermediate | 3 mos – 4T
- Baby Bear Knit Hoodie | Bulky / Chunky | Easy | 6 mos – 18 mos
- Top Down Vintage Cardigans | Sport | Intermediate | 3 mos – 18 mos
- Baby Duck Jacket | Fingering | Intermediate | Premature – 4 years
- Knit Baby Jacket Set | Light / Sport | Easy | Newborn – 6/12 mos
- Seamless Baby Cardigan | DK / Light Worsted | Intermediate | 0-3 mos – 18-24 mos
- Cygnet DK Baby Cardigan with Pockets | DK | Intermediate | 20″ – 24″ chest
- Checco’s Dream Cardigan | DK | Intermediate to Advanced | 1/3 mos – 3/4 yrs
- Baby Ferris | DK | Intermediate | Newborn – 12 mos
- Quick Stitch Cardigan | DK / Light Worsted | Easy | 3 mos – 6 mos
- Baby Jacket with Picot Edge | Fingering / 4-ply | Advanced | 0-3 mos – 3-6 mos
- Picket Cardigan | DK | Intermediate | 3 mo – 24 mo
- Cozy Cardi | Bulky | Intermediate | 3-6 mos – 5-6 yrs
- Dottie V-Neck Cardigan | DK | Intermediate | 3 mos – 10 yrs
- Ypsilon Baby Cardigan | DK (held double) | Intermediate | 3 mos – 2 yrs
NOTES:
- Originally published in 2019
- Updated links on December 14, 2023
- Updated all links and added new patterns July 19, 2026
See More Free Baby Knitting Patterns
Whether you want to knit a classic pair of booties, a complete matching set, or a cozy blanket, our categorized list makes it easy to find exactly what you need:
- Knitted baby blankets patterns
- Free baby cardigan knitting patterns to download
- Baby hat knitting patterns
- Baby sweater knitting patterns
- Baby bib knitting patterns
- Simple knit baby headband
- Baby soaker knitting pattern
- Baby poncho knitting patterns
- Knitted romper suits for babies
- Knitting patterns for baby tops (Including tees and tanks)
- Baby booties knitting patterns
- Knitting patterns for baby socks
- Baby mittens knitting patterns
- Baby pants knitting patterns (Including baby overalls and dungarees)
- Baby dress knitting patterns (Including baby skirts)
- Baby vest knitting patterns
- 12 Free Baby Hat Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- Quick & Seamless Free Baby Knitting Patterns
Go here for free toddler knitting patterns and here for free childrens knitting patterns.
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