Baby Cardigan and Hat Knitting Pattern

Baby Cardigan and Hat in Plymouth Yarn Daisy

Cardigan Overview

This knitted baby cardigan is designed to fit newborns and one-year-olds, with finished chest measurements of 22¼ inches for newborns and 25 inches for the larger size. The cardigan features a length of 11½ inches for newborns and 13½ inches for the one-year-old size, with finished sleeves measuring 5½ inches. The garment is constructed using a raglan sleeve construction method, which creates diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline, providing a comfortable and classic fit for babies.

Cardigan Materials and Gauge

The cardigan is made using Plymouth Yarn Daisy in color 1004 (Yellow). The pattern requires 3 fifty-gram balls for the newborn size and 4 fifty-gram balls for the one-year-old size. The recommended gauge is 14 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches when working in stockinette stitch on US size 9 straight knitting needles. Optional size 9 circular needles may be used as an alternative. Additional materials include one pewter clasp or button for closure, 4 stitch markers, and a yarn needle for finishing.

Cardigan Construction Techniques

The cardigan begins with a cast-on of 18 stitches and uses a foundation row with strategically placed markers to establish the raglan increase pattern. The garment is built using increases before and after each marker on alternating rows, creating the characteristic raglan shaping. The body is worked in stockinette stitch, which produces a smooth, uniform fabric ideal for baby garments. The front bands are maintained in garter stitch throughout, providing a textured, non-curling edge that frames the cardigan opening.

Cardigan Stitches and Details

The primary stitches used in this cardigan include:

• Stockinette stitch for the main body and sleeves, creating a classic smooth knit fabric
• Garter stitch for the front bands, which are maintained in the first and last 4 to 6 stitches depending on size
• Yarn-over decreases (k2tog, yo) used to create a decorative buttonhole if desired
• Increases worked before and after markers to shape the raglan sleeves

The cardigan features a button closure option, with instructions provided for creating a buttonhole in row 6 of the front band. The neckline is finished by picking up 40 to 42 stitches around the neck edge and working 4 rows in knit stitch before binding off.

Hat Overview

The matching baby hat is designed to coordinate with the cardigan and is made from the same Plymouth Yarn Daisy yarn. The hat requires only 1 fifty-gram ball in color 1004 (Yellow), making it an economical coordinating piece. The hat can be constructed on either straight needles, which results in a seamed hat, or on circular needles for a seamless construction option.

Hat Materials and Construction

The hat uses the same gauge and needle size as the cardigan: US size 9 needles and a gauge of 14 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Like the cardigan, the hat is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a soft, smooth fabric suitable for delicate baby skin. The flexibility in construction method—either flat on straight needles or in the round on circular needles—allows knitters to choose their preferred technique based on skill level and preference.

Yarn and Needle Specifications

Plymouth Yarn Daisy is the featured yarn for both pieces in this pattern set. This yarn comes in 50-gram balls, with the cardigan requiring 3 to 4 balls and the hat requiring 1 ball, depending on the size selected. US size 9 knitting needles are the primary tool, with both straight and circular options available. The pattern is written with the smallest size as the baseline, with larger size specifications provided in parentheses throughout, allowing knitters to easily scale the project to the desired finished measurements.