Valley Yarns Nefud Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Nefud: Baby Cardigan and Hat Set

Project Overview

The Nefud is a coordinating two-piece knit set designed by Susan Baron, featuring a baby cardigan and matching hat. This adorable ensemble is specifically crafted for newborns and infants, making it an ideal gift for recent arrivals. The set combines comfort with style, utilizing soft, durable, and washable yarn suitable for a baby's delicate skin.

Cardigan: Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down in one piece, employing a top-down construction method that simplifies fitting and eliminates the need for seaming. The garment features raglan shaping for the sleeves, which creates a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders and upper body. The yoke is worked in stockinette stitch with a ribbed collar, establishing the foundation for the piece.

Once the yoke is complete, sleeve stitches are placed on waste yarn and set aside. The lower body is then worked in the Faux Cable Stitch pattern, adding visual interest and texture to the main body of the cardigan. The body is finished with ribbing at the hem for a polished edge. Sleeve stitches are subsequently transferred back to needles and worked downward in stockinette stitch to the cuffs, which are completed with ribbing for a refined finish.

The cardigan features button closures down the front, with six ½" buttons providing both functional and decorative elements. Button and buttonhole bands are picked up and worked in ribbing along the front edges, creating a professional finish. This top-down, seamless construction method is ideal for intermediate knitters seeking a garment with minimal finishing work.

Hat: Construction and Techniques

The matching hat is worked in the round using circular needles or the Magic Loop method, creating a seamless crown. The hat features a ribbed brim at the base, followed by a Faux Cable Stitch rise that coordinates with the cardigan's body pattern. The crown is completed in stockinette stitch and can be finished with an optional pompom for added charm and visual interest.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the yoke, sleeves, and hat crown, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Faux Cable Stitch: A textured stitch pattern used on the cardigan body and hat rise, creating visual depth without the complexity of true cables
• Ribbing: Applied to the collar, cuffs, hem, button bands, and hat brim for elasticity and a finished appearance

Yarn and Materials

The Nefud is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK, a yarn blend composed of 60% Superwash Merino Superwash and 40% Acrylic. This fiber combination ensures the finished pieces are soft, durable, and easy to care for—essential qualities for baby garments. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, and 26 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in Faux Cable Stitch, when blocked.

The cardigan requires 2 to 3 skeins of Valley Yarns Haydenville DK depending on size, while the hat requires 1 to 2 skein(s). The pattern is shown in the Sage colorway, a neutral tone suitable for any baby.

Needles and Tools

• US size 5 (3.75mm) circular needle, 24 inches long
• US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles (dpn's), or alternatively a 40-inch circular needle for Magic Loop construction
• Stitch markers, including 6 locking stitch markers
• Waste yarn for holding stitches
• Six ½" buttons with matching thread and needle for attachment
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Pompom maker (optional, for hat finishing)

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The cardigan is available in four sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months, with finished chest measurements ranging from 18 to 22¾ inches when buttoned. The hat is offered in three sizes: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months, with circumferences of 14, 16, and