I’ve found the best baby cardigan knitting patterns to make that are comfy and guaranteed to keep babies snuggled in style. I’ve included chunky knit cardigans for the colder seasons, breathable cardigans when they just need that little bit of extra warmth, and lightweight cardigans for lightly layering or dressing up a t-shirt or dress.
No matter the seasons, cardigans are perfect for layering and a clothing essential that you can slip on when there’s a chill in the air. That’s why I think they’re essential for your baby, too. Easier to slip on than jumpers, baby cardigans are perfect for keeping your little one warm, wrapped up, and cozy all year round and come in a full range of cute, colorful, and charming designs that I’m frankly quite jealous of!
30 Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns
From sweet little cables to Fair Isle classics, as well as easy baby cardigan knitting patterns for the knitting newbies, I’ve got a pattern you’ll definitely love!
1. Stripes Baby Knitted Cardigan Pattern by Yarnspirations
Stripes are timeless on this adorable knit sweater to keep your child toasty. You’ll work flat in simple stocking stitch to create this sweet garment. Made fashionable with raglan styling and ribbed edging, it’s the perfect choice for keeping baby warm on cooler days. Available in 6 – 24 month sizes, simply customize shades for the perfect gift.
Get the Pattern here
2. Lilly Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Wool Couture Company
This Lilly Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern is perfect for adding that extra layer of warmth and softness. Wear the cardigan with a cute baby grow, a dress or with a pair of denim jeans — it’s perfect for the colder months to keep your little one warm and cozy.
Get the Pattern by Wool Couture Company here
3. Top Down Easy Knit Baby Cardigan Pattern by Oge Designs
This seamless little top down cardigan is an easy knit, worked in garter stitch with a simple, effective raglan pattern which adds just enough interest when knitting.
Get the Pattern by Oge Designs here
4. Heirloom Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Paintbox Yarns
A sweet little cardigan is always useful, as an extra layer over a tee, a dress, or pajamas — and this whimsical design has all the trademarks of heirloom style — the lace motif, picot edging and darling little collar!
Get the Pattern by Paintbox Yarns here
5. Watermelon Knitted Baby Cardigan Pattern by Stitchylinda Designs
Sleeveless summer baby cardigan in watermelon colors with eyelet increases which look like watermelon seeds — what could be cuter!
Get the Pattern here
6. Rainbow Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Button And Blue
This Rainbow Cardigan is a simple yet striking knitted baby cardigan with a round neck and raglan sleeves, complete with sweet rainbow detailing on the front. The cardigan is made with Aran wool, making it quick to knit and perfect for the cooler weather.
The body of the cardigan is worked flat in one piece with the sleeves being worked in the round so that there is only two small seams at the underarms to sew together at the end.
Get the Pattern by Button And Blue here
7. Little Knots Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Elizabeth Sullivan
This sweet baby cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down and features a simple knot stitch pattern on the yoke. The yoke increases are worked as part of the knot pattern giving an organic feel to the shaping. Knit in a worsted-weight yarn, this pattern works up very quickly — perfect for a last-minute baby gift!
Get the Pattern by Elizabeth Sullivan here
8. Valentine Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Love Life Yarn
Give this baby cardigan a heart for Valentine’s day! Add the zippered closure and you’ll see the sweet heart on the front! This little hooded cardigan is also perfect in a single color for everyday wear. Use your imagination!
Get the Pattern here
9. Year-Round Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Red Heart
This comfortable knit cardigan offers just the right amount of warmth without being too heavy for baby. Knit a classic sweater in the pristine color shown, or give baby a more vibrant look.
Get the Pattern here
10. Fair Isle Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Let’s Knit
Keep your little one toasty and warm but let them roam freely with this beautiful cardigan. This knit uses two colors along a row and so is a true Fair Isle project — it’s just that one ball is a color-changing yarn, which gives the impression of something much more complicated.
Get the Pattern here
11. Surtsey Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Kristen H
Surtsey is a baby cardigan with a little simple colorwork to add a special touch! Knit from the top down in one piece for minimal finishing, Surtsey knits up fast to make a charming baby shower gift or homecoming sweater.
It’s also a great way to use up those special sock yarn leftovers wasting away in your stash. Solids and semi-solids will show the colorwork best, but the color possibilities are endless.
Get the Pattern by Kristen H here
12. Rain City Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Holli Yeoh
Flashes of color pop in this cross-over style baby cardigan. With contrast-colored garter stitch seams that are knitted-in rather than sewn, this sweater will be great fun to make and even more fun to wear. The knitted seams are worked in a hybrid pick up and knit and three-needle bind-off.
Get the Pattern by Holli Yeoh here
13. Beginner Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Gina Michele
This Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan is ideal for beginner knitters. It is knit in one piece (from the bottom up), then folded over and seamed. The ties are knit separately and then sewn on. No buttons or buttonholes are needed!
Get the Pattern here
14. Fuss Free Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Louise Tilbrook
A simple and Fuss Free Baby Cardigan with short sleeves, ideal for a knitter who is new to seamless knitting, this tiny garment allows for lots of customization to suit baby girls and boys alike.
Available in 2 sizes 0-3months (chest size 19.5”) and 3-6 months (chest size 21”), this cute cardigan uses less than 100g of dk weight yarn.
Get the Pattern here
15. Shawl Collar Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Heaven To Seven
Every boy deserves to wear a classic, “Old School” cardigan, starting with the littlest of boys! This charming pattern for a Shawl Collared V-neck Cardigan with raglan sleeves is easy and quick to knit.
Knit it either in a solid color, or experiment with one of the many self striping yarns available, to get some beautiful results, without having to change yarn.
Get the Pattern by Heaven To Seven here
16. Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Baby Jumbuck Knits
Here’s a cute little asymmetric, side-buttoning cardigan with a garter stitch lace front panel and garter stitch bands. It’s a simply constructed, seamless raglan-sleeve cardigan that is knitted from the bottom up, with front bands included in the body. The offset opening means that it resembles a sweater, but provides the ease of dressing of a cardigan.
Get the Pattern by Baby Jumbuck Knits here
17. Cabled Knit Cardigan Pattern by Yarnspirations
Everyone loves the timeless look of the cable twist on these adorable cardigans. Seeing this finished project brings back memories for many, as well as creates new ones for others.
Get the Pattern here
18. Free Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Prima
This baby cardigan comes complete with a back belt and mini corsage for an extra special touch. I love the contrasting color combination of red, pink and lime.
Get the Pattern here
19. Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Gathered
This is a brilliantly practical baby cardigan knitting pattern which you are sure to knit again and again. The main body of this cardigan has a waffle look while the cozy rib stitch collar, cuffs and button and waistbands make a traditional edging. Five chunky brown granddad buttons put a retro spin on the baby cardigan, though make sure they are securely fastened to keep the buttons safe for little curious fingers — and mouths!
Get the Pattern here
20. Gisela Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Debbie Bliss
Embroidery transforms knitwear — Gisela is the sweetest shape cardigan all on its own, but embroidered, it becomes a real heirloom and a celebration of color, flowers and art!
Get the Pattern by Debbie Bliss here
21. Soft Sky Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Vikki Bird
Cardigans make a perfect additional layer during the transitional period from summer to autumn. This preppy cardigan features classic raglan shaping combined with intricate cabled panels that run down the two fronts of the garment.
Get the Pattern here
22. Strawberry Seed Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks
This Strawberry Seed baby cardigan has a very simple construction, knit in one piece from the back bottom to the front on straight needles. It’s great for beginners because there are no increases or decreases just adding and casting off stitches.
Get the Pattern by Knitting With Chopsticks here
23. Unisex Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Love Fibres
Here’s a simple yet stylish unisex cardigan for babies and young children up to 4 years. This cardigan is constructed top down in one piece. The yoke and sleeves are knit in stocking stitch with the main body of the cardigan in bubble stitch. Choose their best colors to create a warm look for winter.
Also see: Cove Cardigan For Girls
Get the Pattern by Love Fibres here
24. Little Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Purl Soho
This wonderfully intuitive Little Baby Sweater leaves behind scallops, lace, and fuss and, instead, knits up in simple garter stitch with zero shaping and very little sewing. For knitters, it is a playful geometric brain game, and for earth’s newest inhabitants, it is pure sweetness!
Get the Pattern here
25. Striped Baby Wrap Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Heaven To Seven
An essential in every baby’s first wardrobe is a Classic Baby Wrap Cardigan. Knitted cardigans like this one will get baby off to a good start in life; cozy, comfortable, and cute as ever. This sweater is simple and handsome, just the thing for parents with a more classic taste. The best part is that it fits any occasion, so try knitting a few of different colour combinations for the newest member of your family.
Knit in one piece, from front to back and with no buttonholes to worry about, this pattern is quick to knit. A very unusual Garter Ridge Pattern makes it special, it looks great on both sides also and is potentially reversible.
Get the Pattern by Heaven To Seven here
26. Be Bold Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Button And Blue
This little cardigan is made for adventures. For being bold, exploring and filling those pockets with all the treasures found along the way. This simple round neck cardigan features garter stitch button bands and bold stripe pockets.
This Be Bold Cardigan is worked flat on straight needles. This means you knit five separate pieces (back, left front, right front and two sleeves) and these are seamed together at the end. Knitting the cardigan with seams in this way gives the finished piece form and structure.
Get the Pattern by Button And Blue here
27. Retro Steps Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Fiona Oliver
This cardigan is all about color. When knitted with two soft-hued contrasting colors, the cardigan has a 1950s feel about. When knitted in the crazy color changes, the vibe is 1960s flower child. Swap out those crazy colors for a multi-dyed yarn and an electric contrast color and say hello to the millennial baby.
Get the Pattern here
28. Sorcha Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Silk Marsh Designs
Sorcha is a cardigan knitting pattern which is knitted following a 16 row pattern which looks like waves. It will fit approx chest size 20” (6-12 months) — although children do vary in size. It looks a complicated knit but once you get into the pattern sequence it is much easier. I love this pattern as the style gives it a hint of a flair.
Get the Pattern by Silk Marsh Designs here
29. Hooded Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Yarnspirations
This cute, hooded cardigan uses slipped stitches to create a colorful, textured effect with depth. Create your original piece in 6-24 month sizes.
30. Newborn Cardigan Knitting Pattern Set
Babies, so innocent and pure. A culmination of love and a symbol of hope for humanity. I could go on and on about babies but that is not why we are here isn’t it?
Our main business here is the Newborn Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern.
Now the rule of thumb as always is, any project with baby items in it deserves the highest level of attention to detail and intricate knitting.
The baby boys knitting pattern is a lovely design meant to layer baby boys using a combination of rib design and simple twisted cable techniques.
Knitted Cardigan Sized For 0-3 Month Old
The newborn baby cardigan knitting Pattern also gives detailed instructions on how to knit a pair of Ribbed Trousers, one Striped Pull-on Hat and striped Booties.
The finished item is sized to fit a young boy aged between 0 to 3 months. The pattern is also suitable for a life-sized doll of size 20 to 22 inches.
Newborn Knitted Cardigan Materials
- Approximately 200 grams of double knitting yarn of the Light Worsted variety in two
- A thin elastic band to serve as the waistband on the trousers.
- A 3.5 mm or US size 4 needle.
- A sewing needle to attach the buttons.
- 7 Buttons.
The entire knitting pattern is the perfect “welcome to earth” attire. Pretty sure the little guy won’t notice the amount of love and passion that went into making the outfit.
You, on the other hand, will be so impressed with yourself you will wish for an adult equivalent. Now, I can’t promise that you will not go on ahead to create more stunning pieces like this.
As far as the skill level goes, I recommend intermediate to pro level knitters. There’s no room for experimenting here, sorry rookies.
The Newborn Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern has such levels of delicate detailing you will be amazed. I assure you the alternatives to knitting up your own baby items will cost you a pretty penny.
Specialist baby shops all over the world make a neat buck selling similar items to what you would knit up yourself. Once you get started on this project, you will be overcome with joy. Especially with the knowledge that your tiny tot is as warm and toasty as you would prefer.
I’ll go ahead and state that you may even catch some emotions and perhaps shed a tear of happiness at the sight of your baby boy sleeping in the Newborn Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern. Get a hold of yourself man.
Change The Color Scheme To Suit Your Little Man
There is more work to do as you aren’t limited to just two colors. You may if you please, knit up a couple more items and gift them to a friend who’s recently had a baby or even offer some for sale.
It would be some a warm gesture of love and support if you gifted a friend or relative some of your handiwork. Genuine love and care have a warm feeling to it and your loved ones will most definitely feel it. Try the Newborn Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern today.
Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest thing to knit for a baby?
A knitted baby blanket is one of the simplest things to knit for a baby. They are worked in rows, can be knitted with just one stitch, and work up quickly due to their small size. This type of project is one of the best beginner’s knitting projects to make for a baby because it is so simple to complete.
How long does it take to knit a baby cardigan?
On average, it will take you between 4-6 hours of knitting time for a smaller-size baby cardigan. This varies, of course, depending upon several factors: the weight of the yarn used, the speed of the individual knitter, and the complexity of the pattern.
What type of yarn is best for baby cardigans?
Cotton yarns are considered to be good for babies because they are soft and they are usually not too heavy. Most cotton yarns are machine washable and feel good against baby’s sensitive skin.
How much yarn is required to knit a baby cardigan?
Knitting a baby cardigan don’t require much yarn! The smallest sizes can usually be worked up with 100-200 yards of worsted weight yarn. Of course, yardage will vary depending on yarn weight, size, and stitch pattern, but a baby cardigan will require no more than 2-3 skeins.
WITH THESE BABY CARDIGAN KNITTING PATTERNS, KEEPING THEM WARM WHILST THEY PLAY HAS NEVER LOOKED CUTER!
Do please share your finished pieces with us over on our Facebook Page if you make some, bonus points if a baby is in it!
Complete the look with other knitting patterns for babies: Baby Dress Knitting Patterns, Knit Baby Bib Patterns, Knitted Baby Bonnet Patterns, Baby Bootie Knitting Patterns, and Knit Baby Onesie Patterns.
Get started on your next baby project today with one of these gorgeous baby cardigan knitting patterns — these pieces are perfect gifts any time of year!