Knits for Babies and Toddlers are great summer projects because they’re fast and portable. This little cardigan is knit flat in one piece from the bottom-up, and then seamed along the sides (under the arms) – you can see what the construction looks like before seaming HERE. It’s made with DK weight yarn, so you have your choice of yarns like Berroco Vintage DK, Berroco Vintage Baby, or Drops Fiesta.
Size
Newborn (6–12 Months, 1–2 Years, 2–3 Years, 3–4 years)
To fit actual chest circumference of 15–17 (17–19, 18–20, 21–23, 23–25) inches, with approximately 3½–5½ inches of ease
This week we’re bringing you some more baby knitting inspiration, including 3 free patterns for baby hats, baby booties, and a simple baby blanket. You can knit any of these in either wool or cotton; both yarn options are available!
Top Knot Baby Hat
The Top Knot Baby Hat is a delightfully simple stockinette stitch, starting with an effortless rolled brim. For the crown, you’ll decrease in a spiral pattern at just three points, creating a slightly pointed shape and the look of swirling, layered petals about to burst into bloom! Now for the really fun part… You can choose whether to finish your hat with a darling, little knot or with a bitty loop! Either way, you’ll knit a short I-cord and follow the instructions to secure it.
A sweet celebration of garter stitch, joyful color, and new life, the Happy Feet Booties are so cute that you can’t help but smile when you see them! These tiny, no-fuss booties are easy as can be to knit, with no need for double-pointed needles or Magic Loop. They’re worked flat in plush garter stitch, and we’ll walk you through an easy and straightforward seaming method to create the final shape… Simple and so satisfying!
The building block of this blanket is a bias-knit garter-stitch square, made with simple increases, then decreases, and relaxing knit stitches in between. Changing yarn colors halfway through each square gives you a bright spot to anticipate during your increases, and then each row just flies by faster and faster from there!
Size
Crib (Throw)
Finished Dimensions: 30 inches wide x 40 inches long (40 inches wide x 50 inches long)
Finished Dimensions of Each Square: 10 inches square
You knit the 8-Spoke Yoke Pullover from the top down, working flat for a few inches before joining to work in the round, creating an opening with a loop-and-button closure that will easily accommodate baby’s head. Then you work paired increases in—you guessed it!—eight spokes to shape the sweater’s yoke. Once you divide the body and sleeves, the shaping becomes decorative. You continue increasing at the front and center back spokes, while decreasing at the sides of the body to keep the stitch count even. Similarly, when you knit the sleeves, you’ll keep increasing along the top of the sleeves while decreasing at the underarm. This gives a lovely contour to the rolled edges, with the center front, center back, and the tops of the sleeves a little longer than the side bodies and undersides of the sleeves… Details!
This knit bag is so cute and practical. It’s great for toting around groceries, gym gear, beach wear and more. It’s, lightweight, eco-friendly and a fun knit!
The market bag is knit flat and then joined in the round to create the sides and top handles. It’s a unique construction that’s incredibly satisfying when it comes together. This bag pattern is appropriate for those who are comfortable casting on, knitting, purling, casting off and knitting in the round. This is a medium difficulty project. It’s recommended to both adventurous beginners and seasoned knitters.
We recommend using Sandnes Garn Line for a pretty market bag made with a blend of cotton, linen, and viscose, or try Estelle Sudz for a budget-friendly cotton option.
The pattern is available for free on the Sheep and Stitch website. It can also be purchased as a printable PDF file. This pattern comes with a free video tutorialthat walks you through it from beginning to end. The video is available on the Sheep and Stitch website or on Youtube HERE.
Ayla are amazing lounge socks (I like to think of them as ‘reading’ socks, something cosy to snuggle up with). You can make a pair for yourself, but beware, once you do you’ll start receiving requests, so you might as well start making some to give as gifts!
Ayla work up quickly on 6mm/US10 needles, we recommend using Berroco Vintage Chunky: it’s soft, people don’t tend to be allergic to it, it’s machine washable, and it isn’t prone to pilling or getting holes. The cables are very simple; if you’ve never knit cables before, this pattern is a great place to start.
Construction
Ayla are knit from the top down on two circular needles (though they can be adjusted for double-pointed needles or Magic Loop or a single short circular), with a simple cable repeat worked on the front and top of the foot, as well as the back above the heel flap.
Finished measurements: Approximately 8” around leg and foot x 10” from top edge to top of heel
Materials
Berroco Vintage Chunky: 2 skeins (shown in 6134 Sour Cherry, although 6151 and 61181 are also great colours holiday reds, 6152 and 6135 are good holiday greens)
These socks are best made with Berroco Vintage Chunky, because it is machine washable, soft, and contains some nylon with makes them more durable than 100% wool. Most people with wool allergies are not allergic to the yarns in the Berroco Vintage collection. If you are making socks for someone who can ¨ tolerate cotton then you might consider using Estelle Breeze and a 5.5mm/US9 needle.
All our recommendations will be listed HERE, but some involve combining yarns, and all the recommendations and quantities will be in our newsletter/blog.
CLEARANCE SALE 20% OFF DROPS ALAPCA
DROPS Alpaca is a lovely yarn spun from 3 strands of 100% superfine alpaca, with an extra twist to provide a durable surface. The alpaca fiber is untreated, which means that it is only washed and not exposed to any chemical treatment prior to the dyeing. This highlights the fiber’s natural properties, while it also provides a better shape and texture quality.
Holding two stands of yarn together is a great way to enhance the texture and increase the gauge of a yarn. Here are some recommendations we’ve swatched:
The Flow Slipover consists of a front and back panels, worked vertically in turned rows. The front and back are then joined at the shoulder seams. Next, the bands with buttons and buttonholes are added along the sides, and finally the collar is worked around the neck opening. The pattern comes in English language (US terms) and contains full written instructions, detailed photo tutorial and links to external video tutorials for additional support.
The Mosaic Jumper is a celebration of nature at its best! It’s inspired by flower meadows that lay dormant in winter only to burst out in color with the arrival of Spring. With ALL of the colors and fun mosaic graphics, it’s the perfect garment to use up yarn in your stash and to experiment and have lots of fun with color. It’s a round yoke pullover with short rows at the back for a perfectly comfortable fit. It can be cropped or full length and has loose sleeves that puff slightly at the bottom.
Sample with beige neckline is Size 4 cropped. Sample with purple neckline is Size 5 cropped for an oversized fit; model measures 100 cm / 39¼ in around bust.
The Winter Wheat Stitch Sweater Scarf is the perfect blend of cozy warmth and effortless style! Worked back and forth in rows with the 4-row repeat Wheat Stitch™, this gorgeous piece is like wrapping yourself in the comfort of your favorite sweater but in a chic, easy-to-wear scarf form. Designed to drape beautifully while keeping you snug, this sweater scarf adds texture, elegance, and a touch of handmade charm to any outfit. Whether you’re layering up for a chilly day or just want a stylish extra touch, this versatile accessory is a must-have for every season!
This design is simple and effortless to make – we’ll start by crocheting a long rectangle, then we’ll finish things up by adding a ribbed cuff to each end. Adjusting for fit is easy-peasy!
Sivu Tee is a top-down crochet masterpiece boasts elegance and versatility. Elevate your wardrobe with its enchanting leaf stitch pattern adorning the yoke, harmoniously juxtaposed with a sleek and understated body. The pattern includes full written instructions, chart and schematic.
This beginner-friendly Cabana Cardi features boho-inspired stitching and crochet accents to match any summer outfit. Wear your cardigan as a swim cover up or as an extra layer on cool summer nights.
Size
S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)
All sizes intended to have an oversized fit. Size down if you are in-between sizes. Photos show a model with a 35” bust in size S/M.
The Marmelada shawl is a fully cabled design which is worked sideways, from one corner to the opposite edge. It is easy to adjust in size and made with just single crochet (and its variations) and chains. There are just a few long, slower rows, while most of the time, it is simple stretches of single crochet, giving you space to relax and enjoy.
The Como Hooded Scarf is worked vertically (from bottom over top head and back to bottom on the other side). You start at center back. First, some increases are worked to shape the hood and at the same time the increases on both tips are worked continuously. The pattern comes in English language with US crochet terms. It contains written instructions and video tutorial. Work with 1 strand of Drops Alpaca and 1 strand of Drops Kid-Silk.
The Weekend Waffle Shawlis a squishy, cozy accessory for cold winter months. With three size options, you can make a scarf or shawl perfect for you and your style. This crochet waffle stitch resembles a thermal knit, in its look and practical warmth. To add color variation, try marling two thin yarns together or switch colors mid way through for a colorblock result.
The waffle stitch is worked flat side to side, a combination of the half double crochet and slip stitch, all worked in the back loop only. The shawl begins with a small corner that gradually increases to the full width, working the full width for a time, then gradually decreases to create the other corner.
Size
S (M) L
Finished Length x Width: 60”x11.75” (78”x14.75”) 96”x17.75” [[152x30cm (198x37cm) 244x45cm]]
Not sure if you need a kerchief, a scarf, or a shawl? Why not all three?! The Bernie Scarf Trio is three versatile patterns in one, so you can choose the size and style that fits your vibe.
Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!
Yarn Options
The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.
Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!
classic colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 251 Evergreen, 809 Really Red, 877 Golden, 1924 Midnight Heather
slightly darker colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 1950 Hunter Green, 893 Ruby, 877 Golden, 854 Navy.
Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.
classic colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5152 Mistletoe, 5151 Cardinal, 5121 Sunny, 51182 Indigo Heather.
somewhat subdued colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5193 Yukon Green, 51181 Ruby Heather, 5127 Butternut, 51182 Indigo Heather.
grown-up heathered colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5177 Douglas Fir Heather, 5181 Black Currant Heather, 5192 Chana Dal Heather, 51182 Indigo Heather.
All our recommendations will be listed HERE, but some involve combining yarns, and all the recommendations and quantities will be in our newsletter/blog.
CLEARANCE SALE 20% OFF DROPS ALAPCA
DROPS Alpaca is a lovely yarn spun from 3 strands of 100% superfine alpaca, with an extra twist to provide a durable surface. The alpaca fiber is untreated, which means that it is only washed and not exposed to any chemical treatment prior to the dyeing. This highlights the fiber’s natural properties, while it also provides a better shape and texture quality.
Holding two stands of yarn together is a great way to enhance the texture and increase the gauge of a yarn. Here are some recommendations we’ve swatched:
A Little Ruffle is a great little scarf made with DROPS ALPACA. The yarn is knit at a loose tension, making it a light and airy textile. If you want a denser, warmer wrap, try holding 2 strands together on 5mm/US8 needles (purchase 6 balls for this option).
The Sophie Hood is worked in one piece from tip to tip. It is worked flat, back and forth, in garter stitch with built-in i-cord edges. The hood is shaped using increases and decreases, and its back is sewn together at the end, using mattress stitch along the back of the neck.
Size
S (M) L
Length from hood to tip: approx. 102 (128) 154 cm [40¼ (50½) 60¾ inches]
Depth of hood: approx. 24 (24) 24 cm [9½ (9½) 9½ inches]
The Double Knit Scarf is a short scarf made with double knitting. With its simple design, it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender. The difficulty level is suitable for those who can knit stockinette stitches evenly and are comfortable with the tubular bind-off technique.
The EASYPEASY bandana is a small, simple triangular scarf. It is perfect as a neckerchief to spruce up sweaters or shirts and, of course, to keep your neck warm. As the name suggests, the EASYPEASY bandana is super easy to knit and is therefore also ideal as a beginner project. The scarf is knitted sideways, meaning it starts at the right tip. Increases are worked until the widest point, the center tip, is reached. After that, decreases are worked until the left tip is reached.
The balaclava is a winter musthave. The clever combination of hat and collar keeps both neck and head warm, while looking super chic. Balaclava No. 1 is worked top down in a delicate and feminine rib pattern.
The Sophie Scarf is worked back and forth in one piece, from tip to tip in garter stitch with built-in i-cord edges. The smaller size Sophie Scarf reaches around the neck once, while the larger size can wrap around the neck twice.
Size
Small (large)
Length from tip to tip: approx. 80 (102) cm [31½ (40¼) inches]
When you’re out and about, the Lille Kolding is your absolute best friend. They are so easy to knit, you’ll be knitting mindlessly in no time! A nice skein, one or two balls of yarn, and you’re ready to go.
Size
Size depends on how much yarn you have
150 cm /60 inches length, 28 cm / 11 inches width = approx 400m (3 balls)
180 cm /71 inches length, 45 cm / 17 inches width = approx 650m (4 balls)
Materials
DROPS ALPACA: 3 to 4 skeins, depending on how large your want it
All our recommendations will be listed HERE, but some involve combining yarns, and all the recommendations and quantities will be in our newsletter/blog.
CLEARANCE SALE 20% OFF DROPS ALAPCA
Drops Alpaca is a lovely yarn spun from 3 strands of 100% superfine alpaca, with an extra twist to provide a durable surface. The alpaca fiber is untreated, which means that it is only washed and not exposed to any chemical treatment prior to the dyeing. This highlights the fiber’s natural properties, while it also provides a better shape and texture quality.
Holding two stands of yarn together is a great way to enhance the texture and increase the gauge of a yarn. Here are some recommendations we’ve swatched:
The Stockholm Slipover vest is worked from the top down. The back part of the yoke is worked first, then the shoulders and front and finally the two sections are joined for the body of the slipover. The Stockholm Slipover has slanting shoulders that create a very good fit and which are shaped using short rows. Rib edges are worked along the neck edge and armholes, and all the edges are finished with an Italian bind-off.
Camisole No. 12is a luxuriously simple top featuring a high neck and subtle waist shaping. The neckline is shaped with short rows, while well-placed increases and decreases ensure a perfect fit. Camisole No. 12 is worked top-down, allowing you to try it on as you go and customize the length to your preference.
Camisole No. 13 is a luxurious top with a high neckline, worked in a beautiful and simple textured pattern. The neckline is shaped with short rows, and well-placed decreases and increases ensure a good fit. Camisole No. 13 is worked top-down, allowing you to try it on as you go and customize the length to your preference.
Field slipover is made bottom up with the beautiful grain pattern on the body. The slipover is worked in the round bottom-up to the armhole and worked flat from there.
Sizes
(1) 2 (3) 4 (5) 6 (7) 8
Circumference under armhole: (88) 96 (104) 112 (120) 128 (136) 144 cm
The Sille Slipover is worked from the top down in a knit and purl structure pattern. First the back yoke is worked, then the shoulders, and then the front yoke are worked flat. After this, the front and back yoke are joined and the body is worked in the round, and finally rib edges are worked along the neck and armhole openings.
Emsworth is a classic slipover with a cute lace/texture pattern panel in front and at the back. First, the back shoulders are cast on and joined after neck shaping is complete. The back is then worked back and forth to the underarm. Front shoulder stitches are then picked up from the cast on, and the front is worked to the same length. At the underarm, both front and back are joined to work in rounds down to the hem. Neck and armhole finishing is worked last. Pattern includes a chart and written instructions for the lace/texture pattern panel.
The Lulu Slipover is worked from the top down. The slipover has a deep armhole and is closed with two buttons along both sides. First, the back is worked and then the front. Ribbing edges are worked along the armholes, and along the sides, which form slits towards the hem, double knitted edges are worked. Two buttonholes are worked along the front part of these double knitted edges. At the end, a ribbing edge is worked along the neck opening.
The Stockholm Slipover V-neck has a V-shaped neckline and is worked from the top down. First, the back part of the yoke is worked, then the front shoulders and finally the body. The Stockholm Slipover V-neck has slanting shoulders that create a good fit and which are shaped using short rows. Rib edges are worked along the V-neck edge and armhole edges, and the edges are finished with an Italian bind-off.
Vest No. 4 is a classic vest with a feminine shape that fits perfectly shirts and dresses. The style is knit from top to bottom. First, the upper back is made, then the front pieces. Then the three parts are assembled, and the body knit. Neck, sleeve and front edges are collected in the existing stitches. The vest is almost assembly-free.
The Moby Slipover is worked from the top down in a texture and cable pattern. First the back yoke is worked. After this, stitches are picked up and knitted for the shoulders, which are then joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined to form the body, which is worked straight down in the round. Rib edges are worked along the neck edge and armholes. Knit a swatch to determine which needle size you need to achieve the correct gauge – note that this can vary from yarn to yarn. Take care to wash the swatch before measuring, as the texture pattern can grow with washing.
The Maggie Vest is worked from the top down. First, the back yoke is worked flat, back and forth, and shaped with increases. Stitches for the shoulders are then picked up and knitted along the top of the back yoke, and each shoulder is worked separately flat, back and forth, with increases and decreases to shape the fronts. At the underarms, the fronts and the back yoke are joined to form the body, which is worked flat, back and forth, on a circular needle. Rib edges are worked around the armhole openings. At the end, plackets are worked along the front edges and along the neck. Knit a swatch before beginning the project to check if the recommended needle size gives you the correct gauge.
The Poppy Tee is worked from the top down. First the top part of the back yoke is worked with increases, then the shoulders are worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the slanting sides at the back yoke. Stitches are then picked up and knitted along the sides of the shoulders and the rest of the yoke is worked together on the circular needle, first back and forth and then in the round. The body is worked in the round on a circular needle, and the sleeves are worked in the round on double-pointed needles or on a circular needle using the Magic Loop technique. At the end a folded neck edge with built in double knitting is worked.
Begin by working a swatch to determine which needle size you need to achieve the correct gauge. Wash and block the swatch before taking any measurements. The knitted fabric can grow when washed – this is the reason it is important that you wash your swatch before measuring your gauge.
This week I’ll start with some sweater project ideas, so people who want to make larger projects can take advantage of the colours that still have larger quantities, and then next week I’ll move into the slightly smaller projects like tanks, camis, shawls, and scarves!
All our recommendations will be listed HERE, but some involve combining yarns, and all the recommendations and quantities will be in our newsletter/blog.
CLEARANCE SALE 20% OFF DROPS ALAPCA
DROPS Alpaca is a lovely yarn spun from 3 strands of 100% superfine alpaca, with an extra twist to provide a durable surface. The alpaca fiber is untreated, which means that it is only washed and not exposed to any chemical treatment prior to dyeing. This highlights the fiber’s natural properties, while it also provides a better shape and texture quality.
Holding two stands of yarn together is a great way to enhance the texture and increase the gauge of a yarn. Here are some recommendations we’ve swatched:
The No Frills Sweater is a basic raglan worked from the top down in the round stockinette stitch with raglan increases to shape the yoke. Hold one strand of DROPS ALPACA with one of DROPS KID SILK to get the right tension and texture.
Instead of the Kid-Silk, you can alternatively hold a strand of DROPS BRUSHED ALPACA & SILK, but this will make it a bit thicker, so check your tension; you might need to go up to a 4.5mm/US7 needle and go down a size in the pattern. DROPS BRUSHED ALPACA & SILK: 8 (8) 8 (9) 10 (11) 11 (11-12) 13 (13) balls.
Cumulus Blouse
The Cumulus Blouse is normally a very lightweight sweater, but you can also make a slightly heavier, warmer version using two strands of DROPS ALPACAheld together, or 1 strand of DROPS ALPACA held with 1 strand of DROPS KID-SILK. You’ll want to go up to a 5mm/US8 needle to match the pattern’s gauge.
Stripes is a round yoke sweater worked from the top down, this pullover is the perfect blank canvas. Think of it as a template to mix up colors, yarn bases and your creativity! You could even knit it up in a solid color for a classic wardrobe staple. Be playful and have fun! This sweater is worked seamlessly. The sleeve sts are put on hold while the body is finished and then returned to the needle. This sweater includes instructions for a cropped or full length fit and different collar options.
This sweater is meant to be a blank canvas! Stripe using different colors, or knit it all in one colour. Have fun with it, crop it or not! Whatever your heart (and your wardrobe) fancies!
The Olga Sweater is worked from the top down in stockinette stitch with stripes. First, the back yoke is worked back and forth with the slope of the shoulders being shaped using short rows and in stripes, which are worked at the same time. Each shoulder is then worked back and forth on a circular needle, and then the shoulders are joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined at the underarms to form the body, which is worked in the round on a circular needle with stripes. The sleeves are worked down from stitches that are picked up and knitted around the armholes. At the end, a folded neck edge is worked from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the neckline.
The Champagne Cardiganis worked from the top down with raglan increases on the yoke and a deep V-neck. The neckline of the cardigan is shaped with short rows by raising the back of the neck. The button plackets are worked in double knitting with buttonholes along the right side.
The Ingrid Sweater is worked from the top down in a knit and purl texture pattern. First, the back yoke is worked back and forth and the sloping shoulders are shaped using short rows. Then stitches are picked up and knitted for the shoulder sections, which are also shaped using short rows. The shoulder sections are then joined to form the front yoke. The front and back yoke are joined at the underarms to form the body, which is worked straight down in the round. The sleeves are knitted in the round from stitches that are picked up and knitted along the armholes. The Ingrid Sweater is worked in a texture pattern, which consists of three different pattern sections, each one separated by an eyelet section.
