Cozy Crew Baby Cardigan

A simple stockinette cardigan worked flat in panels from the bottom up, with set-in sleeves, a classic crew neck, and thick double-layer folded rib button bands. Written for beginners, with five baby sizes (Newborn through 18 months).

MATERIALS

Yarn: Sport-weight yarn (CYC #2); approx 280 (360, 450, 560, 680) yards / 256 (329, 411, 512, 622) m. A soft superwash wool or wool/acrylic blend is ideal.

Needles:

• US 5 (3.75 mm) straight or 24" (60 cm) circular needles for the body and sleeves
• US 3 (3.25 mm) straight or circular needles for ribbing, bands, and neckband

Notions:

• Tapestry needle
• 2 stitch holders or waste yarn
• 5 (5, 6, 6, 6) buttons, ½" (13 mm) diameter
• Sewing needle and matching thread for buttons
• Scissors
• Optional: locking stitch markers

Suggested substitutes: Any sport-weight yarn that matches gauge. Cotton or cotton-blend sport yarns also work; fabric will have less bounce.

GAUGE

24 stitches and 32 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on larger needles, blocked.

• 6 stitches = 1" (2.5 cm)
• 8 rows = 1" (2.5 cm)

Always swatch. Change needle size if needed to obtain gauge. Gauge, not needle label, determines the finished size.

SIZES

Newborn (3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months)

To fit chest: 14 (16, 17, 18, 20)" / 35.5 (40.5, 43, 45.5, 51) cm

Finished chest (buttoned): 18 (20, 22, 24, 26)" / 45.5 (51, 56, 61, 66) cm

Finished length: 10 (11, 12, 13½, 15)" / 25.5 (28, 30.5, 34.5, 38) cm

Sleeve length to underarm: 6 (6½, 7½, 8½, 9½)" / 15 (16.5, 19, 21.5, 24) cm

Armhole depth: 3¾ (4, 4½, 5, 5½)" / 9.5 (10, 11.5, 12.5, 14) cm

Shown in Newborn. Instructions are written for Newborn with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Ease is generous so the cardigan layers over a onesie or diaper.

ABBREVIATIONS

• BO — bind off
• CO — cast on
• dec — decrease
• inc — increase
• k — knit
• k2tog — knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• kfb — knit into front and back of the same stitch (1 stitch increased)
• p — purl
• pm — place marker
• rem — remain(ing)
• rep — repeat
• RS — right side
• ssk — slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit those 2 slipped stitches together through the back loop (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• St st — stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows)
• WS — wrong side
• wyif — with yarn in front
• yo — yarn over

NOTES

• The cardigan is worked flat in five pieces (back, left front, right front, two sleeves), then seamed. Button bands and neckband are picked up after assembly.
• Stockinette stitch: Knit all RS rows; purl all WS rows.
• Selvedge: Knit the first and last stitch of every row firmly. This gives a clean edge for seaming.
• Reading sizes: Newborn (3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months). Highlight or circle your size before you begin.
• Armhole decreases: On RS rows, work ssk at the beginning of the row and k2tog at the end of the row unless a one-sided (front) decrease is specified.
• Thick double-layer button bands: Stitches are picked up along each front edge and worked in 1×1 rib for 2" (5 cm), with matching buttonholes on both halves of the right band. The band is folded to the inside and sewn down, creating a double-thick, stable band that does not curl.
• Buttons: Buttonholes sit on the right front (as worn). Swap bands if you prefer the opposite closure.
• Blocking: Wet-block pieces to measurements before seaming for the cleanest fit.
• Beginning knitters: Count stitches at the end of every shaping row. Counts are given after each step.

BACK

With smaller needles, CO 54 (60, 66, 72, 78) sts.

Ribbing Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; rep from * to end. Row 2 (WS): *K1, p1; rep from * to end. Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures 1" (2.5 cm), ending after a WS row — 8 rows.

Change to larger needles.

Body Work in St st until piece measures 6¼ (7, 7½, 8½, 9½)" / 16 (18, 19, 21.5, 24) cm from the CO edge, ending after a WS row. (8 rib rows + 42 (48, 52, 60, 68) St st rows = 50 (56, 60, 68, 76) rows ✓)

Shape armholes BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 48 (54, 58, 64, 68) sts (54 − 3 − 3 = 48 ✓; 60 − 3 − 3 = 54 ✓; 66 − 4 − 4 = 58 ✓; 72 − 4 − 4 = 64 ✓; 78 − 5 − 5 = 68 ✓).

Dec 1 st at each end of every RS row 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) times as follows: RS dec row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. WS row: Purl. 42 (46, 50, 54, 58) sts (48 − 6 = 42 ✓; 54 − 8 = 46 ✓; 58 − 8 = 50 ✓; 64 − 10 = 54 ✓; 68 − 10 = 58 ✓).

Work even in St st until armhole measures 3¾ (4, 4½, 5, 5½)" / 9.5 (10, 11.5, 12.5, 14) cm, ending after a WS row. Total armhole rows: 30 (32, 36, 40, 44) ✓.

Shoulders and neck BO 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows for the shoulders. 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts rem (42 − 12 − 12 = 18 ✓; 46 − 13 − 13 = 20 ✓; 50 − 14 − 14 = 22 ✓; 54 − 15 − 15 = 24 ✓; 58 − 16 − 16 = 26 ✓).

BO rem 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts for back neck.

Back length from CO: 10 (11, 12, 13½, 15)" / 25.5 (28, 30.5, 34.5, 38) cm ✓.

FRONTS

The two fronts are mirror images. Work the Left Front first, then the Right Front, reversing armhole and neck shaping.

Left Front (as worn)

This is the wearer’s left side. On the RS, the neck edge is at the beginning of the row and the armhole edge is at the end of the row.

With smaller needles, CO 30 (33, 36, 39, 42) sts.

Ribbing Work 1×1 rib (*k1, p1; rep from *, ending k1 if you have an odd stitch count) for 1" (2.5 cm), 8 rows, ending after a WS row.

Change to larger needles.

Body Work in St st until piece measures 6¼ (7, 7½, 8½, 9½)" / 16 (18, 19, 21.5, 24) cm from the CO edge, ending after a RS row (so the next row is WS, ready to bind off at the armhole).

Shape armhole Next row (WS): BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts, purl to end. 27 (30, 32, 35, 37) sts (30 − 3 = 27 ✓; 33 − 3 = 30 ✓; 36 − 4 = 32 ✓; 39 − 4 = 35 ✓; 42 − 5 = 37 ✓).

Dec 1 st at the armhole edge (end of RS rows) every RS row 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) times: RS dec row: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. WS row: Purl. 24 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts (27 − 3 = 24 ✓; 30 − 4 = 26 ✓; 32 − 4 = 28 ✓; 35 − 5 = 30 ✓; 37 − 5 = 32 ✓).

Work even until armhole measures 1¼ (1½, 2, 2½, 3)" / 3 (4, 5, 6.5, 7.5) cm, ending after a WS row. Armhole rows so far: 10 (12, 16, 20, 24) ✓.

Shape crew neck Next row (RS): BO 5 (6, 6, 7, 8) sts (neck edge), knit to end. 19 (20, 22, 23, 24) sts (24 − 5 = 19 ✓; 26 − 6 = 20 ✓; 28 − 6 = 22 ✓; 30 − 7 = 23 ✓; 32 − 8 = 24 ✓).

Purl 1 WS row.

Dec 1 st at the neck edge every RS row 7 (7, 8, 8, 8) times: RS dec row: K1, ssk, knit to end. WS row: Purl. 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts (19 − 7 = 12 ✓; 20 − 7 = 13 ✓; 22 − 8 = 14 ✓; 23 − 8 = 15 ✓; 24 − 8 = 16 ✓).

Work even in St st until armhole measures 3¾ (4, 4½, 5, 5½)" / 9.5 (10, 11.5, 12.5, 14) cm, matching the Back, ending after a WS row.

BO rem 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts. (Matches Back shoulder ✓)

Right Front (as worn)

This is the wearer’s right side. On the RS, the armhole edge is at the beginning of the row and the neck edge is at the end of the row. Buttonholes will be worked later on this front’s band.

With smaller needles, CO 30 (33, 36, 39, 42) sts.

Work ribbing and body as for Left Front until piece measures 6¼ (7, 7½, 8½, 9½)" / 16 (18, 19, 21.5, 24) cm from the CO edge, ending after a WS row.

Shape armhole Next row (RS): BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts, knit to end. 27 (30, 32, 35, 37) sts.

Next row (WS): Purl.

Dec 1 st at the armhole edge (beginning of RS rows) every RS row 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) times: RS dec row: K1, ssk, knit to end. WS row: Purl. 24 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts.

Work even until armhole measures 1¼ (1½, 2, 2½, 3)" / 3 (4, 5, 6.5, 7.5) cm, ending after a RS row (so the next row is WS, ready to bind off at the neck).

Shape crew neck Next row (WS): BO 5 (6, 6, 7, 8) sts (neck edge), purl to end. 19 (20, 22, 23, 24) sts.

Dec 1 st at the neck edge every RS row 7 (7, 8, 8, 8) times: RS dec row: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. WS row: Purl. 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts.

Work even until armhole matches the Back, ending after a WS row.

BO rem 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts.

SLEEVES

Make 2 alike.

With smaller needles, CO 28 (30, 32, 34, 36) sts.

Cuff Work 1×1 rib (*k1, p1; rep from *) for 1" (2.5 cm), 8 rows, ending after a WS row.

Change to larger needles.

Sleeve increases Work in St st, increasing 1 st at each end of every 4th row 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) times as follows: Inc row (RS): K2, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, kfb, k2. (2 sts increased) Work 3 rows even in St st.

After all increases: 44 (48, 52, 56, 60) sts (28 + 16 = 44 ✓; 30 + 18 = 48 ✓; 32 + 20 = 52 ✓; 34 + 22 = 56 ✓; 36 + 24 = 60 ✓).

Continue even in St st until sleeve measures 6 (6½, 7½, 8½, 9½)" / 15 (16.5, 19, 21.5, 24) cm from the CO edge, ending after a WS row. St st rows after cuff: 40 (44, 52, 60, 68) ✓.

Shape sleeve cap BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 38 (42, 44, 48, 50) sts (44 − 6 = 38 ✓; 48 − 6 = 42 ✓; 52 − 8 = 44 ✓; 56 − 8 = 48 ✓; 60 − 10 = 50 ✓).

Work 4 (4, 6, 6, 8) rows even in St st.

Dec 1 st at each end of every RS row 10 (11, 12, 14, 15) times: RS dec row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. WS row: Purl. 18 (20, 20, 20, 20) sts (38 − 20 = 18 ✓; 42 − 22 = 20 ✓; 44 − 24 = 20 ✓; 48 − 28 = 20 ✓; 50 − 30 = 20 ✓).

BO rem 18 (20, 20, 20, 20) sts.

Cap length: 3¼ (3½, 4, 4½, 5)" / 8.5 (9, 10, 11.5, 12.5) cm, slightly shorter than the armhole so the sleeve sets in smoothly ✓.

BUTTON BANDS

Thick double-layer folded rib bands. Worked after the shoulder seams are sewn (see Finishing for order). The band is knitted twice as wide as the finished band, then folded to the inside and sewn down — two layers of rib create a thick, stable, non-curling band.

Pickup rate: 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the stockinette front edge.

Right Front Button Band (buttonholes)

With smaller needles, RS facing, and starting at the hem, pick up and knit 46 (52, 58, 66, 76) sts along the Right Front center edge, ending at the beginning of neck shaping. (Front edge to neck is 60 (68, 76, 88, 100) rows × ¾ = 45 (51, 57, 66, 75); rounded to 46 (52, 58, 66, 76) ✓)

Row 1 (WS): *K1, p1; rep from * to end (end k1 if odd). Row 2 (RS): *P1, k1; rep from * to end, working k1 or p1 as needed to keep rib aligned. Rows 3–4: Continue in 1×1 rib as established.

Buttonhole Row A (Row 5, RS): Work in rib, making 5 (5, 6, 6, 6) buttonholes evenly spaced, with the first about ½" (1.5 cm) from the hem and the last about ½" (1.5 cm) from the neck. At each buttonhole: k2tog, yo. Work the yo in pattern on the next row (knit or purl it as the rib requires so it does not leave a hole larger than the button).

Rows 6–12: Work in 1×1 rib as established.

Buttonhole Row B (Row 13, RS): Repeat Buttonhole Row A, placing each yo/k2tog in the same stitch columns as Row 5 so the holes line up when the band is folded.

Rows 14–16: Work in 1×1 rib.

BO loosely in rib.

Band is 16 rows = 2" (5 cm) wide before folding; folded finished width = 1" (2.5 cm) ✓.

Left Front Button Band (no buttonholes)

With smaller needles, RS facing, and starting at the beginning of neck shaping, pick up and knit 46 (52, 58, 66, 76) sts along the Left Front center edge, ending at the hem (this keeps the RS of the pickup consistent).

Work 16 rows in 1×1 rib. BO loosely in rib.

Fold and sew the bands Fold each band in half to the WS along its length (fold sits between Rows 8 and 9). The two buttonhole rows on the Right Front now stack, making one opening through both layers. With a tapestry needle, whipstitch the bind-off edge to the pickup ridge on the WS, keeping the front surface smooth. Do not sew the top short end of either band — the neckband will cover it.

FINISHING

Block Wet-block all five pieces to the schematic measurements. Lay flat to dry. Blocking before seaming makes set-in sleeves much easier.

Shoulder seams With RS together (or RS facing for mattress stitch), sew the Left Front shoulder to the left Back shoulder (12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts each ✓). Repeat for the Right Front. Use mattress stitch or a backstitch just inside the bind-off.

Set in sleeves Pin the sleeve cap into the armhole, matching underarm bind-offs and placing the cap center at the shoulder seam. Ease the extra cap fabric around the top curve. Sew with mattress stitch or a backstitch.

Side and sleeve seams Sew each side seam from hem to underarm, then continue down the sleeve from underarm to cuff, in one pass if you like. Match the rib sections carefully so the 1×1 rib lines up.

Button bands Work the Right and Left button bands as written in Button Bands, then fold and sew them down.

Crew neckband With smaller needles and RS facing, beginning at the Right Front band’s top inner corner, pick up and knit:

• 6 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts across the top of the Right Front band
• 5 (6, 6, 7, 8) sts along the Right Front neck bind-off
• 15 sts along the Right Front neck slope (20 rows × ¾ = 15 ✓)
• 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) sts across the Back neck
• 15 sts along the Left Front neck slope
• 5 (6, 6, 7, 8) sts along the Left Front neck bind-off
• 6 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts across the top of the Left Front band

Total: 70 (74, 76, 83, 86) sts (6+5+15+18+15+5+6 = 70 ✓; 6+6+15+20+15+6+6 = 74 ✓; 6+6+15+22+15+6+6 = 76 ✓; 7+7+15+24+15+7+7 = 82, pick up 1 extra st at a shoulder to reach 83 if rib needs an odd count ✓; 7+8+15+26+15+8+7 = 86 ✓).

If you need an even count for 1×1 rib to start and end the same, pick up 1 extra stitch at a shoulder seam.

Work 6 rows of 1×1 rib (about ¾" / 2 cm). BO loosely in rib. A loose bind-off keeps the crew neck stretchy enough to dress a baby comfortably.

Buttons Sew 5 (5, 6, 6, 6) buttons to the Left Front band, opposite the buttonholes. Use sewing thread, not yarn, for a secure baby garment. Anchor each button with a small thread shank so the thick band sits flat when closed.

Weave in ends Weave all ends on the WS. Close any small gaps at the underarms with the tail.

Final block Lightly steam or mist the seams and bands. Do not flatten the rib.

Schematic (measurements)

Beginner checklist

1. Swatch and match 24 sts / 32 rows = 4" (10 cm).
2. Knit Back, then both Fronts, then both Sleeves.
3. Block pieces.
4. Sew shoulders, set in sleeves, sew side/sleeve seams.
5. Pick up and work the thick folded button bands.
6. Pick up and work the crew neckband.
7. Sew on buttons. Weave ends.

Wear, gift, or save for the next little one.