It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, it’s a two-fer! We present the Professor Pullover (left) and Love Patches (right). How adorable are those little elbow patches? Both cute baby sweaters are knit in lightweight machine washable Little Bird 100% microfiber acrylic (344yds/100g). This yarn is exceptionally soft, making it a great choice for baby projects.
These two designs cap off an entire week of free baby and kid patterns. Sometimes it’s hard to find things that aren’t too froufrou for little kids, so we focused mainly on designs that didn’t have too many lacy details.
First, the Over and Out Vest in Infusion Handpaints wool/acrylic. Two skeins makes a sophisticated vest for a tyke who needs dress up a little but still keep those arms free for making mudpies. Did we mention Infusion Handpaints is machine washable?
Next, the Lil’ Grandpa Cardigan in Deluxe DK Superwash 100% wool. Sized for ages 1-10, this machine washable cabled cardigan would look very dignified paired with a bubble pipe and a golden retriever.
The Snowbaby Set is a snuggly soft hat and sweater in Bella Chenille. Sized for 3-24 months, it’s a simple project to knit in the round. The snap flap at the shoulder makes the sweater very easy to pull over baby’s head.
Finally… okay, something a little more frilly, because how could we resist? The Cutie Cardi is knit in Little Bird Colors 100% microfiber acrylic with a solid Little Bird crocheted border. The pleated pockets are an adorable accent.
We hope you find some inspiration from these sweet designs for little sweethearts!
I am a beginning knitter and love the look of the Over and Out Baby Vest, so really am happy that it was rated as EASY. When I look at the directions, I am confused. It seems that you start from the bottom and work up and when you get to where the arms are, you put the front stitches on a holder and finish off the back. Then when you finish the back, you go back and finish the front and then stitch together at the shoulder. Is this correct? Also, is it correct that you begin with the cast on row then follow the directions for Rows 1 and 2 under “BACK” and then Rows 1 and 2 under “Establish Pattern” and then Rows 1-12 under “Stitch Guide” and then continue Rows 1-12 under “Stitch Guide” until the vest measures 7(8) inches. Is this correct? Is there a place for me to look at common abbreviations? I don’t understand what “St. st.” is in Row 2 under Back” (RS): Knit. Work 5 more rows in St st . Any assistance that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Pam
Hi, Pam! We’re so happy you’re making this vest. It’s great that you’re challenging yourself – plus it’s a cute pattern!
We do have an abbreviations list – here’s a link to a pdf file. St st stands for “stockinette stitch” which is knitter-talk for the rows of V’s that you get when you knit one row then purl back when knitting flat, or when you knit every row in the round. So when at the beginning it says
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2 (RS): Knit.
Work 5 more rows in St st.
What it means is that for the next five rows, purl a row and then knit a row to make a smooth “stockinette” fabric. That’s what gives it that rolling edge at the bottom.
You’re correct with the Establish Pattern section! Keep on with the Stitch Guide “slipped stitch” section until you’ve done 7(8) inches from those first 2 + 5 rows that you did.
You’re correct that you’re working from the bottom up, and correct that the front does have stitches put on a holder. However, the vest is actually knit in two flat pieces. First you do the back, then you do the front.
When you make the front, you’ll work up until you get to the armholes, then you’ll put the stitches for the right front section on a holder while you work on the left front up to the top of the shoulder. When you’re done with the left front, you’ll grab the stitches for the right front and work on them.
You’ll sew up one of the shoulders, then pick up stitches around the neck opening to make the stockinette neckline, then you’ll sew up the other shoulder.
At that point, you do the armholes. Tip: Stockinette in the round means you’re knitting every row, not knitting and purling.
After the armholes, you sew up the sides.
So you work the back, then the front, then the neck, then the arms, then stitch the whole thing up.
Hope this helps! I know these things can be daunting. Check back in anytime if you want more hints or encouragement!
Thanks so much! Your reply has been very helpful! I will take a picture and post when I finish it.