We love back to school projects – but why should big kids have all the fun? How about a fun pattern for their younger siblings?
Rachel Brockman designed this colorful pullover for babies and young toddlers, with a palette inspired by finger paints and crayons. It’s easy to do in self-striping Deluxe Stripes! The sample shown is stitched in color 309 Crayon Box, one of three new colors that we’ve added to the palette.
Shown clockwise from top: 309 Crayon Box, 311 Tie Dye, 310 Poinsetta.
Deluxe Stripes is a great choice for kid knits, since it’s machine washable and long-wearing without feeling rough. We love it for adult projects too, and as a sock knitter it has a special place in my heart for cozy house socks. For gifts it’s great, since there’s nothing better than giving someone a project and knowing it will be easy for the recipient to take care of!
Worked seamlessly top-down, this cute cardigan is sized from three through 24 months. It takes just 1-2 skeins of Deluxe Stripes, making it an economical project as well as a fun one!
We hope you have a colorrific weekend, full of artistic messes and fun.
First, though, here is actual footage of me seeing this dress for the first time:
Squeeeee!
So adorable. And such fun to knit! This raglan-sleeved project is worked largely in the round, beginning at the hem with gorgeous lace.
Look at this beautiful skirt! Designer Rachel Brockman has both written and charted this section to make it easy to follow. Rachel’s choice of Magnolia yarn for this design provides excellent drape and definition!
Colors Left to right: 109 Brunch, 114 Citrus Leaf, and 110 Frayed Denim
Magnolia‘s blend of 95% plant-based modal with 5% cashmere makes it cool in warm weather, but also gives it an extra touch of luxury! The stitch definition is divine, for maximum impact in that leaf lace skirt. It’s a soft, smooth yarn with a beautiful sheen – one of our favorites for summer. And since Magnolia is machine washable, it will be fine for the baby or toddler who makes the inevitable mess!
Sized from newborn through 18-24 months, this charming short frock would be perfect for so many occasions – I’m thinking specifically of a summer wedding I’m going to this month, where this would not be out of place at all. I’m also imagining the look on a prospective mom’s face getting this at a baby shower:
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of fun projects!
This week we released our newest collection, Tiny Textures, which is truly the cutest little gathering of knitwear items I’ve seen all spring! There are five easy projects to knit up and give to a baby or toddler in your life – whether for your own munchkins, or as a gift for others in your life, each design is sure to be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Tiny Textures Collection
All of the projects are made with our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn. It’s the newest addition to the Uptown line of yarns, featuring beautifully blended pastel colors that look great in any piece! From baby items, to adult garments, accessories, and homewares, this yarn is a wonderful way to bring a burst of color into the mix. Uptown Worsted Hues anti-pilling, 100% acrylic composition and Standard 100 certification by Oeko-Tex made this yarn an easy choice for a kids collection though. It can handle the rough-and-tumble nature of kiddos well, as it is fully machine washable and easy to care for.
Uptown Worsted Hues
One of my favorite pieces to come out of this collection is the Peyton cardigan. It has such a playful take on a sophisticated “grown up cardigan” by featuring squiggly lines, made of cable cross stitches, where one may expect to see more typical cables. Plus there’s room for more unexpected fun by incorporating buttons! You may choose to go with a clean look by using cohesive, round wooden buttons from Katrinkles, like we did. Or you could get quirky by browsing some of her more eccentric options, or by sourcing some from wherever you’d like! No matter where they are from, buttons are always a great way to make a piece feel truly unique and special.
Peyton Cardigan
The other teeny temptation creeping onto my make-list is the Elouise set. The hat and cowl have sweet little details that make them look quite polished for being so small. The hat features a little cinched gathering at the brim that hints at old-glam style, while the cowl sports a button closure, leaving room for more of that individual refinement we talked about above. The slip stitch pattern worked on both the hat and cowl has just the right amount of texture to give this set a certain je ne sais quoi that would simply lack if it were done in a smooth stockinette. Wouldn’t you agree?
Elouise Set
Be sure to check out all 5 of the tiny textured pieces, and start plotting which ones you’ll make today! Which one do you think you’ll make first? That’s all for now, Happy Stitching y’all, Ashley Jane
There’s just one word to describe this pattern – adorabobble!
You can see why – these sweet little clusters of fun that adorn the sweater hem and the brim of the hat. They’re like sweet little flower buds ready to bloom!
Designer Rachel Brockman used Bella Cash for this design. It’s one of our favorite yarns for… well, for everything, but especially for baby and child garments. The cashmere content makes it irresistibly soft, and the machine washability means it’s practical for the most adventurous little tyke.
Stitch definition to die for!
Sized from 3-6 up to 24 months, this sweet little set takes 2-3 balls of Bella Cash for the cardigan, and just one for the hat.
This set is almost as cute as the baby you’ll make it for!
This is a pattern we’ve had a lot of requests for – a baby blanket, but not too big and heavy, and sized to drape over a little one’s lap during a car ride.
Something that’s simple to make. Something practical, but pretty. Designer Aubrey Busek ticked all those boxes here.
The basketweave pattern she uses is all knits and purls – great basic knitting that produces a beautiful textured fabric. It’s written and charted, so you can take your pick of what instructions work best for you.
Aubrey picked lightweight Cotton True Sport for this pattern, for good reason. This 100% pima cotton is soft, smooth, and machine washable. Anyone who has shaken out a blanket full of Graham cracker crumbs knows how important easy care is for these projects. The 100% cotton keeps your little one comfy but not too hot- a sweaty baby is a cranky baby!
Just three balls will make this perfectly-sized 25 ½” x 21 ½” (64.7cm x 54.6cm) blankie. This would make a great shower gift, or really an anytime gift, for a harried parent. To borrow a phrase, this project is practically perfect in every way.
We wish you a cool and comfortable weekend! Happy crafting!
If you get our newsletter or follow us on social media, you’ve probably noticed all the Bamboo Pop love this week. And why not? It’s a great yarn for the warmer weather we’re all yearning for. Bamboo Pop’s bright colors make it a great choice for baby and toddler projects.
The Confetti Cap has sweet little sprinkles throughout, courtesy of the dots in this colorway of Bamboo Pop. The hat is sized newborn through 1-3 years, but only takes 1 ball for all sizes!
This sweet, simple knit cap would be a quick and easy gift when you need something quickly for a baby shower, charity project, or for that moment when you just get the itch to make something little and cute!
Few projects are more satisfying than baby projects. I always relish the opportunity to knit baby projects for several reasons. First, they are satisfyingly fast. Want to make a sweater in less than a week? Just throw a baby project on your needles or hook! How about in a few hours – try an accessory! Second, they’re small, therefore they’re cute. Does that need any further explanation? I didn’t think so. Finally, baby projects are great for perfect, lovingly handmade gifts. I’ve created numerous projects for my niece and daughter of one of my dearest friends, and I love knowing they’re staying cozy in knitwear!
Today, I want to share some great projects for all the little ones in your life. From cute sweaters to cuddly toys, you’re sure to find a perfect project.
Cotton is a popular choice for baby projects because it’s soft and easy to care for. Plus, it’s gentle and great for sensitive baby skin. Last year we introduced Cotton Supreme Sapling, a 100% cotton bulky-weight yarn that is – put simply – baby soft. Since then we’ve introduced two excellent projects for babies using Sapling: the Sunshine Throw and Daisy Cardi.
Sunshine Throw in Cotton Supreme Sapling
A striking lace pattern framed by garter stitch decorates the Sunshine Throw (pattern link). The lace motif is deceptively simple. It is an 8-row repeat that you’ll memorize in no time. This blanket would be an impressive gift at a baby shower, and an heirloom piece to last for years to come.
Daisy Cardi in Cotton Supreme Sapling
Whether it’s the baby’s first cardigan or your first time knitting a sweater, the adorable Daisy Cardi (pattern link) is a perfect choice. It features little more than beginner-friendly garter stitch and K1, P1 Rib but has lots of impact, especially when you add some cute buttons! Knit in Cotton Supreme Sapling, this cardigan is optimal for the chilly weather of autumn, winter, and early spring.
Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big
Few yarns are softer than our chenille yarn family, consisting of Bella Chenille and Bella Chenille Big. These 100% polyester yarns create a velvety, plush fabric perfect for snuggling. The Storytime Blankies (pattern link), knit in Bella Chenille Big, are completely worthy of cuddles. These simple blankets feature a bit of twisted stockinette for a nice texture and a bold stripe in the center. It’s finished off with fun tassels little ones would love to play with. Which Way is Up? in Bella Cash
So far I’ve shared projects in bulky yarns, but finer yarns are also perfect for baby projects! Although we created Bella Cash, a blend of superwash merino, cashmere, and nylon, with all sorts of projects in mind, we specifically intended for it to be a yarn perfect for babies and children. We have the patterns to prove it, too!
Sized newborn to four years, Which Way is Up? (pattern link) is an excellent example of a baby project using machine-washable Bella Cash. Little arrows decorate this seamless raglan cardigan. If you prefer to knit accessories, try the sweet Heartsbloom Hat & Mitten Set (pattern link) instead. The superb stitch definition of Bella Cash shines in the textured accessory set, which is great for the chilly days ahead!
Heartsbloom Set in Bella Cash
Toys also make great gifts for babies. Unlike baby accessories and clothing, little ones are sure to hang onto stuffed toys well into childhood (and perhaps beyond!).
Pipsqueak in Bella CashPipsqueak (pattern link), a cute mouse crocheted in Bella Cash, is the perfect size for babies. Not too big, not too small. Spike stitches and pastel stripes add texture and visual interest to the project. All of Pipsqueak’s facial features are embroidered, too, meaning you don’t have to worry about making sure you have safety buttons for the eyes. (Side note: this pattern has a complementing jacket included – sized from 2 years to 12 years. Don’t miss it!)Itty Bitty Set in Bamboo Pop Sock
Earlier I touched on accessories for exceptionally quick baby patterns. Tis’ the season for keeping the head, hands, and toes cozy! The Itty Bitty Set (pattern link) is soft and stretchy thanks to the lightweight and breathable Bamboo Pop Sock. The combination of simple ribbing and elasticity of the yarn helps to ensure the little one can wear this project for more than a month. After all, they do grow up so fast!
Left: Mini Mittens Right: Toasty Toes – both knit in Adore
We also absolutely adore Adore for baby projects. In fact, I wrote a whole blog post dedicated to baby projects using Adore earlier this year. You can find it here (link). Like the other yarns I’ve mentioned, Adore is touchable and soft, yet durable and easy to care for. We’ve knit everything from baby blankets to accessories in this yarn. The Mini Mittens (pattern link) and Toasty Toes (both pictured above) are both projects that are great last-minute gifts. They also require so little yarn that you could easily make many pairs from just one ball. So if you have multiple babies in your life, you’re all set!
This list is by no means comprehensive. We have a plethora of wonderful patterns for children and babies. If nothing here strikes your fancy, don’t forget to browse or selection of patterns for children! You can find all of our children’s patterns here (link).
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Watermelon Blanket in Cotton Supreme (pattern link here).
Simple and sweet are the words that apply to this charming little throw.
It’s an easy knit on size US8 (5mm) needles, in a quickly memorized stitch pattern. Machine washable Cotton Supreme makes it super practical, too!
Cotton Supreme 510 Magenta and 607 Blush
There are a lot of ways you can go with the colors for this pattern. If you choose not to stick with watermelon, tone on tone to match someone’s nursery would be a nice choice.
We hope you enjoy this soft, calming blanket. Have a safe and pleasant weekend!
Happy crafting!
This week I want to chat a little about one of our favorite staple yarns: Adore. Comprised of 55% superwash merino and 45% anti-pilling acrylic, Adore is soft and easy to care for. It is exactly the type of yarn you reach for repeatedly because it ticks all the boxes. It has a broad palette of beautiful colors making it great for multi-color projects. This four-ply yarn is round and springy, giving it excellent stitch definition. It’s there for you whether you want to create a selfish sweater or the perfect gift for that upcoming baby shower.
Speaking of perfect for baby projects – let’s take a look at some of the great baby patterns we have for Adore.
Crosscut (sweater) and Parallelogram (blanket)
I’m pretty sure the quintessential handmade gift for babies is a blanket. Knit or crochet, if you’re a fiber artist, you’ve probably made one for a little one in your life. It’s easy to see why. Baby blankets tend to be fast (certainly faster than an afghan!) and you can be sure the little one won’t grow out of a blanket in a month or two.
Parallelogram in Adore: #130 Cream, #105 Cloud Grey, #111 Banana, & #110 Turquoise
For the knitters, we have Parallelogram. This is one of my designs, and it was inspired by quilts. It’s modern and graphic but is primarily comprised of garter stitch. It’s an incredibly easy pattern. It is knit in six strips that are sewn together. The way the stripes are arranged in each strip creates the larger blocks of color in the finished piece. If you’re looking for a mindless project with a bit of impact, Parallelogram is right for you.
Oasis Blanket in Adore #105 Cloud Grey, #101 Peony, #110 Turquoise, & #103 Capri
For the crocheters, we have the Oasis Blanket. This one is a personal favorite. Admittedly, I haven’t finished mine (yet!), but it’s so fun! It is created by making granny square motifs, sewing them together, and then working a border around the edges. What I love about this project is how portable it is. You can whip out your yarn and knock out a square any time and in any place.
Besties
Although blankets may get used for longer than a sweater, you can’t argue with the fact that lil’ babes are ADORE-able (see what I did there?) in sweaters. And baby sweaters are extremely satisfying projects. Raise your hand if you like saying you completed a whole sweater in a few days!
We have no shortage of cute baby sweaters that use Adore. If you enjoy combining garter stitch, stripes, and cute buttons, you’ll love the Besties cardigan. This simple pattern is seamless and quick. With Adore’s broad palette, the color options are endless.
Crosscut in Adore #105 Cloud Grey
If you’re looking for a sweater pattern with interesting construction, why not try Crosscut? This sweater is knit from cuff to cuff and has a striking cable panel along the sleeves and seed stitch along the neck and hem. We love the way Adore makes the cable and texture pop.
Cozy Kid Set in Adore #102 Pale Pink
Lovers of texture and twisted stitches will find the Cozy Kid Set on their needles in no time. This zippered cardigan is a great layering piece for fall and has a coordinating hat, too!
Special Gift Jacket in Adore #111 Banana
The Special Gift Jacket is a precious, crochet wrap cardigan. Scrunch stitches give it a beautiful, all-over texture. The delicate side ties might be my favorite detail!
Don’t have time to make a sweater or blanket? No worries! Why not try out the Mini Mittens or Toasty Toes? Better yet, why not make both? These are so fast! You can work them up in a matter of hours and they are sure to be your go-to projects for every baby in your life.
So, those are my picks for baby patterns using Adore. There is more where that came from, too, so be sure to peruse our website for patterns that suit all ages! Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Daisy Cardi in Cotton Supreme Sapling (pattern link here).
How cute is this little darling?
Sized from 3-6 months to 18-24 months, this adorable little sweater is made in Cotton Supreme Sapling, perfect for the cusp of warm and cold weather.
Work it flat, then pick up for the button band and collar. Pick out some sweet buttons to take it to the next level!
On US 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles, this one works up quickly and takes only 2-3 skeins of Cotton Supreme Sapling. A great, quick gift for any “quarantine babies” that may be coming this winter!
