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!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Blooming Chorus in Uptown Super Bulky (pattern link here).
Blooming Chorus was originally part of the popular collection, Uptown Favorite Afghans 2.
There are some real beauties in here, both knit and crochet, all using the Uptown family of 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarns.
Personally, I love Uptown Super Bulky. I’ve made several Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats in this, and the yarn is so thick that they fly by. And since this blanket is crocheted on a US Size K-10 ½ (6.5 mm) hook, it ought to go pretty quickly too.
There are two sizes included here, the smaller on the child’s bed, and the bigger one in red/grey/navy/white above.
What a fun bit of texture! And if you’re thinking of trying your own color combo, the pattern comes with its own coloring page to let you try it out before putting your hook into motion.
If this blanket is a blooming chorus, what song do you think it sings? Personally, I think it might be this one. (Hey, if I can’t have fun on the Friday before a 3-day weekend, then when can I have fun?)
Have a safe and happy Labor Day.
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!
Happy Free Pattern Friday!
This week, we’ve released the Bold Circles Throw in Luxor. Originally a part of Garden Book 5: Bring your Garden Inside, this is the first time we’re making it available as an individual pattern. This colorful crochet throw was originally written for Garden 3, but works perfectly in one of our new yarns, Luxor.
Luxor is made of 100% Egyptian Giza Mercerized Cotton, and has an impressive palette of 39 colors. It’s perfect for garments, accessories, and home pieces in crochet or knit.
The Bold Circles Throw is worked in 63 circular motifs. They are join-as-you-go, which makes for a very meditative crochet project. While we’re all spending more time at home, why not take up a relaxing project and make something for your home?
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big (pattern link here).
Even though this is one pattern, we’re going with Blankie(s), plural, because we couldn’t resist making this up in two color choices.
Whether you choose the cream and pink, the blue and white, or your own choice (indigo and daffodil?), the texture on this blanket in Bella Chenille Big will still be divine.
Couldn’t you just sink into it like a big fluffy cloud?
The twisted stockinette body and the garter column stripe are each a two-row repeat. Easy to memorize, and quick to work up on US size 15 (10mm) needles. If you want instant gratification, or need a quick baby gift, this is your pattern.
Please do squeeze the blanket.
Plus, who doesn’t like tassels? 🙂
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of softness and warmth.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Flying V Afghan in Uptown Worsted (pattern link).
This modern crochet pattern first appeared in e-book Uptown Favorite Afghans 2.
When we were looking for a colorful crochet pattern to share for Free Pattern Friday, we immediately thought of this collection. It’s easy to see that Flying V is a simple, gratifying pattern that deserves to be shared!
It comes in both large and small sizes, making it versatile for home decor or baby blankets.
Color changes use the intarsia method. Each full chevron requires approximately 35 yds/19 grams of a color. Helpful to know if you’re measuring out lengths ahead of time.
And speaking of color changes, the pattern contains schematics for both versions, plus this completely unfilled diagram, so you can grab your colored pencils and try out your own color combos before casting on. Fun!
We hope you have a fantastic weekend. Happy crafting!
This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.
Today I’m happy to introduce the Cardamom and Clove Cover – an ultra-cozy wool blanket that’s perfect to wrap around your shoulders while drinking a warm and wintry beverage!
I grew up in a place where it actually snows (when I say “actually” I mean unlike the meager, quick-to-melt amounts that we receive here in Charlotte, NC). To this day I find there is a lot of magic to snow days, and that was especially true when I was a child.
Living in a rural area, just by the border of a state park, snow days first meant shoveling the driveway followed by playing in the snow-covered woods for hours and hours. I rarely came inside until the tips of my hair were completely frozen and my feet couldn’t hand the cold anymore. Then, I’d make my way back home. While my siblings and I pulled off the six million layers we wore to stay warm, my mom prepared hot cocoa.
What’s nicer than enjoying a warm beverage with a cozy blanket on your lap after spending hours in the cold? So, to accompany this design reveal I thought it would be fitting to share a perfectly spiced hot cocoa with a touch of cardamom and clove. This recipe isn’t overly sweet, but it is very rich.Â
Ingredients – serves fourÂ
12 Days of Winter Kit Collection – Cardamom and Clove Cover Kit
6 oz very dark chocolate (I used 90% cocao)
4 cups of coconut milk (or your milk of choice)
1 pinch cayenne
1 pinch ground cloves
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly ground sea salt
1 Tbsp maple syrup
First – knit, knit, knit! How are you going to cuddle up and drink hot chocolate under your blanket if you haven’t knit it?! Okay – I admit, hot chocolate is just as good for knitting this kit, so you don’t need to complete this step first!
Pour the milk into a saucepan. Set the stove to low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and stir, slowly bringing the temperature to medium. When the chocolate is melted add the cayenne, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, sea salt, and maple syrup. Stir, sip, and adjust spices and sweetener to taste.
Add marshmallows – or don’t, it’s up to you! It’s a pretty basic recipe that can be adapted however you’d like. I encourage you to have fun. Heck – add some nutmeg in there if you’re feeling really crazy!
Never enough knits – the Mistletoes and Cardamom and Clove Cover are perfect companions for hot chocolate.
Worried about spilling your cocoa on your beautiful blanket? Don’t! The Cardamom and Clove Cover Kit uses Deluxe Worsted Superwash, so it’s incredibly easy to care for.
Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Series 2 patterns on Ravelry.
This is part 2 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.
Meet the Illusion Throw (pattern link)! Made using machine washable Uptown Worsted, this throw is squishy, resilient to pilling (perfect for everyday use!), and the perfect size to throw over your couch.
This graphic throw is inspired by one of my other favorite crafty things: quilting. Illusion Throw is definitely not like your grandmother’s quilt. Rather, it is a knitted interpretation of some beautiful modern and graphic quilts I’ve seen out there in the world.
I wanted to create a project easy enough for beginners (so no complicated shapes or shaping) but entertaining for more experienced knitters, too. The stitches themselves are easy – there is nothing more than knit and purl going on here.
The color changes –Â where white shifts to light gray and then to dark gray – this is achieved using the intarsia technique. I feel like intarsia sometimes has an unpleasant reputation, but it’s actually very simple to do. And there are only a few color changes on each row, so there is no need to have a thousand bobbins hanging off the back of your work.
To change colors with intarsia, all you’re doing is dropping the color you were using, picking up the new color behind the old one (to prevent any gaps or holes in your work) and knitting on. That’s it!
Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kits patterns on Ravelry.
This soft, squeezable square 38″ x 38″ blanket is perfect for tender-skinned babies.
I wish you could reach through the screen and feel how soft the Bella Chenille Multi is. The wrapped stitches give it just a little extra thickness and texture.
Pet me.
Tip: Because Bella Chenille is a bulky weight yarn, you may wish to securely sew down ends with matching sewing needle and thread. In our experience, the fabric is quite sturdy, so you should be fine just weaving in ends, but it’s another way to finish if you think your project might get a little tough love.
There are plenty of solid Bella Chenille options too, if you want to mix and match or give a different feel. Maybe “bold” is more your style. It’s up to you!
