Baby Garter T-Cardigan
Knit in one piece from the back hem, over the shoulders and down the fronts. Two seams, one tie.
- Yarn
- DK (3) superwash wool or cotton blend.
- Needles
- US 6 (4 mm) 24 in (60 cm) circular, used flat
- Sizes
- Baby newborn–24 months (baby size chart). Example: 12 months, chest 18 in, finished chest 20 in (51 cm).
- Example gauge
- 22 sts and 44 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in garter
- Yarn needed
- About 350 yd (320 m) DK for 12 months.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back | (chest + 2 in) ÷ 2 × sts per in | 10 × 5.5 = 55 sts | Cast-On Calculator |
| Body to underarm | chart back waist length + 2.5 in − sleeve depth | 7.5 + 2.5 − 4 = 6 in (66 rows) | Size Charts |
| Sleeve cast-on | chart sleeve length × sts per in | 7.5 × 5.5 = 41 sts each side | By hand |
| Sleeve depth | (upper arm + ease) ÷ 2 | about 4 in (44 rows) | By hand |
| Back neck | about 4 in, odd | 21 sts, leaving 58 each side | By hand |
Materials
- DK (3) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 6 (4 mm) 24 in (60 cm) circular, used flat
- Tapestry needle
- Locking markers
Gauge swatch
Garter swatch.
Instructions
Back
Cast on the back count (example: 55). Knit until it measures the body-to-underarm figure (example: 66 rows).
Sleeves
Using the knitted or cable cast-on, cast on the sleeve count at the start of the next 2 rows (example: 55 + 82 = 137 sts). Knit the sleeve depth (example: 44 rows).
Neck
Next row (RS): K58, bind off 21, k58. Work each side separately from here.
Fronts (both alike, mirrored)
Knit 2 rows. Neck increase: On the next 12 RS rows, knit to the neck edge and M1 1 st in from the edge (example: 58 → 70).
Knit until the front sleeve depth matches the back (example: 44 rows from the shoulder).
Bind off the sleeve sts (41) at the sleeve edge. Knit the remaining front (29) until it matches the back length. Bind off.
Finishing
- Fold at the shoulders. Seam each sleeve underside and side in one line.
- Ties: knit two 3-st I-cords, 8 in (20 cm) long. Sew one to each front edge at the underarm.
- Weave in ends.
Designer’s notes
- Safety: keep ties short and never leave a sleeping baby in anything with ties.
- Roll the cuffs back for growing room: add 1 in to the sleeve cast-on.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rows in each section. Counter 2: neck increases (goal 12 each side).
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.