As knitters, we’re always on the lookout for those timeless, versatile pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. The Baby Wheat Cardigan checks all those boxes and more. Designed as a light layer for little ones, this drop-sleeve cardigan features an all-over wheat-like lace stitch pattern that’s both delicate and striking. Best of all, it’s a free baby cardigan pattern, perfect for your next knitting project.

Why I Designed the Baby Wheat Cardigan

The inspiration behind this free baby cardigan pattern came from my love of transitional knits. Babies often need just a little extra warmth without being weighed down, and a fingering weight cardigan is perfect for that. The wheat-like lace pattern adds visual interest while keeping the piece light and airy.

I wanted something that could easily pair with any outfit, whether it’s a simple onesie or a special occasion dress. The drop-sleeve construction gives it a relaxed fit, allowing for easy movement and layering.

Features of the Baby Wheat Cardigan

1. Drop-Sleeve Construction
   The drop-sleeve design ensures a comfortable fit for babies of all sizes. It’s easy to knit and allows for plenty of room to grow, so your little one can wear it longer.
2. Fingering Weight Yarn
   Using a lighter yarn like KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link) gives this cardigan its soft, breathable quality. Fingering weight yarn ensures the cardigan isn’t bulky, making it ideal for layering over a variety of outfits.
3. Wheat Lace Stitch Pattern
   The highlight of this free baby cardigan pattern is the intricate wheat lace stitch. It’s delicate enough to add a sophisticated touch but simple enough for intermediate knitters to enjoy.
4. Versatility
   Whether you’re knitting for a baby shower, gifting a new parent, or making something special for your own little one, this cardigan fits the bill. Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for spring, fall, or even those cooler summer evenings.

Yarn Choice: Why KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link)?

For the Baby Wheat Cardigan, I used KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link), a luxurious blend of merino wool, cashmere, and nylon. Here’s why it’s my top pick for this project:

• Softness: Perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin.
• Durability: The nylon content adds strength, ensuring the cardigan can withstand frequent washes and wear.
• Stitch Definition: The wheat lace pattern stands out beautifully, thanks to the crisp stitch definition of Capretta.

You could certainly substitute other fingering weight yarns, but I highly recommend using something with similar softness and durability for the best results.

Styling the Baby Wheat Cardigan

One of the things I love most about this free baby cardigan pattern is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can style it:

• Everyday Wear: Layer it over a onesie and pair it with some cozy leggings for a simple, comfortable outfit.
• Special Occasions: The delicate lace pattern makes it a perfect topper for dresses or formal baby outfits.
• Seasonal Layering: Use it as a light layer in spring or fall, or even in summer when air-conditioned spaces can get chilly.

Tips for Knitting the Baby Wheat Cardigan

1. Swatch First
   As always, start by knitting a swatch. This is especially important when working with lace patterns to ensure your gauge matches the pattern’s recommendations.
2. Blocking is Key
   Lace patterns truly shine after blocking. Once you’ve completed the cardigan, give it a gentle block to open up the wheat lace stitch and enhance its texture.
3. Mind the Sleeves
   Since this is a drop-sleeve design, the sleeves are picked up and knit from the armholes. Pay close attention to your tension here to avoid any puckering or gaps.
4. Yarn Management
   Fingering weight yarn can be delicate, so be sure to handle it gently as you work. Use a yarn bowl or bag to keep your skein from tangling.

Why You’ll Love This Free Baby Cardigan Pattern

Knitting for babies is always special, and this free baby cardigan pattern adds a layer of thoughtfulness to your gift. The intricate wheat lace stitch gives it a handmade touch that shows care and love. Plus, it’s a practical piece that parents will reach for time and again.

Whether you’re new to baby knits or an experienced knitter looking for your next challenge, the Baby Wheat Cardigan offers a satisfying project that results in a beautiful, wearable piece.

Final Thoughts

The Baby Wheat Cardigan combines elegance and functionality, making it a must-knit for any baby wardrobe. Its lightweight design, beautiful lace details, and practical drop-sleeve construction make it an instant favorite. If you’re looking for a free baby cardigan pattern that’s both timeless and versatile, this is the one for you.

Ready to cast on? Grab your needles, choose your favorite fingering weight yarn, and start creating a cardigan that’s as special as the little one who will wear it.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Materials and Info

Size: 0-3m, 3-6m (6-12m, 12m) 18m, 24m
Materials: Approximately 2, 2 (3, 3) 4, 4 balls of KnitPick Capretta (affiliate link)
(230y/50g), 7 3/8in buttons, yarn needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 1(US) 2.5mm & 2(US) 3mm straight and dpn
Gauge (tension): 32sts & 40 rows to make 10cm square, using size 2(US) 3mm needles
Chest Measurement: 41, 44 (47, 50) 52, 54 cm

METHOD
This cardigan pattern is a drop sleeve style that is worked flat from the bottom up with 10cm of ease.

Note: when increasing or decreasing at the neck, shoulders or the sleeves be sure there is a decrease for every increase so your stitch count is correct.

Baby Wheat Cardigan Pattern

BACK

Cast on 84, 88 (94, 98) 102, 105 sts using the smaller circular needles
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Start your lace pattern as follows:
knit 0, 2 (5, 0) 2, 4 sts, work in lace pattern until you have 0, 2 (5, 0) 2, 3 sts remaining, knit across.
Work in lace pattern until your work measures 14, 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on each end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 22.5, 24.5 (27, 30) 32cm, 34 cms from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
SHOULDERS
(6-12m, 12m, 18m 24m only)
Bind off x, x (8, 8) 8, 8 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
(all sizes)
Bind off 10, 10 (8, 8) 8, 8 sts at the beginning of the next row, work 14, 15 (12, 12) 14, 14 sts put remaining sts on a stitch holder or spare yarn
Turn and bind off 5, 5 (5, 5) 5, 5 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining 10, 11 (8, 8) 10, 10 sts
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to the sts on the stitch holder/spare yarn, bind off 34, 36 (36, 40) 40, 43 sts, work remaining sts.
Bind off 10, 10 (8, 8) 8, 8 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off 5, 5 (5, 5) 5, 5 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining 10, 11 (8, 8) 10, 10 sts

LEFT FRONT
Cast on 42, 42 (45, 47) 48, 50 sts using smaller needle
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Start your lace pattern as follows:
knit 0, 0 (2, 3) 3, 4 sts, work in lace pattern until you have 0, 0 (1, 2) 3, 4 sts remaining, knit across.
Work in lace pattern until your work measures 14, 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place marker on sleeve end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 17.5, 19.5 (22.5, 25) 27cm, 29
cms from cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
NECK
Next row – Bind off 12, 12 (12, 13) 13, 14sts, work to end of row [30, 30 (33, 34) 35, 36 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at the neck edge of the next 6, 5 (5, 6) 5, 6 rows. [24, 25 (28, 28) 30, 30 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at neck edge every other row 4 times [20, 21 (24, 24) 26, 26 sts]
Continue in pattern until work measures 22.5, 24.5 (27, 30) 32, 34 cms from cast on edge, ending after completing a wrong side row
SHOULDERS
(6-12m, 12m, 18m, 24m only)
Bind off x, x (8, 8) 8, 8 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
(all sizes)
Bind off 10, 10 (8, 8) 8, 8 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off remaining 10, 11 (8, 8) 10, 10 sts

RIGHT FRONT
Cast on 42, 42 (45, 47) 48, 50 sts using smaller needle
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Start your lace pattern as follows:
knit 0, 0 (2, 3) 3, 4 sts, work in lace pattern until you have 0, 0 (1, 2) 3, 4 sts remaining, knit across.
Work in lace pattern until your work measures 14, 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place marker on sleeve end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 17.5, 19.5 (22.5, 25) 27cm, 29 cms from cast on edge, ending after completing a wrong side row.
NECK
Next row – Bind off 12, 12 (12, 13) 13, 14sts, work to end of row [30, 30 (33, 34) 35, 36 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at the neck edge of the next 6, 5 (5, 6) 5, 6 rows. [24, 25 (28, 28) 30, 30 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at neck edge every other row 4 times [20, 21 (24, 24) 26, 26 sts]
Continue in pattern until work measures 22.5, 24.5 (27, 30) 32, 34 cms from cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
SHOULDERS
(6-12m, 12m, 18m, 24m only)
Bind off x, x (8, 8) 8, 8 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
(all sizes)
Bind off 10, 10 (8, 8) 8, 8 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off remaining 10, 11 (8, 8) 10, 10 sts

SLEEVES (MAKE 2)
Cast on now 40, 42 (44, 46) 48, 48 sts on smaller circular/straight needles.
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular/straight needles
Start the lace pattern as follows:
Knit 6, 0 (1, 2) 3, 3, work lace pattern to last 6, 0 (1, 2) 3, 3, knit across
Work 3 more rows in lace pattern.
Next row: inc 1 sts on each end every other row 7, 7 (6, 6) 5, 6 times, then every 4th row 2, 4 (6, 8) 10, 11 times. 60x, 66 (70, 76) 80, 84 sts]
Continue working in lace pattern until work measures 11.5, 13.5 (15.5, 17.5) 19, 20.5 cms from cast on edge. Bind of all stitches.

NECK
Join both shoulder seams, using yarn on a tapestry/yarn needle.
With right side facing and smaller needles pick up and knit 11, 12 (12, 13) 13, 14 sts along right from bind off edge, 17, 19 (19, 20) 20, 20 sts up right front of neck, 44, 46 (46, 50) 50, 53 sts from back neck, 17, 19 (19, 20) 20, 20 sts up left front and side of neck, 11, 12 (12, 13) 13, 14 sts along left from bind off edge. [100, 108 (108, 116) 116, 121 sts]
Work 1.5, 1.5 (1.5, 2) 2, 2 cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Bind off all sts in pattern.

FRONT RIB EDGES
LEFT FRONT EDGE
Pick up and knit 61, 67 (73, 79) 85, 97 sts along the edge with the smaller sized circular needles.
Work 7, 7 (7, 9) 9, 9 rows of rib (k1, p1).
Bind off in established rib pattern.
RIGHT FRONT EDGE
Pick up and knit 61, 67 (73, 79) 85, 97 sts along the edge with the smaller sized circular needles.
Work 3, 3 (3, 4) 4, 4 rows in k1p1 ribbing
Buttonhole row: Work 2 sts in established rib pattern, k2tog yo, work 7, 8 (9, 10) 11, 13 sts in established rib pattern, work k2tog, yarn over, repeat from * to * to the last 3 sts, work 3 sts in rib.
Work 3, 3 (3, 4) 4, 4 rows in k1p1 ribbing
Bind off in established rib pattern.

CARDIGAN FINISHING
Sew the sleeves on, side seams and sleeve seams. I prefer to use the mattress
stitch because it almost appears seamless. Weave in all ends. Sew the buttons on
along the left front edge across from the buttonholes and enjoy your beautiful new cardigan.

Abbreviations

ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit P – purl
PM – place marker SM – slip marker
K2tog -knit 2 stitches together YO – yarn over
SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
M1R – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from back to front, then knit this strand
M1L – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from front to back, then knit this strand through the back loop

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