Looking for a free easy baby cardigan pattern that’s both classic and beginner-friendly? The Baby Damask Cardigan is the perfect knit! Check out all of our free sweater patterns here.
A Baby Sister to the Youth Damask Cardigan
I’ve always loved the Youth Damask Cardigan—its elegant texture and timeless style make it a wardrobe staple for little ones. But I knew I wanted to offer something similar for even the tiniest knitters. That’s how the Baby Damask Cardigan was born! This free easy baby cardigan pattern takes all the best features of its big sister and scales them down for babies from 0-3 months through 24 months.
Why You’ll Love This Free Easy Baby Cardigan Pattern
When designing this pattern, I wanted to create something that looked intricate but was actually simple to knit. The textured stitch gives the illusion of tiny cables without needing a cable needle—perfect for those who want a beautiful design with minimal fuss.
Features of the Baby Damask Cardigan:
- Worked flat – Each piece is knit separately and then sewn together, making it a great project for knitters looking to practice seaming.
- Drop sleeve construction – A relaxed, comfortable fit that’s easy to layer.
- Crew neck and button front – Classic and timeless for little wardrobes.
- Sizes from 0-3 months to 24 months – Knit it for newborns or growing toddlers!
- Uses worsted weight yarn – Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (affiliate link) is soft, durable, and perfect for baby knits.
- Needles: Size 6 (ribbing) and Size 7 (main body).
If you’ve been looking for a free easy baby cardigan pattern that’s practical, stylish, and beginner-friendly, this is it!
Choosing the Right Yarn for Baby Knits
Babies need soft, comfortable clothing, which is why I love Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (affiliate link) for this project. It’s incredibly smooth, holds its shape well, and—best of all—is machine washable! We all know how messy little ones can get, so easy-care yarn is a must for any free easy baby cardigan pattern.
The Stitch Pattern – Texture Without the Hassle
One of my favorite things about this free easy baby cardigan pattern is the textured stitch. It looks like cables but is actually created using only knits and purls. This makes it a fantastic option for knitters who want to try something more detailed without needing to manage extra tools like a cable needle.
Because the stitch pattern is so simple, it’s easy to memorize, which makes this a great project for relaxed knitting sessions.
Why This Cardigan is Perfect for Advanced Beginners
If you’re comfortable knitting and purling but haven’t tackled many sweater projects yet, this free easy baby cardigan pattern is an ideal next step. Here’s why:
- No shaping in the body – The front and back pieces are simple rectangles, and the sleeves are worked flat and seamed.
- Minimal finishing – Just sew the seams and add buttons!
- Straightforward construction – The drop sleeve design means no tricky sleeve caps to worry about.
If you’ve been wanting to try knitting a baby sweater but felt intimidated, this pattern is the perfect opportunity to build your confidence!
Customizing Your Baby Damask Cardigan
One of the best parts about knitting a free easy baby cardigan pattern is the ability to make it unique. Here are a few fun ways to customize your Baby Damask Cardigan:
1. Try a Different Yarn
While I love Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (affiliate link) for its softness and durability, you could also experiment with other worsted-weight yarns. Cotton blends work well for warmer weather, while wool blends add extra warmth for chilly days.
2. Play with Color
Go for a solid color for a classic look, or use a variegated or speckled yarn for a bit of fun. You could even knit the ribbing in a contrasting color for an extra pop!
3. Add Personalized Buttons
The Baby Damask Cardigan is finished with 3/8-inch buttons, which means you can get creative! Wooden buttons add a rustic touch, while colorful plastic buttons make the sweater playful and fun.
Tips for a Perfect Knit
To make sure your free easy baby cardigan pattern turns out just right, here are a few tips:
- Check Your Gauge – Since this sweater is fitted, take the time to knit a gauge swatch before starting.
- Block Your Pieces – Gently blocking your sweater pieces before seaming will make assembling it much easier.
- Sew Seams Neatly – Since this cardigan is worked flat, take your time when sewing the pieces together for a polished finish.
A Thoughtful Handmade Gift
Hand-knit baby sweaters always make meaningful gifts, and this free easy baby cardigan pattern is a fantastic choice for baby showers, first birthdays, or just because! Since it’s available in multiple sizes, you can make one for a newborn and another for when they grow a little bigger.
Ready to Start Knitting?
If you’ve been searching for a free easy baby cardigan pattern that’s both stylish and simple, the Baby Damask Cardigan is a must-try. Whether you’re knitting for your little one or as a gift, this adorable drop-sleeve cardigan is a joy to make.
Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Size: 0-3m, 3-6m (6-12m, 12m) 18m, 24m
Materials: Approximately 1, 2 (2, 2) 2, 3 skeins of Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (189y/100g), 4, 4 (5, 5) 5, 5 – 1/2in buttons, yarn needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 6(US) 4mm & 7(US) 4.5mm straight
Gauge (tension): 20sts & 24 rows to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 3mm needles
Chest Measurement: 41, 44 (47, 50) 52, 54 cms
16, 17.25 (18.5, 19.5) 20.5, 21.25 ins
METHOD
This pattern is for a drop sleeve style that is worked flat from the bottom up with 10cm of ease. If you are a left-handed knitter there are notations to help you throughout.
DAMASK STITCH PATTERN
Row 1 – [k3, p1, k1, p1] across
Row 2 – [k3, p3] around
Row 3 – repeat round 1
Row 4 – repeat round 2
Row 5 – repeat round 1
Row 6 – [p3, k1, p1, k1] around
Row 7 – [p3, k3] around
Row 8 – repeat round 6
Row 9 – repeat round 7
Row 10 – repeat round 6
Row 16 – purl across
Baby Damask Cardigan Pattern
BACK
Cast on 56, 56 (62, 62) 62, 68 sts using the smaller circular needles
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms or .75, .75 (.75, 1) 1 1 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Work as follows: k1 (salvage stitch) work in damask stitch pattern across to last stitch, k1 (salvage stitch) until your work measures 14, 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 cm or 5.5, 6 (7, 7.5) 8.25, 8.5) ins 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 or 8.75, 10 (10.5, 11.75) 12.5, 13.5 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
SHOULDERS
(12m, 18m 24m only)
Bind off x, x (x, 5) 5, 6 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
(all sizes)
Bind off 0, 0 (0, 5) 5, 6 sts at the beginning of the next row, work until 17, 17 (19, 8) 8, 9 sts are on the needle put remaining sts on a stitch holder or spare yarn
Turn and bind off 3, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining 14, 14 (16, 5) 5, 6 sts
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to the sts on the stitch holder/spare yarn, bind off 22, 22 (24, 26) 26, 26 sts, work remaining sts.
Bind off 0, 0 (0, 5) 5, 6 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off 3, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining 14, 14 16, 5) 5, 6 sts
LEFT FRONT (if you knit left-handed this is your right front)
Cast on 26, 26 (29, 29) 29, 32 sts using smaller needle
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms or .75, .75 (.75, 1) 1 1 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Work as follows: k1 (salvage stitch) work in damask stitch pattern across to last stitch, k1 (salvage stitch) until your work measures 14, 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 cm or 5.5, 6 (7, 7.5) 8.25, 8.5) ins 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 or 7, 7.5 (8.75, 9.75) 10.5, 11.5) ins from cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
NECK
Next row – Bind off 8, 8 (9, 9) 9,9 sts, work to end of row
[18, 18 (20, 20) 20, 23 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at the neck edge of the next 2, 2 (2, 3) 3, 3 rows.
[16, 16 (18, 17) 17, 20 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at neck edge every other row 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 times
[14, 14 (16, 15) 15, 18 sts]
Continue in pattern until work measures 22.5, 24.5 (27, 30) 32, 34 cms or 8.75, 10 (10.5, 11.75) 12.5, 13.5 ins from cast on edge, ending after completing a wrong side row
SHOULDERS
(12m, 18m, 24m only)
Bind off x, x (x, 5) 5, 6 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off x, x (x, 5) 5, 6 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
(all sizes)
Bind off remaining 14, 14 (16, 5) 5, 6 sts
RIGHT FRONT (if you knit left-handed this is your left front)
Cast on 26, 26 (29, 29) 29, 32 sts using smaller needle
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms or .75, .75 (.75, 1) 1 1 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Work as follows: k1 (salvage stitch) work in damask stitch pattern across to last stitch, k1 (salvage stitch) until your work measures 14, 15.5 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 cm or 5.5, 6 (7, 7.5) 8.25, 8.5) ins 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 or 7, 7.5 (8.75, 9.75) 10.5, 11.5) ins from cast on edge, ending after completing a wrong side row.
NECK
Next row – Bind off 8, 8 (9, 9) 9,9 sts, work to end of row
[18, 18 (20, 20) 20, 23 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at the neck edge of the next 2, 2 (2, 3) 3, 3 rows.
[16, 16 (18, 17) 17, 20 sts]
Decrease 1 sts at neck edge every other row 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 times
[14, 14 (16, 15) 15, 18 sts]
Continue in pattern until work measures 22.5, 24.5 (27, 30) 32, 34 cms or 8.75, 10 (10.5, 11.75) 12.5, 13.5 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
SHOULDERS
(12m, 18m, 24m only)
Bind off x, x (x, 5) 5, 6 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off x, x (x, 5) 5, 6 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
(all sizes)
Bind off remaining 14, 14 (16, 5) 5, 6 sts
SLEEVES (MAKE 2)
Cast on now 26, 26 (26, 32) 32, 32 sts on smaller circular/straight needles.
Work 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms or .75, .75 (.75, 1) 1 1 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles
Work as follows: k1 (salvage stitch) work in damask stitch pattern across to last stitch, k1 (salvage stitch)
Work 3 more rows in damask pattern.
Next row: inc 1 sts on each end every right side row 5, 7 (7, 3) 3, 4 times,
then every 4th row 1, 1 (2, 5) 6, 6 times.
[38, 42 (44, 48) 50, 52 sts]
Continue working in lace pattern until work measures 11.5, 13.5 (15.5, 17.5) 19, 20.5 cms or 4.5, 5.25 (6, 7) 7.5, 8 ins 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 9, 9 (10, 10) 10, 10 sts along right from bind off edge,
9, 9 (9, 11) 11, 11 sts up right front of neck,
28, 28 (30, 32) 32, 32 sts from back neck,
9, 9 (9, 11) 11, 11 sts up left front and side of neck,
9, 9 (10, 10) 10, 10 sts along left from bind off edge.
[64, 64 (68, 74) 74, 74 sts]
Work 1.5, 1.5 (1.5, 2) 2, 2 cms or .5, .5 (.5, .75) .75,.75 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Bind off all sts in pattern.
FRONT RIB EDGES
LEFT FRONT EDGE
Pick up and knit 37, 40 (47, 51) 55, 59 sts along the edge with the smaller sized circular needles.
Work 6, 6 (6, 6) 6, 6 rows of rib (k1, p1).
Bind off in established rib pattern.
RIGHT FRONT EDGE
Pick up and knit 37, 40 (47, 51) 55, 59 sts along the edge with the smaller sized circular needles.
Work 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 rows in k1p1 ribbing
Buttonhole row: Work 2 sts in established rib pattern, k2tog yo, *work 8, 9 (8, 9) 10, 11 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, 3) 3, 3 rows in k1p1 ribbing
Bind off in established rib pattern.
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
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
Baby Damask Cardigan PDF
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