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As a passionate knitter and a mom of eight, I am always on the lookout for knitting patterns that are not only beautiful but also practical and comfortable for my little ones. Recently, I came across the Cozy Cables Set free knitting pattern, a delightful ensemble that includes a beanie, bonnet, and shorts, all designed as perfect newborn photo props. Today, I want to share my experience and thoughts on knitting this charming set, using KnitPicks Wool of the Andes worsted yarn.
The Allure of Newborn Photo Props
Newborn photography is a treasured tradition for many families, capturing those fleeting early days when everything is new and precious. As a knitter, creating photo props for these sessions is a way for me to contribute to these memories. The Cozy Cables Set stood out to me because of its classic yet stylish design, which adds a touch of elegance to any newborn photo session.
Choosing the Yarn
For this project, I chose KnitPicks Wool of the Andes worsted yarn. This yarn is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it is incredibly soft, ensuring that the baby will be comfortable. Second, it is durable, which is essential for photo props that might be used multiple times. Finally, the yarn comes in a wide range of colors, allowing for creativity and customization.
For the main body of the set, I opted for a plain white color, which gives a clean and timeless look. For the ribbed edging, which features a faux cable design, I selected a neutral contrasting color. This subtle contrast adds visual interest without overpowering the simplicity of the set.
The Beanie: Simplicity with a Twist
Knitting the beanie was a delightful experience. The main body is straightforward, allowing the beautiful texture of the Wool of the Andes yarn to shine. The real charm, however, lies in the ribbed edging. The faux cable design is not only visually appealing but also easy to knit. This pattern does not require a cable needle, making it accessible even for beginners. The result is a sophisticated beanie that looks more complex than it is.
The beanie’s fit is snug and comfortable, perfect for keeping a newborn’s head warm during a photo session. The neutral contrast of the ribbed edging frames the baby’s face beautifully, drawing attention to their delicate features.
The Bonnet: A Classic Touch
The bonnet in the Cozy Cables Set is another highlight. Bonnet patterns can vary greatly, but this one strikes a perfect balance between classic charm and modern simplicity. The main body of the bonnet is knitted in the same plain white yarn, with the ribbed edging in the neutral contrast color, creating a cohesive look with the beanie.
One aspect I particularly appreciated about the bonnet is its practical design. It fits snugly around the baby’s head, with ties that allow for easy adjustment. This ensures that the bonnet stays in place during the photo session, keeping the baby comfortable and the photographer’s job easier.
The faux cable ribbing on the bonnet adds a touch of sophistication, making it a standout piece in the set. The simplicity of the main body combined with the intricate-looking ribbing creates a balanced and visually pleasing accessory.
The Shorts: Comfort and Style
The final piece of the Cozy Cables Set is the shorts. Knitting baby shorts can sometimes be a challenge, as the fit needs to be just right to ensure comfort. However, this pattern was well-designed, resulting in a pair of shorts that are both stylish and practical.
The shorts are knitted in the plain white yarn, with the ribbed waistband and leg cuffs in the contrasting neutral color. The faux cable design on the ribbing ties the whole set together, creating a cohesive look. The waistband is designed to be stretchy yet secure, ensuring that the shorts stay in place without being too tight.
One thing I love about these shorts is their versatility. They can be paired with either the beanie or the bonnet, allowing for different looks within the same photo session. The neutral colors I chose make the set suitable for any baby, regardless of gender, and the classic design ensures that the photos will remain timeless.
Why I Love the Cozy Cables Set
Knitting the Cozy Cables Set was a rewarding experience for several reasons. First, the pattern itself is well-written and easy to follow, making it suitable for knitters of all skill levels. The faux cable ribbing adds a touch of sophistication without complicating the knitting process.
Second, the choice of yarn plays a significant role in the finished product. KnitPicks Wool of the Andes worsted yarn is a pleasure to work with, and its soft texture and durability make it ideal for baby garments. The wide range of colors allowed me to customize the set to my liking, ensuring that it would be both beautiful and practical.
Finally, the set itself is a perfect addition to any newborn photo session. The classic design, combined with the neutral colors and sophisticated ribbing, creates a timeless look that will be cherished for years to come. The beanie, bonnet, and shorts are not only adorable but also comfortable and practical for the baby, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable photo session.
Conclusion
The Cozy Cables Set has quickly become one of my favorite knitting patterns for newborn photo props. Its combination of simplicity and sophistication, along with the beautiful KnitPicks Wool of the Andes worsted yarn, makes it a standout choice for any knitter looking to create something special. Whether you are an experienced knitter or just starting, this pattern is sure to delight and inspire you. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: appx 60-90 yds of accent color and appx 100-200yds of main color in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes worsted weight (size 4) yarn, size 8 (5mm) double pointed and circular needles, yarn needle, scissors
Gauge: 4sts/in in stockinette st GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
Sizes: newborn -(13ins), 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins)
Stitch Key:
K – knit P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together CO – cast on
BO – bind off
ft – k the 2nd st on the needle, passing in front of the1st st, then k the 1st st, slipping both off the needle at the same time
Cozy Cable Set Pattern
NEWBORN
BONNET
CO 46 sts in accent color.
Row 1: [k2,p2] repeat to last 2 sts, k2
Row 2: [p2, ft] repeat to last 2 sts, p2
Row 3: repeat row 1
Row 4: [p2,k2] repeat to last 2 sts, p2
Row 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rows 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color. Now work in stockinette st (knit the right side rows and purl the wrong side rows) starting with a purl row until your work measures 4ins ending after working a knit row.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: (k2tog k3) repeat around to the last 4 sts, k4 (36sts)
Round 2: knit around
Round 3: (k2tog k2) repeat around (27sts)
Round 4: (k2tog k1) repeat around (18sts)
Round 5: (k2tog) repeat around (9sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
BEANIE
CO 52sts in accent color.
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat roundss 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 3ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k11 – repeat around (48sts)
Rd 2 – k2tog k6 – repeat around (42sts)
Rd 3 – knit around
Rd 4 – k2tog k5 – repeat around (36sts)
Rd 5 – knit around
Rd 6 – k2tog k4 – repeat around (30sts)
Rd 7 – knit around
Rd 8 – k2tog k3 – repeat around (24sts)
Rd 9 – knit around
Rd 10 – k2tog k2 – repeat around (18sts)
Rd 11 – k2tog k1 – repeat around (12sts)
Rd 12 – k2tog – repeat around (6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in the ends.
SHORTS
BODY
CO 52sts in accent color.
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
Gusset
Round 1: [place marker m1 k1 m1 place marker (the stitches between these markers are your gusset stitches) k25] repeat once more (56sts)
Round 2: knit around
Cut yarn leaving appx 8-10ins. Slip the last 25sts you worked onto a st holder or scrap piece of yarn. Kitchener st the gusset stitches from the front and back together. (tutorial at the end of pattern)
Legs
With main color
Round 1 – knit 25sts, pick up 3sts on the gusset (28sts)
Cut main color leaving 6-8ins to weave in ends and pick up accent color.
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3-5: [k2,p2] repeat
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Bind off. I like to use a sewn bind off since it has a lot of stretch but it’s not necessary.
Pick up the 25sts on your stitch holder and repeat from round 1 of legs for the other leg.
Weave in all ends.
0-3MTHS
BONNET
CO 48 sts in accent color.
Row 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Row 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Row 3: repeat row 1
Row 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Row 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rows 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color. Now work in stockinette st (knit the right side rows and purl the wrong side rows) starting with a purl row until your work measures 4.5ins ending after working a knit row.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: (k2tog k4) repeat around (40sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k3) repeat around (32sts)
Round 3: (k2tog k2) repeat around (24sts)
Round 4: (k2tog k1) repeat around (16sts)
Round 5: (k2tog) repeat around (8sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
BEANIE
CO 56sts in accent color.
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat roundss 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 3.5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k6 – repeat around (49sts)
Rd 2 – knit around
Rd 3 – k2tog k5 – repeat around (42sts)
Rd 4 – knit around
Rd 5 – k2tog k4 – repeat around (35sts)
Rd 6 – knit around
Rd 7 – k2tog k3 – repeat around (28sts)
Rd 8 – knit around
Rd 9 – k2tog k2 – repeat around (21sts)
Rd 10 – k2tog k1 – repeat around (14sts)
Rd 11 – k2tog – repeat around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in the ends.
SHORTS
BODY
CO 56 in accent color
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 5.5ins from cast on edge.
Gusset
Round 1: [place marker m1 k1 m1 place marker (the stitches between these markers are your gusset stitches) k27] repeat once more (60sts)
Round 2: knit around
Cut yarn leaving appx 8-10ins. Slip the last 27sts you worked onto a st holder or scrap piece of yarn. Kitchener st the gusset stitches from the front and back together. (tutorial at the end of pattern)
Legs
With main color
Round 1 – knit 27sts, pick up 1sts on the gusset (28sts)
Cut main color leaving 6-8ins to weave in ends and pick up accent color.
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3-5: [k2,p2] repeat
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Bind off. I like to use a sewn bind off since it has a lot of stretch but it’s not necessary.
Pick up the 27sts on your stitch holder and repeat from round 1 of legs for the other leg.
Weave in all ends.
3-6MTH
BONNET
CO 52 sts in accent color.
Row 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Row 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Row 3: repeat row 1
Row 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Row 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rows 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color. Now work in stockinette st (knit the right side rows and purl the wrong side rows) starting with a purl row until your work measures 5ins ending after working a knit row.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: (k2tog, k24) knit around (50sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k3) repeat around (40sts)
Round 3: Knit around
Round 4: (k2tog k2) repeat around (30sts)
Round 5: (k2tog k1) repeat around (20sts)
Round 6: (k2tog) repeat around (10sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
BEANIE
CO 60sts in accent color.
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat roundss 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 4.25ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k13 – repeat around (56sts)
Rd 2 – k2tog k6 – repeat around (49sts)
Rd 3 – knit around
Rd 4 – k2tog k5 – repeat around (42sts)
Rd 5 – knit around
Rd 6 – k2tog k4 – repeat around (35sts)
Rd 7 – knit around
Rd 8 – k2tog k3 – repeat around (28sts)
Rd 9 – knit around
Rd 10 – k2tog k2 – repeat around (21sts)
Rd 11 – k2tog k1 – repeat around (14sts)
Rd 12 – k2tog – repeat around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in the ends.
SHORTS
BODY
CO 60 in accent color
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 6ins from cast on edge.
Gusset
Round 1: [place marker m1 k1 m1 place marker (the stitches between these markers are your gusset stitches) k29] repeat once more (64sts)
Round 2: knit around
Cut yarn leaving appx 8-10ins. Slip the last 29sts you worked onto a st holder or scrap piece of yarn. Kitchener st the gusset stitches from the front and back together. (tutorial at the end of pattern)
Legs
With main color
Round 1 – knit 29sts, pick up 3sts on the gusset (32sts)
Cut main color leaving 6-8ins to weave in ends and pick up accent color.
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3-5: [k2,p2] repeat
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Bind off. I like to use a sewn bind off since it has a lot of stretch but it’s not necessary.
Pick up the 29sts on your stitch holder and repeat from round 1 of legs for the other leg.
Weave in all ends.
6-12MTH
BONNET
CO 56 sts in accent color.
Row 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Row 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Row 3: repeat row 1
Row 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Row 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rows 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color. Now work in stockinette st (knit the right side rows and purl the wrong side rows) starting with a purl row until your work measures 5.5ins ending after working a knit row.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: K2tog, k around (55sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k3) repeat around (44sts)
Round 3: Knit around
Round 4: (k2tog k2) repeat around (33sts)
Round 5: (k2tog k1) repeat around (22sts)
Round 6: (k2tog) repeat around (11sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
BEANIE
CO 64sts in accent color.
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat roundss 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Rd 1 – k2tog k6 – repeat around (56sts)
Rd 2 – knit around
Rd 3 – k2tog k5 – repeat around (48sts)
Rd 4 – knit around
Rd 5 – k2tog k4 – repeat around (40sts)
Rd 6 – knit around
Rd 7 – k2tog k3 – repeat around (32sts)
Rd 8 – knit around
Rd 9 – k2tog k2 – repeat around (24sts)
Rd 10 – k2tog k1 – repeat around (16sts)
Rd 11 – k2tog – repeat around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving several inches (appx 6-8) and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in the ends.
SHORTS
BODY
CO 64 in accent color
Round 1: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3: repeat row 1
Round 4: [k2,p2] repeat
Round 5: repeat row 1
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Pick up main color.
Knit until your work measures 6.5ins from cast on edge.
Gusset
Round 1: [place marker m1 k1 m1 place marker (the stitches between these markers are your gusset stitches) k31] repeat once more (68sts)
Round 2: knit around
Cut yarn leaving appx 8-10ins. Slip the last 31sts you worked onto a st holder or scrap piece of yarn. Kitchener st the gusset stitches from the front and back together. (tutorial at the end of pattern)
Legs
With main color
Round 1 – knit 31sts, pick up 1sts on the gusset (32sts)
Cut main color leaving 6-8ins to weave in ends and pick up accent color.
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: [ft, p2] repeat
Round 3-5: [k2,p2] repeat
Repeat rounds 2-5 one more time and then repeat row 2 one more time. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins to weave in.
Bind off. I like to use a sewn bind off since it has a lot of stretch but it’s not necessary.
Pick up the 29sts on your stitch holder and repeat from round 1 of legs for the other leg.
Weave in all ends.
Kitchener Stitch: Hold the two pieces of knitting parallel to one another with the wrong sides facing. Thread the working yarn with a yarn needle. *Insert the yarn needle knitwise into the first stitch on the front knitting needle. Draw through the stitch and slip the stitch off of the front needle. Insert the yarn needle purlwise into the next stitch on the front knitting needle. Draw through the stitch. Leave the stitch on the needle. Insert the yarn needle purlwise into the first stitch on the back knitting needle. Draw through the stitch and slip the stitch off of the back needle. Insert the yarn needle knitwise into the next stitch on the back knitting needle. Draw through the stitch. Leave the stitch on the needle. Repeat these steps beginning at the * until all of your stitches have been grafted together.
Thank you so much as I am knitting for the local baby unit
As a micro preemie nicu mama, I so, so appreciate it! <3 Even though I'm a knitter I have kept and appreciate every single thing someone made and donated that was given to my Tiny Girl.