Handmade Gifts: Baby Sweater Set

This Spring I had the chance to knit my first baby sweater! Now that it's been gifted and the baby has been born, I can share it.


The parents didn't find out the baby's gender, so I knew I'd need to knit something gender neutral. I love this Malabrigo colorway (pearl ten, which I also used for Michael's convertible mitts), and thought it would work nicely as a basic in baby's wardrobe. It's a difficult color to photograph and it looks different depending on the light, ranging from black/brown to purple-ish gray. I almost bought yarn in an oatmeal color, but thought this darker color would be a little more practical.


I chose the Baby Sophisticate Sweater pattern by Linden Down. I love how it looks like a little grandpa sweater with the shawl collar. It knit up pretty quickly, and the sleeves were small enough that I could knit them on my favorite little 9" circulars. I knit the 3 month size.

I hemmed and hawed about the buttons, but ended up finding these super cute wooden ones on Etsy, that are made on a farm in Ohio. These particular ones are made from Elm, pretty cool! Find all their wooden button options here. I was a bit nervous about putting buttons on a baby sweater, and I did quite a bit of research on the most secure way to attach the buttons (helpful articles here and here).


Once the sweater was finished, I knit up a simple hat to match. It was easily the fastest thing I've ever knit, so quick and tiny. I used this free Calming Baby Hat pattern by Stacey Winklepleck.


Of course as a maker I couldn't stop there. I ordered some Robert Kaufman speckle french terry knit (sadly now discontinued) destined for a sweatshirt last year. When it arrived I couldn't help but think that it would be great hemmed as a blanket. I ordered another cut and made a little throw for mama and baby to hopefully enjoy together. I used a stashed chambray for the binding. I rounded the corners and using bias binding, I bound it double fold like a quilt. I have to say, it was totally pain-less. I think my french terry cut is destined to become a blanket too! So cozy and simple.


All the years I've been making and giving handmade gifts, and it's still one of my favorite things to do. When I'm not rushing at the last minute that is! Thankfully I started these projects early and finished with time to spare.


Happy Making!