Plain and Simple Baby Cardigan

I have been asked by a charity group to write a plain, no-nonsense, unisex baby cardigan with a button front and long sleeves...... traditional in style, but knitted in a more modern way - no separate borders or picking up of stitches !! 

Well - here is my 'Plain and Simple' Baby Cardigan. Hope it fits the brief! 

Plain and Simple Baby Cardigan

This cardigan is easy to knit. 

The sleeves are knitted first and the stitches left on a stitch holder. 

Then, the body is worked in one (fronts and back together with the borders) from the lower edge upwards.

There is a joining row where the sleeve stitches are added in ......

and the top part is knitted all-in-one.

There are only 2 sleeve and underarm seams to join. 

The style is ideal for a baby boy or girl - 

and is practical in use because of the raglan-style shaping. 

And of course - more experienced knitters can easily add in a more fancy pattern stitch instead of stocking stitch if desired. 

0 - 3 months, large preemie and medium preemie

PLAIN and Simple Baby Cardigan Jacket             0 - 3 months Baby

Requirements:

Around 60g DK yarn              

4mm needles                         

5 small buttons

Tension/Gauge:

22sts = 4” (10cm)

Measurements:

Width:             17" (43 cm)                

Length:             9½" (24cm)   

Sleeve length:  5½" (14cm)

Instructions:

Begin with the Sleeves (work 2)

Using 4mm needles, cast on 27sts

1^st Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

2^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat last 2 row 4 times more 

Work 36 rows in stocking stitch, increasing one stitch at each end of 5^th, 11^th, 17^th and 23^rd rows         (35sts)

The sleeve should now measure about 5½” – you can add more rows if required

Next Row:  Cast off 3sts, work to last 3sts, cast off 3sts       (29sts)

If you have never done this before – don’t panic !! It is easy to do

·        

     TOP TIP   To cast off 3sts at the end of a row ~

You work across the row until you have just 3sts remaining on your left hand needle. Knit the first st, knit the second st, and pass the first over the second. Knit the last st and pass the second st over it. You will now have a loop - cut the yarn and pull it through the loop. Easy ! 　

Leave these 29 stitches on a spare needle

Work the Main Part

Cast on 97sts

1^st Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

2^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

3^rd Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

4^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

5^th Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

6^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat last 2 rows twice more

11^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

12^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows 3 times more

19^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

20^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

21^st Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

22^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows six times more

35^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

36^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

37^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

38^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows once more

41^st Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k17, cast off 6sts, k40, cast off 6sts, k16, p1, k1, p1, k2

Joining Row ~

42^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p17, put the 29sts on a stitch holder back onto the left-hand needle and purl across them, purl 41sts from the back, put the 29sts on a stitch holder onto the left-hand needle and purl across them for the second sleeve, purl 17sts from left front, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1                    (143sts)

Work the Top Part all in one

43^rd Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k25, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k37, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k25, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (135sts)

44^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

45^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k14, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k35, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k14, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (127sts)

46^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

47^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k33, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (119sts)

48^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

49^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k12, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k31, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k12, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (111sts)

50^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

51^st Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k29, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, p1, k1, p1, k2        (103sts)

52^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

53^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k10, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k27, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k10, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (95sts)

54^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

55^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k25, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, p1, k1, p1, k2                               (87sts)

56^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

57^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k8, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k8, p1, k1, p1, k2                               (79sts)

58^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

59^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k7, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k7, p1, k1, p1, k2                                             (71sts)

60^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

61^st Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k6, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k7, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k7, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k6, p1, k1, p1, k2                                             (63sts)

62^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

63^rd Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

64^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

65^th Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

66^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

67^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

68^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Cast off in rib 

Sew up the sleeve and underarm seams     

Darn away ends         

Add 5 small buttons

PLAIN and Simple Baby Cardigan Jacket             Large Preemie Baby      

Plain and Simple Baby Cardigan - Large Preemie

Requirements:

Around 45g – 48g  DK yarn               

4mm needles                         

5 small buttons

 

Tension/Gauge:

22sts = 4” (10cm)

Measurements:

Width:             15”     (38 cm)            

Length:             8½”   (21.5cm)          

Sleeve length:   5”     (12.5cm)

 

Instructions:

Begin with the Sleeves (work 2)

Using 4mm needles, cast on 25sts

1^st Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

2^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat last 2 row 3 times more 

Work 30 rows in stocking stitch, increasing one stitch at each end of 5^th, 11^th, 17^th and 23^rd rows         (33sts)

The sleeve should now measure about 5” – you can add more rows if required

Next Row:  Cast off 3sts, work to last 3sts, cast off 3sts       (27sts)

If you have never done this before – don’t panic !! It is easy to do

·        TOP TIP   To cast off 3sts at the end of a row ~

You work across the row until you have just 3sts remaining on your left hand needle. Knit the first st, knit the second st, and pass the first over the second. Knit the last st and pass the second st over it. You will now have a loop - cut the yarn and pull it through the loop. Easy ! 　

Leave these 27 stitches on a spare needle

 

Work the Main Part

Cast on 87sts                                     

1^st Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

2^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

3^rd Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

4^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

5^th Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

6^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat last 2 rows once more

9^th Row:   S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

10^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows three times more

17^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

18^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

19^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

20^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows five times more

31^st Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

32^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

33^rd Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

34^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows once more

37^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k15, cast off 6sts, k34, cast off 6sts, k14, p1, k1, p1, k2

 

Joining Row ~

38^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p15, put the 27sts on a stitch holder back onto the left-hand needle and purl across them, purl 35sts from the back, put the 27sts on a stitch holder onto the left-hand needle and purl across them for the second sleeve, purl 15sts from left front, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1                       (129sts)

 

Work the Top Part  all in one

39^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k31, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (121sts)

40^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

41^st Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k12, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k29, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k12, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (113sts)

42^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

43rdRow:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k27, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, p1, k1, p1, k2                             (105sts)

44^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

45^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, k10, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k25, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k10, p1, k1, p1, k2      (97sts)

46^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

47^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1 k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, p1, k1, p1, k2               (89sts)

48^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

49^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k8, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k8, p1, k1, p1, k2                               (81sts)

50^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

51^st Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k7, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k7, p1, k1, p1, k2                               (73sts)

52^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

53^rd Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k6, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k6, p1, k1, p1, k2                                             (65sts)

54^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

55^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k7, s1, k1, psso, k7, k2tog, k19, s1, k1, psso, k7, k2tog, k7, p1, k1, p1, k2                                            (61sts)

56^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

57^th Row:  S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

58^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

59^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

60^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Cast off in rib 

 

Sew up the sleeve and underarm seams     

Darn away ends         

Add 5 small buttons 

PLAIN and Simple Baby Cardigan Jacket   ~  Medium Premature Baby Jacket           

Plain and Simple Baby Cardigan ~ Medium Preemie 

PLAIN and Simple Baby Cardigan Jacket   ~  Medium Premature Baby                         

Requirements:

Around 35g DK yarn               

4mm needles             

5 small buttons

Tension/Gauge:

22sts = 4” (10cm)

Measurements:

Width:                          13” (33cm)

Length:                        7“ (18cm)

Sleeve length:             4½” (11.5cm)

Instructions:

Begin with the Sleeves (work 2)

Cast on 25sts

1^st Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

2^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat last 2 rows 3 times more 

Work 26 rows in stocking stitch, increasing one stitch at each end of 5^th, 11^th and 17^th rows   (31sts)

The sleeve should now measure about 4½” – you can add more rows if required 

Next Row:  Cast off 3sts, knit to last 3sts, cast off 3sts         (25sts)

If you have never done this before – don’t panic !! It is easy to do

·        TOP TIP   To cast off 3sts at the end of a row ~

You work across the row until you have just 3sts remaining on your left hand needle. Knit the first st, knit the second st, and pass the first over the second. Knit the last st and pass the second st over it. You will now have a loop - cut the yarn and pull it through the loop. Easy ! 　

Leave these 25 stitches on a spare needle, or stitch holder

Work the Main Part

Cast on 77sts

1^st Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

2^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

3^rd Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

4^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

5^th Row:   S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

6^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Repeat last 2 rows once more

9^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

10^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows twice more

15^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

16^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

17^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

18^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat the last 2 rows four times more

27^th Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

28^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

29^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1. p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

30^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

31^st Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k12, cast off 6sts, knit 30sts, cast off 6sts, k11, p1, k1, p1, k2

Joining Row ~

32^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p12, put the 25sts on a stitch holder back onto the left-hand needle and purl across them, purl 31sts from the back, put the 25sts on a stitch holder onto the left-hand needle and purl across them for the second sleeve, purl 12sts from left front, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1                    (115sts)

Work the Top Part all in one

33^rd Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k10, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k27, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k10, p1, k1, p1, k2                 (107sts)

34^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

35^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k25, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, p1, k1, p1, k2                   (99sts)

36^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

37^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k8, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k23, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k8, p1, k1, p1, k2                   (91sts)

38^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

39^th Row S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), k1, p1, k7, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k21, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k7, p1, k1, p1, k2                        (83sts)

40^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

41^st Row:   S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k6, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k19, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k13, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k6, p1, k1, p1, k2                   (75sts)

42^nd Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

43^rd Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k5, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k17, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k11, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k5, p1, k1, p1, k2                   (67sts)

44^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

45^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k15, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k9, k2tog, s1, k1, psso, k4, p1, k1, p1, k2                     (59sts)

46^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

47^th Row:  S1, k1, p1, k1, p1, knit to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k2

48^th Row:  S1, p1, k1, p1, k1, purl to last 5sts, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

49^th Row:  S1, * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

50^th Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

51^st Row:  S1, k2tog, yrn, (makes a buttonhole), * k1, p1, rep from * to last 2sts, k2

52^nd Row:  S1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end

Cast off in rib 

Sew up the sleeve and underarm seams

Darn away ends.  

Add 5 small buttons

Happy Knitting ! 

You will find my Plain and Simple Baby Hat pattern here ~ 

https://mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com/2024/11/plain-and-simple-baby-hat.html

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.    

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2019 ‘made by marianna’  All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied or reproduced

or republished without permission on another webpage or website.