I started this little guy on August 29 and finished it on September 9. So why did it take more than 2 months to post about it? Because I was too lazy to type up the 2 page pattern. Anyhoo. Here it is, with plenty of time until Chrismas.
It’s a simple little cardi with super speedy top-down, seamless raglan construction and an optional I-cord button band. My version was knit with less than 3 skeins of Knit Picks Andean Treasure sportweight alpaca on US 4 (3.5mm) needles at a gauge of 22sts = 4″ in stockinette. It’s silly soft and a little fuzzy and toasty as can be. The finished measurements are 20″ at the chest and 10″ in length. So a 6-12 month sized baby? Or older or younger or something.
The sweater is a very basic, easily adjustable pattern. Tweak ’till your heart’s content. Use thinner yarn and smaller needles for a smaller sweater or thicker yarn and larger needles for a bigger one, just be sure to adjust the length accordingly.
This pattern has not been tested. Please let me know if you find any errors.
Here’s the english pdf, here’s the German version – Baby Cardi Kraus rechts gestrickt (courtesy of Susanne at Stil-Blüte in Braunschweig, Germany), here’s the Italian thanks to Marica at La Maglia Di Marica, here it is in Spanish on Copper Kettles and Woolen Mittens (thanks to MJ in Barcelona), and here it is on Ravelry.
November 14th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
love the buttons!
November 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I was just going to make the same comment.. they are adorable. this is reminiscent of the jared flood sweater for men with the garter stitch yoke… love it. wish I had a baby to knit for now!
November 17th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Thanks!
November 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
adorable!!! just beautiful!
December 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Thank you very much for the lovely pattern!!!
February 7th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Love it!! I like the cozy look of it. If you have more…. that will be great!!
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:48 am
[...] while, because my friend S is having a baby in a couple of weeks so I’m planning to knit a Garter Yoke Baby Cardigan. She’d helpfully told me she’s having a boy, so I was prepared when I went to choose [...]
March 1st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
[...] L&B, we settled on the Garter Yoke Baby Cardi (a design very similar to my Garter Yoke Cardigan from the previous post). It is an adorable [...]
March 25th, 2009 at 6:20 am
[...] thanks to Susanne from Stil-Blüte in Braunschweig, Germany. She was kind enough to translate the Garter Yoke Baby Cardi into [...]
April 5th, 2009 at 11:14 am
[...] Pattern: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi [...]
June 15th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Hi, I have really enjoyed knitting this sweater! Thank you for posting the pattern for all of us to share.
I have one question about the knitted-on I-cord, though. I think I am doing it wrong (or is there a typo?) I cast on 3 st, then the repeat consumes 4 stitches, but when you keep repeating, it doesn’t consume any more stitches. Is the YO supposed to be there?
June 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am
[...] Another of my favorites, Mosaic Moon. Sweater pattern. [...]
July 8th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Sorry for the delayed response. I’m not sure I understand your question, but the I-cord is effectively 3 sts repeated each round. The k2tog connects the 3 st cord to the sweater. Hope that helps.
December 19th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
[...] Garter Yoke Bay Cardi by Jennifer [...]
April 21st, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I have a question. I knit rows 9 and 10 to when you place sleeves on holder and then got confused. If I sl1 K27 that is the left front not the right. I thought I did one row too many so I ripped out rown 10 but then the purl row (row 2) was on the wrong side. Has anyone else had this problem? Am I reading the pattern wrong?
April 22nd, 2010 at 6:52 am
I haven’t heard of any problems with that part. Perhaps it’s just a matter of perspective? I consider the sl1, k27 of row1 to be the right side of the sweater as if you were wearing it, which is the left side when looking at it. Does that clear it up?
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:31 am
I went ahead with the pattern. I’m not sure I did it right but it looks fine. Is the knit side of the bottom the right side or wrong side? I used it as the right side.
April 27th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Yep, the knit is the right side. Sorry for the confusion.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
[...] started a cardigan for a friend’s [...]
May 19th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
[...] Pattern: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi from Jennifer [...]
May 28th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
I have a quick question about gauge – usually when a pattern asks to make a swatch, it says how many stitches and how many rows to get to 4″. You just list the number of stitches (22). How many rows?
Thanks!
June 1st, 2010 at 10:23 am
I don’t actually know the row gauge. It isn’t critical in this pattern as you make length decisions based on inches, so I never bothered to check. Sorry I can’t be more help.
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I am knitting this pattern to learn a few new skills: M1 and PM. (PM isn’t a stitch, I realize, but I’ve never used them before.)
Question: I don’t understand the instructions in Repeat Rows 9 & 10 “increasing outside markers (leaving 2 stockinette stitches between)”.
Which stitches exactly do I increase? The markers are not symmetrical.
Are Rows 1-10 one sleeve and then do I need to knit all that againe to make sleeve #2?
I don’t understand what it means to “place sleeves on holders and continue with the body, dropping markers as you go”.
Sorry for being so dense!
July 17th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
The error in the pattern is with the I-cord buttonholes. There is a yo that should not be there. So it should be cast on 3 sts. K 2 and then 2 together (picking up on st from the button band). That causes you to be able to “work down the band” picking up 1 st at a time until you are at the bottom. So I think the error is the YO.
I am trying to make it in worsted and size 7 needles for an older baby, but I’m not sure of the proportion in length between body length and sleeve length. Any suggestions? I want the 24″ body width. I can’t tell by looking at it. Is there a formula for the relationship between the sweater width and sweater body length and sleeve length?
great pattern otherwise.
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:39 am
The markers should be symmetrical. Remember that the sl1 counts as a stitch. Perhaps this will clarify it some?
All of your m1s will be on knit rows for this project. Place your marker after you make a m1. So the layout is front, marker, 2sts, marker, sleeve, marker, 2sts, marker, back, marker, 2sts, marker, sleeve, marker, 2sts, marker, front. The 2sts remain constant, but the fronts, sleeves, and back increase sts every odd row.
The raglan shaping will add 8sts every odd row (one m1 on either side of the k2 that forms the front and back seam of each sleeve).
Row 11: sl1, k10, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k8, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k22, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k8, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k11 (76sts)
Row 12: sl1, k11, pm, p2, pm, k10, pm, p2, pm, k24, pm, p2, pm, k10, pm, p2, pm, k12.
Row 13: sl1, k11, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k10, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k24, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k10, m1, pm, k2, pm, m1, k12 (84sts)
Row 14: sl1, k12, pm, p2, pm, k12, pm, p2, pm, k26, pm, p2, pm, k12, pm, p2, pm, k13.
Note how the m1, pm, k2, pm, m1 is consistent regardless of the number of stitches elsewhere.
As for placing the arms on holders, it means to move the stitches from active knitting to a temporary holder (an extra piece of smooth yarn, an extra circular needle, a dpn with endcaps, or a dedicated stitch holder). This will allow you to knit the lower body in continuous rows, eliminating side seams. Once the lower body is completed, you’ll go back to the sleeve stitches and knit them circularly.
Hope this helps.
October 4th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Thank you for the generous sharing. Obviously so much work goes into creating a pattern. I have never knitted a top down garment and this one looks so cosy and comfy, I will try it. Thanks again for the creativity and sharing.
October 4th, 2010 at 7:59 am
Thanks. Hope you like the finished product.
October 28th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
[...] my knitblog friends, thought I’d show off this “garter yoke baby cardi” I finished back in August for my sister’s neighbour. Ravelry details here. [...]
November 6th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
[...] at left, mostly because I think it is going to make an adorable little baby sweater. I found this garter stitch jacket that should be perfect for a new born. I can’t wait to try out this pattern, it looks like [...]
March 19th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
I have just started this cute little cardi. I’m troubled with row 9. When i follow your instructions i get exactly 68 stitches as called for, BUT I DO NOT have the last 10 stitches for a knit 10. i only seem to have 2 stitches. HELP!!
March 19th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
still thinking on this…. do i perhaps M1 on the 9th knitted stitch in the k9? I was sl 1 k9 then making a stitch on 11th stitch. i’ll give this a try. Sigh
June 11th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Hi! I love this pattern and want to upsize it for a toddler. Have you seen if anyone else has already done the math for that? I’ve looked around on Ravelry and can’t find anything. I’m a little nervous to do it on my own, but love the pattern and think it would a perfect piece for my toddler girl!
July 9th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
I too am having problems with row 9. I was left with too few stitches on the end. When I add up the stitches on the pattern I get 76 not 68. Is the make 1 supposed to be on the 9th stitch of the knit 9? Please help, I just can’t start over again.
September 10th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Great pattern!!! Only confusing part was the yarn over when knitting the I cord. Once I left out the yarn over it came together perfectly. Love the look for button holes! Thanks for the pattern!
September 15th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
[...] year was more matinee style so, for me, didn’t size up well for older children. I found Garter Yoke Baby Cardi, which I think is more jackety and would look just as good on a toddler as a [...]
October 16th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Korinthe- glad you asked that question about the i-cord. it was driving me crazy!! so glad rita c. noticed. i think the YO is a mistake. either that or you have to keep k1 and then k2tog inorder to pick up a st on the edge. consume as you put it. i’m doing the buitton band now and really want to try smthg new like the i cord band b/c i bbought some great buttons and i think the i-cord will show them nicely.
November 2nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
[...] Lõng: Titan Wool Winner 11 roosa, 8 hele virsik ja 9 virsik. Tikkan lõngajääkidest. Nööbid: Jesse James Vardad: 2,5 mm Tööjuhend: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi [...]
November 20th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
[...] Takki – Jennifer Hoel – Garter yoke baby cardi [...]
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:19 pm
[...] tend to need quite a lot of washing. This particular pattern is my new favourite. It is the Garter Yoke Baby Cardi by Jennifer. The pattern is so easy to follow, and is knit in one piece with absolutely no seams [...]
December 13th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
[...] Garter Yoke Baby Cardi (Check out her blog! It’s fun!) [...]
January 8th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Thank you so much for this adorable pattern
. It’s on my needles right now, and I love it! I added some lace hearts at the bottom of the sweater to give it a lil pizazz, and I’m using a pink glittery yarn, it’s quite adorable 
. Thanks for making this pattern easy to understand!
January 22nd, 2012 at 2:18 pm
[...] used some of the left over yarn from Bright Star and the pattern is a free one – Garter Yoke Baby Cardi. I didn’t finish the cardigan yesterday as Auntie Ann and Uncle Ray visited as I got home [...]
January 30th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Question : are the 2 stockinette st’s that form raglan seam included on holders for sleeve st’s or are they part of body (when you separate sleeves from body to knit body of sweater)? thanks!
February 4th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Hi ,
I have some great fingering weight yarn I would love use for this sweater. You said that u can use a smaller yarn and smaller needles. What would I do for fingering? Thanks so much for your help.
February 7th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
It’s been so long since I’ve knit this that I don’t recall. But based on the numbers the 2 stockinettes are part of the body. Good luck.
February 7th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Here’s a link to Ravelry. There are many sweaters others have made in fingering weight yarn. From the comments that I skimmed, following the pattern in thinner yarn and tighter gauge made a newborn sized sweater. Frenchconnection on Rav CO 112 sts in fingering weight to match the original pattern size. Hope this helps!
February 7th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Thanks! Glad you are enjoying it.
February 13th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Loved making this sweater and my granddaughter has been wearing it from infancy to now [1 yr] – it is a different look, with 3/4 sleeves, but so adorable, my daughter gets comments all the time. I would love to make it again for her for next winter. Have you adapted it for larger sizes or is there a trick for doing that? Thanks!
February 14th, 2012 at 8:45 am
I haven’t made a larger size, but a few people on Ravelry have used a thicker gauge yarn (maybe worsted) and just knit it longer than the original.
Check out these projects:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/subatomic/garter-yoke-baby-cardi
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/itgirlxx/garter-yoke-baby-cardi
March 14th, 2012 at 7:10 pm
[...] for a baby hoodie which just needs a zipper. I’m now on baby sweater number three, the Garter Yoke Baby Cardi. I think baby sweaters are the new socks for me I’m using a recycled sweater (lambswool I [...]
April 5th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
[...] a simple cardi for the baby with some red and brown yarn that I had in my stash. The pattern is Garter Yoke Baby Cardigan, and it is almost finished. I also ordered the yarn today to make the baby blanket; Hemlock Ring! [...]
April 14th, 2012 at 11:36 am
[...] : Garter Yoke Baby Cardi by Jennifer [...]
April 30th, 2012 at 8:15 am
i have been looking for a simple childs cardigan.. looks like i might have found it… can;t wait to start it
)