Free Baby Knitting Patterns
17 oh-so-cute knit patterns for babies!
Need inspiration for a handmade gift to give to a new baby in the family? We’ve got you covered with this list of free baby knitting patterns!
The internet has no shortage of free baby knitting patterns; but it can be tedious to sift through them all to find high-quality, easy-to-follow patterns! To help you with that; we curated a round up of baby knitting patterns that are easy to read and understand even for those new to knitting.
Need some extra help? If you get stuck or need a knitting technique refresher, you can head over to our “Knitting for Beginners” section. You can also bookmark our Knitting Stitches pages as a quick reference guide!
Disclaimer: This article contains outbound links. You will be redirected to the original designers’ blog, profile, pattern page, and or Ravelry account.
What is the easiest thing to knit for a baby?
In general, projects that are knit flat or use chunkier yarn are easier for beginner knitters to make! We also recommend picking a smaller project first. For example, a baby hat might be easier than a large baby blanket as a first project. Different skill levels also play a big part in determining what is “easy” for someone.
We’ve sifted through free baby knitting patterns online for you, and curated a variety of project types for you to try out for yourself – from baby accessories, toys, blankets, and clothes!
Choosing the Right Yarn for Baby Knitting Patterns
Before starting on a project that you intend to gift to a baby, it’s also important to give some thought to what type of yarn you’ll be using. The best yarn for babies are fibers that are soft and easy to wash. Cotton yarns would be a safe choice for any baby project. Bamboo and acrylic yarns are also great options. All three are machine washable, available at most craft stores, soft, and will look good over a long period of time and use.
We recommend avoiding using wool or any other animal fiber yarn for new babies. Animal fibers can cause some allergic reactions and should be avoided until you know it’s safe. Wool, alpaca, angora, and other animal fibers also requires handwashing to clean.
Whatever material you choose, make sure it is VERY soft and easy to wash! Also, when in doubt, it would be best to check in with the parents.
1. Knit Lovey
by Yarnspirations Design Studio
YARN: Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn
This is one of our favorite baby knitting patterns and is a great “two-in-one” knitting pattern. This pattern shows you how to make a soft blankie with an attached softie toy plushie. Both of which are fairly simple for beginner knitters to construct!
Loveys are also called “security blankets” because they’re believed to provide little ones with comfort and soothing. Now doesn’t that sound like a perfect gift for babies?
Heads up: Knitting softie toys usually calls for knitting increases.
2. Preemie Octopus
YARN: Any DK weight yarn
Speaking of “security blankets”, here’s another lovely knitted friend that would make a wonderful gift.
Many crafters knit toys like this octopus softie and donate them to preemie babies in NICU wards. It’s been observed that babies who cuddle up with these softies feel more relaxed and become less fussy. If you’re looking for a fun and easy pattern to try, this one is it! Make sure to knit an extra one to donate to your local hospital.
The pattern is quite flexible so you can play around with it. You can add or remove details from it. Experiment with colorful yarn, or make them in solid colors!
3. Beans the Cat
YARN: Any DK weight yarn
This softie pattern is a favorite of ours as it does not entail having to sew up so many different parts, the only exception being the tail (which you can do away with, if you like!).
This project is not yarn-weight sensitive, so you can use thicker yarns for this pattern. If you do, you’ll have an even bigger softie!
Quick reminder: If you’re gifting this to a baby, it’s best to embroider the eyes, nose, and other parts using yarn instead of using plastic buttons.
You will need a pair of circular knitting needles to knit this project. Feel free to check our Magic Loop Knitting and Knitting in the Round tutorials if you are new to circular knitting needles.
4. Cottontail Bunny Cocoon & Hat
by Julie Farmer
YARN: Red Heart Anne Geddes Baby Solids
There’s probably nothing cuter than this matching bunny swaddle and hat pattern set!
This adorable cocoon-style blanket is perfect for keeping a little one nice and warm for cozier nights.
5. Easy Baby Blanket
YARN: Cascade 220 Superwash
Thinking about going a little bigger? Try this knit baby blanket pattern.
This baby blanket pattern will be knitted from corner to corner (upper left to bottom right). You will start with a few stitches at one corner, then continuously increase until you reach the desired width. Once you reach the desired width, you then decrease the number of stitches until you have the same number of stitches as when you started.
If you aren’t sure what size you want your baby blanket to be, you can knit corner to corner as it can let you easily manage the sizing.
6. Woodland Moss Baby Blanket
by Dayna, This Yellow Farmhouse
YARN: We Are Knitters The Petite Wool
You can’t go wrong with a baby blanket! This pattern uses moss stitch – a great stitch pattern used to add texture and give the fabric a very timeless and, dare we say, embellished look.
Moss stitch can be done by both seasoned and beginner knitters! Moss stitch is a simple combination of knit and purl stitches making it an easy stitch pattern to memorize.
7. Baby Booties
YARN: Rico Design Creative Cotton Aran
SIZES: 0-3 months / 3-6 months / 6-9 months
This is a great, easy-to-follow knitted baby bootie pattern. It comes with a step-by-step photo tutorial of the construction techniques used to seam these baby booties, perfect for visual learners.
8. Basic Mary Jane Booties
YARN: Caron Simply Soft
SIZES: 0-3 months / 3-6 months / 6-9 months
There are so many baby knitting patterns for baby booties, but only a few come with a video tutorial like this one. If this is your very first time making a bootie, following the knitting video tutorial will come in very handy for several of the steps.
9. Bows Before Bros
YARN: Caron Simply Soft (category 4 medium worsted yarn)
SIZES: 0-3 months / 3-6 months / 6-9 months
With that oversized pink bow, we couldn’t resist adding this darling pair of knitted baby booties to the list!
Feel free to mix and match colors for even more colorful little shoes.
10. Little Socks
YARN: Any worsted weight yarn
Knitting socks may not be a very “beginner-friendly” project but this pattern includes a detailed step-by-step photo tutorial to help you overcome any apprehension you have about learning how to knit socks and using DPNS (double-pointed needles).
Caution: After trying out this pattern, you might soon find yourself getting addicted to knitting baby socks!
11. Baby Ombre Leg Warmers
by Gina Michele
YARN: Lion Brand Landscape Yarn
SIZES: 6-12 months / 12-18 months / 18-24 months
Here’s another of our favorite baby knitting patterns for you. Baby leg warmers are a great clothing option for fussy babies who aren’t huge fans of socks (or pants!).
If you’ve ever knit a pair of socks or booties, this one will be very easy to make!
12. Ranito Leo Diaper Cover
YARN: DROPS Merino Extra Fine
SIZES: S/M and L/XL
While most diaper cover knitting patterns have a “pull-up” style, this one comes with buttons and can be opened in front. The flap on the front is a great design touch as it makes changing time so much easier!
This garter stitch knitted baby diaper cover pattern comes with a video tutorial so you have a reference for its construction.
13. Scattered Notions Skirt
YARN: Any worsted weight yarn
SIZES: 12 mo (2-3 yrs, 4-5 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs, 9-10 yrs)
This is a very basic knitted baby skirt pattern that gives you a lot of room to experiment. Practice your knitting increases and add as many or as little details as you’d like using buttons or ribbons. You can also easily play with yarn colors too.
14. Billie
by Asa Buchta
YARN: Berroco Vintage Baby
SIZES:
Directions are for infant sizes (3, 6,
9) [12, 18, 24] mos
This free knitting pattern for baby pants looks so comfy and classic.
We’d definitely consider this one of our top “must-make” baby knitting patterns. The best thing about it is that it’s an excellent, timeless gift. Choosing a nice neutral yarn would make these little pants an instant “family heirloom” item that can be passed down to future babies too.
15. Poncho Pullover
by Yarnspirations Design Studio
YARN: Bernat Baby Velvet
SIZES: Finished chest – 6 mos 20″ [51 cm], 12 mos 21″ [53.5 cm], 18 mos 22″ [56 cm], 24 mos 23″ [58.5 cm]
This baby poncho pattern is knitted in one piece, top-down. Its construction is fairly simple – perfect for beginner knitters!
This is a very basic stockinette stitch pattern so, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can play with it by extending the length of its body and arms.
16. Teddy Bear Sweater
by Marta Porcel
YARN: Drops Alpaca Boucle
SIZES: 1 Month
Just look at this cute teddy bear sweater!
This free knitted sweater pattern may look complicated, but it comes with a tutorial and photos to guide you through all the steps for making your first, basic sweater.
17. Hara Dress
YARN: Any DK weight cotton yarn
SIZES: XS (S, M, L, XL)
This dress is a great example of easy baby knitting patterns that are super fun and simple to make.
This pattern is easy to customize by choosing different yarns! Use a skein of multicolored yarn for a bright, cheerful outfit or go with a classically neutral yarn for a totally flexible piece that can be layered with any onesie or tights.
Why we love free baby knitting patterns!
We hope you enjoyed this list of free baby knitting patterns. We tried to find a great mix of easy but exciting patterns that would make truly wonderful gifts for a little one in your life. Making something for a new baby is a great way to give them something they will treasure forever. Some of my favorite toys were handmade!
These free baby knitting patterns are just the beginning! There are so many ways to customize your knits including the ones you make for babies. Try duplicate stitching their initials on a new sweater, or knitting a stuffed kittens in their favorite colors? I love adding little personal touches to everything I knit and baby knitting patterns are the perfect opportunity to go full out!
Want to explore more baby knitting patterns? We have free baby hat knitting patterns and free baby blanket patterns for you!
Happy knitting!
