Free knitting patterns for baby cardigans, hats, booties, sweaters, and more that use just one skein of yarn. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 4/11/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Baby Folkwear Caftan
Baby pullover sweater with optional embroidery. Knit mostly flat (except for neckline) in simple stitches. Sizes Baby: 3-6, 9 -12, 18-24 months. Uses just one skein 315 yards (288 meters) of the recommended Aran weight yarn with scraps of yarn for the embroidery. Designed by Marilyn Losee for Caron.
- Get the free knitting pattern. Yarn available on pattern page
- Or get the recommended Caron Simply Soft yarn at Joann
Belle Cardigan
Easy short-sleeved baby cardigan in garter stitch and stockinette. Sizes 0-6 Months and 6-12 Months use one 100g skein of DK weight yarn. 12-24 Months and 24-36 Months use two skeins. Designed by Cygnet.
INSTRUCTIONS: At the pattern site, make sure the price is 0. Add the pattern to your basket. Then "check out" without payment to get the link to download the pattern
Tadpole's Sweater
Baby cardigan with buttons on side front. Knit with a 5 row repeat fluted triangle texture. One size fits lots according to designer. Uses just one skein 450 yards (411 m) of Fingering weight yarn. Tadpole's Purple Sweater Designed by Tinks and Frogs Rue.
Louise Baby Vest or Top
Sleeveless baby vest or top with a lace yoke. Knit top-down in the round and almost seamless. It uses both written and charts instructions. Sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months. Uses just less than one skein 197 - 219 yards (180 - 200 m) of Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Zloty. Pictured projects by berlilechat and julie1912
Leaf Lace Dress
Baby dress or tunic with skirt of all over leaf lace and stockinette bodice. Sizes Newborn (3-6, 6-12, 18-24) months. Newborn to 12 months sizes use just one skein 3361 yards (330 meters) of Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn.
Quick Stitch Cardigan
Baby cardigan sweater knit flat in one piece in seed stitch and stockinette with a tie front. Uses just one skein 310 yds/284 m of DK yarn. Size 3 & 6 months. Designed by Bernat Design Studio.
Oh Baby! Cardi
Baby cardigan sweater knit top down with a button band created as you knit! Sizes Newborn, 6 Month, 12 Month. Uses just one skein 154 - 250 yards (141 - 229 m) of DK yarn. Great showcase for multi-colored yarn. Designed by Roberta Rich.
Sylvia Baby Hat
Baby hat knit with a 4 row repeat lace pattern with a picot edge. Sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 month. Uses leass than one skein 100 - 150 yards (91 - 137 m) of Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Tami Sheiffer.
Baby Cabled Cardi
Baby cardigan sweater with buttoned at the top with an 8 row repeat all over cable pattern on the lower section and sleeves. Sizes 3 (6, 12, 18, 24) months. Uses just one skein 328yds/300m of DK yarn for 3 and 6 months. Designed by Premier Yarns.
Baby Booties Knit Flat
Baby booties worked flat in one piece, shaped with short rows, and seamed. Video tutorial included with pattern but it's in Russian. Uses 1 skein 50 grams/ 100 meters of Aran weight yarn. Designed by Katerina Mushyn. Available in English and Russian.
NOTE: It has been pointed out that Row 4 of the Chinese Waves stitch is missing. A Ravelrer has supplied the missing instruction:
Row 4) Edge st, purl 8, turn.
Hoot Cardigan
Baby cardigan sweater with cable owls knit top down all in one piece. Sizes Newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months. Uses just one skein 210 yards (192 meters) of Worsted yarn for Newborn and 3 months. Designed by Brenna Kotar. Note: This pattern is written for more experienced knitters and is not very detailed.
More Free Patterns
Nana's Pullover
Baby pullover sweater with a simple texture and cable pattern. Worked in the round from the bottom up. Sizes 20” (51 cm) body circumference, to fit 12–24 mos. Uses just one skein 497 yards (454 m) of Fingering yarn. The neck finish is single crochet, but I think you could substitute a pick up and knit neckline instead. Designed by Kate Gagnon Osborn.
Baby Cozie
Baby cocoon kick bag knit in a round round repeat. Uses just one skein 590 yards of the recommended DK weight yarn. Great showcase for gradient cake yarn! Designed by Keira Wiggins for Lion Brand.
Baby Bonnet
Baby hat knit with a 4 row repeat lace. Uses 1 skein 125 yards (114 m) of the recommended worsted weight yarn. Designed by JoAnne Turcotte for Plymouth Yarns.
Esteban Baby Romper
Baby romper onesie with straps. Sizes 0-3, 3-6 month. Uses just one skein 109 - 131 yards (100 - 120 m) of DK yarn. Pantalón Esteban Designed by maria del puerto fernandez.
Sprinkles Cardigan
Cropped cardigan has a simple lace border. Smallest size only uses 1 skein of the recommended fingering weight yarn. Sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, 12-18 months. Designed by Sarah Hatton for West Yorkshire Spinners.
Two ways to get the pattern
- Get the free knitting pattern at Lovecrafts
- Get the free knitting pattern at Knitting Network - add the pattern to your cart and "check out" without payment to get the link to the pattern
- Get the recommended Bo Peep 4 Ply yarn
Wee Baby Angus Sweater
Sweater knit top down, with buttons down the side of the neck for easy dressing, and the choice of long or short sleeves. Size Newborn only. Uses just one skein 400 yards (366 m) of fingering yarn. Designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs.
Maile Baby Sweater
Baby cardigan with leaf lace at shoulders and eyelet flowers at hem. Designed by Nikki Van De Car. Size Newborn to 3 Months. Uses 300 yards (274 m) of Fingering weight yarn.
Easy Basketweave Baby Blanket
Knit with an 8 row repeat basketweave pattern, this is perfect for self-striping or gradient yarn. 2 sizes Stroller and Crib. The stroller size uses just one skein 341 yards of the recommended bulky yarn. Designed by Veronica Mano.
Beginner Baby Sweater
This baby sweater is knit in stockinette with ribbed cuffs and hem and a rollover collar. The shaping is very minimal. Ideal for beginner knitters according to the designer Gina Micheles who used a self-striping yarn to simulate colorwork. Size 12-18 months. Uses less than 1 skein of the recommended Self-Striping Worsted weight yarn (426 yards).
Lace Baby Cardigan
Baby sweater knit with a 4 row repeat lace pattern and stockinette bodice. Designed by Bernat. Sizes 6-24 Months. Sizes 6 and 12 months use 1 skein 362 yds/331 m of the recommended Bernat Softee Baby sport weight yarn. Sizes 18 and 24 months use 2 skeins.
Cutie Pointed Hat
This easy hat for babies and toddlers only takes one ball of the recommended yarn.
Garter Stitch Baby Booties
Easy booties in boot style to stay on baby’s feet. Only takes one ball of yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Knitting Projects for Infants & Toddlers
From mittens and hats to tees, sweaters, hoodies, pants, dresses, socks, and bootees, you’ll find the perfect wearable for every child and every occasion. You’ll also discover beautiful bibs, blankets, and sleep sacks, plus adorable stuffed toys, blanket buddies, and more.
- See more pics and get book on Amazon (Kindle and Prime available)
- Or get the book at Alibris
- See more One Skein Wonders books
Itty Bitty Sweater
Baby and child sized pullover sweater with lace pattern on front. Sizes 3mo, 6mo, 9 mo, 12 mo, 2 yr, 3yr, 4yr, 5 yr, 6 yr. Some sizes use one skein or less. Uses less than 1 skein 300 - 630 yards (274 - 576 m) of Fingering weight yarn. Itty Bitty Pretty Sweater designed by Maison Dene.
Little Lemon Teddy Bear
No longer free. Loveable little teddy is knit flat in one piece. Size 20 cm (8 inches) high. A great gift for baby or anyone who needs a little love. Uses less than 1 skein 140 - 160 yards (128 - 146 m) of DK weight yarn. Designed by Esther Kate.
Sweater, Cardigan and Slipover Vest
No longer free. Sweaters with cable detail down the front in 3 styles: sleeved pullover, cardigan, and pullover vest. Sizes Newborn to 4 Years, To Fit Chest: 36-56cm, 14-22in. 2 smallest sizes, newborn and 3 months, use just one skein, 240 yds, of DK yarn for each sweater. Designed by UK Hand Knitting Association for King Cole.
Jasmine Baby Bonnet
This lace baby bonnet is a quick knit with just one skein of yarn.
Lacy Leaf Pixie Baby Bonnet
Pattern Includes Sizes: Newborn through 3-10 Years. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Melody’s Makings
First Step Baby Booties
Baby booties with a ruffle around the cuff. Size: 0-6 months and 6-12 months. Sport weight yarn. Designed by loasidellamaglia.
Miss Daisy Shrug for Babies and Children
This cardigan features a stylish shawl collar and flared shape. Sizes: 3mo (6mo, 12mo, 18mo // 2y, 3y, 4y, 5y, 6y). Designed by Lisa Chemery of Frogginette Knitting Patterns. Worsted weight yarn. Available in English and French.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Loveknitting
- Get the recommended Malabrigo Worsted yarn at Lovecrafts (140 shades)
- See more designs by Frogginette Knitting Patterns
Seedling Shrug for Babies and Children
Every project I saw with this shrug was darling! This lace shrug will cover your girl in elegant Cabernet Cable whether she is getting ready for a event like a wedding party, posing for a special photo, or just needs a little extra warmth on a summer day. Sizes: 6 months - 14 years. Designed by Monika Sirna. Sport weight yarn. Pictured projects by the designer and LauraPNW.
