Product Description
I designed this sweater for a friend's child's first birthday. I wanted something that would be quick and easy (kids grow so fast she'd outgrow it quickly!), inexpensive to knit (see above!) and give a lot of 'bang' for the effort- which is why I went with the pre-striping cake yarn; there's no striping involved by the knitter. I love hoods on babies and the tie closures were at the request of the dad, who complained about the 'tiny buttons' so many of his daughter's clothes had- but you can use toggles, clasps, zipper, etc. Body is knit in one piece (fewer seams!), hood is another piece, sleeves are in the round- very little finishing!
Hooded raglan jacket in worsted weight yarn. Moss stitch edges with toggle/zipper/tie closure. Knit in the round for easy finishing. Shown in size 12 months.
In sizes 0-3m/6-9m/12m/18m/24m- finished chest 20.5”/23”/25”/26”/27”(52/58/64/67/69cm); finished length 11.75”/12.5”/13.5”/14”/15” (30/32/34/36/38cm)
Henderson Baby Jacket by Bonnie Franz
Project Overview
The Henderson Baby Jacket is a hooded raglan cardigan designed for infants and toddlers, crafted using worsted weight yarn. This downloadable knitting pattern offers five finished sizes ranging from newborn (0-3 months) through toddler (24 months), making it a versatile design for growing babies. The jacket features a practical toggle, zipper, or tie closure and is constructed using the efficient method of knitting in the round to minimize finishing work.
Sizing and Finished Measurements
The Henderson Baby Jacket is available in the following sizes with corresponding finished chest and length measurements:
- 0-3 months: 20.5" chest (52cm), 11.75" length (30cm)
- 6-9 months: 23" chest (58cm), 12.5" length (32cm)
- 12 months: 25" chest (64cm), 13.5" length (34cm)
- 18 months: 26" chest (67cm), 14" length (36cm)
- 24 months: 27" chest (69cm), 15.5" length (40cm)
Knitting Techniques and Construction
This intermediate-level pattern employs raglan shaping as its primary construction technique. The raglan style features diagonal decreases that extend from the underarm to the neckline, creating a flattering fit and allowing for ease of movement—essential for baby garments. The jacket is knit in the round using circular needles, which streamlines the finishing process by eliminating the need for seaming body pieces together. This method also produces a more seamless, comfortable garment for sensitive baby skin.
Stitch Details
The Henderson Baby Jacket incorporates moss stitch for the edges, which creates a textured, durable border that resists rolling and adds visual interest to the cardigan's front bands and hood opening. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, a classic smooth knit that showcases yarn color and texture beautifully. The combination of these stitches provides both functional durability at stress points and an elegant finished appearance.
Gauge and Yarn Requirements
Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit in this baby garment. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 370 yards for the smallest size (0-3 months) to 580 yards for the largest size (24 months). The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn (Medium/4 weight), offering excellent stitch definition and durability for a well-loved baby piece.
Needles and Materials
The pattern requires US size 5 (3.75mm) and US size 6 (4.25mm) circular needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking raglan increases and pattern repeats, and stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The sample garment was photographed in multiple yarn options, including Caron cakes in striped colorways, Lorna's Laces worsted in variegated versions, and Cascade Longwood, demonstrating the pattern's versatility with different yarn types and color patterns.
Skill Level
Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques. The raglan construction requires understanding of decreases and stitch management, making it an excellent project for developing intermediate knitting abilities while creating a practical, wearable garment.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Pages: | 5 |
| Designer: | Bonnie Franz |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | If you use something other than yarn ties you will need closures (buttons, toggles, zipper, etc.) |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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