Appley Hoodie

Appley Hoodie by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Appley Hoodie is a baby cardigan with an integrated hood, designed by Martin Storey and featured in the collection Easy Knits for Babies. This downloadable knitting pattern offers five size options to fit infants from newborn through 18 months old, with finished widths ranging from 50cm to 58cm at the underarm and lengths from 26cm to 32cm from underarm to shoulder. The garment is constructed as a practical layering piece for babies, combining classic cardigan styling with the comfort and warmth of a hood.

Techniques Used

The Appley Hoodie employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The body is worked in one piece, which streamlines construction and minimizes seaming. The pattern incorporates sleeve shaping through cast-on increases, where stitches are cast on at the beginning of rows to create sleeve cap shaping. Garter stitch is the primary fabric structure, a reversible texture created by knitting every row, which produces a textured, slightly elastic fabric ideal for baby garments. The pattern uses stitch holders to manage live stitches during construction, allowing the knitter to work sections separately before joining them together.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the foundational stitch throughout the garment, created by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows, providing a reversible, textured fabric with natural elasticity
• Cast-on stitches – used at strategic points to increase stitches for sleeve shaping
• Stitch holder techniques – employed to temporarily hold stitches while other sections are completed

Materials and Tools

The Appley Hoodie is designed for 4 ply yarn weight, a lightweight yarn suitable for delicate baby garments. Martin Storey specifies three yarn options, allowing knitters to choose based on preference and availability. The pattern calls for either Rowan Wool Cotton 4 Ply in Misty 496 (a wool-cotton blend offering breathability and softness) or Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply in Still Grey 422 (a lighter-weight option for warmer months), with quantities ranging from 3 to 5 balls of 50g depending on size. Alternatively, knitters may use Patons 100% Cotton 4 Ply in Taupe 01748, requiring 2 to 3 balls of 100g depending on size.

Construction requires a pair of 2.75mm (US 2) needles, which are appropriately sized for 4 ply yarn and create the correct fabric density. Stitch holders are essential extras for managing live stitches during the one-piece construction method.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 53 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square measured over garter stitch using 2.75mm needles. Achieving correct tension is critical for producing a garment that fits the intended size range, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch and adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified tension.

Size Range

The Appley Hoodie is available in five graduated sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and 12-18 months. Sleeve seams range from 12cm for the smallest size to 21cm for the largest, accommodating the rapid growth typical of infants during the first year and a half of life.