Babies Cross Over and Slippers in Bergere de France Merinos 2,5 - 60376-10 - Downloadable PDF

Babies Cross Over Cardigan and Slippers Knitting Pattern – Bergère de France Mérinos 2,5

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Bergère de France presents two coordinating baby projects: a short-sleeved crossover gilet (cardigan) and a pair of matching baby slippers. Designed at a beginner (Facile) difficulty level, this pattern is an ideal introduction to baby garment knitting, combining simple shaping with a charming two-colour finish. The pattern is sized for 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, making it a versatile choice for newborns and young infants.

The Crossover Short-Sleeved Cardigan (Gilet Manches Courtes)

The main garment is a crossover-style baby cardigan with short sleeves, knitted in a classic garter stitch (Point Mousse) throughout. The crossover design creates a wrap-style front opening that is both practical and adorable for dressing small babies. Shaping is introduced at key points to form the armholes and shoulders, with increases and cast-offs worked at measured row counts to ensure a neat, consistent fit across all three sizes.

Construction and Shaping

The cardigan is worked in separate pieces and then assembled. Armhole shaping begins at a specific height — 7–8–10 cm (34–38–48 rows) from the cast-on edge — with increases worked on the appropriate side to mirror the back and front panels. The shoulder stitches — 31–32–33 stitches depending on size — are then joined together. The neckline is finished with a crochet edging worked in Ecru bébé, adding a delicate contrast trim using slip stitches (mailles serrées). This combination of knitting and crochet finishing is a hallmark of many classic French baby patterns and adds a refined edge without complex techniques.

Fastening and Embellishments

The cardigan is fastened with 4 red star-shaped buttons, referencing accessory réf. 50139 (sold in sets of 6). These decorative buttons complement the two-colour palette and add a playful, boutique-quality finish to the finished garment.

The Baby Slippers (Chaussons)

The pattern also includes instructions for a pair of coordinating baby slippers, knitted to match the cardigan. Like the gilet, the slippers are worked in garter stitch on 3mm needles, keeping the texture consistent across both projects. The slippers are sized to correspond with the same three age ranges — 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months — and make a wonderful gift set when paired with the cardigan.

Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch (Point Mousse): Every row is knitted, creating a squishy, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This is one of the most beginner-friendly knitting stitches and produces a fabric that lies flat without curling, making it ideal for baby garments.
• Armhole and Shoulder Shaping: Simple increases and cast-offs are used to shape the armholes and shoulders, introducing beginners to garment construction in a gentle, approachable way.
• Crochet Edging: A single row of slip stitches (mailles serrées) is crocheted around the neckline in Ecru bébé yarn to create a clean, contrasting border. The pattern references crochet basics under its «Crochet : Points / Techniques» section for those new to the hook.
• Seaming and Assembly (Finitions): Shoulder seams are joined by grafting or sewing together the live or cast-off stitches, and the pieces are assembled using standard finishing techniques.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – the primary stitch pattern throughout both the cardigan and slippers
• Slip Stitch / Mailles Serrées – used for the crochet neckline edging
• Standard cast-on and cast-off methods for beginning and ending sections