Soft and Simply Baby Cardigan in Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny - Downloadable PDF

Soft and Simply Baby Cardigan in Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny – Knit Pattern Summary

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Bernat guides crafters through creating an adorable baby cardigan designed for the tiniest little ones. Worked in Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny yarn, this project is rated Beginner skill level, making it an ideal first garment knit for those new to constructing baby clothing. The finished cardigan is a classic, cozy layering piece sized to fit babies from 6 months through 24 months.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern includes instructions for four sizes, with color-coded numbers throughout to help knitters follow the correct size easily:

• 6 months – fits 17" [43 cm] chest; finished chest 19¾" [50 cm]
• 12 months – fits 18" [45.5 cm] chest; finished chest 20¾" [52.5 cm]
• 18 months – fits 19" [48 cm] chest; finished chest 21¾" [55 cm]
• 24 months – fits 20" [51 cm] chest; finished chest 22½" [57 cm]

The generous positive ease built into each size ensures a comfortable, soft fit that allows room for layering over onesies and other baby essentials.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a baby cardigan — a front-opening knitted jacket suitable for infants and toddlers. Cardigans are among the most practical and beloved baby garments, offering easy on-and-off dressing without pulling over a baby's head. This design keeps things beautifully simple with a clean, classic aesthetic that suits any wardrobe. The pattern constructs the cardigan in separate pieces — a Back, a Right Front, and implied additional pieces such as a Left Front and Sleeves — which are then seamed together to create the finished garment.

Techniques Used

Because this is a beginner-level pattern, the construction techniques are straightforward and accessible. Key techniques include:

• Casting on – the pattern specifies exact stitch counts for each size at the start of each piece (e.g., 42, 44, 46, or 48 stitches for the Back)
• Garter stitch fabric construction – every piece is worked entirely in garter stitch, meaning the knitter works knit every row on both right side and wrong side rows
• Right side and wrong side awareness – the pattern notes that the first row of each piece begins on the wrong side (WS), helping beginners track their fabric orientation
• Casting off – standard bind-off is used to finish each piece
• Yarn over (Yo) – referenced in the abbreviations, likely used to create buttonholes along the front band
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) – a basic right-leaning decrease also referenced in the abbreviations, likely used in shaping sections such as armholes or neckline
• Seaming – the separately knitted pieces are joined to assemble the finished cardigan

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout this cardigan is garter stitch, which is created simply by knitting every single row. Garter stitch is one of the most beginner-friendly stitch patterns in knitting — it lies flat without curling, has a lovely ridged texture, and is very forgiving for new knitters. It also produces a dense, squishy fabric that is especially cozy and warm for babies. The consistent use of garter stitch across all pieces means there is no need to switch between knit and purl rows, making this an excellent confidence-building project.

• Garter Stitch – knit every row; used throughout all pieces of the cardigan
• K2tog – knit two stitches together; a simple decrease stitch used in shaping
• Yarn Over (Yo) – creates a small eyelet hole; used for buttonhole placement