7 Free Baby Knitting Patterns You’ll Love Making
Looking for free baby knitting patterns? Here are my favorites, plus you can find even more on my free knitting pattern page.
When I first started knitting for babies, I fell in love with how quickly the projects came together. Tiny hats, sweaters, and little dresses knit up so much faster than adult-sized projects, and they always seemed to make the sweetest gifts. That’s why I’ve gathered some of my favorite free baby knitting patterns in one place.
In this post, I’m sharing patterns that I’ve designed with love and yarns that I personally enjoy working with. Each project is something I’d knit again (and again!) for my own babies or as gifts for friends. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly project or something with a bit more detail, these free baby knitting patterns will give you plenty of inspiration.
Let’s dive in!
Mini Bobble Bonnet
One of the most classic pieces you can knit for a newborn is a bonnet, and my Mini Bobble Bonnet is a personal favorite. It’s knit in a sport weight cotton yarn, which makes it soft, breathable, and perfect for warmer weather babies. The design features tiny bobbles scattered across the bonnet, adding texture without being overwhelming. It still keeps that timeless rounded-back bonnet shape that parents adore in newborn photos.
For this pattern, I used Hobbii Baby Cotton (affiliate link), and it was the perfect choice. Cotton is machine-washable, durable, and soft against sensitive skin. If you’ve never knit bobbles before, this is a fun way to practice them on a small scale. And trust me, seeing those little bumps dotting a bonnet on a newborn’s head will melt your heart instantly.
This free baby knitting pattern is ideal for knitters who want a quick yet detailed project. The result is heirloom quality but simple enough to finish in just a few evenings.
Mini Bobble Bonnet Free Pattern
Newborn Everyday Beanie
I’ll be honest: when I had my babies, the very first hat they wore in the hospital was not very cute. That’s why I designed the Newborn Everyday Beanie, which I like to think of as the ultimate upgrade to the standard hospital hat.
This little beanie features 1×1 ribbing, a folded brim for that snug look, and a crown shaping that finishes with a neat little “x” pattern on top. It’s stretchy enough to fit babies from about 6 to 12 pounds, which makes it practical for gifting when you aren’t sure of exact sizing.
The yarn I used is Bernat Softee Baby (affiliate link), which is widely available, affordable, and comes in so many baby-friendly colors. Plus, it’s machine washable—a must-have for anything meant for newborns.
If you’re looking for one of the most classic and versatile free baby knitting patterns, this is it. I’ve knit so many of these for my own babies and gifted countless more to friends. It’s one of those staple projects that never goes out of style.
Newborn Everyday Beanie Free Pattern
Baby Damask Cardigan
There’s something special about a baby in a cardigan, especially when it’s hand-knit. The Baby Damask Cardigan is one of my favorites because it features a simple knit-and-purl texture that almost looks like cables, without the fuss of actually cabling.
It’s a drop-sleeve design with buttons down the front, which means it’s straightforward to knit and easy to put on a wiggly baby. I used Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday DK (affiliate link) for this project, and I loved how the texture really popped. The anti-pilling quality also means this little cardigan will last through lots of wears and washes without losing its beauty.
This free baby knitting pattern is perfect if you want something a little more detailed than stockinette but not overly complicated. The Damask texture looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly once you get the rhythm. It’s a lovely little layering piece that parents will actually use all the time.
Baby Damask Cardigan Free Pattern
Baby Granite Sweater
If you’re ready for a slightly larger project, the Baby Granite Sweater is a satisfying knit. This design is a top-down raglan worked in worsted weight yarn, so it knits up quickly while still offering a sturdy, structured garment.
The highlight of this pattern is the texture—it’s bumpy, playful, and makes the sweater extra snuggly. I knit mine in KnitPicks Swish (affiliate link), which is one of my go-to worsted weight yarns. It’s soft, washable, and has excellent stitch definition, which makes the bumpy texture stand out beautifully.
The Granite Sweater is a true staple in my lineup of free baby knitting patterns because it strikes the perfect balance of functional and stylish. It’s warm enough for cooler weather, but the texture keeps it interesting. Plus, being a raglan, it’s a great way to practice this construction method on a smaller project before tackling an adult sweater.
Baby Granite Sweater Free Pattern
Baby Wheat Cardigan
There’s something so charming about lace in baby knits, and the Baby Wheat Cardigan is a great example of that. This drop-sleeve cardigan is knit in an all-over lace pattern that resembles stalks of wheat, giving it an airy and delicate look.
I used KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link) for this design, a luxurious fingering weight yarn with a bit of cashmere. The softness of the yarn combined with the lace pattern makes this cardigan feel very special. It’s one of those free baby knitting patterns that feels like a true keepsake.
Even though it looks intricate, the lace is a simple repeat that you’ll quickly memorize. And because it’s a cardigan, you don’t have to fuss with pulling it over a baby’s head—it buttons up neatly for easy dressing and layering.
Baby Wheat Cardigan Free Pattern
Baby Hannah Dress
Dresses are some of my favorite things to knit for babies, and the Baby Hannah Dress is a pattern that always gets compliments. It’s a top-down raglan style, so you can try it on as you knit (if you’re knitting for your own little one). The highlight is the lace edging along the bottom of the skirt, which adds just the right amount of sweetness.
For this project, I used KnitPicks Heatherly (affiliate link), which is a sport weight yarn designed with babies in mind. It’s plush, soft, and machine washable—everything you want for baby clothing.
This free baby knitting pattern is such a joy to knit because you get the structure of a sweater combined with the fun of adding lace at the bottom. It’s practical enough for everyday wear but fancy enough for special occasions.
Baby Hannah Dress Free Pattern
Baby June Dress
Last but definitely not least is the Baby June Dress. This one holds a special place in my heart because it’s part of a whole series of June Dresses (there’s also a youth version and even an adult version). The baby version is a top-down raglan with an A-line skirt and picot edges at the neckline, sleeves, and hem. It also has an elastic waist for some shaping.
It’s knit in Lion Brand Coboo (affiliate link), which is one of my favorite yarns for summer knits. The cotton/bamboo blend is lightweight, breathable, and has beautiful drape. That drape makes the A-line skirt of the dress flow perfectly.
This free baby knitting pattern is one that I’ve seen moms absolutely adore because it looks stylish and adorable on babies while also being comfortable and practical. It’s a great knit if you’re looking for something with sweet details that you’ll want to make over and over. And the classic fit will stand the test of time if you keep it for your grandbabies.
Knitting for babies will always be one of my favorite ways to spend time with my needles. Whether it’s a quick little beanie or a detailed lace cardigan, these free baby knitting patterns bring so much joy to both the maker and the little one who gets to wear them.
Each of these patterns is written with care, and I’ve paired them with yarns that I know and trust. From the Mini Bobble Bonnet to the Baby June Dress, these projects showcase a range of textures, styles, and skill levels.
If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend beginning with the Newborn Everyday Beanie or the Baby Damask Cardigan. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Baby Wheat Cardigan or one of the dresses will keep you engaged and excited.
I hope you found something here that inspires your next project. And if you’re still looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my free knitting pattern page, where you can browse all of my designs in one place.
Do you have a favorite from this list of free baby knitting patterns? Or maybe you’ve already knit one of these designs—I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know which pattern you’re excited to try next.
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The post 7 Free Baby Knitting Patterns You’ll Love Making appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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