The Willowmere Seed Stitch Baby Cardigan: A Free Pattern for an Heirloom-Quality Knit

Wrap your little one in the gentle texture of the Willowmere, a modern take on a classic baby cardigan featuring a delicate seed stitch yoke and a soft, neutral palette. This free pattern is designed to be both a joy to knit and a timeless piece for your nursery. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, the Willowmere's top-down construction and simple stitch pattern make it an approachable and satisfying knit. The result is a beautiful, heirloom-quality garment that will be treasured for years to come.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. The Willowmere is knit with worsted weight yarn, which is widely available and perfect for creating a soft, durable fabric for a baby.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton-wool blend, approximately 300-350 yards (e.g., Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash or Lion Brand Heartland) in a soft oatmeal or dusty rose color.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in seed stitch (blocked). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and 4-5 small buttons (wooden or otherwise).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is knit top-down in one piece, with a simple seed stitch yoke that flows into a stockinette body. The instructions below are for sizes 0-3 (3-6, 6-12) months. Finished chest: 16 (18, 20) inches. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful cardigan in no time.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• yo = yarn over
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Seed Stitch Pattern (over an odd number of sts)

This simple two-row repeat creates the beautiful, bumpy texture of the Willowmere.

• Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
• Row 2 (WS): *P1, k1; repeat from * to last st, p1.
• Repeat these 2 rows for the pattern.

Yoke

The yoke is worked flat, back and forth, from the neckline down. You will be increasing at four raglan points to shape the shoulders.

1. With circular needle, cast on 45 (49, 53) sts. Do not join; work back and forth.
2. Row 1 (WS): K1 (selvedge), p1, k1, p1, k1 (button band – 5 sts), pm, work seed stitch over next 7 sts (sleeve), pm, work seed stitch over next 19 (23, 27) sts (back), pm, work seed stitch over next 7 sts (sleeve), pm, work seed stitch over next 5 sts (button band), k1 (selvedge).
3. Row 2 (RS): K1, work seed stitch to marker, sm, *k1, yo, k1* into next st (increase), work seed stitch to next marker, sm, *k1, yo, k1* into next st, work seed stitch to next marker, sm, *k1, yo, k1* into next st, work seed stitch to next marker, sm, *k1, yo, k1* into next st, work seed stitch to last st, k1. (4 increases made)
4. Row 3 (WS): K1, work seed stitch across all sts, k1.
5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you have increased 12 (14, 16) times total on each side of the raglan lines. You will have 93 (105, 117) sts. End with a WS row.

Divide for Body and Sleeves

Now you will separate the sleeve stitches from the body stitches, setting the sleeves aside to work on later.

1. Next row (RS): K1, work seed stitch over next 5 sts (button band), work seed stitch over next 14 (16, 18) sts (front), place next 20 (24, 28) sts on a holder for sleeve, cast on 4 (4, 6) sts underarm, work seed stitch over next 29 (33, 37) sts (back), place next 20 (24, 28) sts on holder for sleeve, cast on 4 (4, 6) sts underarm, work seed stitch over next 14 (16, 18) sts (front), work seed stitch over next 5 sts (button band), k1. Total body sts: 77 (85, 95) sts.

Body

The body is worked in one piece, continuing the seed stitch pattern. The selvedge edges create neat button bands.

1. Continue in seed stitch across all sts, keeping the selvedge edge (k1 at each end) for the button bands.
2. Work even until body measures 6 (7, 8) inches from underarm, ending with a WS row.
3. Bind off all sts in pattern.

Sleeves

Now it's time to knit the sleeves in the round. The seed stitch pattern is adjusted for circular knitting.

1. Transfer sleeve sts from holder to DPNs. Pick up and knit 4 (4, 6) sts from underarm cast-on. Place marker at center underarm.
2. Work in seed stitch in the round, adjusting the pattern as follows:
   • Round 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
   • Repeat these 2 rounds.
3. Decrease 1 st each side of marker every 6 (8, 10) rounds until you have 16 (18, 20) sts.
4. Work even until sleeve measures 5 (6, 7) inches from underarm.
5. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

The final steps bring your cardigan together, adding the buttonholes and buttons for a polished, professional look.

1. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
2. Block gently to even out the stitches and set the shape.
3. Sew buttons onto the left button band (if cardigan is for a girl, or right for a boy) opposite the buttonholes.
4. For buttonholes: On the right button band (RS), work a 1-st buttonhole: On a RS row, k1, k2tog, yo, continue in pattern. Space 4-5 buttonholes evenly along the band. If you prefer, you can crochet a simple chain loop buttonhole after finishing.

Your Willowmere Seed Stitch Baby Cardigan is now complete! This beautiful, heirloom-quality piece is ready to be gifted or cherished in your own nursery. The soft texture and timeless design make it a perfect addition to any baby's wardrobe.