I designed the original adult pattern to mimic a favorite ready-to-wear boxy top. Now that my daughter is newly married, I am wishfully thinking of all the baby / toddler sweaters in my future! This is a very easy sweater to knit. It is also very easy to alter the length of the sleeves or body.

As written, this beginner-friendly baby / toddler sweater features a slightly cropped, box top fit with dropped shoulders, rolled boatneck, and loose three-quarter sleeves with ribbed or rolled edge.

I’ve included both top-down and bottom-up directions. The first time I knit a sweater, I like to knit it from the top down for ease of trying on the sweater. However, once I’m confident in the size I want to knit, I prefer to knit sweaters from the bottom up. This is a personal choice, so I’ve included both options in this pattern.

Enjoy!

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) or 0-6 mo. (6-9 mo., 12 mo., 1-2 yrs., 2-3 yrs., 3-4 yrs.)

Note on sizing: Chest measurement is the best indicator for this sweater. I suggest you select a size with 2 – 3 inches 5.08 – 7.62 cm of ease – babies grow quickly.

Finished chest circumference: 18 (19, 20, 22, 24, 26) inches 45.72 (48.26, 50.8, 55.88, 60.96, 66.04) cm

Yarn
2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 4) skeins of Plymouth Dream Baby DK in color Lagoon, 174 yards (165 meters)/50 g skein, acrylic microfiber and nylon yarn, machine wash / dry, DK weight yarn.

Needles and Notions
US 6 (4 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles, or appropriate needle to get gauge in the round; Magic loop, two circular needles, or double points for sleeves. Other notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

Gauge
20 stitches and 24 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch. Please block swatch to check gauge. Remember: Gauge is important for the finished sweater to fit!

Technical Editing by Bronwyn Hahn.