This is a special sweater for a special baby. It does take some time and knitting skill, but the investment in this heirloom sweater is worth it…because that special baby is worth it! If time is a factor, just knit the Baby Gansey Hat (pattern included)!

Baby Gansey is knit in the round from the bottom up, starting with a contrast color cast on. The sweater is split at the armholes and from that point is worked back and forth.

The front and back are identical, except for buttonholes at the shoulder, so it can be worn either way. The sleeves are meant to be slightly long to enable longer wear. There are two ribbing options provided: 1x1 and Seed Rib. Instructions for the Center Panel are both charted and written.

Sizes
There are 4 sweater sizes and 5 hat sizes included.

XS-Extra Small (0/3 months), S-Small 6/9 months),
M-Medium (12/18 months), L-Large (24 months)
Approximate finished circumference at chest
20” (21” 22”, 23 ½”)

Suggested Yarn
Rowan Alpaca Soft DK – XS and Small Samples
(70% wool, 30% alpaca, 137 yds/50 gms)

Main Color (MC) Simply White 3 (3, 3, 4) balls
Contrast Color (CC) Gray 1 (1, 1, 1) – 20-60 yds

Main Color (MC) Stone 3 (3, 3, 4) balls
Contrast Color (CC) Malabrigo Worsted (100% merino, 210 yds/100 gms), Denim – 20-60 yds

BeWoolen DK – Medium Sample
(100% Superwash Merino, 280 yards/114 gms)
MC Mallow 2 (2, 2, 2) skeins
CC Midsummer Sky 1 (1, 1, 1) – 20-60 yds

Miss Babs Yowza – Large Sample
(100% Superwash Merino, 560 yards/225 gms
MC Naiad 1 (1, 1, 1) skeins
Contrast Color (CC) Malabrigo Worsted (100% merino, 210 yds/100 gms), Denim – 20-60 yds

Cascade 220 Sport – XS Sample
(100% Superwash Merino, 136 yards/50 gms)
MC Aurora Red 3 (3, 3, 4) skeins
Contrast Color (CC) Charcoal 1 (1, 1, 1) – 20-60 yds

Or substitute any DK or light worsted weight that works to gauge; thin DK yarns or sport won’t work as well. Sport was used for one sample, but had the same yardage as DK.

Approx. Yardage
Approx. yardage for each size:
MC: 355 (390, 465, 520) yards
CC: 20 –60 yards

Gauge
24 stitches and 32 rows = 4” measured over stockinette stitch after wet blocking

Needles
US size 6/4.0 mm for main body, circular and DPNs, or size needed to obtain gauge;

US size 5/3.75 mm for ribbing, circular and DPNs, or one size smaller than above.

Use needle length and type for your preferred method of knitting in the round on small to medium circumference knitting.

Notions
4 size 5/8” buttons – if novelty buttons are used, consider snaps or snap tape for closures; ¾” buttons can be used, but look a little large; Waste yarn; Tapestry needle; Clip on markers are helpful, but optional

Photo tutorials are included for certain techniques. A letter is included so you can share care instructions with the recipient.

NOTE: If you feel that the Gansey motif is too lacy, I have provided a simple alternative that retains the look of the original design.

Read the back story about the sweater on my blog, The Rainey Sisters!