The Seamless Baby Hoodie is inspired by classically made cardigan with seams from a 1979 Mon Tricot Pattern Book for Babies from 3-24 months. I originally made 2 of these Hoodies for my son when he was a toddler. (He is now 44 years old!) I eventually modified the pattern so I wouldn’t have to do seams, which are my least favorite part of knitting. The current pattern works the body of the sweater as one piece up to the armholes and then the back and two fronts are knit separately. The sleeve stitches are picked up from around the armhole and then worked in the round from shoulder to cuff. The only seams remaining are to complete the hood and attache to body.

I usually make the sweater in an inexpensive yarn like Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted Weight or Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic Worsted Weight. I can make a size 12 month sweater with 2 1/2 skeins of yarn at 197 yds/skein. The 2 year old sweater takes 3 skeins plus part of a 4th skein. The most expensive part of the sweater is the custom cut-to-fit zipper. I suppose the pattern can be modified for buttons but I really like the ease and look of a zipper.

I have made at least a dozen of these Hoodies and have given them away as baby gifts. Moms and dads just love the sweater. It’s easy to put on a squirming baby or toddler and warm enough for going between the house and the car. I’ve made it with a contrasting color for the ribbing around the body, sleeves and hood, and I’ve added a cable to the front and around the hood for a ‘fancier’ look. I usually make it in a beige tweedy yarn so it is neutral enough for a girl or boy. I never get tired of making this pattern because it’s so easy to do and I can knit it while watching TV without worrying about making mistakes!