The Cloudberry Bloom Baby Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Ode to Nordic Meadows
The Cloudberry Bloom Baby Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Ode to Nordic Meadows
Wrap your little one in the softest embrace of Nordic spring with this heirloom-quality cardigan. The Cloudberry Bloom features a delicate all-over berry stitch and a gentle scalloped edge, creating a textured, bumpy surface that resembles tiny cloudberries scattered across a meadow. Knitted seamlessly from the top down, this pattern offers a cozy, custom fit for babies from 3 to 24 months. The muted palette of cloud white, dusty rose, and sage green evokes the serene beauty of Scandinavian landscapes, making this cardigan a cherished keepsake for generations.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in three colors:
- Main Color (MC) – soft cloud white (approx. 100g)
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1) – dusty rose (approx. 50g)
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2) – sage green (approx. 50g)
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles (16-inch and 24-inch) and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, waste yarn, and 4-5 small wooden buttons.
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes and Measurements
This pattern is available in four sizes: 3-6 months (6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months). Finished chest circumference: 17 (18.5, 20, 21.5) inches. Length from shoulder: 9 (10, 11, 12) inches.
Abbreviations
k = knit, p = purl, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, yo = yarn over, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, M1L = make one left, M1R = make one right, RS = right side, WS = wrong side.
Special Stitch – Berry Stitch (multiple of 4 + 2)
This textured stitch creates the signature cloudberry effect:
- Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1, k1 into same stitch (increase 2), p3tog* repeat from * to end, end with k1.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 3 (RS): *P3tog, k1, p1, k1 into same stitch* repeat from * to end, end with p3tog.
- Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Yoke (Worked Top-Down)
With MC and 16-inch needle, cast on 54 (58, 62, 66) stitches. Place marker for beginning of round (BOR) and join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Neckband: Work 4 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing. Then work 2 rounds in stockinette (knit all).
Increase Round: *K2, M1L, k2, M1R* repeat around – 81 (87, 93, 99) stitches.
Set up raglan markers: K13 (14, 15, 16) for left front, pm, k14 (15, 16, 17) for left sleeve, pm, k27 (29, 31, 33) for back, pm, k14 (15, 16, 17) for right sleeve, pm, k13 (14, 15, 16) for right front. BOR is at center back.
Raglan increases: Work in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch before and after each marker (8 increases per round) every other round, 8 (9, 10, 11) times total. After all increases, you will have 145 (159, 173, 187) stitches. Work 2 rounds even.
Divide for Body and Sleeves
Knit across left front (21 (23, 25, 27) stitches), place next 32 (35, 38, 41) sleeve stitches on waste yarn, cast on 4 (4, 5, 5) stitches under arm, knit across back (43 (47, 51, 55) stitches), place next 32 (35, 38, 41) sleeve stitches on waste yarn, cast on 4 (4, 5, 5) stitches under arm, knit across right front (21 (23, 25, 27) stitches). Total body stitches: 93 (101, 111, 119) stitches.
Body
Join in the round (BOR at underarm). Work in stockinette for 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5) inches. Then work the Berry Stitch pattern (see above) for 2 inches, using CC1 for the berry rounds and MC for the purl rounds (alternate colors every 2 rows). After completing the berry pattern, work 2 rounds in MC stockinette. Then work 4 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing. Bind off loosely in pattern.
Sleeves
Transfer sleeve stitches from waste yarn to DPNs. Pick up and knit 4 (4, 5, 5) stitches from underarm cast-on. Total sleeve stitches: 36 (39, 43, 46). Place marker at underarm. Work in stockinette in the round, decreasing 2 stitches every 6 rounds (k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk) until you have 28 (30, 32, 34) stitches. Work even until sleeve measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5.5) inches from underarm. Work 4 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing. Bind off loosely.
Button Band (Left Front for Girls, Right Front for Boys – Adjust as Desired)
With RS facing, using MC, pick up and knit 1 stitch for every 2 rows along the front edge. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 4 rows. Bind off in pattern.
Buttonhole Band (Opposite Side)
Pick up stitches as above. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 2 rows. On the next row (RS), work buttonholes: k1, p1, *yo, k2tog, work in ribbing until 4 stitches before next buttonhole* repeat. Space buttonholes evenly (typically 4-5 buttonholes). Work 1 more row of ribbing, then bind off.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes. Block gently to measurements, pinning out scalloped edges if desired.
Your Cloudberry Bloom Baby Cardigan is now complete! This heirloom-quality piece will keep your little one cozy while adding a touch of Nordic charm to any outfit. Happy knitting!
