Evelyn Baby Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern – Heirloom Seed Stitch & Lace Trim

Introducing the Evelyn Baby Cardigan: A Timeless Heirloom Knit

There are certain knitting projects that transcend trends—pieces that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations, even when you’ve just cast on the first stitch. The Evelyn Baby Cardigan is exactly that kind of project. This free knitting pattern combines the classic, nubby texture of a seed stitch with a delicate lace hem, creating a garment that is both sturdy for everyday wear and elegant enough for a christening or family photo.

Knitted in a soft DK-weight cotton or bamboo blend, this cardigan is gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin and breathable for year-round comfort. The vintage-inspired design features a rounded neckline, set-in sleeves, and a simple seed stitch collar, finished with four small pearl buttons. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter looking for a quick gift or a beginner ready for a rewarding challenge, the Evelyn pattern is written to guide you through every step with clarity and precision.

Let’s dive into the materials you’ll need and the detailed instructions to create this heirloom piece for the little one in your life.

Materials Needed for the Evelyn Baby Cardigan

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The pattern calls for lightweight, breathable yarn to ensure the cardigan is soft and comfortable against a baby’s skin.

Yarn & Gauge

• Yarn: DK weight (light worsted) cotton or bamboo blend. You will need approximately 300–350 yards (275–320 meters). A smooth, non-splitting yarn with good stitch definition works best to showcase the seed stitch texture.
• Gauge: 22 stitches x 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in seed stitch, after blocking. It is crucial to knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Needles & Notions

• US 5 (3.75 mm) straight needles for the sleeves and small pieces.
• US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (at least 24 inches long) for the body, which is worked in one piece to the armholes.
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding live stitches.
• Stitch markers.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Four small pearl buttons (approximately 1/2 inch or 12 mm in diameter).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Knit the Evelyn Cardigan

This pattern is written for sizes 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months). The finished chest measurements are 16 (18, 20) inches. Instructions are given in the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning to familiarize yourself with the stitch patterns and construction.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (increase creating an eyelet hole)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• RS: Right side (public side of work)
• WS: Wrong side (inside of work)

Stitch Patterns

Seed Stitch (over an odd number of stitches):
Row 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Repeat this single row for the entire seed stitch pattern. This creates a bumpy, reversible texture.

Lace Hem Pattern (multiple of 6 + 1 stitches):
Row 1 (RS): K1, *YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Row 3: K2, *YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, YO, SSK, K1.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for the lace pattern.

Knitting the Body (Worked in One Piece to Armholes)

Using your circular needle, CO 73 (81, 89) stitches.

Work the Lace Hem Pattern for 4 (4, 5) repeats (16-20 rows total). This will create a delicate, scalloped edge at the bottom of the cardigan.

After completing the lace hem, switch to the Seed Stitch pattern. Work even in seed stitch until the piece measures 5 (6, 7) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Dividing for Armholes

On the next right-side row, you will separate the work into three sections: the left front, the back, and the right front.

Next Row (RS): Work 18 (20, 22) stitches in seed stitch (this is the left front). BO 6 (8, 10) stitches. Work 25 (27, 29) stitches in seed stitch (this is the back). BO 6 (8, 10) stitches. Work the remaining 18 (20, 22) stitches in seed stitch (this is the right front).

Place the stitches for the left front, back, and right front onto separate stitch holders or waste yarn. You will now work each section individually.

Left Front

Place the 18 (20, 22) stitches for the left front onto your straight needles, with the right side facing you.

Shape Armhole: At the armhole edge (the edge where you bound off stitches), decrease 1 stitch every right-side row 3 (4, 5) times. To do this, work to the last 2 stitches at the armhole edge and SSK. You will now have 15 (16, 17) stitches.

Work even in seed stitch until the armhole measures 3 (3.5, 4) inches from the underarm bind-off, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape Neck: At the neck edge (the front center edge), BO 4 (5, 5) stitches once. Then, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every right-side row 3 times (using SSK at the neck edge). You will now have 8 (8, 9) stitches.

Work even in seed stitch until the armhole measures 4.5 (5, 5.5) inches. BO all stitches loosely.

Back

Place the 25 (27, 29) stitches for the back onto your straight needles, with the right side facing you.

Shape Armholes: Decrease 1 stitch at each armhole edge every right-side row 3 (4, 5) times. At the beginning of the row, SSK; at the end of the row, K2tog. You will now have 19 (19, 19) stitches.

Work even in seed stitch until the armhole measures the same length as the fronts (4.5 (5, 5.5) inches). BO all stitches.

Right Front

Place the 18 (20, 22) stitches for the right front onto your straight needles, with the right side facing you.

Shape Armhole: At the armhole edge, decrease 1 stitch every right-side row 3 (4, 5) times. At the beginning of the row, K2tog. You will now have 15 (16, 17) stitches.

Work even in seed stitch until the armhole measures 3 (3.5, 4) inches, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape Neck: At the neck edge, BO 4 (5, 5) stitches once. Then, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every right-side row 3 times (using K2tog at the neck edge). You will now have 8 (8, 9) stitches.

Work even in seed stitch until the armhole measures 4.5 (5, 5.5) inches. BO all stitches.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Using your straight needles, CO 31 (35, 39) stitches.

Work the Lace Hem Pattern for 2 repeats (8 rows).

Switch to the Seed Stitch pattern. Increase 1 stitch at each edge every 4th row 4 (5, 6) times. To increase, pick up the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop (M1L and M1R). You will now have 39 (45, 51) stitches.

Work even in seed stitch until the sleeve measures 4.5 (5.5, 6.5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape Sleeve Cap:
BO 3 (4, 5) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
Decrease 1 stitch at each edge every right-side row 5 (6, 7) times (SSK at beginning, K2tog at end).
Then, decrease 1 stitch at each edge every row 3 times.
BO the remaining 17 (19, 21) stitches.

Finishing and Assembly

Block all pieces to the specified measurements. This is a crucial step to even out the seed stitch and open up the lace pattern. Pin the pieces to a flat surface, mist with water, and allow to dry completely.

Sew the shoulder seams. Set in the sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the side and sleeve seams.

Button Bands

Note: For a girl's cardigan, the button band is on the left front (as worn). For a boy's, it is on the right front. The instructions below are for the button band; work the buttonhole band on the opposite side.

Button Band:
With the circular needle and the right side facing you, pick up and knit 1 stitch for every row along the front edge. Work in Seed Stitch for 4 rows. BO in pattern.

Buttonhole Band:
Pick up stitches as above. Work 2 rows in Seed Stitch.
Next Row (RS): Work 3 stitches, *YO, K2tog, work 8 stitches; repeat from * to last 5 stitches, YO, K2tog, work 3 stitches. This creates the buttonholes.
Work 2 more rows in Seed Stitch. BO in pattern.

Collar

With the circular needle and the right side facing you, pick up and knit stitches around the entire neck edge, including the top of the button bands. Work in Seed Stitch for 6 rows. BO loosely in pattern.

Sew the buttons opposite the buttonholes. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.

Your Evelyn Baby Cardigan is now complete! This heirloom piece is sure to be treasured and passed down. The combination of the classic seed stitch and the delicate lace hem makes it a truly special garment for a special little one. Happy knitting!