Water Babies Coat, Breton, Guernsey & Beret - Layette Knitting Pattern for Babies in Debbie Bliss - Downloadable PDF

Water Babies Coat, Breton, Guernsey & Beret – Layette Knitting Pattern for Babies by Debbie Bliss

This Debbie Bliss layette collection, titled Water Babies, is a charming set of four coordinating baby knits designed to fit newborns and infants from 0–3 months up to 9–12 months. The collection includes a Coat, a Breton striped sweater, a classic Guernsey jumper, and a matching Beret — all worked flat and seamed, making this an ideal project for intermediate knitters who enjoy traditional construction methods. Each design carries a nautical, timeless aesthetic perfectly suited to a baby's layette wardrobe.

The Coat

The Water Babies Coat is a structured, seamed baby jacket knitted in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Navy 17. It features a neat, classic silhouette with finished chest measurements ranging from 50 cm (19¾ in) to 64 cm (25¼ in) across the four sizes, and lengths to shoulder from 25 cm to 31 cm. The sleeves are designed with a turn-back cuff detail, giving the coat a polished, traditional finish.

Techniques and Construction

• Worked flat on pairs of needles and seamed together for a structured, tailored result
• Buttonhole technique incorporated into the button band, with 6 buttons for fastening
• Knit and purl stitches used to create ribbing and stocking stitch fabric
• Shaping worked through decreases and increases at armholes and sleeve heads

Materials – Coat

• 5–7 x 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Navy 17 (quantity varies by size)
• Pair each of 3.25mm (US 3) and 4mm (US 6) knitting needles
• 6 buttons

The Breton

The Breton is a classic striped baby sweater inspired by the iconic French sailor's shirt. It is knitted in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, a luxuriously soft sport-weight yarn that is gentle against a baby's delicate skin. The stripe pattern uses two colours: a main colour of Slate 09 or Ruby 700 paired with White 100 as the contrast. Finished chest measurements range from 48 cm (19 in) to 60 cm (23½ in), with lengths to shoulder from 25 cm to 31 cm.

Techniques and Construction

• Stripe patterning worked in the round of flat knitting, alternating the main colour (M) and contrast colour (A)
• Worked flat and seamed at the shoulders and sides
• Buttonhole detailing with 4 buttons for shoulder or neck opening
• Ribbed welts, cuffs, and neckband worked in smaller needle size for a neat, fitted edge
• Standard knit and purl stitches throughout, with stocking stitch body panels

Materials – Breton

• 2–3 x 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Slate 09 or Ruby 700 (main colour M)
• 1 x 50g ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in White 100 (contrast colour A)
• Pair each of 2.75mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles