AQUARIUS Baby Cardigans

AQUARIUS Button Front Baby Cardigans by Marianna's Lazy Daisy Designs

What is Being Made

The AQUARIUS Button Front Baby Cardigans are knitted garments designed for infants from premature sizes through 3–6 months. This downloadable PDF pattern includes instructions for five different sizes: Small Premature, Medium Premature, Large Premature, Newborn, and 3–6 months. Each cardigan features a classic button-front closure, making it practical for dressing and undressing babies while maintaining a timeless aesthetic suitable for any occasion.

Sizes and Dimensions

The Small Premature size, detailed in the pattern, measures 11 inches in width and 5½ inches in length, with sleeve length of 4 inches. The pattern accommodates growth across multiple size ranges, allowing knitters to select the appropriate dimensions for their intended recipient.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques to construct the cardigan. The pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo) and knit-two-together decreases (k2tog) to create functional buttonholes along the front edge. Knit-front-and-back increases (kfb) are strategically placed throughout the body and sleeves to shape the garment and create subtle shaping details. Slip-stitch-knit-psso decreases (s1, k1, psso) are also used to maintain stitch counts while creating decorative elements. The cardigan features ribbed edging created through alternating knit and purl stitches, which provides structure and a finished appearance to the front bands, neckline, and cuffs.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the foundational stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in ribbed sections for texture and definition
• Yarn over (yo) – creates decorative eyelets and buttonholes
• Knit-two-together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in buttonhole construction and shaping
• Knit-front-and-back (kfb) – an increase stitch that adds stitches for shaping the body and sleeves
• Slip-stitch-knit-psso (s1, k1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease used for decorative shaping
• Garter stitch – created by knitting every row, used for the cast-on rows and portions of the ribbed bands
• Ribbed stitch – alternating knit and purl stitches that frame the front opening and edges

Materials Required

The AQUARIUS cardigan requires minimal yardage, making it an economical project. Knitters need DK weight yarn (8ply) totaling less than 100 grams, which provides approximately 300 meters of yarn. A single pair of 4mm knitting needles is required to work the entire project at the specified tension. The pattern calls for 4, 5, or 6 small buttons depending on the knitter's preference for button spacing and closure frequency along the front band.

Tension and Pattern Gauge

Consistent tension is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions across all five sizes. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the main fabric. Achieving this gauge ensures that the cardigan will fit properly and that the shaping increases and decreases will be distributed correctly throughout the garment.

Pattern Construction

The cardigan begins with a cast-on of 53 stitches for the Small Premature size. The pattern starts with garter stitch rows to create a stable foundation, followed by an early buttonhole placement in Row 3 using a yarn-over and knit-two-together combination. The body construction incorporates strategic increases using the knit-front-and-back technique distributed across multiple rows, creating gentle shaping for the body and sleeves. Ribbed sections frame the front opening and edges, providing structure and a professional finish. The button-front closure is achieved through evenly spaced buttonholes that align with the small buttons selected by the knitter.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the AQUARIUS cardigan requires knitters to be comfortable with basic stitches and