41 Best Knitting Patterns for Kids

We round up our favorite patterns to knit for babies, including clothes, accessories, and nursery items. Make a lovely gift today!

Who can resist a baby knitting pattern? All we have to do is whip up a little texture for a precious new arrival. Every stitch is filled with love when you’re designing for little ones, so it’s important to choose the perfect pattern. That’s why we’ve collected 33 of our favorites for this list, including many free knitting patterns for children’s clothing. Accessories, nursery decor and more. Whether you’re looking for an everyday cardigan, an heirloom blanket or a fun toy, we’ve got the best baby knitting patterns for you to cast on right now.

Want to make something sweet for the baby? If you’re a knitter, these are great knitting patterns for any adorable baby!

Patterns for babies range from diaper covers, booties, blankets, hats and even crochet baby dresses. Once you see this amazing lineup of free knitting patterns, the hardest part will be trying to decide which pattern to knit first!

Use these baby knitting patterns to make a memorable gift that’s sure to become a family heirloom. These baby clothes patterns are perfect as a shower or newborn gift for new parents.

Free knitting patterns for kids are a great idea for beginners who want to try more adventurous patterns without being overwhelmed by the size of the pattern. This is a great opportunity to try out new knitting techniques and learn new skills. If knitting is still a new skill for you and you want to take things to the next level so you can become a confident knitter, check out the professionally filmed Learn to Knit class.

Best Knitting Patterns for Kids

Looking for something specific? Skip to the section you need below or browse the entire list.

Baby knitting patterns for clothes

1. Hooded duffle coat

Go beyond the classic cardi and make your baby something cute and cozy for the fall and winter months. Suitable for babies and toddlers from newborn to three years, this colorful duffle coat from Sardar will keep the cold at bay with its double-breasted front and handy hood. The design uses Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, a self-spun yarn that weaves with a stunning Fair Isle style effect and comes in a wide range of eye-catching colors. Alternatively, you can substitute any of the other DK yarns in the Sardar Child range.

2. Guernsey dress

Inspired by traditional fisherman’s jumpers, this sweet dress by Debbie Bliss features cables, lace, bobbles, and moss stitched hearts. With such a wide range of techniques used, this pattern has plenty for intermediate and advanced knitters to enjoy. You’ll also love working with the yarn – Baby Cashmerino is a super soft, luxurious blend of wool, acrylic, and cashmere that’s perfect for special occasion knits. The pattern comes from the Debbie Bliss Baby and Toddler Knits collection, which includes a matching pair of booties and a blanket, plus many other cute gift ideas.

3. Textured jacket

What’s cuter than a kid in a pointy pompom hood? Not much, we think! This adorable button-up jacket is part of King Cole’s Newborn Book 2, a collection of patterns for boys and girls by Sue Batley-Kyle. Sizes range from tiny to two years, so if you’re looking to knit for preemies there’s plenty to choose from. The book features coordinating sets that are tailor-made for gift giving, and can be knitted with any DK yarn. Raid your stash for your favorite baby yarn and get crafting!

4. Traditional matinee coat

Just look at the beautiful lace and bobble details on this matinee jacket knitting pattern from Petones! First published in 1982 to celebrate the birth of Prince William, this is a classic design that will never go out of style and is one of our favorite free knitting patterns for baby. Knit it using the coziest baby yarn in plain white or cream.

5. Early Baby Cardigan

The soft, squishy garter stitch is wonderful for baby knitting and is also a great choice for beginner knitters. Newbies will love making these easy baby jackets and hats from Debbie Bliss, with their bright colors, almost as much as baby will love wearing them!

6. An heirloom naming gown

Knit this beautiful Heirloom Lace Christening Gown from Annekin Alice for your baby’s special day. It is made in West Yorkshire Spinners’ exquisite lace yarn, a luxurious blend of wool and mulberry silk. Get the pattern in The Knitter issue 124, available as a digital download.

7. Striped cardigan

MillaMia’s beautiful cardi uses a winning combination of stripes and lace and is easy to customize with your favorite colors from the naturally soft merino range, which has 30 attractive shades. There are four sizes to choose from, up to 18 months.

8. Duckling bathrobe

Make bath time fun with this cozy duck bath robe – perfect for post-wash snuggles! Well Pierce’s beautiful design fits ages 12-18 months and is beautifully crafted in soft and instant fur yarn. Check out our free chunky knitting patterns for kids to cast on.

9. Floral cardigan

We love how the lace motif on this West Yorkshire Spinners Cardigan looks like rows of pretty flowers. With its short sleeves and shiny buttons, this elegant cover-up will be ideal for special occasions such as summer weddings.

10. Comfortable Another hat set

Dress them up in classic nautical stripes with Gaddard’s easy-knit baby onesie and hat. This timeless dress was designed by Monica Russell and comes in three sizes to fit newborns to nine months. Made in merino yarn, it’s perfect for keeping babies warm during the winter months.

11. Baseball jacket

Get a sporty look for your little mini-me with this bear motif baseball jacket. Three sizes are available, the largest being 18-24 months. Also, check out the rest of this Debbie Bliss pattern set – the little jumper is so cute we can believe it!

12. Everyday cardigan

This stylish unisex cardigan from Sarah Hatton is sure to become a staple in a baby’s wardrobe. It comes in sizes up to five years, so make some and they can wear it until school starts! Download the baby cardigan knitting pattern and cast it on today.

13. Simple sweaters

A good clothing choice for beginner knitters, these v-neck sweaters are perfect for layering over tops and tees when the weather changes. Our top tip: Use a darker (rather than lighter) color on the collar and cuffs to help hide any food and drink stains!

14. Nordic baby romper

How cute is this Nordic Knitted Baby Romper pattern by Karin Strand Andersen? Perfect for gift knitting, it’s full of beautiful details inspired by traditional Scandinavian designs, like pretty floral stitching and crossover straps. Style it in your favorite pastel shade and pair it with a cream colored bodysuit and tights.

Baby knitting patterns for accessories

15. Rainbow hat

Create a rainbow with this colorful hat pattern from Cassandra May. It comes in four sizes up to two years of age and is worked in the round. Stripes and bows are great for using up yarn scraps from your stash.

16. Animal baby hats

Create a baby gift a day with free knitting patterns for baby hats from Goddard. Rosie Woodland’s designs include bunnies, dinosaurs, chicks and more. Have lots of yarn ready, because we bet you’ll knit them all! Get a baby animal hat pattern.

17. Premature baby hat

Finding clothes small enough for the tiniest of babies can be difficult – so why not make your own? Designed to fit babies born at 27-31 weeks or 32-34 weeks, this free premature baby knitting pattern from Sardar will make a welcome gift for new parents.

18. Pom pom accessory set

A set of matching hats, mittens, and booties makes a lovely gift, especially when knitted in Sardar’s luxurious cashmere merino silk 4 ply yarn. This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters up to two years and features sizes.

19. Cute kitten booties

Dear feet! We can’t resist these kitten booties, which come in three sizes for up to 18 months. Anne Franklin’s Baby Booties knitting pattern is worked on two needles, making it a great choice for new knitters or anyone who prefers to avoid knitting in the round.

20. Bunny hat

Welcome spring baby with this adorable Easter bunny hat from Stitch and Story. The hat is knitted while the decoration uses simple crochet stitches, so making it can also be a fun introduction to a new craft. Choose from three sizes: 0-6, 6-12 and 12-24 months.

21. Baby bucket hat

Get baby ready for sunny days with Tina Barrett’s free bucket hat knitting pattern from Gathered. It’s made from lightweight cotton yarn so they don’t get too hot and has a curled edge to protect their little ears. Quick to knit, this would make a lovely summer baby gift.

22. Quick lace mittens

With their simple heart detailing, these sweet mitts from Kirstie McLeod are a great introduction to lace knitting and chart work. Use Gathered’s baby mittens knitting pattern to whip up a pair in a flash – and see issue 168 of Simply Knitting magazine for the matching hat.

23. Owl hat

Give a tweet! Spin Katie Tricot’s Choate Hat in Instant Chunky Yarn. (Did you know that “chouette” is French for owl, but also means something cool?) It’s a fun little knit with its cable detailing and fun fringing.

24. Beginner baby booties

These booties hide a little secret – a beautiful lace design on the soles. Grab your favorite DK-weight yarn and some 4mm needles and learn how to knit baby booties by following Monica Russell’s quick and easy free baby knitting pattern.

25. Handy diaper cover

Need a gift and need it fast? Throw in this stocking stitch diaper cover as a last-minute baby shower or newborn gift. It is designed for babies under 12 months and can be worn under dresses or as an alternative to shorts. You can also complete the look with matching booties.

26. Stripy baby hat

Every knitter needs a baby hat in their repertoire, and we have this basic baby hat knitting pattern by Christy McLeod. Sized to fit newborns to toddlers, it’s easily customizable with its simple stripes. Why not add a pom pom to the top using Gathered’s How To Make A Pom Pom Guide?

Baby knitting patterns for nursery

27. Modern slogan blanket

Show baby how excited you are to meet them with this funky intarsia coat blanket from Sandra van Katwijk. It would look perfect in a modern nursery done in bold monochrome shades or jewel bright. Get a free baby blanket pattern from Mollie Makes.

28. Personalised blanket

An extra special personal gift, this blanket will make a wonderful keepsake for the new parents. The stitch and story pattern includes all the instructions you need to make the blanket and write the baby’s name in the handmade cord. They also make it easy to order yarn and other supplies at the same time – awesome!

29. Soft stacking blocks

Make Angela Turner’s colorful baby your go-to gift! Featuring letters, numbers and motifs in eye-catching bright colors, they are sure to keep baby entertained. You can find this pattern in the Ultimate Baby and Kids Knitting Collection, on sale now.

30. Easy embroidered blanket

Sometimes simple is best. Raise a basic blanket with an embroidered border using this pattern from Sardar. This is one of the inspiring designs in The Baby Blanket Book, which includes 17 blankets to knit and crochet in 4ply and DK yarn.

31. Cool geometric blanket

Create a beautiful patchwork-style blanket using the intarsia technique and Monica Russell’s clever baby blanket knitting pattern. It works in easy storage and garter stitch – perfect for cozy TV knitting. The only difficulty will be deciding which colors to use!

32. Over the rainbow blanket

Add a pop of vibrant color to a baby’s nursery, and bring a smile to their parents’ faces. It’s part of a collection of rainbow-themed knits and crochet patterns, including hats, booties, and more.

33. Textured squares blanket

If you know how to knit and purl, you can make this blanket! Fully reversible, it is made of alternating knit squares and worked in DK yarn. There are four sizes to choose from, to fit a range of prams, cots and cot beds.

34. Knitted Baby Vest Pattern

We have a great vest pattern for your baby. It’s not just a vest pattern, it also comes with matching knit booties. This free vest pattern would work great for intermediate level knitters.

35. Krister Booties Knitting Pattern

Small and sweet, they make the perfect gift for any new parent. Who says kids need to wear lemon yellow and pastels! These knitted baby booties are quick to make and make a good introduction to more complex knitting for new knitters.

36. Rainbow Skies Baby Hat Pattern

A sweet rainbow in the blue sky with white puffy clouds! This knitted baby hat pattern is so fun because if you can’t wear a colorful hat as a baby, when can you?

37. Striped Baby Sweater Pattern

This strappy baby sweater knitting pattern is cute and easy. You can make this knitted baby sweater in stripes or a solid color with contrasting cuffs and a button band in an accent color of your choice. This knitted sweater would make a cute and cozy gift for any baby or toddler. Plus, this free knitting pattern calls for durable, washable yarn, making your baby’s bunting sweater a versatile gift that’s guaranteed to keep the baby cozy this winter!

38. Ear Flap Knitted Hat Pattern

With all sizes from newborn through adult, this adorable ear flap knit hat pattern is a quick and cute knitting project for any boy in your life! This pattern calls for heavy yarn which makes it a quick knit project to knit.

39. Drops of Love Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern

The intention with this baby blanket was to create a beautiful, yet simple knit baby blanket that would be perfect for a baby girl. It is made with a beautiful knit stitch called pearl drop stitch and then combined rows of garter stitch.

40. Valentine Baby Dress

The Valentine Baby Dress is an intermediate level knit baby dress in sizes 3 to 24 months. Heart-shaped pockets are cut from a sheet of red and sewn around the edges, leaving the top open. Heart-shaped buttons on the shoulders complete the look.

41. Easy Baby Hooded Towel Knitting Pattern

Made from soft and absorbent cotton yarn, this knitted hooded bath towel is not only useful but also unique. Three vertical panels are sewn together to form a large square, and a separate triangular piece is added in one corner to form a hood.

Choose the perfect baby knitting pattern

There’s no better way to welcome a new baby than with a unique handmade gift, but how do you decide what to make? First think about whether you want to make something for the nursery, like a toy or blanket, or something to wear.

Then consider the time of year – will the baby be born in spring, summer, autumn or winter? An August baby won’t need a chunky jumper, while that sweet short-sleeved romper will be wasted on a Christmas baby.

Think about how quickly you knit, too, because you don’t want your beautiful finished item to be too small before it’s off the needles. If you’re poor on time or you’re a lazy knitter, you might want to opt for something small and simple, and maybe find a store-bought gift to go with it.

With these factors in mind and our selection of the best baby knitting patterns above, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find the perfect project for that special little one.

Learn to knit for kids with Gathered.

You’ve chosen a pattern, but you’re not quite ready to start knitting yet! When crafting for babies it’s important to make sure your gifts are practical and safe, so don’t cast off before you’ve read The Essential Gathered Guide to Baby Knits. It has everything you need to know about knitting for toddlers.