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| Photos above © Tichiro |
Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan by Joji Locatelli, often known by knitters as the Garter Stitch Baby Kimono, is a sweet wrap-style baby cardigan worked almost entirely in garter stitch.
Its crossover front gives the little sweater its kimono-inspired appearance, while the simple stitch pattern makes it an appealing project for knitters ready to try a small baby garment.
✓ Free Pattern
This project is commonly referred to as the Baby Kimono, but the pattern's official name is Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan by Joji Locatelli. A free copy of the designer's original pattern remains available online.
Baby Kimono at a Glance
Official Pattern: Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan
Designer: Joji Locatelli
Craft: Knitting
Category: Baby Cardigan / Kimono-Style Sweater
Sizes: Newborn, 1–3 months, 3–6 months
Main Stitch: Garter stitch
Needles: 2.5–3 mm
Gauge: 28 stitches = 10 cm in garter stitch
Yarn: Approximately 100–150 g, depending on size
Notions: Two approximately 15 mm buttons
Availability: Free pattern
About the Garter Stitch Baby Kimono
Joji Locatelli originally wrote down this design after the knitted cardigan attracted considerable interest from other knitters.
The result is a simple wrap-style baby cardigan with overlapping fronts. Because garter stitch forms most of the fabric, the visual interest comes primarily from the shape of the garment rather than complicated stitch patterns.
The crossover construction also makes it quite different in appearance from a conventional button-front baby cardigan.
Three Baby Sizes
The original pattern includes three sizes:
- Newborn
- 1–3 months
- 3–6 months
The published finished chest measurements are approximately:
- Newborn: 40 cm / 16 inches
- 1–3 months: 45 cm / 18 inches
- 3–6 months: 50 cm / 20 inches
Finished total lengths are approximately 20, 24 and 26 cm (8, 9.5 and 11 inches) respectively.
When possible, choose a size from the finished measurements rather than relying only on the baby's age.
Yarn Requirements
Joji's original sample was knitted with an acrylic yarn called NUBE Dralón, which she found in Argentina.
However, the pattern specifically allows another suitable yarn to be substituted.
The approximate yarn quantities given in the original pattern are:
- Smaller size: approximately 100 g
- Larger sizes: approximately 150 g
Rather than choosing a substitute based only on fibre or label, make sure your yarn can produce the required gauge and a fabric appropriate for a soft baby cardigan.
Needles and Gauge
The original pattern recommends needles in the range of:
2.5–3 mm
The designer also notes that you should use whatever needle size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Published gauge is:
28 stitches = 10 cm / 4 inches in garter stitch
Making a small swatch is especially worthwhile for a baby garment because even a modest difference in gauge can noticeably change such a small finished size.
Why Garter Stitch Works So Well
Garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat. It produces a fabric with distinctive horizontal ridges and plenty of natural stretch.
It also lies relatively flat, making it particularly useful for a wrap-style cardigan where clean edges help the overlapping fronts sit comfortably.
For a newer knitter, using one familiar stitch throughout much of the garment means more attention can be given to learning the construction and shaping.
The Kimono-Style Front
The crossover front is what gives this cardigan its familiar “baby kimono” nickname.
Rather than meeting at the center like a conventional cardigan, one front overlaps the other. The original design uses buttons together with an inside fastening to help hold the layers in position.
The pattern calls for two buttons approximately 15 mm in diameter.
Skills That Help
Useful skills for this project include:
- Casting on
- Garter stitch
- Basic shaping
- Increasing and decreasing
- Making buttonholes
- Picking up stitches
- Working sleeves
- Binding off
- Simple finishing
- Weaving in yarn ends
Use Joji Locatelli's original pattern for the exact stitch counts, shaping sequence, sleeve construction and finishing instructions.
A Popular Little Cardigan
One reason this design has remained recognizable for so many years is its simplicity.
Thousands of knitters have made versions of the Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan, experimenting with different yarns, colours and small finishing modifications while retaining the characteristic wrap-front shape.
That makes the Ravelry project gallery especially useful for inspiration before choosing yarn for your own version.
Choosing Yarn for a Baby Cardigan
In addition to matching gauge, consider how the finished garment will be used.
Softness matters for clothing worn close to a baby's skin, while easy washing can be valuable for an everyday garment. Also check that the finished garter-stitch fabric is not excessively dense or loose.
A smooth yarn can emphasize the simple garter ridges, while a gently heathered or subtly variegated yarn can add colour interest without competing with the clean construction.
Is the Baby Kimono Pattern Free?
Yes. The Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan pattern by Joji Locatelli was released as a free knitting pattern.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Joji's copyrighted row-by-row instructions. Instead, we link readers to the existing pattern source.
Get the Free Baby Kimono Pattern
The pattern is available as a PDF under its original name, Garter Stitch Baby Kimono / Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan.
View the Free Baby Kimono Pattern →
More Free Baby Cardigans
If you enjoy small wrap-style garments, continue exploring the Amazing Knitting archive for more free baby sweaters and cardigans.
Explore Free Baby Cardigan Patterns →
You can also browse free baby sweaters, newborn knitting patterns, and garter-stitch baby cardigans.
Before You Start
Choose your size from the finished measurements, make a garter-stitch gauge swatch, and check that your yarn creates a soft but stable fabric before beginning the cardigan.
Read the complete original pattern before casting on so that you understand how the overlapping fronts, sleeves and fastenings come together.
Pattern credit: Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan / Baby Kimono was designed by Joji Locatelli. The existing photographs on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to Tichiro. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted row-by-row knitting instructions.