How to Knit a Baby Onesie: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The photo above © Courtney Walters

Knitting a baby onesie is a heartwarming project that combines creativity and practicality. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through creating the Nawara Onesie, a charming and timeless piece for your little one. Perfect for gifting or keeping as a cherished heirloom, this tutorial is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring you can craft a cozy and adorable onesie with confidence.

Materials You'll Need

Before starting, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: 250 grams of DK weight yarn (approximately 2-3 skeins).
• Needles: US-6 (4 mm) circular needles with a 16-inch cord and a longer cord for magic loop.
• Stitch Markers: To mark key sections of your knitting.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and embroidery.
• Scrap Yarn: For holding sleeve stitches and adding decorative flowers.
• Buttons: Three buttons, 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter.
• Optional: Gauge swatch tools (22 stitches by 30 rows).

Step 1: Casting On and Knitting the Collar

1. Cast On: Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 53 stitches onto your 16-inch circular needles. This forms the foundation of the collar.
2. First Row: Turn your work and purl all stitches across the wrong side row.
3. Second Row: Turn to the right side. Slip the first stitch knitwise (to create a neat edge), then knit across the row.
4. Repeat: Alternate between purling the wrong side row and slipping the first stitch and knitting the right side row until the collar measures 1 inch in length.

Step 2: Adding Buttonholes for the Bow

1. Right Side Row: Slip the first stitch knitwise, knit two stitches, perform a yarn over, and knit two stitches together through the back loop.
2. Continue Knitting: Knit until five stitches remain. Knit two stitches together, yarn over, and knit the last three stitches.
3. Repeat: Alternate between purl and knit rows until the collar measures 2 inches in total, ending on a right side row.

Step 3: Folding the Collar

1. Fold and Join: Fold the collar in half and knit the first stitch on the needle together with the corresponding cast-on stitch. Repeat this process across the row to create a clean, folded neckline.

Step 4: Setting Up Raglan Increases

1. Divide Stitches: On the wrong side row, purl 10 stitches, place a marker, purl 7 stitches, place another marker, purl 19 stitches, place a third marker, purl 7 stitches, place a fourth marker, and purl the remaining 10 stitches.
2. Raglan Increases: On the right side row, slip the first stitch knitwise, then knit until one stitch before the marker. Perform a "make one right" increase, knit one stitch, slip the marker, and perform a "make one left" increase. Repeat this process at each marker.
3. Repeat: Alternate between increase rows (right side) and purl rows (wrong side) until you've completed 12 increase steps.

Step 5: Joining in the Round and Placing Sleeves on Hold

1. Join in the Round: Knit the first stitch on the left needle, then pass the next stitch over it to join the round.
2. Place Sleeves on Hold: Remove the markers and place the sleeve stitches (31 stitches each) onto scrap yarn using a tapestry needle.
3. Cast On Underarm Stitches: Using the backward loop method, cast on 5 stitches at each underarm to connect the body.

Step 6: Knitting the Body

1. Continue Knitting: Knit in the round until the body measures 6 inches from the underarm.
2. German Short Rows: Work German short rows to create extra room for the diaper. Knit 12 stitches, turn, and create a double stitch. Repeat this process, working 3 stitches past the double stitch each time, until you've created three double stitches on each side.
3. Finish Body: Knit in the round until the body measures 7 inches from the underarm.

Step 7: Separating for the Front and Back

1. Bind Off: Knit 24 stitches, bind off 14 stitches, then knit 34 stitches. Place the remaining 48 stitches on hold.
2. Front Flap: Bind off 14 stitches purlwise, then purl across the remaining 19 stitches. Work decreases on the right side rows until 18 stitches remain, then bind off.

Step 8: Adding the I-Cord Edging

1. Pick Up Stitches: Pick up stitches around the leg openings and the front flap.
2. I-Cord Bind Off: Cast on 3 stitches, then knit two stitches and knit the next two together through the back loop. Repeat this process around the edge, joining the ends neatly.

Step 9: Knitting the Sleeves

1. Pick Up Sleeve Stitches: Transfer the held sleeve stitches back to your needles and pick up additional stitches at the underarm.
2. Knit Sleeves: Knit in the round until the sleeve measures 1 inch from the underarm, then bind off using the I-cord method.

Step 10: Finishing Touches

1. Attach Buttons: Sew buttons onto the front flap, aligning them with the buttonholes.
2. Embroider Flowers: Use scrap yarn to embroider flowers and branches on the front of the onesie. Be creative and have fun with the design!
3. Weave in Ends: Secure all loose ends using a tapestry needle.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just completed a beautiful, handmade baby onesie. This project is not only practical but also a heartfelt gift that can be treasured for years to come. Whether you're knitting for your own little one or for a loved one, the Nawara Onesie is sure to bring joy and warmth.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, don't forget to share your finished project and connect with fellow knitters on social media. Happy knitting!

Watch the Full Video Tutorial Here