Charlie Baby Cardigan - Free Knitting Pattern

The photo above @ peterlinzi

Looking for a sweet and practical free baby cardigan knitting pattern? The Charlie Baby Cardigan Jacket by marianna mel is a classic little knitted cardigan designed for newborns and young babies.

With its simple styling and DK-weight yarn, Charlie works beautifully for both baby boys and girls. The pattern includes several small baby sizes and also offers options for different front styles, making it a versatile project for baby gifts, coming-home outfits, and everyday wear.

Charlie Baby Cardigan Pattern at a Glance

Pattern: Charlie Baby Cardigan Jacket

Designer: marianna mel

Published by: Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days

Craft: Knitting

Category: Baby Cardigan / Jacket

Yarn Weight: DK

Suggested Needle Size: US 6 / 4.0 mm

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stocking stitch

Sizes: Newborn, 0–3 months, 3–6 months

Pattern Availability: Free

About the Charlie Baby Cardigan

Charlie is a charming baby cardigan designed by marianna mel of Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days. Its classic shape makes it suitable for either a baby boy or girl, and the smallest size was designed especially with newborn babies in mind.

This is also a useful pattern for knitters who enjoy making handmade baby gifts. The small dimensions keep the project manageable, while the straightforward styling makes it easy to personalize through your choice of yarn color and buttons.

Charlie Baby Cardigan Sizes

The pattern currently includes three baby sizes:

• Newborn
• 0–3 months – approximately 17-inch chest
• 3–6 months – approximately 18½-inch chest

The original newborn version has approximate finished measurements of 16 inches (41 cm) wide, 8½ inches (21.5 cm) long, and a 5-inch (13 cm) sleeve length.

Always check the designer's current pattern instructions before choosing a size, since the original pattern page is the authoritative source for measurements and any later updates.

Yarn for the Charlie Baby Cardigan

Charlie is designed for DK-weight yarn, sometimes also described as 8-ply depending on where you live.

A soft, comfortable yarn suitable for baby garments is a practical choice. Since baby clothes are frequently worn directly over lightweight clothing, consider softness, washability, and care requirements when selecting your yarn.

You can also change the personality of this little cardigan simply through color: classic white and cream create a traditional look, while soft pastels or brighter modern shades can make the same design feel completely different.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern lists:

• US 6 / 4.0 mm knitting needles
• Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stocking stitch

Matching the designer's gauge is particularly important for a small baby garment, where even a relatively small difference in tension can noticeably affect the finished size.

Different Front Options

One interesting feature of the Charlie pattern is that it has developed over time. In addition to the original cardigan, the designer added instructions for a fully buttoned front version in all of the available sizes.

There is also an option for making a shorter cropped version, which the designer suggests can work especially well when worn over a little dress.

Check the current original pattern page to see the available variations before deciding which version you would like to knit.

A Lovely Baby Gift Project

Small cardigans are especially useful projects for baby showers, newborn gifts, and handmade keepsakes. Charlie's simple styling also means that it can be made ahead of time when you do not yet know whether the new baby will be a boy or girl.

Pairing the cardigan with coordinating baby accessories can also turn a single knitted garment into a complete handmade gift set.

Matching Charlie Baby Knits

The designer has created other pieces to coordinate with the Charlie cardigan, including matching baby booties, a hat, mittens, and a blanket.

This makes Charlie particularly useful if you enjoy creating coordinated newborn sets rather than knitting just one garment.

Is the Charlie Baby Cardigan Pattern Free?

Yes. The Charlie Baby Cardigan Jacket by marianna mel is currently available as a free knitting pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's knitting instructions. Please visit the original pattern source to view the complete instructions, measurements, variations, and any updates from the designer.

Get the Free Charlie Baby Cardigan Pattern

Visit Marianna's original Charlie Baby Cardigan page for the complete free knitting pattern.

Get the Free Charlie Baby Cardigan Pattern →

Pattern credit: Charlie Baby Cardigan Jacket was designed by marianna mel and published through Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days. Pattern availability, sizing, and technical details are controlled by the designer and may change over time.

More Baby Knitting Inspiration

Looking for another small project? Explore more baby cardigan knitting patterns, baby sweater knitting patterns, and baby booties knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

Visit the designer's original pattern page before buying yarn or beginning your project. Confirm the latest size information, gauge, materials, button requirements, and instructions for the version of Charlie you plan to knit.

Syncopation Adoration Hat - Free Pattern

Photos above © tincanknits

What beautiful hat (free knitting pattern)! I found it on Ravelry...

Gather a colorful selection of DK weight yarns for this two-color brioche hat. Begin at the bottom with brioche ribbing in the round. When you’re ready for something new the ribbed columns syncopate so the knits are purled and the purls are knit. Swap colors freely for a super striped effect and don’t forget to top it off with a pom-pom!

Full Post: Syncopation Adoration

Fish and Chip Babies - Free Knitting Pattern

The photo above © Cordelia

Looking for a simple baby jumper and beanie knitting project with a long history of charity knitting? The pattern commonly known as the Fish and Chip Babies jumper has circulated for many years among knitting groups, churches, community organizations, and charity projects.

The design is intentionally simple: a small baby jumper is knitted in one piece and paired with a basic beanie. Its straightforward construction made it popular with knitters who wanted to create warm baby garments quickly for donation.

Fish and Chip Babies Pattern at a Glance

Pattern Type: Baby Jumper and Beanie

Craft: Knitting

Category: Charity Baby Knitting

Construction: Jumper knitted in one piece

Yarn Weight: Double Knitting / DK

Needles: Approximately 4.5–5.0 mm, depending on tension

Matching Item: Baby Beanie

Pattern History: Widely circulated charity pattern

What Are Fish and Chip Baby Jumpers?

“Fish and Chip Babies” is a name that became associated with a simple knitted baby jumper distributed through charity knitting campaigns.

Older appeals explained that the garments were intended for babies in communities where suitable newborn clothing could be difficult to obtain. The unusual name came from stories that some newborns were being kept warm using newspaper.

Versions of the appeal and pattern have circulated through community groups for many years, so there is no single modern pattern publisher that can easily be identified as the original designer.

A Simple One-Piece Baby Jumper

One reason this pattern became popular for charity knitting is its uncomplicated construction. The jumper is worked largely as a single piece, reducing the amount of shaping and finishing required.

Traditional versions combine ribbing and stockinette stitch, with stitches added to form the sleeves and an opening created for the baby's head.

This makes the project approachable for knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches but may not yet want to tackle a more complicated baby sweater.

Yarn for the Baby Jumper

The commonly circulated versions specify Double Knitting (DK) yarn, also known as approximately 8-ply in some countries.

Older charity instructions often requested bright or mixed colors rather than very pale shades. However, donation requirements can change significantly between organizations.

If you intend to knit these garments for charity, always check the receiving organization's current requirements before purchasing yarn or starting the project.

Needle Sizes

Traditional copies of the jumper pattern commonly recommend:

• 5.0 mm needles for tighter knitters
• 4.5 mm needles for looser knitters

These recommendations are intended to produce an appropriately sized and flexible baby garment, but your personal knitting tension may vary.

The Matching Baby Beanie

A simple knitted beanie is frequently included alongside the jumper pattern. Like the jumper, the hat is designed to be quick to knit and uses basic ribbing, stockinette stitch, and crown decreases.

Matching the hat and jumper in coordinating colors can create a complete little newborn set.

Why This Pattern Became Popular for Charity Knitting

Charity knitting projects often need designs that are economical, practical, and easy to reproduce in larger numbers.

The Fish and Chip baby jumper fits those requirements well because it uses familiar knitting techniques, can be made with relatively small amounts of DK yarn, and does not require complicated garment construction.

It is also useful for groups because knitters of different experience levels can contribute to the same type of project.

Important: Check Current Donation Requirements

Many versions of this pattern online come from older charity appeals. That does not necessarily mean the same organization is currently requesting these garments.

Before knitting specifically for donation, confirm that your chosen charity currently accepts knitted baby jumpers and hats and check its latest requirements for yarn type, colors, sizing, washing, labeling, and delivery.

If no current charity appeal is available in your area, the same simple style can still be useful as inspiration for personal baby knitting or local donation projects that accept handmade garments.

View a Traditional Fish and Chip Baby Pattern

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the full circulated knitting instructions here. A historical copy of the jumper and hat pattern is available from the source below.

View the Fish and Chip Baby Pattern →

Pattern note: This is a widely circulated charity knitting pattern. Amazing Knitting has not identified a definitive original designer. The linked copy is provided by an external organization, and current charity requirements should always be verified separately.

More Baby Knitting Inspiration

Explore more baby sweater knitting patterns, baby hat knitting patterns, and baby knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.

Before You Start

If you are knitting this project for donation, contact the intended charity first. Organizations may have specific rules about fiber content, colors, sizing, safety, finishing, and whether handmade baby garments are currently needed.

Lamb Dance Hat - Free Pattern

Photo above © DROPS Design

Lamb Dance Hat / DROPS Children 34-2 is a playful free children's hat knitting pattern featuring a flock of little sheep worked in stranded colorwork.

Designed for children approximately 3 to 12 years old, the hat is worked from the bottom up in the round and finished with a pompom. It coordinates beautifully with the other Lamb Dance children's designs from DROPS.

The complete pattern remains free from DROPS Design.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Lamb Dance Hat / DROPS Children 34-2 is currently available as a free official knitting pattern from DROPS Design. Use the official DROPS link below for the complete current instructions, chart and supporting information.

Lamb Dance Hat at a Glance

Pattern: Lamb Dance Hat / DROPS Children 34-2

Designer: DROPS Design

Pattern Number: me-053-bn

Published: March 2019

Category: Children's Hat / Beanie

Sizes: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 years

Yarn Weight: DK / Yarn Group B

Suggested Yarn: DROPS Merino Extra Fine or DROPS Lima

Main Needles: 3 mm / US 2½

Rib Needles: 2.5 mm / US 1½

Gauge: 23 stitches × 32 rows = 4 in / 10 cm

Construction: Bottom up, worked in the round

Features: Sheep colorwork, ribbing, pompom

Availability: Free official DROPS pattern

About the Lamb Dance Hat

Lamb Dance Hat is a children's colorwork hat designed by DROPS Design.

The most distinctive feature is the cheerful band of sheep worked around the hat using stranded colorwork.

Ribbing creates a comfortable lower edge, while the crown is shaped above the decorative section and finished with a pompom.

It is a particularly fun project if you want to practice stranded knitting on something smaller than a sweater or cardigan.

Five Children's Sizes

The official pattern includes five sizes:

• 3/4 years
• 5/6 years
• 7/8 years
• 9/10 years
• 11/12 years

The corresponding published head circumferences are approximately:

50/53 – 50/53 – 53/54 – 54/56 – 54/56 cm

That's approximately 19¾–22 inches across the size range.

Age is only a general guide. If you are knitting for a specific child, measuring the head circumference is preferable.

Finished Hat Height

DROPS gives approximate finished heights of:

19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 cm

That's approximately:

7½ – 8 – 8¼ – 8¾ – 9 inches

Yarn Choices

DROPS provides two suggested yarn options:

• DROPS Merino Extra Fine
• DROPS Lima

Both belong to DROPS Yarn Group B and work at the required DK-weight gauge, but their fiber compositions and finished feel differ.

Merino Extra Fine is a merino wool yarn, while Lima combines wool and alpaca.

Five Colors Create the Sheep Design

The original version uses five colors.

For DROPS Merino Extra Fine, the published color combination is:

• Pistachio
• Light Grey Blue
• Off White
• Black
• Cerise

DROPS specifies 50 grams of each color for every published size.

A corresponding five-color palette is also provided for DROPS Lima.

Can You Choose Different Colors?

Absolutely. One of the enjoyable features of stranded colorwork is the opportunity to create your own palette.

The most important consideration is contrast.

The sheep and other chart details need enough contrast with the background to remain visible.

Before casting on, place your chosen colors next to each other and make sure the important motifs will not disappear into the background.

Gauge

The official gauge is:

23 stitches × 32 rows = 4 × 4 inches / 10 × 10 cm

This is measured in stockinette stitch using the larger needles.

Gauge matters for hats because the finished circumference must be comfortable without being excessively tight or loose.

Check Your Colorwork Gauge

Stranded knitting can sometimes produce a tighter gauge than ordinary one-color stockinette.

This usually happens when the floats carried behind the work are too tight.

If you are new to stranded knitting, consider making a small colorwork swatch in addition to checking your normal stockinette gauge.

Needles

DROPS recommends:

• 3 mm / US 2½ circular needle, 40 cm / 16 in
• 3 mm / US 2½ double-pointed needles
• 2.5 mm / US 1½ circular needle, 40 cm / 16 in for ribbing

The published sizes are recommendations. Adjust your needles if necessary to obtain the required gauge.

Bottom-Up Construction

Lamb Dance Hat is knitted from the bottom up.

You begin with the lower edge and ribbing, then progress into the main hat and sheep colorwork before shaping the crown.

This construction allows the decorative motif to form a continuous band around the hat.

Worked in the Round

Unlike a flat-knitted hat that requires a back seam, Lamb Dance Hat is worked in the round.

Ravelry classifies the design as one-piece and seamless.

A short circular needle can be used while enough stitches remain on the needle, with double-pointed needles or another suitable small-circumference method used as the crown becomes narrower.

The Sheep Colorwork

The little sheep are the signature feature of the Lamb Dance collection.

They are created using stranded colorwork according to the chart supplied by DROPS Design.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the copyrighted chart here. Use the current official DROPS pattern while knitting the motif.

Keep Your Floats Relaxed

When carrying an unused color behind the work, avoid pulling it too tightly.

Tight floats can reduce the circumference of the hat and cause the colorwork fabric to pucker.

Spread the recently worked stitches gently along the right needle before changing colors. This gives the carried yarn enough length to span the stitches comfortably.

Watch Color Dominance

When two colors are carried together, the way you consistently hold them can affect how prominent each color appears in the finished motif.

Try to maintain the same relationship between your background and motif colors throughout each section.

Consistency usually produces cleaner-looking stranded colorwork.

Managing Multiple Colors

Although several colors are used across the complete hat, you will not necessarily be actively knitting with every color at the same moment.

Follow the official chart carefully and organize the yarn so that strands do not become unnecessarily tangled.

Small balls or bobbins can sometimes make multiple contrast colors easier to manage.

Crown Shaping

After the main decorative portion is complete, decreases shape the top of the hat.

As the circumference becomes too small for the short circular needle, switch to double-pointed needles or your preferred small-circumference method while following the official instructions.

The Pompom

A pompom completes the original Lamb Dance Hat.

Take care to attach it securely, particularly when the hat is intended for a child.

As with any children's garment, periodically inspect attached decorations for wear or looseness.

Skills Used in Lamb Dance Hat

This project provides practice with:

• Knitting in the round
• Ribbing
• Stockinette stitch
• Reading a colorwork chart
• Stranded knitting
• Managing yarn floats
• Working with multiple colors
• Crown decreases
• Working a small circumference
• Making and attaching a pompom

A Good Small Colorwork Project

If you want to try stranded knitting but are not ready to commit to a full colorwork sweater, a hat can be an excellent intermediate step.

You still get experience reading a chart, controlling floats and maintaining colorwork tension, but on a much smaller project.

Part of the Lamb Dance Collection

The hat belongs to the same DROPS children's collection as the Lamb Dance Jacket already featured on Amazing Knitting.

Both designs use the playful sheep theme, making them natural coordinating projects.

See the Free Lamb Dance Jacket →

DROPS also published a matching Lamb Dance Sweater, giving knitters several ways to use the same cheerful colorwork theme.

Is Lamb Dance Hat Still Free?

Yes.

Lamb Dance Hat / DROPS Children 34-2 remains available as a complete free knitting pattern directly from DROPS Design.

The official page includes the current written instructions, diagram and supporting information.

Amazing Knitting provides this independent project guide rather than reproducing DROPS Design's complete copyrighted pattern or chart.

Get the Free Lamb Dance Hat Pattern

Visit DROPS Design for the complete free pattern:

Get the Free Lamb Dance Hat Pattern →

More Free Children's Knitting Patterns

Continue exploring free children's projects from the Amazing Knitting archive:

• Free Children's Hat Patterns
• Free Children's Sweater Patterns
• Free Colorwork Knitting Patterns
• DROPS Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Measure the child's head if possible, choose a suitable Yarn Group B yarn and make sure you can obtain the required gauge.

If stranded knitting is new to you, practice carrying two colors before starting the sheep section and pay particular attention to keeping your floats relaxed.

Finally, work from the current official DROPS page so that you have the complete pattern, chart and supporting information beside you.

Pattern credit: Lamb Dance Hat / DROPS Children 34-2 was designed and published by DROPS Design. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions or colorwork chart. Please preserve the existing photograph credit shown on this page.

Hat for Hugs - Free Baby Hat Knitting Pattern

Photo above ©  marianna mel

Hat for Hugs by marianna mel is a sweet and practical free baby hat knitting pattern designed to coordinate with the designer's popular Baby Hug Boots.

Worked in DK-weight yarn using straight-forward flat construction, the pattern includes sizes for a large premature baby through approximately 6–9 months.

The original pattern remains available for free from Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Hat for Hugs by marianna mel is currently available as a free knitting pattern. Use the designer's current pattern link below for the complete instructions.

Hat for Hugs at a Glance

Pattern: Hat for Hugs (matching Hat for Hug Boots)

Designer: marianna mel

Published: July 2016

Category: Baby Hat / Beanie

Yarn Weight: DK / 8 ply

Needles: 3.5 mm / US 4 and 4 mm / US 6

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Sizes: Large Preemie, 0–3 months, 6–9 months

Construction: Worked flat, bottom up, one piece, seamed

Availability: Free

About Hat for Hugs

Hat for Hugs was designed by marianna mel as a coordinating hat for her popular Baby Hug Boots.

It is a small DK-weight baby project with simple flat construction, making it particularly useful for knitters who prefer not to work baby hats in the round.

Because the design includes premature and early baby sizes, it can also be useful for charity knitting where appropriately sized garments are requested.

Three Baby Sizes

The published pattern includes three sizes:

• Large Preemie
• 0–3 months
• 6–9 months

Baby head sizes can vary considerably, so when knitting for a specific child it is always useful to compare measurements where possible.

For charity or hospital knitting, check the organization's current size and material requirements before beginning.

DK-Weight Yarn

Hat for Hugs is designed for DK / 8-ply yarn.

This makes it a useful small project for leftover DK yarn, provided you have enough of a suitable fiber and can obtain the required gauge.

For baby items, choose a yarn that feels comfortable against delicate skin and can be cared for easily.

Needles

The pattern uses two needle sizes:

• 3.5 mm / US 4
• 4 mm / US 6

Using two sizes allows the designer to create different fabric characteristics where needed while maintaining the intended fit.

Remember that the published needle sizes are recommendations. Your own tension determines which needles will produce the correct gauge.

Gauge

The published gauge is:

22 stitches = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch

Gauge matters even on a small baby hat. A difference of several stitches across 10 cm can noticeably alter the finished circumference.

If you are knitting for a specific baby, checking your gauge before beginning can help avoid a hat that is significantly too small or too large.

Worked Flat — No Circular Needles Required

One particularly useful feature of Hat for Hugs is that it is worked flat.

You do not need to be comfortable with double-pointed needles, magic loop or another small-circumference technique to make this baby hat.

The knitting is worked back and forth and the hat is seamed during finishing.

Bottom-Up Construction

The pattern is worked from the bottom up.

This means the lower portion of the hat is established first before the knitting progresses toward the crown.

For knitters who have made scarves or other flat projects but have not yet attempted many hats, this construction can feel familiar and approachable.

A One-Piece Baby Hat

Ravelry classifies Hat for Hugs as a one-piece, seamed design.

The main hat is therefore created as one knitted piece rather than assembling several separately knitted sections.

This keeps the project compact and limits the amount of finishing required.

Is Hat for Hugs Beginner Friendly?

The combination of DK yarn, flat knitting and a relatively small project makes Hat for Hugs an appealing option for knitters building confidence with baby accessories.

You should be comfortable with basic knitting skills and following written instructions.

Read through the designer's complete pattern before casting on so you know how the shaping and finishing are handled.

Making a Neat Seam

Because the hat is worked flat, finishing the seam neatly is an important part of the project.

Avoid pulling the seam excessively tight. A baby hat needs enough flexibility to stretch comfortably.

Try to maintain an even seam from the lower edge toward the crown so the finished hat sits smoothly.

Choosing Yarn for a Baby Hat

When choosing a substitute DK yarn, consider more than color.

Useful characteristics for baby garments include:

• Softness against the skin
• Easy washing and care
• Good stitch definition
• Appropriate elasticity
• Ability to match the required gauge

Always check the yarn manufacturer's care instructions before giving the finished hat to its recipient.

Knitting for Premature Babies

The inclusion of a Large Preemie size makes this pattern particularly interesting to knitters making garments for premature babies.

However, hospitals and charities can have very specific requirements concerning fiber, size, washing, embellishments and construction.

If the hat is intended for donation, contact the receiving organization first and follow its current guidelines.

Baby Safety

For baby accessories, keep finishing simple and secure.

Avoid adding loose decorations, long cords or poorly secured embellishments.

Weave yarn ends in carefully and inspect the finished hat before use.

Matching Baby Hug Boots

The full pattern name is Hat for Hugs (matching Hat for Hug Boots).

Marianna designed the hat after many knitters enjoyed making her Baby Hug Boots.

This makes the two designs a natural combination when you want to knit a coordinated baby gift set.

A Useful Small-Yarn Project

Baby hats can be a practical way to use suitable DK yarn remaining from a larger project.

Before using leftovers, make sure you know the fiber content and have enough yarn to complete the chosen size.

When in doubt, keeping a little extra yarn is preferable to running out during crown shaping.

About the Designer

marianna mel is the designer behind Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days, a large collection of knitting patterns with a particularly strong selection of baby projects.

Other designs in her collection include baby cardigans, hats, blankets, mittens, rompers and the popular Baby Hug Boots.

Amazing Knitting has featured several of Marianna's designs over the years.

Is Hat for Hugs Still Free?

Yes.

Hat for Hugs remains listed as a free knitting pattern, with the Ravelry record directing knitters to Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days for the free pattern.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Marianna's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Use the designer's original pattern page for the instructions.

Get the Free Hat for Hugs Pattern

You can access the designer's free pattern through its Ravelry record:

Get the Free Hat for Hugs Pattern →

More Free Baby Knitting Patterns

If you like Marianna's baby patterns, you may also enjoy her Jordan Baby Blanket, which we have already reviewed and verified as a free pattern.

See the Free Jordan Baby Blanket →

You can also explore more baby projects from the Amazing Knitting archive:

• Free Baby Hat Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Booties Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Select the correct size, choose a suitable DK yarn and check your gauge before beginning.

If you are making the premature size for donation, check the receiving hospital or charity's current requirements before knitting.

Finally, use Marianna's current original pattern page for the complete instructions rather than an unofficial copied version.

Pattern credit: Hat for Hugs (matching Hat for Hug Boots) was designed by marianna mel and published through Marianna's Lazy Daisy Days. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce the designer's complete copyrighted knitting instructions. Please preserve the existing photograph credit shown on this page.

Lamb Dance Kids Jacket - Free Knitting Pattern

Photo above © DROPS Design

Lamb Dance by DROPS Design is a cheerful free children's cardigan knitting pattern featuring a flock of little sheep around the circular yoke.

The jacket is worked from the top down in DK-weight yarn, combining stockinette stitch, ribbing and stranded colorwork. With five sizes covering approximately 3 to 12 years, it is a playful project for knitters ready to combine garment construction with colorwork.

Best of all, the complete pattern remains free from DROPS Design.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Lamb Dance / DROPS Children 34-1 is currently available as a free knitting pattern from DROPS Design. Use the official DROPS link below for the complete current instructions, charts and pattern information.

Lamb Dance Jacket at a Glance

Pattern: Lamb Dance / DROPS Children 34-1

Designer: DROPS Design

Pattern Number: me-054-bn

First Published: March 2019

Craft: Knitting

Category: Children's Cardigan / Jacket

Sizes: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 years

Yarn Weight: DK / 8 ply

Suggested Yarn: DROPS Merino Extra Fine or DROPS Lima

Main Needles: US 6 / 4 mm

Rib Needles: US 2½ / 3 mm

Gauge: 21 stitches × 28 rows = 4 in / 10 cm

Construction: Top down

Features: Circular yoke, stranded colorwork, sheep motif, button front

Availability: Free official pattern

About the Lamb Dance Jacket

Lamb Dance is a children's knitted cardigan from DROPS Design.

Its defining feature is the whimsical band of sheep worked around the circular yoke. Contrasting colors create the sheep and surrounding decorative pattern against the main background color.

Below the patterned yoke, the cardigan becomes much simpler, allowing the colorwork to remain the visual focus of the finished garment.

Five Children's Sizes

The official pattern includes five sizes:

• 3/4 years — approximately 98/104 cm height
• 5/6 years — approximately 110/116 cm
• 7/8 years — approximately 122/128 cm
• 9/10 years — approximately 134/140 cm
• 11/12 years — approximately 146/152 cm

When choosing a size, compare the child's measurements with the finished measurements in the official DROPS pattern rather than relying only on age.

Finished Measurements

The published finished chest measurements are approximately:

64 – 68 – 74 – 78 – 80 cm

The corresponding finished body lengths are approximately:

35 – 39 – 43 – 47 – 51 cm

Consult the official schematic before choosing your size, especially when knitting the cardigan as a gift.

Yarn Choices

DROPS provides two suggested yarn options for Lamb Dance:

• DROPS Merino Extra Fine
• DROPS Lima

Both belong to DROPS Yarn Group B and fall within the DK-weight range, but their fiber compositions produce somewhat different fabrics.

DROPS Merino Extra Fine is a merino yarn, while DROPS Lima combines wool and alpaca.

If substituting another yarn, matching the required gauge is more important than simply selecting a yarn carrying the same weight label.

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

The main background color requires approximately 150 to 250 grams, depending on size.

Several contrasting colors are then used for the sheep and other elements of the colorwork.

Because the exact amounts vary by size and yarn choice, check the official DROPS materials table before purchasing your yarn.

Knitting Gauge

The official gauge is:

21 stitches × 28 rows = 4 × 4 inches / 10 × 10 cm

This gauge is measured in stockinette stitch using the larger needles.

Gauge is particularly important for children's garments because even a relatively small difference can noticeably change the finished chest circumference and length.

Needles

The pattern uses approximately:

• 4 mm / US 6 circular needles for the main fabric
• 4 mm / US 6 double-pointed needles or another suitable small-circumference method
• 3 mm / US 2½ needles for the ribbing

The official pattern lists circular needle lengths appropriate for the different stages of the garment.

Needle sizes are recommendations. Adjust them if necessary to obtain the required gauge.

Top-Down Construction

Lamb Dance is knitted from the top down.

Top-down construction has several practical advantages. The yoke and upper body develop first, followed by the body and sleeves, reducing the amount of traditional garment seaming.

It can also make the overall construction easier to visualize because the cardigan grows from the neckline toward the hem.

The Circular Yoke

The sheep motif sits within a circular yoke.

Instead of using conventional armhole shaping with separately knitted front and back pieces, shaping is distributed around the upper body.

This creates the smooth rounded line that makes Nordic-style colorwork yokes so recognizable.

The Sheep Colorwork

The playful sheep are the signature feature of Lamb Dance.

The motif is created using stranded colorwork, following the chart supplied by DROPS Design.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce that copyrighted chart here. Use the current official pattern while working the yoke.

Tips for Stranded Colorwork

If stranded knitting is relatively new to you, pay particular attention to your tension.

The unused yarn carried behind the work should have enough room to span the stitches without pulling the knitted fabric together.

Stretching the stitches gently along the right needle while changing colors can help keep the floats from becoming too tight.

Check the fabric frequently rather than waiting until the entire yoke is complete.

Swatch the Colorwork Too

Your tension when knitting stranded colorwork may differ from your ordinary stockinette tension.

If this happens, the yoke can become tighter than the body even when the stockinette portion matches the published gauge.

A small colorwork swatch can therefore be useful before beginning the main sheep section.

Button Front

Unlike the related Lamb Dance pullover, this version is a front-opening cardigan.

The official pattern calls for:

6 – 6 – 7 – 7 – 7 buttons

The exact number depends on the size being knitted.

Attach buttons securely, particularly when the garment is intended for a younger child.

Skills Used in Lamb Dance

Useful skills for this project include:

• Casting on and binding off
• Knit and purl stitches
• Working ribbing
• Knitting stockinette stitch
• Working in the round
• Working flat where required
• Increasing and decreasing
• Reading a colorwork chart
• Stranded knitting
• Managing yarn floats
• Working a circular yoke
• Making buttonholes
• Picking up stitches where instructed
• Weaving in multiple color ends neatly

Is Lamb Dance Suitable for Beginners?

A knitter who has already completed simple garments and is comfortable working in the round should find Lamb Dance an interesting introduction to a more decorative children's cardigan.

The colorwork yoke adds another skill layer, so a complete first-time knitter may prefer to practice stranded knitting on a small swatch before beginning.

DROPS also provides supporting technique information and video tutorials alongside many of its patterns.

A Matching Lamb Dance Collection

The cardigan is part of a small coordinated DROPS collection.

DROPS also published a Lamb Dance Sweater using the same playful sheep theme, as well as a matching Lamb Dance Hat.

This makes the design especially useful if you enjoy the motif and want to create coordinated children's knitwear.

Is Lamb Dance Still Free?

Yes.

Lamb Dance / DROPS Children 34-1 is currently available directly from DROPS Design as a complete free knitting pattern.

The official page contains the current instructions, diagrams, charts, measurements and supporting information.

Amazing Knitting provides this independent project guide rather than reproducing the complete DROPS instructions or charts.

Get the Free Lamb Dance Pattern

Use the official DROPS Design page for the complete free pattern:

Get the Free Lamb Dance Pattern →

More Free Children's Knitting Patterns

You can continue exploring Amazing Knitting for free children's cardigans, sweaters and colorwork projects.

Explore Free Children's Cardigans →

You can also browse:

• Free Children's Sweater Patterns
• Free Colorwork Knitting Patterns
• DROPS Knitting Patterns

Before You Start

Choose the size by comparing the child's measurements with the official DROPS schematic, then make a gauge swatch with your chosen Yarn Group B yarn.

If stranded knitting is new to you, practice carrying two colors before reaching the sheep yoke. Keeping the floats relaxed is important for maintaining a comfortable fit across the upper body.

Finally, always work from the current DROPS page so you have access to the latest version of the pattern and its supporting information.

Pattern credit: Lamb Dance / DROPS Children 34-1 was designed and published by DROPS Design. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted charts or complete knitting instructions. Please use the official DROPS page for the free pattern.

Sandleford - Free Pattern

Sandleford by RS Knits © Russell Sansom

Sandleford by Russell Sansom of RS Knits is a whimsical rabbit-inspired knitted hat designed for teens and adults. With its playful ears and colourwork details, it is a wonderful choice for knitters looking for something more imaginative than a traditional winter hat.

The design takes its name and inspiration from Watership Down by Richard Adams. Best of all, the Sandleford knitting pattern is still available as a free downloadable pattern.

✓ Free Pattern Availability

Good news: unlike many older knitting patterns whose availability has changed over the years, Sandleford is still listed as a free downloadable knitting pattern. Always use the current legitimate pattern source rather than copies reproduced by unrelated websites.

Sandleford Hat at a Glance

Pattern: Sandleford

Designer: Russell Sansom / RS Knits

Craft: Knitting

Category: Hat

Theme: Rabbit-inspired novelty hat

Sizes: Teens to Adults

Suggested Yarn: John Arbon Textiles Knit By Numbers DK

Yarn Weight: DK

Language: English

Current Availability: Free downloadable pattern

About the Sandleford Hat

Sandleford is one of those knitting projects that immediately stands apart from an ordinary beanie.

Designed by Russell Sansom, the hat combines a practical knitted accessory with a playful rabbit theme. The prominent ears and contrasting colours give the finished hat plenty of character without turning it into a conventional stuffed-toy project.

The original design is shown in a combination of pink and neutral shades, but the colour palette can be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your own version.

Inspired by Watership Down

The name Sandleford is a reference to Watership Down, Richard Adams' classic novel about a group of rabbits searching for a new home.

Sandleford Warren is the original home of the rabbits at the beginning of the story, which makes the name particularly appropriate for a rabbit-inspired hat.

You do not need to know the novel to enjoy the pattern, of course, but the literary connection gives the design an extra layer of personality.

Choosing Colours for Sandleford

The original Amazing Knitting feature highlighted John Arbon Textiles Knit By Numbers DK minis, which make it possible to experiment with different colour combinations.

You could keep the soft pink-and-neutral appearance of the photographed version or create something completely different.

Some colour ideas include:

• Natural rabbit shades such as cream, grey, brown and oatmeal
• Pink with a soft neutral contrast
• Black and white for a graphic look
• Pastel combinations for a softer version
• Bright contrasting colours for a playful fantasy rabbit

If substituting yarn, use the designer's current pattern specifications and check your gauge rather than relying only on the DK label.

A Fun Use for DK Yarn

Novelty hats can be particularly useful projects for leftover or small-quantity yarn because contrasting details do not necessarily need the same quantity as the main hat colour.

Before using leftovers, however, make sure the yarns behave similarly. Combining fibres with very different stretch, washing requirements, or thickness can affect the finished shape.

Who Is Sandleford Designed For?

The original description lists Sandleford for teens through adults.

That makes it different from many rabbit and animal hats designed only for babies or young children. Sandleford embraces the novelty-hat idea for older knitters and wearers as well.

Skills That Help

Before starting, read the complete designer pattern to see the exact techniques required. In general, useful skills for a shaped novelty hat of this type can include:

• Casting on and binding off
• Knit and purl stitches
• Working decreases for hat shaping
• Following colour changes
• Working small shaped pieces
• Reading written knitting instructions
• Finishing and securing yarn ends

Use the original pattern for the exact construction, stitch counts, shaping and finishing instructions.

Is Sandleford Still a Free Knitting Pattern?

Yes. During our latest review, Sandleford was still listed as a free downloadable English-language knitting pattern.

This is especially useful to confirm for an older pattern because free knitting patterns sometimes move, become paid, or disappear completely after their original publication.

Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Russell Sansom's copyrighted row-by-row instructions. Instead, use the legitimate current pattern listing to obtain the designer's pattern.

Get the Free Sandleford Knitting Pattern

The current LoveCrafts listing provides the downloadable pattern.

Find the Free Sandleford Pattern →

Look for Sandleford by Russell Sansom / RS Knits on the free hat patterns page.

More Free Knitted Hats

If you enjoy unusual hat projects, continue exploring the Amazing Knitting archive for more free designs.

Explore Free Hat Knitting Patterns →

You can also browse animal-inspired knitted hats, DK hat patterns, and novelty knitting projects.

Before You Start

Download the current designer pattern first and read it completely before choosing your yarn. Confirm the required quantities, gauge, needle sizes, construction method and finishing instructions from the pattern itself.

If you substitute colours, it can help to place the yarns next to each other before casting on so you can check whether there is enough contrast for the rabbit details to remain clearly visible.

Pattern credit: Sandleford was designed by Russell Sansom / RS Knits. The existing project image on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to Russell Sansom. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted knitting instructions.