KNITTED BABY VEST (0–1 YEAR) – TOP-DOWN (From Robe/Neckline)

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to knit an easy baby vest (0–1 year olds), starting from the robe (neckline) – which is a common top-down knitting method used for making seamless garments like vests, cardigans, blouses, and sweaters.

KNITTED BABY VEST (0–1 YEAR) – TOP-DOWN (From Robe/Neckline)

✅ Suitable for: Baby 0–12 months

✅ Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

✅ Construction: Top-down (starting from neckline/robe), seamless

✅ Style: Vest (you can adapt it into a cardigan, blouse, or sweater)

✅ Tools & Materials:

• Yarn: Baby-soft yarn (DK or light worsted, acrylic or cotton, about 100g)

• Needles: 3.5mm or 4mm circular needles (40cm or use magic loop), or straight needles if working flat

• Stitch markers: 4 (for raglan lines)

• Tapestry needle: for weaving in ends

• Buttons (optional): for cardigans

• Measuring tape & scissors

BASIC MEASUREMENTS FOR 0–1 YEAR OLD

• Chest circumference: ~45–50 cm

• Length from shoulder to waist: ~25–30 cm

• Armhole depth: ~10–12 cm

• Neckline circumference: ~30–32 cm

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Cast on from Robe (Neckline)

We start from the neckline and work top-down using raglan increases.

Cast-On:

Cast on 60 stitches loosely (or adjust based on gauge).

Divide stitches as follows for raglan shaping:

• Back: 18 stitches

• Each Sleeve: 8 stitches

• Fronts: 13 stitches each

• Place 4 stitch markers between these sections.

Pattern:

STEP 2: Knit the Yoke (Raglan Increases)

Work in stockinette stitch (knit all rounds or knit 1 row, purl 1 row if flat) and increase 1 stitch before and after each marker on every right-side row.

Use “KFB” (knit front and back) or “YO” (yarn over) for increases.

Repeat raglan increases every other row (every RS row) until you have:

• Fronts: ~26 stitches each

• Sleeves: ~20–25 stitches each

• Back: ~40–45 stitches

Tip: Keep going until the yoke measures about 12–14 cm from cast-on edge or fits comfortably around baby’s chest.

STEP 3: Separate Sleeves

Place sleeve stitches on stitch holders or scrap yarn.

Continue working on body only:

• Cast on 3–5 stitches under each arm (for the underarm gap)

• Join fronts and back to start working the body in one piece

STEP 4: Knit the Body

Work the body in stockinette stitch (or add patterns like garter, ribbing, or cables).

Knit until the total body length (from neckline) is ~25–30 cm or desired length.

Finish with 5–6 rows of garter stitch or 2×2 ribbing for the hem.
Bind off loosely.

STEP 5: Sleeves (Optional for Sweater/Cardigan)

If making a sweater:

• Transfer sleeve stitches back to your needle

• Pick up stitches from underarm cast-on (3–5 stitches)

• Knit in the round until sleeve is ~10–12 cm

• Finish with ribbing or garter edge and bind off

If making a vest, skip sleeves.

STEP 6: Neckline Finishing

Pick up stitches around the neckline and knit:

• Garter stitch (4–5 rows) or

• 2×2 ribbing (1–2 cm)

Optional: Create a button band or leave open

STEP 7: Weave In Ends & Block

• Weave in all loose yarn ends with a tapestry needle

• Lightly block your work to shape it

VARIATIONS

• Vest: No sleeves, sleeveless design

• Cardigan: Add buttonholes and open front

• Blouse: Use lighter yarn and add lace patterns

• Sweater: Knit sleeves for full coverage

BASIC SIZE ADJUSTMENT (if you’re off gauge)

You can adjust by:

• Adding/removing stitches evenly in the cast-on

• Using thinner/thicker yarn and adjusting rows

• Checking chest size against a baby shirt

Watch tutorial: