Little Owl Pocket Knit Cardigan Free Pattern
Introduction
This Little Owl Pocket Knit Cardigan is a sweet, simple knit made for a brand-new baby. It is built from flat rectangles of soft white seed stitch, with butter-yellow striped sleeves and a matching yellow pocket on the center front. The narrow leaf border along the front edges and neckline gives it a gentle cottagecore feel that is perfect for autumn. It is cozy, lightweight, and easy enough for a confident beginner to finish in a weekend or two.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight (light worsted) 100% merino wool, 50g/120yd per skein. White (MC): 2 skeins (approx 200yd). Butter Yellow (CC): 1 skein (approx 80yd).
- Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional), tape measure, scissors.
- Finished size: Chest circumference 18 inches (45.5cm), length 9 inches (23cm), sleeve length 6 inches (15cm). Fits newborn (0–3 months).
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on — make the starting loops on your needle.
- BO: bind off — finish the edge so the stitches don't unravel.
- k: knit stitch.
- p: purl stitch.
- yo: yarn over — wrap the yarn around the needle to make an extra stitch and a small hole.
- k2tog: knit two stitches together — makes one stitch from two.
- st(s): stitch(es).
- MC: main color (white).
- CC: contrast color (butter yellow).
Gauge
22 sts and 32 rows = 4 inches (10cm) in seed stitch. Knit a small swatch in seed stitch, measure it, and adjust your needle size if needed so your stitch count matches.
Tips Before You Start
- Seed stitch is simply alternating knit and purl stitches, and on every row you knit the purls and purl the knits. Keep track of which stitch is next so the texture stays even.
- Work all pieces flat and block them before seaming — the rectangles will lie flat and the seams will be much neater.
- The leaf border is worked separately and sewn on, so don't worry about picking up stitches along the front edges.
- Leave long tails when you bind off the border and sleeves so you have plenty of yarn for sewing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Back (MC)
Row 1: CO 50 sts, then work in seed stitch across (50 sts).
Rows 2–72: Continue in seed stitch (knit the purls, purl the knits) until the piece measures 9 inches (72 rows total) (50 sts).
Next: BO all stitches.
Left Front (MC)
Row 1: CO 25 sts, then work in seed stitch across (25 sts).
Rows 2–72: Continue in seed stitch until the piece measures 9 inches (72 rows total) (25 sts).
Next: BO all stitches.
Right Front (MC)
Row 1: CO 25 sts, then work in seed stitch across (25 sts).
Rows 2–72: Continue in seed stitch until the piece measures 9 inches (72 rows total) (25 sts).
Next: BO all stitches.
Sleeves (CC) — make 2
Row 1: CO 30 sts, then work in seed stitch across (30 sts).
Rows 2–48: Continue in seed stitch until the piece measures 6 inches (48 rows total) (30 sts).
Next: BO all stitches. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Owl Pocket (CC)
Row 1: CO 15 sts, then work in seed stitch across (15 sts).
Rows 2–24: Continue in seed stitch until the piece measures 3 inches (24 rows total) (15 sts).
Next: BO all stitches.
Leaf Border (MC)
Row 1: CO 5 sts, then k1, yo, k2tog, k2 (5 sts).
Row 2: k2, p1, k2 (5 sts).
Row 3: k1, yo, k2tog, k2 (5 sts).
Row 4: k2, p1, k2 (5 sts).
Rows 5–288: Repeat Rows 1–4 a total of 71 more times, ending on a Row 4, until the border measures 36 inches (288 rows total) (5 sts).
Next: BO all stitches.
Assembly and Finishing
Place the back and both fronts side by side with right sides facing up. Sew the shoulder seams, joining 8 sts on each side of the back to the matching 8 sts on each front. Sew the side seams, leaving a 4-inch opening on each side for the armholes. Sew each sleeve into a tube along its long edges, then attach the sleeves to the armholes. Center the owl pocket on the front and sew it down along all four edges. Sew the leaf border along the front edges and around the neckline, easing it gently around the curves. Weave in all ends. Block the finished cardigan by misting it lightly and patting it flat to the finished measurements, then let it dry completely.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Try a soft gray or sage green for the sleeves and pocket for a more woodland look.
- Add a tiny button and a yarn loop at the neckline if you'd like the cardigan to close.
- Work the pocket in a slightly darker yellow and add a simple embroidered circle for an eye if you want a hint of an owl face.
