Seaside Stripe Baby Hoodie Free Pattern – Knit a Coastal Summer Cardigan

Knit a Coastal Summer Cardigan: The Seaside Stripe Baby Hoodie Pattern

There's nothing quite like the charm of a hand-knit baby garment, especially one that captures the breezy, carefree spirit of summer. Today, I'm thrilled to share a delightful pattern for a Seaside Stripe Baby Hoodie—a striped pullover that brings coastal vibes straight to your little one's wardrobe. With its soft cotton yarn, playful hood, and fresh aqua, sandy beige, and crisp white stripes, this cardigan is perfect for warm-weather adventures, beach days, or simply adding a touch of seaside charm to everyday outfits.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, offering clear instructions and a simple construction that yields a beautifully textured, boxy-fit garment. Whether you're knitting for your own baby or as a heartfelt gift, this hoodie is sure to become a cherished favorite. Let's dive into the details and get those needles clicking!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: DK weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in three colors:
  • Aqua (A) – for the main stripes
  • Sand (B) – for the warm, neutral stripes
  • White (C) – for the crisp, fresh stripes
  Approximate total yardage: 250g (about 500-550 yards) for all sizes combined.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. You'll also need a set of double-pointed needles or a circular needle for the hood if you prefer working in the round, though straight needles work fine.
• Notions: Stitch holders (at least 2), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and a stitch marker (optional).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished piece matches the intended measurements.

Understanding the Pattern

This hoodie is knit flat in pieces and seamed together. The construction is straightforward: you'll knit the back, two front panels (worked as one piece with a neck opening), two sleeves, and a hood. The stripe pattern is simple and repetitive, making it easy to memorize and relaxing to knit.

Sizes: This pattern is written for three sizes: 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months). Finished chest measurements are 16 (18, 20) inches. Instructions are given in the smallest size first, with larger sizes in parentheses. For example: "Cast on 80 (90, 100) sts" means cast on 80 stitches for the 0-3 month size, 90 stitches for the 3-6 month size, and 100 stitches for the 6-12 month size.

Stripe Pattern: Throughout the garment, you'll work in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) while alternating colors. The stripe sequence is as follows:

• Work 4 rows in Color A (Aqua)
• Work 4 rows in Color B (Sand)
• Work 4 rows in Color C (White)
• Repeat this sequence for the entire piece.

When changing colors, simply drop the old color and pick up the new one at the beginning of a right-side row. Carry the unused yarn loosely up the side of your work, or cut and weave in ends later—whichever you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel

1. With Color A, cast on 80 (90, 100) stitches.
2. Begin the stripe pattern, working in stockinette stitch. Continue until the piece measures 6 (7, 8) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Shape Armholes: At the beginning of the next two rows, bind off 4 (5, 6) stitches. You will now have 72 (80, 88) stitches remaining.
4. Continue working straight in the stripe pattern until the armhole measures 4 (5, 6) inches from the bind-off edge. End with a wrong-side row.
5. Place the remaining 72 (80, 88) stitches onto a stitch holder. This will be the back neck and shoulder area. Set aside.

Front Panel

1. With Color A, cast on 80 (90, 100) stitches.
2. Begin the stripe pattern in stockinette stitch. Work until the piece measures 5 (6, 7) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Shape Neck: This step divides your work for the left and right fronts.
   • Knit across the first 34 (38, 42) stitches. Join a second ball of yarn (in the same color sequence) and bind off the center 12 (14, 16) stitches. Knit to the end of the row.
   • You will now work both sides simultaneously, using separate balls of yarn. Work the right side (the stitches after the bind-off) first, or work both sides together on the same needle.
4. Shape Neck Decreases: On each right-side row, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge (the edge closest to the center bind-off) by knitting 2 stitches together. Repeat this decrease 4 times total. You will now have 30 (34, 38) stitches remaining on each shoulder.
5. Continue working straight in the stripe pattern until the armhole measures the same length as the back panel (4 (5, 6) inches from the armhole bind-off). End with a wrong-side row.
6. Place the remaining 30 (34, 38) stitches for each shoulder onto separate stitch holders.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. With Color A, cast on 40 (44, 48) stitches.
2. Begin the stripe pattern in stockinette stitch.
3. Increase Rows: On the 6th row and every subsequent 6th row, increase 1 stitch at each end of the row (knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch). Continue these increases until you have 60 (66, 72) stitches on your needle.
4. Once you've reached the desired stitch count, continue working straight in the stripe pattern until the sleeve measures 7 (8, 9) inches from the cast-on edge.
5. Bind off all stitches loosely. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Hood

1. With Color A, pick up and knit 60 (66, 72) stitches evenly around the neck edge of the assembled body. This includes the front neck decreases, the bound-off center stitches, and the back neck stitches.
2. Begin the stripe pattern, working in stockinette stitch.
3. Increase Rows: On every 4th row, increase 1 stitch at each end of the row (knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch). Continue these increases until the hood measures 6 (7, 8) inches from the pick-up row.
4. Bind off all stitches loosely.
5. Fold the hood in half so the bind-off edge forms the top of the hood. Sew the top seam together using a mattress stitch or whip stitch.

Finishing Touches

1. Seam the Shoulders: Use a tapestry needle and a length of yarn to sew the shoulder seams together, matching the stitch holders. Use a mattress stitch for an invisible seam.
2. Set in the Sleeves: Pin the sleeves into the armholes, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place using a mattress stitch or backstitch.
3. Sew Side and Sleeve Seams: With the right sides together, sew the side seams of the body and the underarm seams of the sleeves in one continuous line.
4. Weave in All Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric. Trim any excess.
5. Optional Edging: For a polished, coastal finish, use a crochet hook and White yarn to work a round of single crochet around the hood opening and the cuffs of the sleeves. This adds a crisp, clean edge that beautifully frames the stripes.

And there you have it—a gorgeous, handmade Seaside Stripe Baby Hoodie that's as delightful to knit as it is to gift. The soft cotton yarn is breathable and gentle on delicate skin, making it ideal for summer layering. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting your journey, this pattern is a rewarding project that results in a timeless piece your little one will love.

Happy knitting, and may your days be filled with sunshine, soft yarn, and the sweetest of stitches!