Make a sweet, unisex newborn set including a bonnet, side-button cardigan, and thighs (or legging version). This pattern uses fingering weight yarn and classic raglan shaping for a timeless, wearable finish. Clear instructions and finishing notes guide you through every step to achieve a professional result. Perfect for gifting or making a cozy staple for a new baby.
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— Thighs :
Waistband :
Using B needles, CO 98, 110, 118, 128 (136, 140, 146) sts using the long tail cast on method. Join in the round being careful not to twist the CO row and PBORM.
Info :
Work 2 cm/0.8" in stockinette st, then p one row. Switch to A needles and work 3cm/1.2" in stockinette st (measurement taken from the p row).
Shaping the back part - R1 (RS) :
k 49, 55, 59, 64 (68, 70, 73), PM, k until 1,1,1,1 (1, 2, 2) sts from BORM, turn your work and perform a GSR.
Shaping the back part - R2 (WS) :
p until 1,1,1,1 (1, 2, 2) sts from M, turn your work and perform a GSR.
Shaping the back part - R3 (RS) :
k until 4, 4, 5, 5 (4, 4, 4) sts from the previous GSR, turn your work and perform a GSR.
Shaping the back part - R4 (WS) :
p until 4, 4, 5, 5 (4, 4, 4) sts from the previous GSR, turn your work and perform a GSR.
Info :
Work R3 & R4 a total of 3, 3, 3, 3 (4, 4, 4) times.
Info :
Resume working in stockinette st in the round, working the double legged sts as regular ones, until the piece is 12, 12.5, 15, 16 (18, 20, 20) cm / 4.75, 5, 6, 6.25 (7, 7.75, 7.75) long from the p row. The measurement is taken on the front of the thighs (no short rows).
Setup for the crotch increases (k all) :
22, 25, 27, 29 (31, 32, 33) sts, PM, 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, PM, 44, 50, 54, 58 (62, 64, 66) sts, PM, 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, PM, 22, 25, 27, 29 (31, 32, 33) sts.
R1 :
*k until M, M1R, SM, k until M, SM, M1L, repeat from * once more, k until BORM.
Info :
Work R1 & R2 a total of 4, 4, 4, 4 (5, 5, 5) times. You now have 114, 126, 134, 144 (156, 160, 166) sts.
Dividing for the legs :
k until M, RM, BO 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, RM, k until M, RM, BO 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, RM, k until BORM, RBORM, k 22, 25, 27, 29 (31, 32, 33) sts.
Thighs - Right leg :
Put the 52, 58, 62, 66 (72, 74, 76) sts from the left leg on hold. Join in the round the sts from the right leg and PBORM (inside of the leg).
Instruction :
Work 2 rows in stockinette st, then start the decreases: DR: k1, k2tog, k until 3 sts from BORM, SSK, k1. Work DR a total of 4 times.
Instruction :
Then, work as follows: 3 stockinette st rows, 1 DR. Knit this sequence a total of 8, 10, 11, 9 (12, 10, 11) times.
Info :
You now have 28, 30, 32, 40 (40, 46, 46) sts. Continue working in stockinette st in the round until the leg is 15, 17, 20, 22 (22, 25, 27) cm / 6, 7, 7.75, 9 (9, 9.75, 11) long from the separation.
Thighs - Right foot - cast on and heel flap :
k 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23), turn your work and knit the heel flap as follows: work in stockinette st back and forth on those 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23) sts a total of 9, 9, 11, 11 (11, 13, 13) rows.
Heel turn - R0 (RS) :
k 9, 10, 11, 14 (14, 17, 17), SSK, turn your work.
Heel turn - R1 (WS) :
sl1 wyif, p 4, 5, 6, 9 (9, 11, 11), p2tog, turn your work.
Heel turn - R2 (RS) :
sl1 wyib, k until 1 st from the gap, SSK, turn your work.
Heel turn - R3 (WS) :
sl1 wyif, p until 1 st from the gap, p2tog, turn your work.
Info :
Work R2 & R3 until there are 6, 7, 8, 10 (10, 13, 13) sts left on the needles.
Gusset :
k 6, 7, 8, 10 (10, 13, 13), turn your work 90° clockwise, pick up 7, 7, 9, 9 (11, 11) sts along the heel flap, PBORM, k 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23), turn your work 90° clockwise, PM, pick up 7, 7, 9, 9 (11, 11) sts along the other side of the heel flap, k until BORM.
Gusset decreases - DR1 :
k until M, SM, SSK, k until M, k until 2 sts from BORM, k2tog.
Gusset decreases - DR2 :
k until BORM.
Info :
Work RD1 & RD2 a total of 3, 3, 5, 4 (4, 6, 6) times. You now have 28, 30, 32, 40 (40, 46, 46) sts.
Foot :
Work in stockinette st until the foot is 7, 7, 7.5, 7.5 (8.5, 9.5, 11) cm / 3, 3, 3, 3 (3.5, 3.5, 4.5) long from the heel turn.
Toes - R1 :
SSK, k until 2 sts from M, k2tog, SM, SSK, k until 2 sts from BORM, k2tog.
Info :
Work R1 & R2 a total of 2, 2, 3, 3 (3, 3, 3) times. Then work only R1 a total of 3, 3, 3, 5 (5, 6, 6) times. You now have 8, 10, 8, 8 (8, 10, 10) sts. Close the foot using the Kitchener st.
Thighs - Left leg :
Put back on the needles the 52, 58, 62, 66 (72, 74, 76) sts that were on hold, PBORM (on the inside of the leg). Follow the instructions for the right leg until you reach the foot.
Thighs - Left foot :
Turn your work to start knitting the heel flap on the WS. Work in stockinette st back and forth on 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23) sts for a total of 9, 9, 11, 11 (11, 13, 13) rows. Then, follow the instructions for the heel turn until the end.
Finishing :
Sew the crotch. Fold the waistband WS together and sew it. Be mindful to leave an opening at the back to insert the elastic band. Sew the ends of the elastic band together, making sure it's not twisted. Close the opening with a seam. Weave in the ends.
— Legging (alternate bottom) :
Put the 52, 58, 62, 66 (72, 74, 76) sts from the left leg on hold. Join in the round the sts from the right leg and PBORM (inside of the leg). Work in stockinette st for 1.5, 2, 2.5, 1.5 (3.5, 2, 3) cm / 0.5, 1, 1, 0.5 (1.5, 1, 1) then start the decreases: DR: k1, k2tog, k until 3 sts from BORM, SSK, k1. Work DR every 1, 1, 1.5 (1, 1.5, 1.5) cm / 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 (0.5, 0.5, 0.5) a total of 12, 14, 15, 13 (16, 14, 15) times. You now have 28, 30, 32, 40 (40, 46, 46) sts.
Instruction :
Continue working in stockinette st in the round until the leg is 13, 16, 18, 21 (21, 23, 26) cm / 5, 6.25, 7, 8.25 (8.25, 9, 10.25) long from the separation (or 2cm shorter than the desired length). Switch to B needles and work 2cm in 1/1 ribbing. Loosely BO the sts and cut the yarn.
— Bonnet :
Body of the bonnet :
Using B needles, CO 71, 79, 83, 87 (91, 99, 103) sts using the long tail cast on method. Do not join in the round.
Instruction :
Work 6 rows in 1/1 ribbing, starting with a p st. Switch to A needles. Work 2 rows in stockinette st, starting with a RS row, then begin working in the dot st as follows :
R1 (RS) :
k3, *p1, k3, repeat from * until EOR.
R2 and all even rows (WS) :
p until EOR.
R3 & R7 (RS) :
k until EOR.
R5 (WS) :
k1, *p1, k3, repeat from * until 2 sts from EOR, p1, k1.
Info :
Continue working R1 to R8 as established until the piece is 9, 10, 11, 11.5 (12, 14, 15) cm / 3.5, 4, 4.25, 4.5 (4.75, 5.5, 6) long from the CO row.
DR (RS) :
k2tog, k until 3 sts from EOR, SSK, k1.
Joining in the round (RS) :
PBORM, join the sts in the round, k2tog, k until BORM.
Decrease crown - DR1 :
*k2tog, k 6, 7, 8, 8 (9, 10, 10), k2tog, k 7, 8, 8, 9 (9, 10, 11), repeat from * until BORM.
Decrease crown - DR2 :
*k2tog, k 5, 6, 7, 7 (8, 9, 9), k2tog, k 6, 7, 7, 8 (8, 9, 10), repeat from * until BORM.
Info :
Continue working the decreases as established until there are no more sts in between the "k2tog".
Next row :
*k2tog, repeat from * until BORM.
Finishing :
Cut the yarn, leaving a 20cm/8" long tail. Thread the tapestry needle, pass it through the remaining live sts and gently pull to close the bonnet.
Finish and I-cord ties :
Using A needles, pick up about 2 out of 3 sts on the raw edge of the bonnet. It's where the back neck of the child will sit. The CO row is left as is. Cut the yarn.
Instruction :
Using B needles, CO 3 sts and work a 25, 25, 25, 30 (30, 30, 35) cm / 10, 10, 10, 12 (12, 12, 14) long I-cord.
Instruction :
You are now going to attach it to the bonnet while working the finish of the back neck by doing an I-cord BO, as follows: *k2, k2tog, put back on the left needle the 3 sts you just worked, repeat from * until all the back neck sts have been BO.
Instruction :
Then without cutting the yarn, work a 25, 25, 25, 30 (30, 30, 35) cm / 10, 10, 10, 12 (12, 12, 14) long I-cord. BO the I-cord and cut the yarn. Weave in the ends.
— Cardigan :
Neckline :
Using B needles, CO 82, 86, 86, 94 (106, 102, 106) sts using the long tail cast on method. Do not join in the round.
R1 (WS) :
*p1, k1, repeat from * until EOR.
R2 (RS) :
*p1, k1, repeat from * until EOR. Work R1 once more.
Buttonhole row (RS) :
1/1 ribbing until 6 sts from EOR, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1.
Info :
Work R1 & R2 once more.
Raglan :
Switch to A needles. You are now going to place some markers for the raglan, then work the increases while creating buttonholes.
Setup row (WS) :
6 sts in 1/1 ribbing, PM, p1, PM, p 21, 23, 23, 25 (27, 27, 29), PM, p1, PM, p 12, 12, 12, 14 (18, 16, 16), PM, p1, PM, p 12, 12, 12, 14 (18, 16, 16), PM, p1, PM, 6 sts in 1/1 ribbing.
Raglan row (RS) :
1/1 ribbing until M, SM, *M1L, k until M, M1R, SM, k1, SM, repeat from * a total of 3 times, work in dot st as per chart (p5), SM, p1, SM, 1/1 ribbing until EOR. (+8 sts)
WS row :
1/1 ribbing until M, SM, p until last M, SM, 1/1 ribbing until EOR.
Info :
Work the above 2 rows a total of 12, 13, 14, 15 (15, 16, 17) times, doing a buttonhole row instead of a RS row every 3 cm.
Raglan buttonhole row (RS) :
1/1 ribbing until M, SM, *M1L, k until M, M1R, SM, k1, SM, repeat from * a total of 3 times, work in dot st as per chart (p5), SM, p1, SM, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1.
Info :
You now have: Front & back: 45, 49, 51, 55 (57, 59, 63) sts; Sleeve: 36, 38, 40, 44 (48, 48, 50) sts; +4 raglan sts.
Instruction :
Work without increasing until the piece is 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11 (11.5, 12, 13) cm / 3.25, 3.75, 4.25, 4.25 (4.5, 4.75, 5) long from the CO row.
Separation row (RS) :
1/1 ribbing until M, SM, put the sleeve sts on hold, CO 5 sts, RM, k1, k until M, RM, k1, RM, put the sleeve sts on hold, CO 5 sts, SM, k1, RM, dot st until M, RM, k1, SM, 1/1 ribbing until EOR.
Instruction :
Work a WS row as established. Continue working the dot st on the front and the back in stockinette st until the body measures 13, 13, 14, 15 (15, 15, 16) cm / 5, 5, 5.5, 6 (6, 6.25) from the underarm (or 2 cm shorter than the desired length).
Ribbing :
Switch to B needles and work 2cm/0.8" in 1/1 ribbing. Loosely BO the sts.
— Sleeves :
Setup :
Put back on A needles the 36, 38, 40, 44 (48, 48, 50) sts from one of the sleeves. Starting at the centre of the underarm, pick up 3 sts, k the sleeve sts, then pick up another 3 sts and PBORM. You now have 42, 44, 46, 50 (54, 54, 56) sts.
Instruction :
Work in stockinette st until the sleeve is 2, 2, 2, 2 (3, 3, 3) cm / 0.75, 0.75, 0.75, 0.75 (1.25, 1.25, 1.25) long from the underarm.
DR :
k1, k2tog, k until 3 sts from BORM, SSK, k1.
Instruction :
Work DR every 2, 2.5, 3, 2 (2, 2.5) cm / 0.75, 1, 1.25, 0.75 (0.75, 0.75, 1) a total of 5, 5, 5, 7 (8, 7, 7) times. You now have 32, 34, 36, 36 (38, 40, 42) sts on the needles.
Instruction :
Continue working in stockinette st until the sleeve is 13, 14, 16, 17 (18, 19, 20) cm / 5, 5.5, 6.25, 6.75 (7, 7.5, 7.75) long from the underarm (or 2cm/0.8" shorter than the desired length).
Cuff :
Switch to B needles and work 2cm/0.8" in 1/1 ribbing. Loosely BO the sts. Work the second sleeve the exact same way. Weave in the ends and block the pieces.
— Finishing :
Finishing :
Sew buttons to the side buttonband to match the buttonholes. Weave in all ends and block each piece to final measurements. Sew any remaining seams (waistband opening closed after inserting elastic as specified in thighs finishing).
Assembly Instructions
- Sew the crotch: align the front and back pieces of the thighs/leggings, sew the crotch seam securely and evenly using mattress stitch or your preferred seam for a smooth finish.
- Fold the waistband WS together and sew it, leaving an opening at the back to insert the elastic band; insert elastic, join the ends making sure it is not twisted, then close the opening with a seam.
- Attach buttons to the cardigan's side buttonband aligning with buttonholes; sew each button securely using matching thread and reinforce with a few extra stitches.
- Weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side of the garments and block each piece to the finished measurements to open up the stitch pattern and set the sizing.
- Pin and sew the sleeves into the armholes if needed (for any seams created when working the separation), and ensure raglan markers and dot stitch alignments are even before final stitching.
Important Notes
- 💡Always work a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch and block it before measuring to ensure accurate sizing for the finished garments.
- 💡Keep raglan markers in place and count stitches after increases to maintain even raglan shaping and avoid misplacement of the dot stitch panels.
- 💡When picking up stitches around the bonnet or underarms, pick up evenly and avoid pulling stitches too tightly to preserve edge elasticity and fit.
- 💡Leave an opening when sewing the waistband for elastic insertion and join the elastic ends carefully to avoid twisting; then close the opening with a tidy seam.
This Nougatine (mini) Set Pattern gives you a complete newborn outfit to knit with love and attention to detail. The side-button cardigan and dot-stitch texture make dressing easy and stylish, while the bonnet and thighs keep baby cosy and comfortable. Perfect for gifting or keeping, these pieces bring handmade warmth to little ones. 🧶 Sew in the love and enjoy every stitch! 🧵
What size will the finished pieces be?
This pattern includes sizes Newborn, 3m, 6m, 9m (12m, 18m, 24m) with finished measurements listed in the measurement table at the start of the pattern.
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
Yes, you can use a different yarn weight, but it will change the final size and drape; always knit a blocked swatch and adjust needle sizes to match the pattern gauge of 26 sts per 34 rows = 10 cm using fingering weight.
Do I need circular needles to make this set?
The pattern uses circular needles for many sections (worked in the round) and straight or circular for flat pieces; needle sizes suggested are 3.25 mm (US 3) and 3 mm (US 2.5) depending on gauge.
How long does the project typically take?
This set is a multi-piece project; most knitters will take 12-15 hours to complete the full set, depending on experience and the chosen size.
Is blocking required?
Yes, blocking is recommended to reach the correct finished measurements and to open the dot stitch. The pattern includes blocking tips and instructions.
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