Abby Petite Cardigan & Hat Knit Kit

Knit a coordinated lace-panel baby cardigan and matching hat in soft New Zealand Merino 4ply.

Skill level and techniques

Intermediate. This cardigan and hat involve lace patterns, yarn overs and decreases, buttonholes, shaping, a three-needle bind-off, seaming and picking up stitches for the neckband.

The Abby Petite Cardigan & Hat by The Kiwi Stitch Company features garter-stitch edges and decorative lace panels. The kit uses one strand throughout and includes size-specific yarn for both the cardigan and hat.

Construction

The cardigan fronts and back are worked together flat to the armholes with integrated garter-stitch bands and lace panels. The two fronts and back are then completed separately, with the shoulder stitches joined using a three-needle bind-off. The sleeves are worked flat, seamed and set into the armholes. The hat is worked flat with lace panels, shaped at the crown and seamed.

Choose your size

Choose using the finished chest measurement and the intended age. The original pattern also includes a newborn size; Wild & Woolly kit options begin at 0–3 months.

Yarn

Supplied yarn: New Zealand Merino 4ply, 100% New Zealand merino wool, 178 metres per 50 g.

Original pattern yarn: Standard 4ply yarn at 178 metres per 50 g.

The supplied yarn matches the original pattern yarn weight and metreage. Work with one strand throughout. Quantities are rounded to complete balls and include enough yarn for the cardigan and matching hat.

Your kit includes

• Size-specific New Zealand Merino 4ply for the cardigan and hat
• One Abby Petite Cardigan & Hat pattern
• Handmade with Love Buttons

Tension, needles and notions

Tension: 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm in stocking stitch on 3.25 mm needles after washing. Make and wash a tension square before beginning, and change needle size if required.

Cardigan needles: 3 mm and 3.25 mm needles.

Hat needles: 2.75 mm and 3.25 mm needles.

Notions: 7 stitch holders, 10 stitch markers, a tapestry needle and four 15 mm buttons.

Needles are not included.

Care

Follow the yarn-label washing instructions, use a gentle wool cycle and reshape the cardigan and hat flat to dry. Avoid excessive heat or agitation.

Who is this baby knitting project for?

Choose Abby Petite if you enjoy following lace repeats and are ready to tackle a cardigan with shaping, buttonholes and seams. The kit makes one matching cardigan and hat set in your chosen size, making it a thoughtful handmade baby gift. For gifting, use the finished chest measurements rather than relying on age alone; the separate cardigan and hat require several needle sizes.

Prefer to use yarn from your own stash? The Abby Petite Cardigan & Hat knitting pattern is also available separately.

Frequently asked questions

Does the kit include enough yarn for both the cardigan and hat?

Yes. The kit's size-specific quantity of New Zealand Merino 4ply is intended for one matching cardigan and hat set.

Is this a beginner baby knitting project?

It is best for an intermediate knitter familiar with lace patterns, shaping, buttonholes and seams. The cardigan also uses a three-needle bind-off.

Are the cardigan and hat knitted flat?

Yes. The cardigan pieces and hat are worked flat and assembled according to the included pattern.

Which size should I choose as a baby gift?

Use the finished chest measurement and the baby's expected size rather than age alone. The kit offers 0–3, 6–9, 9–12, 12–18 and 18–24 month sizes.

Are needles and buttons included?

The kit lists Handmade with Love buttons, but needles are not included. You will need 2.75 mm, 3 mm and 3.25 mm needles as specified for the cardigan and hat, along with the pattern's other finishing tools.