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June 4, 2017 · by Beverly

5 Hour Knit Baby Sweater – A Little Smaller!

crafts, knitting

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Free knitting pattern for a 5 hour baby sweater. Includes a simple adaptation to make it in a newborn size too!

Several months ago I shared my version of a classic pattern for a knit baby sweater that can be made quickly – in just 5 hours! It’s been a popular free knitting pattern here on my blog and I’m so glad that others have found this to be a fun and enjoyable project too.

Another thing that makes this pattern a favorite is that it can be made with a basic worsted weight yarn (those types of yarn labeled as “4” ) which are the most common yarns sold.  BUT there are also lots of lovely yarns (especially for baby projects) that are a lighter weight that used to be called DK weight and is now usually labeled as “3”.  A reader recently emailed me asking – was it possible to use that lighter weight yarn for the 5 hour baby sweater knitting pattern?

My answer?  Yes!  You’ll just end up with a super cute tinier sized sweater, and tiny newborns need sweaters too!

Free knitting pattern for a 5 hour baby sweater. Includes a simple adaptation to make it in a newborn size too!

I know this first hand because my second grandbaby came along a few weeks early, weighing in at 5 lbs and 12 oz.   The 5 hour baby sweater I had knit for her (which is about a 6 month size) was way too big! And it was the middle of January and I really wanted to make her a little sweater that would fit her right away.

So . . . I went down one size in the needle to a size 6, used a size 3 weight yarn, and other than that followed the 5 hour baby sweater pattern as written.

And I was very pleased with how it turned out!

Those two small changes resulted in a very cute tiny sweater that was just perfect for a newborn.  In fact she wore it for the next 8 weeks or so and it worked wonderfully.  My daughter estimated the size of that sweater to be about a 0 – 3 month size and would fit a baby up to about 10 or 12 lbs.

Using the size 6 needles gave me a sweater that was about 8″ long and 16″ around, just a smidge smaller than the original pattern (that makes a finished sweater 10″ long and 20″ around).  In the picture below where the little sweater is laying on top of the other sweater, you can see that it is just a bit smaller all the way around.   (The yarn I used for the small sweater is Lion Brand Baby Soft yarn in Twinkle).

Free knitting pattern for a 5 hour baby sweater. Includes a simple adaptation to make it in a newborn size too!

I’ve updated my free printable pattern for the 5 hour baby sweater to include this additional piece of info.   Just remember:

Size 6 Needles and “3” weight yarn = 0 – 3 month size (approx 8″ long, 16″ around)
Size 7 Needles and “4” weight yarn = 6 month size (approx 10″ long, 20″ around)

And finally, our little sweetie even wore her tiny newborn sweater in one of her first photo shoots.  If you want to be prepared with a very tiny sweater for a newborn, this small adaptation to the pattern might be just the easy adjustment you’re looking for.

Free knitting pattern for a 5 hour baby sweater. Includes a simple adaptation to make it in a newborn size too!

To read more about this pattern (which includes my updates to use the most familiar type of increase and to see my hour-by-hour pictures of how the 5 hours of knitting go by), click here: 5 Hour Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern

For the free printable pattern, click here:  Printable pdf for the 5 Hour Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern

To see more of my knitting patterns, click here:  Make Your Own Zone Knitting Patterns

Free knitting pattern for a 5 hour baby sweater. Includes a simple adaptation to make it in a newborn size too!

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Comments

  1. Sheila says

    February 23, 2021 at 9:09 am

    I’ve completed both sleeves but I’m not sure where to reattach yarn to do the body. Do I start under the sleeve and knit the back or do I reattach yarn at front of sweater?

    Reply
  2. Marion says

    February 14, 2021 at 6:53 am

    Thank you for the pattern

    Reply
  3. Shelley Smit says

    February 8, 2021 at 3:32 am

    Thank you so much for this gorgeous little pattern! Much appreciated X

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    January 9, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    I am confused with row 26. The numbers in of the 5 lines for this row do not add up to the number in parenthesis at the end of each line….help

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 26, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      For Row 26 of the 5 hour sweater, where it says “inc” in the pattern, that should be considered as 2 stitches as you are doing an increase by knitting into the front and back of that stitch.

      So when it says K5, inc, K4, inc, K4, inc, K1 that ends up being:

      5 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 20

      Reply
  5. Noelene Coutts says

    December 31, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    I really love this pattern as it’s so fast to make. For a different look I did Garter Stitch until row26 and then followed pattern as set. I used Double Knitting yarn or 4 weight and 4.50 mm needles. Makes it a bit smaller but a great size for Newborns. Thank you very much for sharing this great pattern.
    For my next one I’m going to add a coloured yoke and coloured sleeve bands.

    Reply
  6. Betsy Innes says

    December 31, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    Bev,
    I can’t thank you enough for sharing your 5 Hour Baby Sweater Pattern, it is surly the best one I have ever seen, so carefully planed and easy to follow. I’m making the one for 0-3 as my youngest and his wife are having twins in Feb. There have never been twins in either of the families!
    Thank you so very much,
    Betsy

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    November 29, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    I am confused when you add the markers. Can you explain how f the stitch markers should go all around? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      Where it says “place marker” in the instructions, you would slip a marker onto your needle before proceeding on to the next instructions.

      Reply
  8. Monica says

    October 29, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    Hello!

    First of all congrats for the pattern!
    I have a question… I’m making the sleeve With dpns and after de 22 rows, when I have to work by the WS for the decrease rows, don’t know How with the dpns…. in order to make the efect of purl in those rows …. I usually use dpns for stockinette…

    Thanks a Lot!
    Brgds!

    Reply
    • Bernadette says

      December 19, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      When using double pointed needles you are working in the round,
      Just knit 1 round, then purl next round , continue in this way for required no of rows
      This gives the garter effect
      Bernadette

      Reply
  9. Marlene Maier-Jakob says

    October 1, 2020 at 4:59 am

    Hi Bev, I’m just making your wonderful jacket. I’ve completed both sleeves and then it says ‘reattach yarn and knit across remaining stitches’. Do you mean the right front here?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      Yes, when you reattach the yarn after completing the 2nd sleeve, you will be knitting across the stitches that will be the right front.

      Reply
  10. Kathleen says

    September 30, 2020 at 6:38 am

    Hey there, can someone help me?! I am currently knitting this pattern and I am difficulty with the sleeves. Or rather trying to start them. I have knit 22 stitches however, the pattern then tells me to inc in next 2 stitches, k23 and then inc next 2 stitches again, which should leave me with 31. I cannot get this as I only have 22 stitches to begin with and do not have enough stitches to complete the pattern. I’m a newbie so bear with me!!! TIA

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      The 22 stitches are for the left front and get put on a holder once they are knit. From there, you keep moving along the row, increasing in the next two stitches, knitting across the next 23 stitches, and then increasing in the next two stitches. This gives you 31 stitches that have been knit. You’ll then work on a 2nd set of needles, and start going back and forth on those 31 stitches to create your first sleeve. I hope that helps!

      Reply
  11. Barbara says

    August 7, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    I live in South Africa and I knit for abandoned babies and would love to try this psttern…plus have a good look at the “Make your own zone”. I will have to find out which needles and which yarn is equivalent to yours. Looking forward to the challenge. I also am 82 years of age

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 9, 2020 at 11:50 am

      I’m sure your donations are very much appreciated Barbara, and I love that you are still going strong with the knitting at age 82! ❤️

      Reply
  12. jennifer wood says

    July 10, 2020 at 6:43 am

    i am knitting baby cardigans for charity

    Reply
  13. Aimee says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Thank you for this pattern. I have a newborn baby granddaughter (the first one!) and I wanted to make a couple of lightweight sweaters for her. I tried one pattern and it was way too complicated and I gave up. I crocheted another one and it was cute, but bulky. This pattern is perfect. It took me longer than 5 hours because I’m not an accomplished knitter, but it turned out well. I did make a note to myself to remember to do 3 knit stitches at the beginning of purl rows. I missed a couple 😉 I look forward to making more as she grows. Again, thank you!

    Reply
  14. Helen says

    June 11, 2020 at 2:02 am

    Proceeded nicely with the sweater until row 26
    K5, (inc, K4=5 stitches) (inc. K4= 5 stitches) (inc. K1=2) comes out to 17 stitches=14 stitches plus the 3 additional increases., yet the pattern indicates (20 stitches for front). What am I doing incorrectly? Thanks for the help.

    Reply
  15. LaDonna Michael says

    May 24, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Thank you for sharing your easy and cute baby hat and sweater patterns! It’s always nice to be able to knit something in a matter of a few short hours, not that I’m afraid of complicated mind you, just nice to do something quick!

    Reply
  16. Jessica S says

    March 29, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    I am making the 0-3 month version and wanting to know the gauge I should be aiming for with size 6 and lighter yarn.. 5 sts to the inch? Thanks.

    Reply
  17. Susan says

    January 26, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    Hi Bev, I just knitted the Small 5 Hour Baby Cardigan and used DK (8 ply here in Australia) with U.S. 6 (4mm here) needles. However, I found the neck to be way too small. I use a Cable Cast On which is slighter tighter than your Knitted Cast On, so I used a size larger needles. The rest seemed okay for a newborn, albeit a small one, but the neckline would have strangled the child! I tried going back and cutting the top off (after watching several videos) but it was a mess so out it came. Now looking for an alternative, but I think it will be a bottom up so I can change it more easily if need be.

    Reply
    • Barb R says

      August 13, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      Susan, I just ripped my sweater out because of the neck also. I kept thinking that it would be okay, but it became painfully obvious that baby would strangle if the top button was done up! I’ll try it again by going up to 50 stitches for the neck and eliminate one of the “bands” on the yoke.

      Reply
  18. Denise Ottie says

    December 30, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    One more question on increase stitch. Do you think a YO would work to make lacey instead of using KFB to increase?

    Reply
  19. Denise Ottie says

    December 29, 2019 at 11:00 am

    Please edit pattern to include type of stich for the increase. Thank you.

    Reply
  20. Barbara says

    May 7, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    My last comment was mistyped, should say: attach yarn at underarm on right side of work and K across body (80 sts). So my question is, will this be where I will end each row at, the under arm?

    Reply
  21. Barbara says

    May 7, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    The 5 hour patter by Bev Zualheim say attach the yarn under right are and work across the 81 stitches. I don’t see how this is possible because I’ll be leaving out the right front stitches. Please help.

    Reply
  22. Bonnie says

    April 11, 2019 at 8:52 am

    Having difficulty with the increases as well. Not sure why.

    Reply
  23. Nancy Mirth says

    April 9, 2019 at 10:15 am

    Thank you ! Thank you!

    Reply
  24. Grandma Nanc says

    January 16, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Love this pattern. I made it with the smaller needles and yarn in anticipation of my grandson. Worked up quickly and easily. This was the first ever sweater for me. I was so pleased that I have started it again with the size 4 yarn and #7 needles for as he grows.

    Reply
  25. Parveen Ali says

    December 26, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    Hi would I be able to adjust it to a toddler size please

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 28, 2018 at 7:04 pm

      Here is a link to a knitting pattern called the “7 hour toddler sweater” that is a slightly larger version: http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2010/02/7-hour-toddler-sweater.html

      Reply
  26. Jane says

    November 27, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Just finished this and am so grateful for the very clear instructions. Did not have a minute’s problem. Thank you! : )

    Reply
  27. AVB says

    July 12, 2018 at 11:21 am

    How many skiskeins is that approxamately for a smaller sweater. I am on bed rest and have to give my husband luck up instructions.

    Reply
    • AVB says

      July 12, 2018 at 11:22 am

      Skeins**** lol

      Reply
    • Beverly says

      July 23, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      You probably need about 4 ounces of yarn. I used a 5 oz skein for this smaller sized sweater and had plenty leftover.

      Reply
  28. Heather Priske says

    June 25, 2018 at 12:26 am

    Thank you for the pattern. I knit a lot for a charity (just Started) so am very thankful for quick patterms

    Reply
  29. Ross says

    June 20, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    Do you have the tutorial in spanish ?

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      June 23, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      I don’t have a Spanish version at this time – so sorry 🙁

      Reply
  30. Dolores MALCOLM says

    March 7, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    i just love this pattern was fun to make

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      March 11, 2018 at 3:40 pm

      So glad you enjoyed the pattern Dolores!

      Reply
  31. Ruth says

    January 18, 2018 at 5:39 am

    Thank you so much for sharing all your lovely inspirational ideas!

    Reply
  32. Patti B. says

    January 13, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    Hi Bev, we are expecting a grandchild in April so I went right to work making a blanket, hat, booties, and wanted to find a nice sweater pattern too. This pattern is perfect! Thank you for sharing it. I am totally in love with the ending result of a cute and adorable sweater!

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      January 14, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      Oh that’s great Patti! I love knitting for my grandbabies too 🙂

      Reply
  33. Megan Armstrong says

    December 25, 2017 at 10:48 am

    This pattern needs some revision. The stitch count is off in several places. I’m really disappointed, because I had high hopes for this pattern.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      December 25, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      No, I disagree, the stitch count is correct. I have made the sweater several times. Some others have emailed me saying they get more stitches in the increase rows and I’m not quite sure how that is happening. The increases are the “knit in the front and the back of a stitch” type of increase. I think I will have to make a video of how I am doing the increase rows to help clear up any confusion.

      Reply
      • Jackie Nash says

        September 4, 2018 at 7:51 am

        Was also looking forward to making this item,,,there is no way you can end up with 47 sts at row 6. Start with 33 sts, knit 3, end with knit 3, equals 27 sts, if you increase every second stitch,you would increase the total number of 61.. Can you please revise the pattern, as I would really like to knit this item.

        Reply
  34. Kim LaRue says

    August 17, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    The counts in parenthesis are incorrect or the pattern is off.

    Reply
    • Beverly says

      August 26, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Can you be more specific? I’m pretty sure I have all the numbers correct in the pattern.

      Reply
      • sandra says

        September 17, 2017 at 10:46 am

        Hi I agree with kim i just tried it and if i co 33 after the first increase i ended up with 61 not 47 for final count (#4) i would love to make this but still new to knitting and i dont know how to adjust the stitches

        Reply

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