Is there anything cuter than teeny little baby knits? As well as being absolutely adorable, using your knitting skills to make a special gift for a new arrival is something that parents will really appreciate and treasure.
As baby knitting projects are only small, it won't take you too long to create a bespoke item. Plus, because babies skin is so sensitive, it's also a great opportunity to treat them (and yourself) to some super soft yarn!
10 of the best baby knitting books
Baby knits for beginners by Debbie Bliss
The first time that many people decide to pick up a pair of needles is when there's a baby on the way. If you're taking your first steps into the world of knitting, then the Baby knits for beginners book by Debbie Bliss is perfect for you.
You'll find detailed instructions accompanied by colour illustrations to help you get to grips with the knitting basics, everything from casting on, understanding tension, how to do simple shaping and all of the key knitting stitches.
But of course there's also 15 wonderful patterns to make too, covering everyday accessories like baby blankets and booties, to wardrobe staples like stylish cardigans and sweaters made up of simple stitches.
- Buy Baby knits for beginners on Amazon
What to Knit When You're Expecting by Nikki Van De Car
This book had us all oohing and aahing in the office with its utterly inspiring baby knits, which are sure to make even the most un-maternal knitter feel broody!
You don’t need to be pregnant to knit them, of course – any of these would make a wonderful gift. This collection of 28 patterns for babies from newborn to 12 months has simple projects suitable for first-time knitters as well as complex knits for the more experienced. There are clear instructions on basic techniques for newbies too.
Ranging from blankets to bibs and cardies to cushions, all the designs are practical as well as gorgeous to look at. The book is divided into trimesters to help match the projects to your physical and mental condition! This is a truly delightful book you’ll want to keep.
- Buy What to knit when you're expecting from Amazon
Lullaby Knits by Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard
Here's a baby knitting book that is a real treat (for both baby and knitter). Lullaby Knits by Danish designer Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard features 20 stylish baby patterns complimented with beautiful photography.
The designs in this book focus on texture and shape using solid colours, so this is a brilliant book for more confident and advanced knitters that enjoy fun stitches and intricate details.
The book is largely made up of garments and accessories, but there is also a cosy wrap for mum or dad to cuddle up in too – trust us, they'll be thankful for it if they ever get a rest!
- Buy the Lullaby Knits book from Amazon
Stitch something special
If you love to knit for new arrivals, do you also love other types of needle craft? If so you might also like our round-up of the best cross stitch kits for new babies.
Baby Beanies by Amanda Keeys
This cute collection of 25 hats for youngsters is aimed at all levels of knitter; the designs range from cool head-gear for boys to sweet winter warmers for the girls. There’s also plenty of technical information given to make sure you have all the know-how for any of the projects.
The patterns all have something unique: colours, textures or embellishments, ensuring they're one of a kind and perfect to give as presents.
If you've got plenty of beanie orders stacking up, consider a knitting machine to speed the process along!
- Buy Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Headsit from Amazon
Rowan Bloom Book Three Nursery by Georgia Farrell
There are four books in the Rowan Bloom range, all with gorgeous projects by top Rowan designers. However, we've got a particular soft spot for the designs of Georgia Farrell, and if you're a fan of geometric textured patterns and super-modern colour block designs, prepare to fall head over heels in love with this book.
This knitting pattern book has been specifically designed for mama, baby and the nursery, so you really will want to make every single pattern. There's 12 stunning designs to choose from, including fab all-in-one, jumper and cardigan designs for baby, super-cosy blanket, poncho and support pillow for mama, and soft building blocks, cushions and a sweet pea mobile for the nursery.
- Buy Rowan Bloom Book Three Nursery from Laughing hens
- Buy Rowan Bloom Book Three Nursery from Lovecrafts
Cute Knits for Baby Feet by Sue Whiting
This set of knitting patterns is packed with the ‘aaahh’ factor, with 30 designs for socks for babies and toddlers. We all know how much fun babies have investigating their feet – they’ll just love these bright colours and pretty patterns.
Whether you (or baby) prefer traditional styles, classic, quirky or contemporary, you’ll find something inspiring. How about bobbles, balloons, butterflies or bees? Maybe snakes, ducks, elephants or zebras will appeal.
Some socks are knitted with two needles and some with four, so don’t worry if you can't knit in the round. The size range is designed to suit feet from birth to age four, so if baby has a favourite, keep knitting in bigger sizes!
Skill levels vary, so beginners will have no problem tackling something. If you haven’t got a baby to knit for, go out and find one!
- Buy Cute Knits for Baby Feet from Amazon
Baby Love – Knitted Booties for Tiny Feet by Catherine Bouquerel
You’ll find 20 of the sweetest little baby bootie designs to choose from here, ranging from traditional to quirky to extraordinarily cute.
We especially love the little dotty mushrooms, the espadrilles and the two little mice. Some designs feature matching accessories such as a vest, scarf or hat.
- Buy Baby Love – Knitted Booties for Tiny Feet from Amazon
60 Quick Baby Knits
There’s always a baby to knit for, whether it’s a friend’s or a relative’s, so we’re always on the lookout for more ideas and patterns. And, of course, it’s helpful if the items are made with easy-care yarn. All these items are knitted in the same yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash; simple to create coordinating baby and toddler knits, and all easy to care for.
Project skill levels vary, and there are several patterns for any knitter of any ability to choose from. Some styles are classic, others jolly and colourful, and all are practical.
As one of our friends has recently had a baby, we’ve divided up a list of must-haves for her newborn. Soon she'll be receiving flower-adorned bootees, Fair Isle legwarmers, a cabled blanket and a sheep-shaped pillow to cuddle. We hope she likes them (and mum, too)!
- Buy 60 Quick Baby Knits from Amazon
Cutest ever baby knits by Val Pierce
It's a pretty bold claim to have the cutest ever baby knit patterns, but looking at those adorable strawberry booties it seems pretty accurate.
This fabulous book contains 25 patterns for a wide range of projects, from sweet accessories like hats and mitts, comfy clothing like cardigans and coats, and even nursery toys like play blocks and a cuddly teddy.
Most of the patterns aren't too complicated and there are plenty for knitting beginners, as well as some fab projects to help you expand and develop your knitting skills.
- Buy the Cutest ever baby knits book on Amazon
Sirdar Snuggly favourites knitting book
You want your baby knitting projects to be super-soft against delicate skin, so what could possibly be better than a whole baby knitting book where every project uses some of the softest yarn you'll come across!
All of the 15 designs in this collection are made using fairy tale shades of Snuggly Cashmere Merino Silk – a luxurious blended yarn made up of the softest cashmere, smoothest silk and pure merino wool.
Designed for babies aged 0-2 years, you'll find a range of beautiful garments, accessories and blankets that combine gentle colours and terrific textured stitches to create some truly timeless pieces.
- Buy the Sirdar Snuggly Favourites knitting book direct from Sirdar
Welcome baby to the world in style
Babies grow up fast, so knitting up a few projects from your baby knitting books in different sizes will ensure little ones always have something cosy to wear.
And if you're soon to be a proud parent, you'll have plenty to keep you busy. If you like the look of some of these baby knitting books, why not gift one to a prospective grandparent – get them knitting before all their time gets taken up with babysitting!
Beautiful baby knits to make today!
Can't get enough of adorable baby knits? Take a look at the best baby knitting patterns right here on Gathered.
