Preemie Cardigan

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Preemie Cardigan

Fits a 3-lb. baby. For a 4–5 lb. size, add an extra ridge between buttonholes and work sleeves a few more rounds before starting the cuff. Chest measurement will be about 13¼", neck-to-bottom 5½" or slightly longer. These measurements conform to the Preemie Guide, thanks to www.bevscountrycottage.com.
                                       
Materials: Bernat SofteeBaby or Baby
Jacquards (Sport Weight—1 Ball will make at least two sweaters), US#2 and #4 straight needles and dpn's, 2 small stitch holders, 4 half-inch buttons.
Gauge: approx 7 sts and 9 rows per inch.

Cast on 51 sts. on #2 needle
1. K 4, K1, P1 rib across, K last 4
2. K 4, P1, K1 rib across, K last 4
3. Buttonhole row: K 2, y/o, K 2 tog., work across as in Row 1. (Or work buttonhole at the end of the row for a girl) Do a buttonhole row every 8th or 9th garter ridge on button band.
4. As Row 2
5. K across
6. Change to larger needle, K across, placing markers: Work 12, p.m., work 3, p.m., work 21, p.m., work 3, p.m., work last 12 sts (51 sts)
7. (Right side) Begin raglan increases. K across, doing a bar-type increase before and after each marker— 8 sts added
8. K 4, P across, passing markers, K last 4
Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until each sleeve has 25 sts. Do not forget buttonholes. In next row, (w.s.) work across, putting the 25 sts of sleeve on a holder without working: then cast on 3 sts at underarm where sleeve had been. Continue working, putting second sleeve on a holder and casting on 3 in a similar manner.(95 sts on needle)
Work even on 95 sts, being sure to put in buttonhole at the proper interval. Before 4th buttonhole is due to be worked, work another garter ridge, change to smaller needles for ribbing and incorporate the 4th  buttonhole in the bottom cuff, matching the style of the neckband. Work a few more rows and bind off.

Sleeve: On #4 dpn's, pick up 25 sts from holder, plus 3 sts at cast-on underarm. Work 16 rounds (or a few more for larger size) of 28 sts.
P 1 round. Change to #2 needles. K 1 round. Work K1, P 1 ribbing for 7 or 8 rounds. Bind off. Repeat for 2nd sleeve. If you want to make a deeper ribbed cuff for folding back, this is OK, however a tiny preemie looks very lost in a giant folded cuff.
Weave in ends. Sew on buttons very securely.

If this sweater is going to a NICU, be sure to wash it and seal it in a zipper bag, disinfecting hands first before handling laundered sweater. Mark your donation with the proper size (i.e., 3 lbs.)

This sweater goes fast: about 5 hours.
Knit Preemie Cardigan Sweater
Carole's Baby Knits
11/29/19