Bubblegum Bloom Baby Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern – Sweet Pea Bobble Wrap

Introducing the Bubblegum Bloom Baby Cardigan

Wrap your little one in the softest cloud of bubblegum pink with this adorable bobble-textured cardigan. The all-over bubble stitch creates a squishy, tactile fabric that's as delightful to knit as it is to cuddle. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners who want to try something new—the bobble stitch adds a playful, three-dimensional texture that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. The cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, then the sleeves are picked up and knit in the round, making it a manageable project for a cozy weekend.

With its classic baby shape, short sleeves, and round neckline, this cardigan is both practical and adorable. The straight bottom hem and neat garter stitch borders give it a polished finish, while the bubblegum pink cotton blend yarn adds a slight sheen that catches the light beautifully. Whether you're knitting for your own little one or as a heartfelt gift, this pattern is sure to become a favorite.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton blend yarn in bubblegum pink—approximately 350-400 yards for the 6-12 months size. For smaller sizes, you'll need slightly less.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, plus a spare needle for bobbles or a crochet hook for picking up stitches.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Be sure to check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.
• Other: Stitch holders, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and buttons (optional, if you choose to add a front band).

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: 0-3 (3-6, 6-12) months. Finished chest: 16 (17, 18) inches. Length: 9 (10, 11) inches.

Abbreviations:

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together
• Kfb = knit front and back (increase)
• MB = make bobble (see special stitch)
• St st = stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off

Special Stitch – Make Bobble (MB)

On the right side, knit into the front, back, front, back, and front of the same stitch (this creates 5 stitches from 1). Turn your work, purl these 5 stitches. Turn, knit these 5 stitches. Turn, purl these 5 stitches. Turn, then pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the 1st stitch (one stitch remains). This creates a tight, round bubble that stands out beautifully from the fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

The cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, then the sleeves are picked up and knit in the round. The bubble stitch pattern is as follows:

• Row 1 (RS): *K1, MB, K1* repeat to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
• Row 3 (RS): *K2, MB* repeat to end (ending with K2 if needed).
• Row 4 (WS): Purl all.

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern.

Body (Worked in One Piece to Armholes)

Cast on 72 (76, 80) stitches. Knit 4 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) for the bottom hem.

Begin the bubble stitch pattern and work even until the piece measures 5 (5.5, 6) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Divide for Armholes

Next row (RS): Work pattern over the first 16 (17, 18) stitches (right front), bind off the next 8 stitches for the armhole, work pattern over the next 24 (26, 28) stitches (back), bind off the next 8 stitches for the armhole, work pattern over the last 16 (17, 18) stitches (left front). You will now have three separate sections. Place the back and left front stitches on holders.

Right Front

Continue in pattern on the 16 (17, 18) stitches. At the armhole edge (beginning of RS rows), decrease 1 stitch every other row 2 times. Work even until the armhole measures 3 (3.5, 4) inches, ending at the neck edge (end of RS rows).

Shape neck: At the neck edge (beginning of WS rows), bind off 3 stitches once, then bind off 2 stitches once. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 2 times. Work even on the remaining 7 (8, 9) stitches until the armhole measures 4 (4.5, 5) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Left Front

Return the held stitches to your needle. Work the mirror image of the right front, shaping the armhole at the end of RS rows and the neck at the beginning of RS rows.

Back

Return the held back stitches to your needle. Work even in pattern until the armhole measures the same as the fronts. Bind off all stitches.

Sleeves (Make 2)

With the RS facing, pick up and knit 36 (40, 44) stitches evenly around the armhole. Join in the round. Work in the bubble stitch pattern in the round (rounds 1-4 as above, but purl rounds become purl all). Decrease 1 stitch at each side of the underarm marker every 6 rounds until 24 (26, 28) stitches remain. Work even until the sleeve measures 5 (6, 7) inches from the pick-up. Knit 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for the cuff. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Block gently to even out the stitches and enhance the bobble texture. If desired, sew buttons on the left front band—or pick up stitches along the front edges and knit a 3-stitch garter band with buttonholes for a polished finish.

Your Bubblegum Bloom Baby Cardigan is now complete! This sweet, textured wrap is sure to become a cherished handmade keepsake. Happy knitting!