https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:00:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1179750 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:46:41 +0000 Adelfa 1179750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thoughts:</p> <p>1. I gave a friend's son two EZ Baby Surprise Jackets (for two sons) one out of washable sport weight wool and one out of Koigu. They stretch a lot and the first one was worn for years, till almost 4! My impression is that washable wool is not as warm which would be good for you.</p> <p>2. I'm with you on the cotton.</p> <p>3. I recently downsized into a little apartment. But I have two baby blankets folded and on display in a bookcase, one that my mom made me when I was a baby, and one that was knit for DD 25 years ago. DD used it in the 2-7 age range. So blankets really can be heirlooms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1179697 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:52:32 +0000 Sarah A 1179697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I adore these matching hats my daughter and I have. There were a gift from my mom, i know the knitter has an etsy shop where you can get the pattern and i can try to find it for you. Although, I am not sure how useful this might be in a warmer climate?&nbsp; (ETA: just read you are making a blanket, that will be very sweet too) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1179602 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 13:14:40 +0000 pastrygirl 1179602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My son received a blanket (not handknit, it's a commercial one) when he was born, and obviously couldn't use it to sleep... but now at 7.5 years old, it's still his lovey and he sleeps with it every night!</p> <p>OTOH, I have a crocheted blanket for my younger son somewhere...I don't think he ever used it, but I think it's time to pull it out! He's 4, and I'm a little sad now that I forgot all about it, as I'm sure the person who made it put a lot of thought and heart into it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1179512 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 08:08:48 +0000 goldenpig 1179512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I received a crocheted blanket and hat for DS1 and a crocheted owl for DS2 from my SIL. They are very cute and much appreciated. I so wish I could knit! DD is just learning how to knit. Maybe she will be able to make gifts someday. E, you are so sweet to make a blanket for your friend!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1179494 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 07:25:07 +0000 Ariadne 1179494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quick note: no style of knit&nbsp;bootie ever stayed on either of my kids. &nbsp;And I tried (and was given)&nbsp;many styles! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1179015 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 23:30:33 +0000 E 1179015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thnx L'Abeille for your reply! Baby buntings sounds so cute, but it's just too hot here.</p> <p>I've talked it over with my mom &amp; sister &amp; we're going to go in together on the yarn for the blanket&nbsp;while I do the knitting. Hopefully I'll get to a smaller gift as well, because baby knits are so cute. Off to the yarn store on Saturday to pick out colours!</p> <p>Thanks again to everyone. I'm pretty sure she'll fall into the 'use the blanket' camp, since she mentioned it in the first place. And it should keep me busy for awhile; I prefer knitting things for myself out of thinner yarn, but with RA it's better for my hands to alternate yarn thickness, so a worsted weight blanket works out well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178947 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 22:27:05 +0000 L'Abeille 1178947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my university housemates knitted a bunting or baby-bag for my first baby. It was a big square with a zip up the front and a band collar, plus a matching bonnet (that that tied under the chin). It was a sort of Fair-Isle pattern, in blue and white, and looked perfectly appropriate for that baby girl and her subsequent sisters and brother. It was light but warm enough to work for spring and fall days as outerwear, as well as chilly summer nights. The lower corners of the square were big enough to fit the legs/feet when bundled in to a car seat. The fit of the whole thing was loose enough that it was easy to extract a sleeping baby or one needing a diaper check with the minimum of fuss, easier than the usual close-to-the-legs-fitting outerwear.</p> <p>That bunting and the christening dress I crocheted are the only baby items that have been saved to pass on to the next generation.</p> <p>I think the moral of my story is, if you make it with love, it <i>will</i> be treasured.</p> <p>Each of my kids had a gift blanket of some sort--all defferent--and as toddlers and even older children, they seemed to get the message that "somebody loved me very much and made this for me", so it made them feel special.</p> <p>Re: the blankets thing--babies are susceptible to draughts (eg bundling them up in a stroller; or shading from the sun), they need to be laid down on something on the floor for rolling or diaper changes, and nursing moms can use them as a shawl. They are not restricted to cribside use by a long shot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178765 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 20:31:11 +0000 E 1178765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thnx everyone for your advice! It's so interesting how opinions on the baby blanket are so divided (and that's a lot of time &amp; money to put into something)! Either way, if I do go for it, I'll make sure it's in colours that will work for the baby as he grows up too. :)</p> <p>Marin, I was thinking about booties, but not the mary jane kind (the father-to-be is hypersensitive to manly vs girly things *sigh*). Good thing the over the ankle ones stay on too! Baby leg warmers are SO cute. And I do love knitting socks. Hmmm. Lots to think about! (And small project ideas are much appreciated.)</p> <p>My sister (who is best friends with the mom-to-be) fell in love with the idea of a moose softie, hehe.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178577 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:23:16 +0000 Kim 1178577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother-in-law is a master knitter and made me an amazingly complicated baby blanket when my first baby was born 25 years ago. &nbsp;I still have it and will pass it on to my children as it's hand made with so much love. &nbsp;It's machine washable, and yes, while babies can't use it in the crib I used it in the stroller, wrapped them when swaddling and nursing and lots of other ways. &nbsp;</p> <p>Just make sure it's easily washable and hypo allergenic and it'll get lots of use, I'm sure. &nbsp;Tell the parents you'll be insulted if it doesn't get spit up on!! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178574 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:18:45 +0000 Hil 1178574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to chime in to say that one of our most loved gifts was a hand knitted monkey with super long legs and arms - not quite this one, but close ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178341 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:58:15 +0000 Glory 1178341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of a baby blanket in a washable yarn. My children who are all teens each had one as babies and they have them out on prominent display. So, even after all these years they are still special </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178237 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 06:05:52 +0000 Ariadne 1178237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that a toy, blankie, or mobile would be great. &nbsp;My kids use and love all three of those types of things (they are now 2 and 4).&nbsp;Does it matter to you that it be something the baby can use immediately? &nbsp;If not, the blankie or a&nbsp;toy would be super. &nbsp;And small babies can still lie on/cuddle with/chew on blankies and toys&nbsp;during awake time if they're supervised. &nbsp;Machine washable is the most important thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178234 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 05:56:03 +0000 Anonymous 1178234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi E, knitter and mom of two. </p> <p>My first thought was booties that stay on. Maybe two pairs in different sizes. I used a Mary Jane pattern that worked well (higher strap) and a over the ankle cuffed bootie. What is great is that you don't need much yarn and can use left overs. </p> <p>Leg warmers are also fun and I used them a ton. When the baby is little it makes diaper changes a breeze, no taking off pants. Both my kiddos hung out in onesies and leggings for their first 4 months. I then used the leg warmers under skirts and dresses for days that where cool. When the baby is an infant the leg warmer goes from ankle to bottom and over the lower leg of a toddler (or arms). OK, so I have girls but why not with shorts for the little guys on cool mornings?</p> <p>I realize both are pretty small projects, booties with leg warmers and a stuffed animal/teether object would be a really sweet gift. I never used the knitted blankets given me. The girls use them with their baby dolls. </p> <p>I would stick to cotton or bamboo blends. I used wool but the really fine merino wool. My oldest was fine with wool. My youngest reacts to everything, including wool. I can't remember the brand but I had a wool/cotton blend that had the benefits of both worlds that she was OK with.</p> <p>Have fun, baby knits are the best. </p> <p>Some ideas, I haven't used these patterns:</p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-baby-leg-warmers" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....eg-warmers</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-legwarmers-2" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....gwarmers-2</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/babys-booties-knit" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....oties-knit</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-mary-jane-baby-booties" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....by-booties</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/teething-dolly" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....hing-dolly</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178156 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 03:30:51 +0000 elpgal 1178156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with Thistle. The only knitted items my 18 month old wore when he was wee were leg warmers (makes for easier diaper changes) and hats when he was older. Still does not use a blanket although if someone gave him one, it would be of sentimental value. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178074 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 02:07:42 +0000 E 1178074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea Diana! I include care instructions but haven't added the extra yarn before&nbsp;(although I've only gifted hats &amp; socks &amp; things like that &amp; only to my immediate family, so they know where to find me, hehe). I agree re: a kid loving something to death!</p> <p>I found a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-walt-painted-chevron-baby-blanket">blanket pattern</a>&nbsp;that looks nice &amp; like it would actually engage me while knitting, so visiting my yarn store to look at the&nbsp;machine washable options. Thnx so much for everyone's input! I appreciate it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178048 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 01:43:04 +0000 Diana 1178048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to add that I always include a little extra yarn (for repairs, plus I usually tell them they can bring/send it back to me to fix if it gets damaged and they don't know how to fix it) and washing instructions.<br /> Honestly? Ifa kid loves something I made so much that it falls apart, I am thrilled. And you can bet that kid will get more knits in the future! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178042 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 01:36:36 +0000 E 1178042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, from your reply, it sounds like it's pointless to knit anything! heehee I would definitely only do completely machine washable (although I wash all of my woolens in the machine I know that's not common), and I'll be sure to stress that it's meant to be used &amp; not to worry if it gets messed up. Thnx for weighing in.</p> <p>Thnx Kkards &amp; Pil! </p> <p>It looks like the blanket is coming ahead, but the vest is just so cute, even if it won't have a very long wearing window. The knitting moms on Ravelry seem to give the vest high marks for wearability/practicality, but then presumably they're more likely to dress their babies in hand knits.&nbsp;I could try to see if I have time to knit both. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178026 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 01:00:16 +0000 pil 1178026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for a blanket. My husband's grandmother knit the softest, machine washable, blanket for our oldest son. Come to think of it she must have been knitting while I was pregnant - it just occurred to me it is light blue, white and pink </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1178013 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:37:59 +0000 kkards 1178013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E, I am neither a parent nor a knitter, but I'm 50 and I still have both my baby blanket and the stuffed toy my grandparents gave my when I was born. Give from the heart and it will be loved. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177988 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:51:27 +0000 Thistle 1177988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, as a mom, a couple of things:</p> <p>Babies grow insanely fast. Especially their first year of life. They outgrow things very quickly.</p> <p>Babies cannot have blankets or anything other than themselves in their crib.</p> <p>Parents feel awful if you spent a lot of time on something their baby destroys. </p> <p>Parents need machine washable. DD never saw a bunch of gifts that were dry clean only. Babies are not clean, and new parents are sleep deprived and suddenly poor :)</p> <p>The hand knit blanket we got for DD is still in storage and she is 2 now. The best handmade thing we got were these towel hoodies you can wrap her in after her bath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177984 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:47:10 +0000 E 1177984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thnx Echo for the input! Maybe a blanket is the way to go then.</p> <p>Thnx Diana! You're a much more experienced knitter than me, so I'm glad you weighed in. And that's good to know about the organic cottons! Not to mention 600 yds is much more doable: the ones I was looking at at Ravelry all seemed to be in the 800-1000 range. Somehow a blanket just doesn't seem like a terribly fun knit, which is probably part of why I'm resisting it. Hmmm.</p> <p>The mobile idea is great! They're originally from Alaska, so they're going with an Alaska theme for the nursery. I also&nbsp;found a moose softie that is very tempting. hehe</p> <p>I've only knit with acrylic once, for socks for my mom who finds wool itchy, and it was not a fun experience. I was considering acrylic blends like Plymouth Encore or Berocco Vintage, but I didn't think about the wool allergy aspect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177972 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:26:47 +0000 Diana 1177972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS - I don't normally like knitting with cotton either, but the organic cottons that I've linked to above are <i>very</i> soft and not at all like the shinier mercerized cotton to knit with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177968 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:21:25 +0000 Diana 1177968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a mom, but I almost always make blankies for new babies (but I am choosy about who I knit for, so I don't make that many blankets!).&nbsp; The truth is I have no idea how to size things for babies, plus they grow and change so fast that I worry that garments won't fit or will be outgrown before it's the right season.&nbsp; </p> <p>Generally I make crib-sized blankets (about 3 feet square) which don't really take too much yarn (the last one I made was ~600 yds of light worsted weight yarn) and are fast, mindless knitting.&nbsp; </p> <p>Otherwise I think softies would be a good idea too.&nbsp; </p> <p>As for yarn, I like organic cotton.&nbsp; Make sure it's machine washable at least, if not machine dryable too.&nbsp; I machine wash the item before I gift it just to make sure it'll hold up in the wash.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/8B50E079-EF3A-450D-9F64-CC1B6ABC78C7/productID/BCB939BE-22B8-4F7C-B4AE-870987D23E83/?p=SEEDLINGCE4546&amp;gclid=CNKdjYu16LwCFfNxOgodYScA7Q" rel="nofollow"> Classic Elite Seedling</a> is a nice one.&nbsp; For a cheaper option, Knitpicks has a nice <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Simply_Cotton_Organic_Worsted_Yarn__D5420186.html" rel="nofollow">organic cotton</a> too.&nbsp; It comes in a<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Simply_Cotton_Organic_Sport_Yarn__D5420185.html" rel="nofollow"> lighter weight</a> as well.&nbsp; If you are sure the baby/mom isn't allergic to wool you could use a nice superwash wool too.&nbsp; </p> <p>I find that most acrylics, especially the cheap ones, feel gross and plasticky while knitting with them so that is the main reason I avoid them (for everything, not just baby items).&nbsp; But they do have the benefit of being easy care. </p> <p>ETA: Another fun idea might be a knitted crib mobile.&nbsp; Check out some of the things from Mochimochi land:</p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/mochimochi-land/patterns" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/pattern.....d/patterns</a></p> <p>This would be a great mobile IMO:</p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainycloud" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainycloud</a></p> <p>And I have knit this elephant, he is super cute and fun to knit.&nbsp; She has some other very cute stuffed animal patterns too:</p> <p><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elijah" rel="nofollow">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elijah</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177966 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:20:49 +0000 Echo 1177966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The main safety concerns with stuffed animals for babies involves sleeping with them - much the same risk as pillows. Young babies don't really play with much until their eyes and hand coordination improves anyway. But hand-made stuffed gifts are a fabulous idea.</p> <p>And a blanket is truly the most useable option for a baby. A blanket can be draped over a baby's carseat in cooler weather or in cold AC, a baby can be wrapped in a blanket. A blanket can be used as a changing pad in a pinch. Blankets are not used in baby cribs, but that doesn't decrease their usefulness. And I'd say acrylic or something easily washable is definitely the best option.&nbsp;</p> <p>What a wonderful friend you are to consider gifting something handmade! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177959 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:14:07 +0000 E 1177959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, I shudder to imagine knitting in cotton! I have to wear compression gloves when I knit (due to RA), and I also am very sensitive to texture, so I think that would turn into a hellish knitting project for me. Although I can see it would be more useful. Maybe my yarn store will have some bamboo yarn in stock! I do know Elizabeth Zimmerman, and I agree she's a genius. Her books are so fun to read! I have 2 of them out from the library now actually. ;D</p> <p>Sara, are there any safety concerns with stuffed animals for babies? A lot of the patterns I'm looking at seem to involve seaming the limbs on. But I guess as long as I do it tightly probably not a hazard. And of course no buttons/loose yarn/etc. That is crazy about your baby &amp; the blanket, but very useful to know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177945 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:56:40 +0000 Sara L. 1177945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually knit stuffed animals for babies since they won't outgrow them and they can be used longer. &nbsp;Plus they don't take long to knit and don't use much yarn.</p> <p>I got the most use out of a small blanket someone knit for my son using Lion Yarn Homespun, which is fairly cheap. &nbsp;He liked the softness and it was fuzzy enough that he didn't chew on it like he did another blanket made with a smooth yarn. &nbsp;He would use his teeth to pull out long sections of yarn which I was worried would strangle him so I had to take it away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177943 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:50:54 +0000 JAileen 1177943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you familiar with Elizabeth Zimmermann? She was a genius. Anyway her baby surprise jacket is really nice. I've made it several times for baby presents. It's fun to knit, too. For Texas, you could make it in cotton. It has several mitered corners so using more than one color is very impressive to non knitters.</p> <p><a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/patterns.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.schoolhousepress.com/patterns.htm</a></p> <p>ETA: your public library may have some of her books. The pattern is in several of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/moms-useful-baby-knits#post-1177936 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:42:18 +0000 E 1177936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my good friends is pregnant with her first baby, a boy, and I'd love to knit something for them. But what? Parameters: the baby's due in May &amp; they live in south Texas (land of perpetual summer, but intense a/c, and maybe a few weeks of autumn weather in the depths of winter). I'd love to use a nice yarn, but nice yarn costs money, so I can't afford the quantities required to make a baby blanket. Plus, nice yarn might felt the first time they try to wash baby spit up out of it. I could go with a cheaper, machine washable yarn for a baby blanket, but that tends to include acrylic. She did mention wanting a baby blanket, so perhaps that's the best option?</p> <p>Otherwise, I could afford enough nicer yarn (though I'd still look for&nbsp;a machine washable one) to make some kind of baby clothing. I came across this <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pebble-henrys-manly-cobblestone-inspired-baby-vest">vest</a>&nbsp;and thought it might work for our climate, especially if it makes it for 6-9 months (look at the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atwistedstring/pebble-henrys-manly-cobblestone-inspired-baby-vest">hedgehog one</a>! squee!). And I love this <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aviatrix-hat">hat</a>. But would a vest &amp; hat be useful? What about booties? Or should I make a softie instead?&nbsp;My niece is 8 now, so it's been awhile since I've been around babies!&nbsp;</p> <p>Basically, I guess I'm trying to make a present that is both appreciated and used. Any advice would be helpful! </p>