How to Crochet a Summer Layette for a Baby
A layette is a collection of items that a baby will need in the fist weeks of life. Although it is certainly possible to purchase all of these items from a department or specialty baby store, it is a nice idea to make some or all of the items in the layette by hand. Certain items in the layette will be important even in the summer; for instance, a baby sweater and hat will be used year round, as babies tend to lose body heat faster than adults. These items are also important as parents should not use sunblock on babies under 6 months old, and hats and long sleeves offer some sun protection.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Baby Layette
-
1
Decide what you will include in your crocheted layette. Layettes typically include any of the following items: short or long-sleeved bodysuits, sweaters, a blanket, booties, hat, burp clothes, pajamas with feet and a bath towel.
-
2
Choose materials carefully. For a summer baby, cotton, linen or a blend of these would be a good yarn choice. The added advantage to cotton yarns is how easily washable they are. Also consider using a lightweight yarn, such as baby, sport or DK (double knitting) weight for your crocheted layette, as this will make lighter, cooler finished objects than worsted weight or bulky yarn.
-
-
3
Crochet a summer layette in patterns that call for half double or double crochet or that use lace patterns instead of solid, as these will be cooler for a summer baby than solid single crochet stitches. See the Resource section for free patterns online.
-
4
Pick yarn colors that are light for a summer layette set. White or pale shades of yellow, green, pink or blue are all good for a layette set. For a slightly more sophisticated look, try an off-white or beige shade.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Crocheting all the pieces of a layette might be a bit overwhelming, although it can be done. A more manageable amount of crochet would be to make the hat, sweater, booties and blanket and buy the rest.
If the layette set is a gift for someone else's baby, consider also buying a package of diapers to give with the set. It's a nice touch that will be appreciated by new parents.
