Outfits to Crochet for Babies
Whether you choose a classic or trendy pattern, it's hard to think of a baby gift that will be more cherished than matching handmade clothing items. Choose colors and patterns that are appropriate to the parents' tastes.
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Sweater and Bonnet
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The classic baby outfit is a cardigan and bonnet, or for a boy, a pullover and watch cap. Use a lacy stitch, such as shell stitch, for a girl's set, and tie both pieces shut with matching ribbons. Make the pullover easier to put on and take off by leaving one shoulder seam open and fastening it with a few tiny buttons on the edge of the sweater's back (just make sure baby can't pull them off and choke) and chain-stitch loops on the front edge to slip over the buttons.
Christening Gown and Bonnet
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Create a family tradition by crocheting a long christening gown and a Juliette cap in white crochet cotton. The gown can be altered with a ribbon sash or a little collar, and you can make different styles of hats by adding a little bill to the cap for a boy, or a beret that can be easily slipped off during the actual rite.
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Booties and Mitts
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Maybe the quickest set to crochet is a charming pair of booties and matching mitts to keep little toes and fingers cozy. Safety regulations on most baby goods now prohibit use of strings such as the long chains that used to keep a pair of mitts together. Instead, work longer cuffs so the mitts go almost to the baby's elbows and the booties to the knees. The mitts don't need thumbs, however.
Bunting and Blanket
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A bigger project for a baby due in colder weather is a bunting --- a sweater-like top attached to a bag-like bottom --- with a blanket or afghan worked in the same stitches and colors. Put a zipper in the center front of the bunting, or make a flap in the front like those on overalls, and button it along both sides. You could also add a hood or a hat of any kind.
Tops and Bottoms
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Make pants with suspenders or overalls and add a coordinating cardigan or pullover, or bloomers and a short top for a warm-weather girl. Babies squirm a lot, so a top that is too short may leave a tummy exposed. You can prevent this by turning a shirt into a onesie. Extend the front and back pieces into a tapered shape just a couple of inches wide at the ends; sew on snap tape. The pants can be simple pull-ons, or add straps to help them stay up.
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References
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