Favorite baby patterns?

[kareila]

What are your go-to patterns when you learn that someone you care about is expecting?

Bonus points for DK weight, since I found a bunch of DK baby yarn on clearance recently. :)

I've made simple hats with decent results and once improvised a blanket that I was pleased with, but I've never done anything more complicated. I have four months, though, which is plenty of time to try different things.

Comments

duck feet!

[ciaccona]

I haven't actually made these (no small children in my extended family at the moment), but I think they are really cute: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duck-6

[james]

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. Works for any weight yarn so you can make newborn size or toddler size from the same pattern. There's a huge support group for BSJ on Ravelry, as it seems really intimidating the first time, but it's really easy once you've made one and understand what's going on.

[pensnest]

That's the one I was going to suggest. One of our knitting group had a baby a few months ago, and there was a knitting shower for her - she and baby received several Baby Surprise Jackets, and he has worn some of them to subsequent meetings. So cute!

[untonuggan]

Thirded!

[ghoti]

I'm generally a fan of ginormo-granny square (if you crochet) or one of the dishcloths-with-holes, again, sized up (a la http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-dishcloth-with-pointy-corners )

[hellkitty]

Thirding the Baby Surprise jacket. And baby afghans are always useful! Depending on the parents, organic cotton washcloths can be useful, also.

I've noticed that the big thing in recent years, though, really is the hat. My cousins have infants and they seem to feel as if the child's head must be covered at all times, so you can NEVER go wrong with a cute cap!

[ironed_orchid]

I generally do raglan cardigans.

[kareila]

Thanks to everyone who recommended the Baby Surprise Jacket! I ordered a copy of the pattern and will give it a go.

[stmaybe]

I'm always afraid I'm going to size clothing type items wrong for a baby, so I go with stuffed animals. They're often very quick to knit, rather fun (to me anyway), will outlast a growth spurt and have been received very well by both parent and child. Ravelry is loaded with cute toy options, just make sure you use soft, cuddly, (washable) yarns.