Knitting an envelope for a newborn with knitting needles, nuances of choosing yarn

Before giving birth, expectant mothers try to prepare everything they need for their baby in advance. Among the extensive list of required things, there is also what is needed for discharge from the maternity hospital. A knitted envelope for a newborn looks especially cute. At the same time, even novice needlewomen can make such a thing. Styles, yarn, and decor can be selected based on the gender of the child and the time of year.

Choice of shape and size

There are different types of knitted envelopes for newborns. Each of them has its own characteristics. The most common products are:

1. A blanket envelope is a popular option. The newborn's head is placed in the open part, and the rest of the blanket covers the body. The sides of the blanket are fastened with buttons or snaps. In such a knitted envelope for discharge, the child will be free. It is necessary to select the sizes very carefully, since cold air can enter through the holes between the buttons.
2. Cocoon. Similar to a blanket envelope, but there are zippers on the sides and bottom. It is warmer, more comfortable and convenient for the child. This model is made with or without sleeves. The cocoon envelope is ideal for cooler times of the year.
3. The transforming blanket looks like a standard jumpsuit. In the first 3 months of life, it is used as a bag, after that, a jumpsuit is made from it with simple manipulations and worn further. It can be used fully from March to November. This type of product is characterized by practicality and convenience.

Standard sizes of envelopes for newborns are 42 x 75 cm. To select the optimal parameters, you need to focus on the season. For winter, you will have to make or buy a larger product in order to place the baby in warm clothes.

Yarn and tool

It is important to choose the right yarn for the envelope. Since the skin of a newborn is delicate and sensitive, the threads should be hypoallergenic. In addition:

1. The threads should be smooth and soft so as not to irritate the baby’s skin.
2. It is better to choose practical yarn. Ideally, if it contains cotton, baby alpaca, microfiber.
3. Functionality is no less important. Children's clothes need to be washed regularly, so the composition of the threads should contain acrylic so that the product retains its shape for a long time.

A great choice would be special yarn for making children's clothing. As a rule, it has the appropriate marking. For summer, it is better to choose threads made of cotton and bamboo with the addition of acrylic. In winter, it is worth giving preference to merino wool and extrafine. An envelope made of microfiber and baby alpaca is suitable as a demi-season model.

Knitting needles should be selected based on the yarn. The skein usually has markings containing information about the tool: the thickness of the knitting needles should be 1 size larger than the thread number. If you choose fleecy or downy yarn, it is better to take a tool 2-3 mm thicker. In addition, the subtleties of choosing knitting needles depend on the planned pattern. If you will be knitting with crossed loops or braids, then you should give preference to a tool 1.5 mm wider than the thread. It is better to knit an openwork pattern with knitting needles 0.5 mm smaller. It is more convenient to make an elastic band with tools one size smaller.

Knitting techniques

Envelopes for newborns can be made in a variety of patterns. Before making a product for discharge with your own hands, you need to assess the level of skill. And then choose the technique based on your own preferences and the season of use. Of course, for discharge you will want to make a more elegant option than for everyday use.
For the winter period, a dense garter stitch is more suitable, as it retains heat well. For the summer, you can make models with openwork patterns. Braids are especially popular as an everyday option.

An envelope decorated with a rice pattern, cords, and checkerboard knitting will look beautiful when you go out. For models with button and snap fasteners, you will have to knit the strip with an elastic band.

If experienced needlewomen can easily choose the type of pattern, then beginners should still choose a simple design. It is better to give preference to a simple envelope model with an easy, clear pattern. I would like to draw special attention of inexperienced knitters to products made of straight fabric. They are sewn at the top, forming a hood.

Knitting stages

It is not difficult to knit an envelope with knitting needles yourself, even a beginner needlewoman can handle it. You only need to follow the instructions and the diagram. The step-by-step master class is presented below:

1. Cast on 122 stitches onto the knitting needles.
2. Then we knit 4 rows with a garter stitch, after which we knit an elastic band (alternating front and back loops).
3. Knit 20 rows with an elastic band.
4. Next, 4 more rows of garter stitch.
5. Then knit according to the pattern 10 garter stitches, 102 patterns and again 10 garter stitches.
6. Next 50 cm of flat canvas.

To make the back, use a marker to mark the first row of the beginning of knitting. Then continue the even fabric. In the 20th row, you need to make holes for buttons on both sides of the garter stitch. The holes are made as follows: you need to close 3 loops in the central part of the section, then dial 3 loops, on each side you need to leave 4 holes. Then continue knitting until you reach the desired height - approximately up to the 28th row.

The hood needs to be knitted with an even fabric about 15 cm. To assemble it, fold it in half and carefully sew along the open loops with a stitch for knitwear. Next, you need to make a pompom and sew it to the top of the hood. After that, attach the buttons, and the envelope is ready.

How to decorate

In decorating the envelope for a newborn, needlewomen are free to show their imagination. For decoration, they use embroidery, appliques, voluminous bows, satin ribbons, pompoms, embroider products with beads, lace. Envelopes are most often decorated as follows:

• the lace is laid in several layers;
• flowers are formed from satin ribbons and complemented with rhinestones and beads;
• make themed elements with bunny, cat, and bear ears;
• The perimeter is decorated with braid or pom-poms.

Knitted envelopes with original themes are especially popular for discharge from the maternity hospital. For example, models stylized as a Kinder Surprise. Everyday envelopes are best decorated with embroidery, appliques, pompoms. For a boy, you can choose appliques with cars and ships. Flowers, plant ornaments, and bows are suitable for girls.

A knitted set for discharge can be decorated in a variety of ways. Depending on the season, you can embroider the product with a floral pattern, snowflakes, leaves. It is not recommended to use small decorations that can be easily torn off. Excessively bright decor is also inappropriate. Fur inserts should also be avoided, as they can provoke an allergic reaction.

Before knitting a newborn envelope with knitting needles, you should choose a model and find the appropriate instructions. Such a product will bring a lot of positive emotions to both mother and baby.

Video