The two pieces are each cast on at the cuff, then knit all the way to the center of the back. A beautiful bind off up the back marries the simple lace patterns, and voilà: it’s a cardigan!

The yarn here, Nutmeg Fibers Hearth, strikes us as maybe the most gentle possible material for swaddling a baby in love. It’s merino. Hand-dyed using only natural dyes. The chubby worsted weight means that you can easily knit one up as a baby shower gift in a few days. Only you will know how easy—and fun—it was to make.

MATERIALS
— Hearth by Nutmeg Fibers [100 g skeins, each approx 150 yds (137 m), 100% merino]: 2 (2, 3, 3) skein(s) Light Lac & Iron, Osage & Iron, Udo, Ice, Madder Root, or Rust
— Size US 10 (6 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm) long or longer, or size needed to achieve gauge
— Spare size US 10 (6 mm) needle, for 3-Needle BO
— Crochet hook size US H-8 (5 mm), for Front Ties