KASCuddle - the Knit-a-Square Cuddle Sack-length now 35"(incl. 5" cuff), width 30",
Knitted version Crochet version
The suggestion for the KASCuddle came from Helen Flagg. After some experimentation, she developed the pattern for the knitted version, and the crochet pattern was developed by Anne Powell.
The KASCuddle is designed to be an outer garment to be used over whatever clothing the baby might be wearing. The size (25" circumference, 25" long) will make it useful for babies from birth to about 4 months.
For our South African babies, it can be used both during the day when the baby is being carried, or as a sleep sack at night, when many of these babies sleep on the ground snuggled beside their moms. The "cuff" at the top can be rolled down for tiny babies or up as the baby grows.
Feel free to experiment with colour, stripes - whatever - but we recommend that this garment be made in a close weave such as garter stitch or single crochet so there are few gaps and maximum warmth.
Pattern for Knitted KASCuddle from Helen Flagg
Finished dimensions: 25" circumference/25" length including ribbed cuff
Materials
14oz. (4 skeins) worsted weight yarn ( such as wool, acrylic wool blend, please choose a soft yarn)
1 9mm/US13 - 29" (70 cm.) circular knitting needle (I used a 29" long needle, but if a knitter wants to try a 24" long circular needle it might wrk, albeit a bit full. A lot depends on what length needle knitters can find wherever they are)
1 yarn needle
1 stitch marker to fit needle
1 pr. 9mm/US13 straight knitting needles
Instructions
Knit with 2 strands of yarn held together
Cast on 68 stitches. K2P2 for 5 inches.
Place stitch marker on needle for beginning of first round.
Join each end of ribbing together and knit in round (garter stitch) until KASCuddle is 24" long from top edge of ribbing.
Using straight needles and beginning at marker, K2 together onto straight needles to end of row (34 stitches on needle.)
Knit next row to marker.
Next row K2 together on the straight needles to end of row at marker. (17 stitches on needle.)
Remove stitch marker.
Cut yarn leaving 10-12" tail.
Thread yarn needle with tail and pull through remaining 17 stitches.
Draw up tight and secure. Sew in loose ends.
Pattern for Crocheted KASCuddle from Anne Powell
Finished dimensions: 25" circumference/25" length including cuff
Materials
About 14 oz (4 skeins) worsted weight yarn ( such as wool, acrylic wool blend, or acrylic chunky - please choose a soft yarn)
1 6mm crochet hook
1 yarn needle
Instructions
Note if using worsted weight (or sportsweight) yarn, use 2 strands held together, if using chunky yarn use 1 strand.
Chain loosely 62 chains (foundation row)
Row 1 - SC into second chain from hook and SC across row.
Continue until work measures about 1" then measure width. The piece should measure 25" - but since yarn weight and individual tensions vary, it is a good idea to measure at this point. This is a good place to stop and assess in case you need to adjust the number of stitches you are using.
Continue in SC until you have completed a strip 5" from beginning row. This forms the 5"x 25" cuff.
Next row - Join 2 ends of work with a slip stitch and continue working in SC until piece measures 241/2 " long.
Next row - SC into every other stitch. End off.
Finishing - with yarn needle stitch together bottom of sack.
Views: 260
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Palmatier on -
I LOVE THIS! (Can you hear me screaming with delight?) I can't wait to start on some of these and I have the perfect yarn in mind.
Thanks so much for the pattern! :o)
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on -
Do you know, Anne, if these will be the subject of an upcoming challenge or what the need is for them? I mean will a need for them be posted onto the KAS wishlist? I try to choose what I'm doing by the amount of items needed in different categories, ie. I'll do stuff in the "most needed" column. I'm just wondering what the amount needed is for these as people so love doing stuff for babies. (understandably!) :)
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Permalink Reply by Anne Powell on -
Jeanne - part of the reason Helen and I decided to get this up and running now is so people can be making them ahead and stockpiling if they wish for the July challenge - which is listed on the e-calendar as "Keep a Newborn Warm"
My first version was slightly smaller than the 25" size in the pattern and it should be arriving in SA in the next couple of days. We sent photos and descriptions to Ronda and at her suggestion, up-sized the garment so it will last from birth to 4 months or so. Feedback from Ronda and her crew was that they hope these will soon be in production - they sounded quite excited about them.
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Permalink Reply by Sue R on -
Oh Yes, don't you know we love a new idea and pattern. Especially one that is so darn cute. I have been holding back some baby type yarn and now I know where it will go. I am tempted to make 1 of each for the fun of knitting and crocheting the same item. You ladies rock. Love it Love it. Anxious to hear how many of these you want, (need). I see Jeanne is asking about wish list numbers also on this item.
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Permalink Reply by Laurie C. Hake on -
This looks like fun - everyone is SOOOOOOOO clever. Will have to try one. Laurie
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Permalink Reply by Anne Powell on
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Hey everyone - I forgot to give credit to someone. when Helen and I first started talking to Ronda and Sandy about our cuddle sack - it was Sandy who came up with the name KASCuddle. mI think it's brilliant! - thanks for the name Sandy
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Permalink Reply by Helen M. Flagg on -
Just a note for those of you who want to try a KASCuddle.......I made the knitted one in the photo from
Paton's Classic Wool......it looks red in the photo but the color is actually a salmon called Currant.
Michael's in the U.S. has had this Paton's on sale for $4.00 per skein lately. With the KASCuddle
needing four skeins, the knitter will find some of the total left over to make some good squares.
Two strands of yarn held together in the Paton's wool makes a wonderfully warm product.
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Permalink Reply by Donna Overton on -
Helen, So it takes 2 skeins of yarn double stranded to knit one, right? Is this a #4 weight yarn? I can do some in acrylic due to having more yarn at this point; but do you only want it to be wool? These are just adorable and warm looking; especially when the babies have to lay on the hard, cold, wet ground. Thanks for responding.
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Permalink Reply by Helen M. Flagg on
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Actually, Donna, you need 4 skeins and work with a double strand. About halfway down
the main part of the KASCuddle you will have used up the first two skeins. The rest of the
sack you will be working with the second two skeins and have some yarn left over when
you get to the end. (I just made squares to use up the rest.) What I used was wool in a
worsted weight. I think #4 is thinner than a worsted weight but I may be mistaken. Wool
would be fine if it is soft wool like the Paton's, but a soft acrylic-wool mix with a relatively
high wool content would be fine, too. If you choose 4 skeins @3.5 ounces each you should
have plenty of yarn. I don't know what to tell you about using all acrylic because acrylic
varies so much. We just need to remember that warmth is the greatest factor to consider
in choosing the yarn for the KASCuddles. Hope you enjoy making one!
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Permalink Reply by Donna Overton on
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Thanks, Helen! You explained just what I needed to know. There are so many things I want to make and so little time to make them. It's like I'm a kid in a candy store; don't know which to tackle next!!
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Permalink Reply by Diane Kubiak on -
Way to go.........Helen and Anne.
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