KASCuddle - the Knit-a-Square Cuddle Sack-updated, new size
The original patterns were posted by Anne Powell on January 29, 2010 at 5:15am in Patterns - KASCuddle, however the latest requests are for larger KASCuddles, up to 29 inches around (circumference) with a flat sewn bottom, no gathering, just a closed flat seam at the bottom so the need has arisen to partially rewrite the original post and close the original discussion. I will try to insert patterns here from our KAS Photo album of the new ones but I'm not very good at such things. So, here's the cut and paste link to a good example by Jan B. so you can see the look of a flat bottomed one :
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 original Cuddle size was for newborns to 4 months. The requests in South Africa now are for 2-6 months sizes, about 29" circumference, 27" long, up to 29" long, so don't panic if your measurements are not exact. It will be needed regardless! This isn't perfection alley. (Latest information is 30" in length if possible, with 28-29" circumference, it does fit a 9 month old as one is modelling them over in Photos)
For our South African babies, the KASCuddle 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, the point of the "slit" being to make it easier to put the baby in and take it out of the Cuddle.
Feel free to experiment with colours, 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. Please use as close a stitch with no gaps as possible, though a brushed yarn might work in a bit looser stitch as it will fill in most gaps. Use your judgement, the point is to keep the little ones as warm as possible. :)
I can not give you precise stitch count upsized patterns at this time. If a KASer is able to, great we will add it in. These are the original patterns, upsized minus the precise stitch counts. My feeling is your own stitch count will vary depending on your tension, needles/hook size and yarn weight being used anyways. It's the dimensions that count most. So long as the "tube" being knitted or crocheted equals roughly 29 inches in circumference and is 27 inches or a bit longer, it will be GREAT. :D Thanks so much for all your hard work and dedication, these darling orphans are well worth it! :)
Pattern for Knitted KASCuddle from Helen Flagg
Finished new dimensions: 29" circumference/27"-29" length including ribbed cuff
Helen has detected some errors in the pattern so asks that you go to the Featured Member patterns section instead where there is, by now, a pdf downloadable pattern posted for the Knitted KAS Cuddle. Thanks so much!
Pattern for Crocheted KASCuddle from Anne Powell
Finished dimensions: 29" circumference/27"-29" length including cuff
Materials
Abit more than 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 sufficient to measure 29" long plus 2 stitches. (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 29" - 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 29" cuff.
Next row - Join 2 ends of work with a slip stitch and continue working in SC until piece measures 27"-29" long.
End off.
Finishing - with yarn needle stitch together bottom of sack in flat seam across, no gathering so the babies have lots of room to stretch and kick their legs.
Tags: KASCuddle, bigger, newest, patterns, updated
Views: 92
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Helen M. Flagg on -
Knitters who would like the specific directions for the updated larger KASCuddle will find
them on the KASBlog All for Orphans in steps 1-4 at:
http://allfororphans.com/kascuddleknit-a-long/
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on -
Bless you Helen! :D
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Permalink Reply by Jan Wilcox on -
I made my collar an inch longer to have more area for the babies head and I also added a gusset at the bottom to allow more foot room. I cast on 35 st in my double yarn on the 13 needles and worked in stockinette st. for 4 in then bound off . I turned my cuddle inside out and eased it in at the bottom and whipped stitch it to the cuddle. This was easy and gives more leg/ft room at the bottom. I will try and get my daughter to post a picture for me when I have her do the pictures foe Craft for a Cause.
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Permalink Reply by Helen M. Flagg on
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Brilliant, Jan..........looking forward to the photo...........the gusset sounds so practical for more
foot room, and the extra length on the collar will give the babies more room to lay their heads.
I like both ideas and can easily see incorporating them into the Cuddles on a regular basis.
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Permalink Reply by Jan Wilcox on
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My daughter posted a picture of my cuddle for me
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on
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And it's sooo cute. I love the color and you used up some of your stash doing it I see. Well done you!
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on
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Here is another entirely different way to do a KAS Cuddle sack. It involves Granny squares outside and a fleece liner inside. It wouldn't be as stretchy as a knit or crocheted Cuddle but if it was made larger to begin with? What do you think?
http://square-circle-forum.ning.com/photo/dsc01392-1?context=latest
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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on
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http://square-circle-forum.ning.com/photo/kas-first-cuddle-with-occupant?context=latest
This is the Photos link for Rachel A's Cuddle with 9 month old "professional" model inside it, bribed by a tasty measuring tape to chew on. :)
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