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Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern

Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern
4.1★ Rating
20-25 Hours Time Needed
2.1K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern

The Nougatine mini set is a complete newborn outfit thoughtfully designed to be both practical and beautiful. This three-piece ensemble combines classic knitting techniques with modern construction methods, featuring the charming dot stitch pattern throughout. Each piece works together seamlessly while also being lovely on its own, giving you versatility in how you dress your little one.

Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This pattern offers flexibility with two bottom options—traditional thighs with feet or footless leggings for active toddlers. The raglan cardigan construction ensures a comfortable fit that moves with baby, while the bonnet's I-cord ties keep it securely and gently in place.

Why You'll Love This Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern combines simplicity with elegance—the dot stitch adds just enough texture to make it special without being overwhelming. The raglan construction means you'll be knitting in the round for most of the cardigan, which I find so much more enjoyable than seaming. I also appreciate how the pattern gives you options, like choosing between thighs or leggings, so you can customize it for your baby's needs. The finished set looks so polished and professional, yet it's achievable for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to try new techniques like short rows and I-cord bind offs.

Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern step 1 - construction progress Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this pattern is for customization while keeping the same beautiful structure. One of my favorite modifications is changing up the color scheme—instead of a single solid color, try using two complementary shades and alternate them between pieces, like a warm caramel for the cardigan and a soft cream for the bonnet and thighs.

For a fun twist on the dot stitch, I've experimented with placing small seed beads at each purl bump on the cardigan front, which adds a subtle sparkle perfect for special occasions or photo sessions. Just make sure they're securely attached if you're gifting this to someone.

I also enjoy playing with the I-cord ties on the bonnet—braiding them creates beautiful texture, or you can work them in a contrasting color for a pop of visual interest. Some knitters even add tiny crocheted flowers or knitted leaves to the ends of the ties for an extra sweet detail.

If you're knitting this for a toddler rather than a newborn, consider lengthening all the pieces by about 20% to get more wear time. I find that babies grow so quickly, and having pieces that fit a bit longer makes them even more special and practical.

Another modification I love is adding a simple lace edging to the cuffs of the sleeves and the hem of the cardigan—just a few rounds of a basic lace pattern can elevate the entire look and make it feel even more heirloom-worthy. The same technique works beautifully on the bonnet edge as well.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not swatching properly before starting can result in incorrect sizing, especially critical for baby garments where fit matters greatly for comfort and safety ✗ Forgetting to place stitch markers during the raglan setup can lead to confusion and misaligned increases, causing uneven sleeve and body proportions ✗ Pulling the elastic band too tight in the waistband creates uncomfortable pressure on baby's delicate tummy—leave it slightly loose for comfort ✗ Not blocking the pieces before assembly results in uneven fabric tension and can make the dot stitch pattern less visible and defined

Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern

Create this adorable three-piece baby essentials set that's perfect for newborns and growing little ones. This thoughtfully designed outfit includes a cozy bonnet with dot stitch detail and I-cord ties, a charming cardigan with side buttonband featuring beautiful dot stitch texture, and comfortable thighs or legging option. The unisex design works beautifully in any color and makes a heartfelt handmade gift that will be treasured for years to come.

Intermediate 20-25 Hours

Materials Needed for Nougatine Mini Baby Set Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Fingering weight yarn in your choice of color
  • 02
    Thighs: 205-535 metres depending on size
  • 03
    Bonnet: 90-180 metres depending on size
  • 04
    Cardigan: 245-440 metres depending on size
  • 05
    Sample uses Lolilafée Mérinos fingering base in 'Miel' colorway

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3.25 mm/US 3 circular needles (A needles)
  • 02
    3 mm/US 2.5 circular needles (B needles)
  • 03
    1 BORM (beginning of round marker)
  • 04
    9 stitch markers
  • 05
    Tapestry needle
  • 06
    Blocking tools
  • 07
    8 to 12 buttons (10-12 mm diameter)
  • 08
    Elastic band 38-56 cm long, 1.5 cm width (depending on size)
  • 09
    Cable needle or spare needle for holding stitches

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Thighs:

Waistband

Setup:

Using B needles, CO 98, 110, 118, 128 (136, 140, 146) sts using long tail cast on method. Join in the round being careful not to twist and PBORM.

Step 1:

Work 2 cm/0.8" in stockinette st, then p one row. Switch to A needles and work 3cm/1.2" in stockinette st (measurement taken from the p row).

Shaping the back part

R1 (RS):

k 49, 55, 59, 64 (68, 70, 73), PM, k until 1, 1, 1, 1 (1, 2, 2) sts from BORM, turn your work and perform a GSR.

R2 (WS):

p until 1, 1, 1, 1 (1, 2, 2) sts from M, turn your work and perform a GSR.

R3 (RS):

k until 4, 4, 5, 5 (4, 4, 4) sts from the previous GSR, turn your work and perform a GSR.

R4 (WS):

p until 4, 4, 5, 5 (4, 4, 4) sts from the previous GSR, turn your work and perform a GSR.

Repeat:

Work R3 & R4 a total of 3, 3, 3, 3 (4, 4, 4) times.

Continue:

Resume working in stockinette st in the round, working the double legged sts as regular ones, until the piece is 12, 12.5, 15, 16 (18, 20, 20) cm / 4.75, 5, 6, 6.25 (7, 7.75, 7.75)" long from the p row. The measurement is taken on the front of the thighs.

Setup for crotch increases (k all):

22, 25, 27, 29 (31, 32, 33) sts, PM, 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, PM, 44, 50, 54, 58 (62, 64, 66) sts, PM, 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, PM, 22, 25, 27, 29 (31, 32, 33) sts.

R1:

*k until M, M1R, SM, k until M, SM, M1L, repeat from * once more, k until BORM.

R2:

k until BORM.

Repeat:

Work R1 & R2 a total of 4, 4, 4, 4 (5, 5, 5) times. You now have 114, 126, 134, 144 (156, 160, 166) sts.

Dividing for the legs

Setup:

k until M, RM, BO 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, RM, k until M, RM, BO 5, 5, 5, 6 (6, 6, 7) sts, RM, k until BORM, RBORM, k 22, 25, 27, 29 (31, 32, 33) sts.

Thighs - Right leg

Setup:

Put the 52, 58, 62, 66 (72, 74, 76) sts from the left leg on hold. Join in the round the sts from the right leg and PBORM (inside of the leg).

Step 1:

Work 2 rows in stockinette st, then start the decreases.

DR:

k1, k2tog, k until 3 sts from BORM, SSK, k1.

Step 2:

Work DR a total of 4 times.

Then:

Work as follows: 3 stockinette st rows, 1 DR. Knit this sequence a total of 8, 10, 11, 9 (12, 10, 11) times. You now have 28, 30, 32, 40 (40, 46, 46) sts.

Continue:

Continue working in stockinette st in the round until the leg is 15, 17, 20, 22 (22, 25, 27) cm / 6, 7, 7.75, 9 (9, 9.75, 11)" long from the separation.

Thighs - Right foot

Heel flap:

k 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23), turn you work and knit the heel flap as follows: work in stockinette st back and forth on those 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23) sts a total of 9, 9, 11, 11 (11, 13, 13) rows.

Heel turn

R0 (RS):

k 9, 10, 11, 14 (14, 17, 17), SSK, turn your work

R1 (WS):

sl1 wyif, p 4, 5, 6, 9 (9, 11, 11), p2tog, turn your work

R2 (RS):

sl1 wyib, k until 1 st from the gap, SSK, turn your work

R3 (WS):

sl1 wyif, p until 1 st from the gap, p2tog, turn your work

Repeat:

Work R2 & R3 until there are 6, 7, 8, 10 (10, 13, 13) sts left on the needles.

Gusset

Setup:

k 6, 7, 8, 10 (10, 13, 13), turn you work 90° clockwise, pick up 7, 7, 9, 9 (9, 11, 11) sts along the heel flap, PBORM, k 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23), turn you work 90° clockwise, PM, pick up 7, 7, 9, 9 (9, 11, 11) sts along the other side of the heel flap, k until BORM.

DR1:

k until M, SM, SSK, k until M, k until 2 sts from BORM, k2tog.

DR2:

k until BORM.

Repeat:

Work RD1 & RD2 a total of 3, 3, 5, 4 (4, 6, 6) times. You now have 28, 30, 32, 40 (40, 46, 46) sts.

Continue:

Work in stockinette st until the foot is 7, 7, 7.5, 7.5 (8.5, 9.5, 11) cm / 3, 3, 3, 3 (3.5, 3.5, 4.5)" long from the heel turn.

Toes

R1:

SSK, k until 2 sts from M, k2tog, SM, SSK, k until 2 sts from BORM, k2tog.

R2:

k until BORM.

Repeat:

Work R1 & R2 a total of 2, 2, 3, 3 (3, 3, 3) times.

Then:

Work only R1 a total of 3, 3, 3, 5 (5, 6, 6) times. You now have 8, 10, 8, 8 (8, 10, 10) sts.

Finish:

Close the foot using the Kitchener st.

Thighs - Left leg

Info:

Put back on the needles the 52, 58, 62, 66 (72, 74, 76) sts that were on hold, PBORM (on the inside of the leg). Follow the instructions for the right leg until you reach the foot.

Thighs - Left foot

Setup:

Turn your work to start knitting the heel flap on the WS. Work in stockinette st back and forth on 14, 15, 16, 20 (20, 23, 23) sts for a total of 9, 9, 11, 11 (11, 13, 13) rows.

Continue:

Then, follow the instructions for the heel turn until the end.

Finishing

Step 1:

Sew the crotch.

Step 2:

Fold the waistband WS together and sew it. Be mindful to leave an opening at the back to insert the elastic band. Sew the ends of the elastic band together, making sure it's not twisted.

Step 3:

Close the opening with a seam.

Step 4:

Weave in the ends.

— Bonnet:

Body of the bonnet

Setup:

Using B needles, CO 71, 79, 83, 87 (91, 99, 103) sts using the long tail cast on method. Do not join in the round.

Step 1:

Work 6 rows in 1/1 ribbing, starting with a p st.

Step 2:

Switch to A needles. Work 2 rows in stockinette st, starting with a RS row, then begin working in the dot st as follows:

R1 (RS):

k3, *p1, k3, repeat from * until EOR.

R2 and all even rows (WS):

p until EOR.

R3 & R7 (RS):

k until EOR.

R5 (WS):

k1, *p1, k3, repeat from * until 2 sts from EOR, p1, k1.

Continue:

Continue working R1 to R8 as established until the piece is 9, 10, 11, 11.5 (12, 14, 15) cm / 3.5, 4, 4.25, 4.5 (4.75, 5.5, 6)" long from the CO row.

DR (RS):

k2tog, k until 3 sts from EOR, SSK, k1.

Joining in the round (RS):

PBORM, join the sts in the round, k2tog, k until BORM.

Decrease crown

DR1:

*k2tog, k 6, 7, 8, 8 (9, 10, 10), k2tog, k 7, 8, 8, 9 (9, 10, 11), repeat from * until BORM.

DR2:

*k2tog, k 5, 6, 7, 7 (8, 9, 9), k2tog, k 6, 7, 7, 8 (8, 9, 10), repeat from * until BORM.

Continue:

Continue working the decreases as established until there are no more sts in between the "k2tog".

Next row:

*k2tog, repeat from * until BORM.

Finish:

Cut the yarn, leaving a 20cm/8" long tail. Thread the tapestry needle, pass it through the remaining live sts and gently pull to close the bonnet.

Finish and I-cord ties

Step 1:

Using A needles, pick up about 2 out of 3 sts on the raw edge of the bonnet. It's where the back neck of the child will sit. Cut the yarn.

Step 2:

Using B needles, CO 3 sts and work a 25, 25, 25, 30 (30, 30, 35) cm / 10, 10, 10, 12 (12, 12, 14)" long I-cord.

Step 3:

You are now going to attach it to the bonnet while working the finish of the back neck by doing an I-cord BO, as follows: *k2, k2tog, put back on the left needle the 3 sts you just worked, repeat from * until all the back neck sts have been BO.

Step 4:

Then without cutting the yarn, work a 25, 25, 25, 30 (30, 30, 35) cm / 10, 10, 10, 12 (12, 12, 14)" long I-cord.

Finish:

BO the I-cord and cut the yarn. Weave in the ends.

— Cardigan:

Neckline

Setup:

Using B needles, CO 82, 86, 86, 94 (106, 102, 106) sts using the long tail cast on method. Do not join in the round.

R1 (WS):

*p1, k1, repeat from * until EOR.

R2 (RS):

*p1, k1, repeat from * until EOR.

Step 1:

Work R1 once more.

Buttonhole row (RS):

1/1 ribbing until 6 sts from EOR, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1.

Step 2:

Work R1 & R2 once more.

Raglan

Setup row (WS):

6 sts in 1/1 ribbing, PM, p1, PM, p 21, 23, 23, 25 (27, 27, 29), PM, p1, PM, p 12, 12, 12, 14 (18, 16, 16), PM, p1, PM, p 21, 23, 23, 25 (27, 27, 29), PM, p1, PM, p 12, 12, 12, 14 (18, 16, 16), PM, 6 sts in 1/1 ribbing.

Raglan row (RS):

1/1 ribbing until M, SM, *M1L, k until M, M1R, SM, k1, SM, repeat from * a total of 3 times, work in dot st as per chart (p5), SM, p1, SM, 1/1 ribbing until EOR. (+8 sts)

WS row:

1/1 ribbing until M, SM, p until last M, SM, 1/1 ribbing until EOR.

Repeat:

Work the above 2 rows a total of 12, 13, 14, 15 (15, 16, 17) times, doing a buttonhole row instead of a RS row every 3 cm.

Raglan buttonhole row (RS):

1/1 ribbing until M, SM, *M1L, k until M, M1R, SM, k1, SM, repeat from * a total of 3 times, work in dot st as per chart (p5), SM, p1, SM, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1.

Continue:

Work a WS row as established.

Step:

Work without increasing until the piece is 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11 (11.5, 12, 13) cm / 3.25, 3.75, 4.25, 4.25 (4.5, 4.75, 5)" long from the CO row.

Separation row (RS):

1/1 ribbing until M, SM, put the sleeve sts on hold, CO 5 sts, RM, k1, RM, k until M, RM, k1, RM, put the sleeve sts on hold, CO 5 sts, SM, k1, RM, dot st until M, RM, k1, SM, 1/1 ribbing until EOR.

Infos:

You now have: Front & back: 45, 49, 51, 55 (57, 59, 63) sts; Sleeve: 36, 38, 40, 44 (48, 48, 50) sts; +4 raglan sts

Continue:

Continue working the dot st on the front and the back in stockinette st until the body measures 13, 13, 14, 15 (15, 15, 16) cm / 5, 5, 5.5, 6 (6, 6, 6.25)" from the underarm (or 2 cm shorter than the desired length).

Ribbing

Step:

Switch to B needles and work 2cm/0.8" in 1/1 ribbing. Loosely BO the sts.

Sleeves

Setup:

Put back on A needles the 36, 38, 40, 44 (48, 48, 50) sts from one of the sleeves. Starting at the centre of the underarm, pick up 3 sts, k the sleeve sts, then pick up another 3 sts and PBORM. You now have 42, 44, 46, 50 (54, 54, 56) sts.

Step 1:

Work in stockinette st until the sleeve is 2, 2, 2, 2 (3, 3, 3) cm / 0.75, 0.75, 0.75, 0.75 (1.25, 1.25, 1.25)" long from the underarm.

DR:

k1, k2tog, k until 3 sts from BORM, SSK, k1.

Repeat:

Work DR every 2, 2.5, 3, 2 (2, 2, 2.5) cm / 0.75, 1, 1.25, 0.75 (0.75, 0.75, 1)" for a total of 5, 5, 5, 7 (8, 7, 7) times. You now have 32, 34, 36, 36 (38, 40, 42) sts on the needles.

Continue:

Continue working in stockinette st until the sleeve is 13, 14, 16, 17 (18, 19, 20) cm / 5, 5.5, 6.25, 6.75 (7, 7.5, 7.75)" long from the underarm (or 2cm/0.8" shorter than the desired length).

Cuff

Step:

Switch to B needles and work 2cm/0.8" in 1/1 ribbing. Loosely BO the sts.

Second sleeve:

Work the second sleeve the exact same way.

Finish:

Weave in the ends and block the pieces.

Assembly Instructions

  • Block all three pieces thoroughly by washing in lukewarm water with wool wash, then lay flat to dry, shaping to the finished measurements specified in the pattern.
  • For the thighs, sew the crotch seam carefully using mattress stitch to ensure a smooth, comfortable seam that won't irritate baby's delicate skin.
  • Fold the waistband wrong sides together and sew down, leaving a small opening at the back center to insert the elastic band through the waistband channel.
  • Thread the elastic band through the waistband opening, overlap the ends by about 2 cm, and sew them securely together, making sure the elastic isn't twisted inside the waistband.
  • Close the waistband opening with small whip stitches to secure.
  • Sew buttons evenly spaced along the cardigan's button band, aligning them with the buttonholes created during knitting.
  • Try the bonnet I-cord ties to ensure they're the right length, trim if needed, and weave in all remaining ends on all three pieces.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern works best with fingering weight yarn at the specified gauge; using a different yarn weight will significantly alter the sizing and drape of the finished pieces.
  • 💡The dot stitch pattern is worked flat on the cardigan front and requires attention to the chart; mark your place to avoid mistakes in the repeat pattern.
  • 💡When working German short rows for shaping the back of the thighs, make sure to work the double stitches correctly when you resume knitting in the round to avoid holes.
  • 💡The elastic band for the waistband should be measured against the baby's waist loosely; too tight will be uncomfortable, and the band can be adjusted later if needed.
  • 💡For the bonnet I-cord ties, measure them against a similar hat to ensure they'll be long enough to tie comfortably under baby's chin.
  • 💡Block all pieces before assembly to ensure even tension and to make the dot stitch pattern really pop visually.

This beautiful Nougatine Mini Set pattern was designed with new parents and thoughtful gift-givers in mind, combining classic techniques with modern construction for a truly special handmade baby outfit. The charming dot stitch adds subtle texture without complexity, while the raglan cardigan construction and comfortable thighs or leggings make this set both beautiful and practical for everyday wear. Whether you're knitting for your own little one or creating a treasured gift, this complete three-piece ensemble will become a beloved part of baby's first wardrobe. 🧶 Happy knitting! 🧵✨

You ask,

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FAQs

Can I substitute a different yarn weight for this pattern?

It's best to stick with fingering weight yarn for this pattern, as using a different weight will significantly change the sizing and drape of the finished pieces. If you want to use a different weight, you'll need to recalculate all the stitch counts and measurements based on your gauge swatch.

I'm having trouble understanding the dot stitch chart—can I work it from written instructions instead?

Yes, the written instructions for the dot stitch are provided in the glossary section. The pattern repeats every 8 rows, alternating between purled dots on a knit background. All wrong side rows are purled, which simplifies the pattern significantly.

What's the difference between the thighs and legging options, and how do I choose?

The thighs option includes full feet and is perfect for keeping baby warm and cozy, especially for newborns. The legging option stops at the ankle with ribbing, making it ideal for active toddlers who need access to their feet for crawling or walking. Instructions for both are included in the pattern.

How do I adjust the sizing if I'm between sizes or want a looser fit?

Check the finished measurements table carefully and choose based on the actual measurements rather than age. Baby sizes vary significantly. For a looser fit, go up one size, but keep in mind this will also affect the length of the pieces, which you may need to adjust.

Can I work the cardigan without the side buttonband, making it a pullover instead?

While the pattern is specifically designed for a side-buttoning cardigan, you could theoretically adapt it to work in the round entirely and create a pullover. However, this would require significant modifications to the neckline construction and you'd lose the charming side-button detail that makes this pattern unique.