Kay's Korner - A Knitters Notes

Little ones enjoy the soft caress of hand knits, just as we do. Knitting for infants, toddlers, and growing children is a popular pastime. Whether booties, blankets, hats, toys, or togs, these smaller projects knit up quickly and make wonderful gifts. Here are a few tips to make these hand made treasures darling, durable, and well received.

First, natural fibers are not purely a luxury for wee knits. Wool remains warm and comfy even when damp and is so soft next to young skin. I choose superwash wool for children's blankets and clothing to keep knitted wool's wonderful qualities, yet be kind to busy moms on wash day. If the child is said to be sensitive to wool, cottons, cotton blends, soy, bamboo, and rayon are all excellent options. Avoid acrylic yarns for when exposed to extreme heat or fire, they melt! Need I say more?

It isn't necessary to limit your projects to baby yarns. Any quality yarn of the desired weight will work for children's knits and using them opens up a world of colorful options. What I call crayon colors - think of that box of 16 colors - look darling on toddlers. Babies also look charming in navy with white or cream trim or soft grays with pink trim. Red, white, and blue is always cute on toddlers as well as pumpkin and greens. I do avoid black and metallics, saving this drama for teens. I also avoid pure white, except for trims. Children's clothing gets lots of wear and washing and no mom wants to clothe her little munchkin in dingy white. An ivory christening ensemble is precious.

Be aware that babies have large heads and very small necks. Be sure to make neck edgings flexible and pullover items with adequate neck openings. Buttons are darling, but be sure they can not be easily removed and cause a choking hazard. Zippers and Velcro closures are handy; i-cord ties add whimsy. Snaps are popular on children's clothing, but I suggest sewing them first to grosgrain ribbon or bias tape before anchoring them to knit fabric.

As you know, little ones grow like little sprouts! If you make clothes with built in grow room, you increase the wear of your hand knit. Sleeves can be turned up for a cuff at first, then worn down when the child grows. Same goes for pant legs. A toddler's tunic can be a sweater later on, with a bit of planning. If items are knit top down, a snip of a single stitch will reveal live stitches, making it possible to add length to bottom edges of any garment. Use your imagination.

Do avoid knitting that will tangle up little fingers. Fair isle floats inside sleeves and mittens do not make for easy toddler dressing. The same holds true for lace and openwork stitch patterns. Reserve these techniques for yokes and hems. Keep ties short to avoid a choking hazard.

Finally, mom's and dad's always appreciate a hand knit for their wee ones, but if it is the child who you are aiming to delight, try knitting a stuffed animal or some other toy. For years my son had a strong attachment to a hand made pillow, where some toddlers love a special blankie. With intarsia or sewn on patches, a favorite hero, pictures of common items like simple sailboats or a big strawberry, and cartoon characters can be incorporated on handknits to make them more personalized. Steer clear of using the child's name on any embellishment. Although it is cute to see "Bobby" or "Zoe" on a sweater, a stranger can seem to be a friend when they approach a child knowing their name.

Copyright Kay Mather 2009