Knits for Babies and Toddlers [Hardcover]

Fiona McTague (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2001

A captivating collection of clothing and accessories for infants and toddlers, from sweaters and jackets to hats, booties, toys, and blankets. 50 color photos, 25 color illustrations. A Crafter's Choice Book Club Main Selection

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This pattern collection includes a greater variety of more challenging projects than Erica Knight's Simple Knits for Cherished Babies (reviewed above), including a marvelous family of knitted rabbits and a quilt-inspired patchwork baby blanket. The author designs for Rowan, so patterns call for either Rowan or Jaeger yarns. Knitters and nonknitters will find this a beautiful book just to look through. High-quality photography, beautiful baby models, and line drawings add to the enjoyment of window shopping for the next project. For large public libraries and small libraries where demand warrants.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“McTague, one of Rowan’s extraordinary talents, has designed a winning collection of precious ensembles and accessories for infants and toddlers.” -- Vogue

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing; First U.S. edition (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761957
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761959
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #715,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Baby Knits!!, October 11, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knits for Babies and Toddlers (Hardcover)

I was really quite surprised about what I found to knit in this book. They have a LOVELY moon, star, & heart blanket, 3 beautiful sweater swing jackets for the little princess in your life, a wonderful fair isle twin set for your toddler, and beautiful cardigans for anyone you know who is having a baby.
A great book for the baby/toddler knitter's library.
Happy knitting!

Nanette of Fruitland, ID

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best pattern book ever, February 17, 2002

By 

L. Hendricks (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knits for Babies and Toddlers (Hardcover)

I rarely purchase pattern books, because usually only a handful of the patterns are original and interesting. This book was totaly different. Every pattern is worth making, and I've knitted up quite a few. These are not only beautiful, they're easy to read. I highly recommend it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My FAVORITE knitting book for babies, June 14, 2009

By 

Eve Starr Millett "eve starr knits" (texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knits for Babies and Toddlers (Hardcover)

When I saw the review that claimed this book was "booooring", I just had to leave my own review. I checked this one out of the library over and over until I knew I just had to buy it.

These patterns are refreshingly different; not "hip", trendy, or funky, just adorable. There are two bolero-type cardigans for girls. One is a simple cotton blend with a seed stitch border. The other is an all-over seed stitch with a cable twist edging all sides. The girls' Fair Isle jacket is sweet and simple, with bands of Fair Isle on the collar, cuffs, and hem. I also love the Crossover Top, which is an adorable long-sleeved wrap sweater which you can embroider with bullion-stitch flowers if you wish. There is also a nifty little Fair Isle Twinset for girls: a puffed-sleeve crewneck, bottom-ribbed top with one inset of Fair Isle across the top, and a matching cardigan with an all-over Fair Isle pattern.

If you feel like branching out into a little intarsia, there's a unisex pattern for the House, Heart and Flower Jacket and hat; the Heart, Star and Moon Blanket; a Scandinavian Jacket and Hat, complete with fir trees, hearts and moose!; Sampler Sweater (unisex also) with bands of bunnies, flowers, and sheep.
There is even a pattern for a matching Striped Bag and Hat.

For boys, I love the Nautical Jacket and Socks, Striped Tunic (a normal pullover, actually), the Hooded Seed Stitch jacket (chunky yarn, so works up quickly), Striped Romper Suit, Bodywarmer (sleveless zip-up vest with hood, cute little teddy bear ears on top!), and Three-in-One Guernseys.


There are three blanket patterns, a bunny family with clothes to knit, and a felted little puppy. In total, there are at least 10 patterns for girls and at least 8 patterns for boys.

My favorite is the Jacket with Lace Edging, a simple wool/cotton with a fitted bodice, slightly gathered skirt, and easy pointed lace at the hem and sleeves. The short stand-up collar and the bottom of the yoke are seed stitch. The author chose colors that I loved putting on my babies: navy, red, white, and of course lots of pastels.

I own lots of Debbie Bliss books, and lots of others. I have yet to find a book that has so many patterns that I love. The photos are large and clear and the babies are absolutely adorable.

Two caveats on this book, however. One, (big pet peeve of mine), no substitution information. No yardage, no CYCA number codes for the yarn weights. Rowan and Jaeger must have sponsored this book, because all of the yarns are by them. Most often used: Rowan cotton glace, wool cotton,Jaeger Aqua (all cotton), cashmere, baby merino. There is a little info in the front of the book on the yarns mentioned, so it is possible to come up with approximate yardage.

Peeve number two: many of the pattern directions are for one size, and there are no schematics to help you make adjustments.

As long as you're not a brand-new knitter, this book is a must. Everything is practical and comfy. A tip from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee: shorten baby sleeves by about an inch, since infants tend to keep their arms in a curved position most of the time. You don't want to have to roll up your lovely handwork.
One more thing: Fiona, if you read these reviews, I have a request. More patterns, sized up for toddlers. Thanks!