How to Make Easy Knitted Pants for a 3–6 Month Old

Absolutely! Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide you can follow with confidence 😊
I’ll keep it simple, forgiving, and practical—no fancy techniques required.

How to Make Easy Knitted Pants for a 3–6 Month Old

Beginner-friendly project – even if this is your first garment!

These baby pants are soft, stretchy, and comfy, with a simple elastic waistband and straight legs. They’re perfect for everyday wear and make a lovely handmade gift.

1. What You’ll Need

🧶 Materials

• Yarn:

  • Soft DK or light worsted weight yarn

  • About 100–150 grams

  • Choose cotton, bamboo, or baby acrylic (machine-washable is best!)

• Knitting needles:

  • Size 4 mm (US 6) or 4.5 mm (US 7) straight or circular needles

• Elastic:

  • 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) wide

  • Length: baby waist + a little extra

• Other tools:

  • Tapestry needle

  • Scissors

  • Safety pin (for elastic)

  • Measuring tape

2. Size Guide (3–6 Months)

These are approximate measurements (babies vary!):

• Waist: 42–44 cm (16.5–17.5 in)

• Hip: 46 cm (18 in)

• Leg length (waist to ankle): 28–30 cm (11–12 in)

👉 The elastic waistband makes this very forgiving.

3. Stitches & Skills Used

Perfect for beginners—you only need to know:

• Knit stitch

• Purl stitch

• Cast on

• Bind off

• Simple sewing

Stitch patterns used:

• Rib stitch (k1, p1) – for waistband and cuffs

• Stockinette stitch – for the main body

4. Gauge (Don’t Stress Too Much!)

Approximate gauge:

• 22 stitches = 10 cm (4 in) in stockinette stitch

If your gauge is slightly off, it’s okay—baby clothes are forgiving.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Knit the Waistband

1. Cast on 88 stitches

2. Knit in 1×1 rib (knit 1, purl 1) for 5–6 cm (2–2.5 in)

3. This creates a stretchy waistband and a neat edge

💡 Tip: Knit snugly but not tight—stretch matters here!

Step 2: Knit the Body

1. Switch to stockinette stitch

   • Right side: knit

   • Wrong side: purl

2. Knit straight for 14–15 cm (5.5–6 in)

This section covers the hips and diaper area.

Step 3: Split for the Legs

1. Divide stitches in half:

   • 44 stitches for each leg

2. Place one half on hold (or another needle)

Step 4: Knit the First Leg

1. Continue in stockinette stitch

2. Knit for 12–13 cm (4.5–5 in) from the split

3. Switch to rib stitch (k1, p1) for 3 cm (1–1.25 in) for the cuff

4. Bind off loosely

Step 5: Knit the Second Leg

• Repeat the exact same steps as the first leg

🎉 You now have the full knitted shape!

6. Finishing Touches

Step 6: Sew the Seams

1. Fold the pants in half

2. Sew:

   • Each leg seam

   • The crotch seam

3. Use mattress stitch or simple whip stitch

Step 7: Add the Elastic

1. Fold the waistband inward to create a casing

2. Sew around, leaving a small opening

3. Thread elastic through using a safety pin

4. Overlap elastic ends and sew securely

5. Close the opening

💡 Make sure the elastic is snug but not tight!

7. Beginner Tips for Success 🌱

• Choose light-colored yarn—it’s easier to see stitches

• Count stitches every few rows

• Don’t worry about perfection—babies won’t judge 😉

• If unsure about size, go slightly bigger (babies grow fast!)

8. Customization Ideas

• Add stripes using two colors

• Knit longer cuffs for a grow-with-me style

• Add a small decorative button (sewn securely)

Final Thoughts

These easy knitted baby pants are a fantastic first clothing project. They knit up quickly, don’t require shaping skills, and are super practical. Once you make one pair, you’ll want to make more!

If you’d like, I can also:

• Simplify this into a printable pattern

• Convert it to knitting in the round

• Adjust it for newborn or 6–12 months

Watch video: