Cobalt Sheep Raglan Romper: Free Knit Pattern

Introduction

This little romper is a sweet, snuggly project for the newest baby in your life, sized to fit 0–6 months. It is knit from the top down in one piece, so there is almost no seaming, and the raglan yoke grows quickly into a soft cobalt body with a cream sheep peeking out on the chest. The orange ribbed bands at the neckline, cuffs and leg hems add a cheerful pop of color, and the short straight legs keep it easy to slip on and off. Worked in baby-soft acrylic, it feels gentle against delicate skin and washes beautifully for everyday wear.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Baby-soft acrylic, DK weight, approx. 300 yards total: Cobalt (MC) 200 yards, Cream (CC1) 30 yards, Orange (CC2) 50 yards.
• Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) circular needle, 60 cm, and a set of 3.75 mm (US 5) double-pointed needles, or the size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, a tapestry needle, a 3.75 mm (US 5) crochet hook for the sheep, a small amount of black yarn for the face, and a tiny bit of toy stuffing.
• Finished size: To fit 0–6 months — chest circumference 46 cm, body length (neck to crotch) 28 cm, sleeve length 14 cm, leg length 10 cm.

Abbreviations

• CO — cast on.
• k — knit.
• p — purl.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• pm — place marker.
• yo — yarn over (wrap the yarn around the needle to make a new stitch).
• inc — increase (work two stitches into one).
• dec — decrease (work two stitches together into one).
• sc — single crochet.
• BO — bind off.
• rep — repeat.

Gauge

22 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm in stockinette stitch. Knit a small swatch in the round or flat, then measure a 10 cm section in the middle to check that your stitch and row counts match before you begin.

Tips Before You Start

• Place a marker on each side of every raglan stitch so you can spot the increase points at a glance — the paired yarn-overs sit just before and after each one.
• Work the yarn-overs as knit stitches on the following row so they form neat, closed raglan lines.
• Try the romper on your baby (or measure against a similar garment) after the yoke to confirm the chest fits before you divide for the body.
• Keep your bind-offs on the cuffs and leg hems loose so they stretch easily over little hands and feet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Neckband (CC2)

Setup: Using CC2, CO 64 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1–4: k1, p1 rib (64 sts).

Change to MC.

Raglan Setup

Rnd 5: k10 (back), pm, k1 (raglan), pm, k7 (sleeve), pm, k1, pm, k20 (front), pm, k1, pm, k7, pm, k1, pm, k10 (back) (64 sts).

Raglan Increases

Rnd 6 (inc): [k to marker, yo, k1, yo] rep 4 times, k to end (72 sts).

Rnd 7: k all sts, working each yo as k1 (72 sts).

Rnds 8–47: rep Rnds 6–7 twenty times more (176 sts).

At this point the stitches are divided as: back 44, front 44, sleeves 36 each, raglan 1 each.

Divide for Body and Sleeves

Next rnd: k to first raglan, remove marker, place raglan st on holder, CO 4 sts underarm, place next raglan st on holder, k to next raglan, remove marker, place raglan st on holder, CO 4 sts underarm, place last raglan st on holder, k to end (Body: 44 + 4 + 44 + 4 = 96 sts).

Body

Rnds 1–36: k all sts in stockinette until body measures 12 cm from underarm (96 sts).

Shape Crotch

Next row: k48, turn. Work back and forth on these 48 sts for 2 cm. Break yarn.

Next: Rejoin yarn to the remaining 48 sts and work back and forth for 2 cm.

Next: Join both halves and continue in the round for 2 cm (96 sts).

Legs (make 2)

Divide sts equally for two legs (48 sts each).

Rnds 1–18: Work each leg in stockinette for 6 cm (48 sts).

Change to CC2.

Rnds 19–24: Work 2 cm in k1, p1 rib (48 sts).

Next: BO loosely.

Sleeves (make 2)

Place 36 held sleeve sts on needles. Pick up and knit 4 sts underarm (40 sts).

Rnds 1–24: Work in stockinette for 8 cm (40 sts).

Change to CC2.

Rnds 25–30: Work 2 cm in k1, p1 rib (40 sts).

Next: BO loosely.

Sheep Appliqué (CC1)

Using the crochet hook and CC1, make a chain of 10 sts and join in a ring.

Rnd 1: 12 sc in ring (12 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 3: sc around (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Stuff lightly.

Rnd 5: dec x6 (6 sts). Close.

Embroider the face with black yarn. Sew the sheep to the chest.

Assembly and Finishing

Because this romper is knit top down, the only seaming is the small underarm gaps, which are closed as you pick up the sleeve stitches. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side, taking care not to pull them tight. Sew the sheep appliqué securely to the center front of the chest with small, even stitches. Block lightly by misting with water and patting into shape, then lay flat to dry — avoid stretching the ribbed bands.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the orange bands for a soft mint or lemon for a different look, or work the sheep in a contrasting pastel.
• Add a few buttons and a small button loop at the crotch join for easier diaper changes.
• For a warmer version, extend the sleeves and legs to full length, adding extra stockinette rounds before the ribbing.