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Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern
4.9★ Rating
15-25 Hours Time Needed
2.4K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

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Slow & Steady

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

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Layered Comfort

Perfect for cozy, stylish layering through changing seasons with versatile, mix-and-match potential.

About This Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

The Waya Baby Hoodie is a top-down raglan construction sweater that combines traditional knitting techniques with meaningful cultural inspiration. Named after the Cherokee word for 'wolf,' this hoodie features a practical hood with optional button closure, decorative colorwork patches on the elbows, and your choice of a standard crew neck or full hoodie design. The pattern includes detailed instructions for nine different sizes ranging from newborn to 10 years old.

Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This sweater is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down with raglan shaping, making it easy to adjust length as you go. The rolled stockinette edges and contrasting hood lining add distinctive details that make this hoodie stand out.

Why You'll Love This Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern celebrates cultural heritage while creating something practical and beautiful for children. The top-down construction means you can try it on as you go and adjust the fit perfectly, which is so important for growing little ones. The elbow patches add such a charming touch of adventure-ready style, and I'm particularly fond of how the colorwork chart creates a striking focal point without being overwhelming. The option to choose between a simple crew neck or a full hoodie with button band means you can customize it to your child's needs and your knitting confidence level. Plus, the rolled edges give it that cozy, lived-in feel right from the start.

Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern step 1 - construction progress Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this pattern by playing with color combinations that reflect different landscapes and seasons. Instead of the earthy green and warm reds shown, try icy blues with silver grays for a winter wolf theme, or golden yellows with deep browns for an autumn-inspired version. The elbow patches are perfect for using up leftover yarns from your stash, so don't be afraid to mix and match contrasting colors that make the colorwork pop.

You could also change the patch design entirely by creating your own simple colorwork chart—maybe a geometric pattern, stars, hearts, or even initials. For a truly personalized touch, consider adding small embroidered details like the child's name on the inside of the hoodie or decorative stitching around the hood edge. If you're feeling adventurous, try alternating the ribbing pattern at the cuffs and hem with a different stitch pattern like seed stitch or broken rib for added texture.

Another fun variation is adjusting the hood depth for different looks—make it slightly shorter for a cozy pixie-style hood, or longer for a dramatic, oversized hood that can be folded back. You might also experiment with the button band by adding leather toggles instead of traditional buttons, or creating ties from I-cord for a softer bohemian aesthetic. The cultural inspiration behind this pattern makes it meaningful, so consider researching other cultural textile traditions and incorporating motifs that honor your own heritage or the heritage of the child who will wear it.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not maintaining consistent color dominance in colorwork sections can create uneven tension and muddy pattern definition throughout the elbow patches ✗ Forgetting to catch floats when working the colorwork chart every three to five stitches results in loose strands that can catch little fingers ✗ Failing to adjust needle size when colorwork creates tighter gauge leads to sleeves and patches that are too snug and restrictive for movement ✗ Placing raglan decreases inconsistently or missing rounds causes the yoke to pucker and creates an unflattering shoulder line that won't sit properly

Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

Create a cozy adventure-ready hoodie for your little one with this charming knitting pattern inspired by the meaning of 'wolf' in Cherokee heritage. This top-down raglan sweater features a warming hood with optional button band, decorative elbow patches with colorwork detail, and a rolled edge finish. Available in sizes from newborn to 10 years, this versatile pattern offers two neckline options and celebrates cultural significance while keeping tiny adventurers snug and stylish.

Intermediate 15-25 Hours

Materials Needed for Waya Baby Hoodie Knitting Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn in main color: 100-300 grams depending on size (Lettlopi, Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, or Brooklyn Tweed Tones recommended)
  • 02
    Contrast color 1: 50 grams maximum for patches and hoodie edging
  • 03
    Contrast color 2: 50 grams maximum for colorwork detail in patches

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Double pointed needles 3.5mm (US 4)
  • 02
    Double pointed needles 4.5mm (US 7)
  • 03
    Circular needle 60cm (24 in) 3.5mm (US 4)
  • 04
    Circular needle 60cm (24 in) 4.5mm (US 7)
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Stitch holders or waste yarn
  • 09
    Optional: Button (20-22mm) for hoodie closure

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Body :

Cast On :

Cast on (88, 94, 100) (108, 124, 132) (140, 148, 156) stitches on needle size 3.5mm with main color

Setup :

Place stitch marker to mark start of round and after (44, 47, 50) (54, 62, 66) (70, 74, 78) sts to mark front and back side

Rib Section :

Knit 5 rounds for rolled edge, then purl 3 rounds

Body Length :

Change to needle size 4.5mm and continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures (18, 18, 18) (20, 20, 25) (30, 34, 37) cm

Armhole Setup :

Place first (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) and last (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) stitches, total (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) stitches on waste yarn or stitch holder

— Arms :

Cast On :

Cast on (24, 24, 24) (24, 30, 30) (30, 30, 30) stitches on needle size 3.5mm with main color

Setup :

Place stitch marker to mark start of round

Rib Section :

Knit 5 rounds for rolled edge, then purl 3 rounds

Sleeve Increases :

Change to needle size 4.5mm, continue in stockinette stitch and increase 2 stitches on underside of sleeve (1 st after first st, 1 st before last st on round)

Continue Increases :

Repeat increases every 4th round until you have (36, 37, 38) (38, 38, 42) (46, 50, 54) stitches

Sleeve Length :

Knit until sleeve measures (18, 18, 20) (22, 24, 28) (32, 36, 40) cm

Armhole Setup :

Place first (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) and last (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) (3, 3, 3) stitches, total (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) stitches on waste yarn or stitch holder

Info :

Knit second sleeve same as first

— Yoke Without Hoodie :

Join Body and Sleeves :

Join body and sleeves on 4.5mm circular needle, place stitch marker at first join to mark start of round

Setup :

Work stockinette st over first sleeve, knit over front piece (42, 46, 48) (52, 56, 64) (70, 76, 82) stitches, drop next (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) stitches on stitch holder, knit over other sleeve and back piece for total (136, 144, 152) (160, 176, 192) (208, 224, 240) stitches

Raglan Setup :

Mark each merge with stitch marker, 4 stitches marked total

Raglan Decreases :

On each side of marked stitches, decrease 1 to left and 1 to right for total of 8 decreases per round (knit 2 together through back loops on right side of marked stitch, knit 2 straight stitches together on left side of marked stitch)

Continue Decreases :

Repeat decreases every other round until you have (68, 68, 70) (70, 74, 74) (74, 78, 78) stitches, change to shorter circular needle if necessary

Neck Ribbing :

Change to needle size 3.5mm and work 3cm rib (1 knit, 1 purl) with contrast color 1

Neck Finish :

Knit 5 more rounds for rolling edge, then bind off

— Yoke With Hoodie :

Join Body and Sleeves :

Join body and sleeves on 4.5mm circular needle, place stitch marker at first join to mark start of round

Setup :

Work stockinette st over first sleeve, knit over front piece (42, 46, 48) (52, 56, 64) (70, 76, 82) stitches, drop next (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) stitches on stitch holder, knit over other sleeve and back piece for total (136, 144, 152) (160, 176, 192) (208, 224, 240) stitches

Raglan Setup :

Mark each merge with stitch marker, 4 stitches marked total

Raglan Decreases :

On each side of marked stitches, decrease 1 to left and 1 to right for total of 8 decreases per round (knit 2 together through back loops on right side of marked stitch, knit 2 straight stitches together on left side of marked stitch)

Shape Hood :

After knitting (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10) cm, keep decreasing until stitches remain on needles while working hoodie

Hoodie Opening :

Bind off 6 stitches in middle of front of sweater, this becomes new beginning of round, yoke is now knit back and forth

Continue Decreases :

Repeat decreases every other round and knit 4cm or until (68, 68, 70) (70, 74, 74) (74, 78, 78) stitches remain on needles

Hoodie Back Setup :

Place 1 stitch marker in middle of back

Hoodie Length :

Knit until hoodie measures (18, 18, 18) (20, 20, 23) (23, 25, 25) cm

Hoodie Top Shaping :

In next (6, 6, 6) (8, 8, 8) (10, 10, 10) rows, decrease 1 st on each side of center back marker every 2nd round for total of (3, 3, 3) (4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 5) times

Hoodie Button Band Pickup :

Pick up stitches for button band: pick up 3 stitches, skip 4th st, repeat until reaching other end of hoodie, end with even number of stitches

Button Band Row 1 :

Knit 1 row in stockinette stitch

Button Band Ribbing :

Row 1: Purl 1, knit 1; Row 2: Knit 1, purl 1; repeat these rows until button band measures 4cm on all sizes

Optional Buttonholes :

After 2cm, knit 2 stitches together then bind off 1 stitch (adjust for larger buttons by binding off more stitches)

Button Band Finish :

Bind off in contrasting color and sew bottom of button band by laying over each other, hide steeked edges

Hoodie Assembly :

Graft underarm stitches and hoodie to close, kitchener stitch top of hoodie

— Arm Patches (Sizes 0-12 months) :

Cast On :

Cast on 11 stitches on needle size 3.5mm with contrast color 1 using only 1 strand

Info :

Do not join in round but knit back and forth

Knit Chart :

Knit the chart and increase and decrease accordingly

Bind Off :

Bind off loosely

Attach :

Attach patch on elbow of sweater

— Arm Patches (Sizes 2-10 years) :

Cast On :

Cast on 11 stitches on needle size 4.5mm with contrast color 1 using 2 strands held together

Info :

Do not join in round but knit back and forth

Knit Chart :

Knit the chart and increase and decrease accordingly

Bind Off :

Bind off loosely

Attach :

Attach patch on elbow of sweater

Optional :

If you prefer cleaner look of patches, add I-cord around the patches

— Final Assembly :

Underarm Seaming :

Sew sts under sleeves from RS with stitches

Finishing :

Attach loose thread ends and cut them off

Attach Patch :

Attach colorwork patches to elbows, add button to hoodie if desired

Assembly Instructions

  • Graft the underarm stitches using kitchener stitch to close the gap between body and sleeves seamlessly.
  • If working hoodie version, use kitchener stitch to close the top seam of the hood for an invisible finish.
  • Sew the button band edges together at the bottom where they overlap, hiding any steeked edges if you worked the hoodie in the round.
  • Attach the colorwork elbow patches to the sleeves, positioning them centered on the elbow area for best visual effect.
  • Weave in all loose ends carefully, especially around color changes and the hoodie opening.
  • Add button to hoodie closure if buttonholes were created, ensuring secure attachment for frequent use.
  • Block the finished sweater by soaking in lukewarm water with wool wash, then lay flat to dry on plastic surface rather than towels.

Important Notes

  • 💡Maintain consistent color dominance throughout colorwork by holding dominant color in left hand and background color in right hand
  • 💡Catch floats every 3-5 stitches when working colorwork patches to prevent loose strands that can catch little fingers
  • 💡Check gauge carefully before starting as this affects final measurements significantly for proper fit on growing children
  • 💡Consider going up a needle size if colorwork sections create tighter gauge than stockinette portions of sweater
  • 💡Use stitch markers to track raglan decrease points and avoid confusion during yoke shaping with multiple decrease rounds
  • 💡When blocking, use plastic surface rather than towels underneath to speed drying time and prevent dampness retention
  • 💡Pattern honors Cherokee cultural heritage, so please be respectful and aware of cultural significance when sharing your work

The Waya Baby Hoodie pattern celebrates cultural heritage while creating a practical, adventure-ready garment for little ones. With its top-down construction, optional hoodie design, and charming colorwork patches, this pattern offers knitters the flexibility to customize a cozy sweater that grows with your child. The raglan shaping creates a comfortable fit, while the contrasting details add personality and warmth. Whether you choose the simple crew neck or the full hoodie with button closure, you'll create a treasured handmade piece that honors tradition and embraces modern knitting techniques. Happy knitting, and may your needles dance with the spirit of adventure!

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FAQs

Can I work this pattern entirely in the round including the hoodie opening?

Yes, the pattern mentions you can work the hoodie in the round and steek the opening if you prefer. You'll need to reinforce the steek with sewing machine stitching or by hand before cutting, then hide the cut edges under the button band.

What does color dominance mean and why is it important for this pattern?

Color dominance refers to which color appears more prominent in colorwork. Hold the dominant color (the one you want to stand out in the patches) in your left hand and the background color in your right hand. Consistency is crucial throughout the project to maintain even tension and clear pattern definition.

How do I adjust the pattern if my gauge is slightly off?

If your gauge is tighter than specified, go up a needle size, especially for the colorwork sections which naturally create denser fabric. If looser, go down a size. The top-down construction allows you to try on as you go and adjust length easily.

Can I make this pattern without the elbow patches?

Absolutely! The elbow patches are a decorative element and can be omitted if you prefer a simpler look. The sweater will still be complete and functional without them.

What's the best way to attach the colorwork patches securely?

Pin the patches in place first to ensure proper positioning at the elbow area. Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to whipstitch around the edges, catching the back of stitches to keep the seam invisible from the right side. For a cleaner finish, add an I-cord border around the patches before attaching.

How much positive ease should I aim for when choosing a size?

For children's sweaters, aim for 2-4 inches of positive ease to allow for layering and growth. Measure the child's chest circumference and choose a size that's slightly larger than their actual measurements to ensure comfortable fit and longevity.