Littlewing was designed to be an utterly basic garment—something simple enough for a beginner to knit and for the newest parent, still awed by the fragility of a tender babe, to put on. This garter-stitch vest has a one-piece construction (no seaming!) and can be opened out flat so that you simply place the baby atop the back section, flip the front over her head, and then fold in the sides to fasten with a pair of buttons or ribbon ties. If you’re worried about a larger baby pulling or sucking on the buttons, you can put the vest on backward to fasten in the back—the neckline is identical fore and aft so there’s no wrong way to do it.

Sized for babies newborn up to 2 years old, Littlewing uses DK-weight wool—150-250 yards—and makes a perfect shower present.