Top Baby Clothes to Knit This Winter (featuring Knitting For Olive)

As winter settles over Australia, there's a shift in pace. The days grow shorter, the light gentler, and the urge to make grows stronger. There is something inherently comforting in the soft rhythm of knitting, a quiet joy in creating garments that wrap warmth and care into every stitch. When it comes to baby clothes, that connection becomes even deeper. These are pieces made not just for wear but for memory, each thread a reflection of love and intention.

Knitting for your baby isn't just practical; it's deeply personal. It's about choosing quality, sustainable fibres that gently touch delicate skin. It's about making something that holds. This season, as the air cools and we gather around our needles, we look to pieces that offer warmth, softness, and timeless beauty. At Thread Collective, we proudly offer a curated collection of Knitting for Olive patterns and ethical yarns that embody this ethos. Below, we explore a series of winter baby knitwear favourites to inspire your next project.

Essential Baby Knitwear for Winter

These are the pieces that don't just clothe a child; they become part of their story. Every design balances Scandinavian simplicity with heirloom quality, all available, along with their recommended yarns, through Thread Collective. Find designs that offer both everyday wearability and the charm of a future keepsake.

Hans Sweater

The Hans Sweater is a classic top-down knit with seamless raglan construction and simple stockinette stitch. Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, it’s perfect for keeping little ones warm during naps or on-the-go adventures. Knit it in two strands of Merino or Cotton Merino for extra cosiness and softness.

Shop the Hans Sweater Pattern & Yarn Pack

Olive Baby Cardigan

A cardigan made with care and ease in mind. The Olive Baby Cardigan features a button-down front that makes dressing a breeze, especially in fluctuating indoor-outdoor temperatures. Worked in breathable Merino wool, it rests gently on the skin, perfect for layering over rompers or pairing with trousers.

Shop the Olive Baby Cardigan Pattern & Yarn Pack

Baby Garter Cardigan

The Baby Garter Cardigan is simple, soft, and perfect for beginners. It's knitted in garter stitch from the top down using just one strand of Merino, Cotton Merino or Pure Silk. The sleeves can be worked flat and seamed or knit in the round, whatever suits your style and skill level. It's a sweet, practical piece to keep little ones cosy.

Shop the Baby Garter Cardigan Pattern & Yarn Pack

Oat Pants

Soft, simple, and incredibly snuggly, the Oat Pants are a staple in any baby’s winter wardrobe. Their slim yet stretchy fit makes them ideal for crawlers, little walkers, or bundled-up pram outings. Worked from the bottom up in the round, the pants feature a charted allover textured stitch made from knits and purls. Use one strand of Merino, Cotton Merino, or Pure Silk for a comfy and cosy finish.

Shop the Oat Pants Pattern & Yarn Pack

Olive's Ribbed Tights

Olive’s Ribbed Tights are a must-have staple for your baby’s first year. They’re worked in the round from the top down using one strand of Merino, Cotton Merino, or Pure Silk. Knitted in a flexible rib stitch, they stretch to fit and stay snug through every wiggle and roll. Ideal under a winter dress or paired with a long tunic, they’re a beautiful fusion of form and function.

Shop the Olive’s Ribbed Tights Pattern & Yarn Pack

Holly Bonnet

The Holly Bonnet adds both charm and protection from the elements. The openwork detail paired with tiny bobbles creates a face-framing flourish, while the snug fit ensures little ears stay warm. Crafted in Merino, Cotton Merino, or Pure Silk, it combines softness with structure. Complete the outfit with the Holly Romper or Holly Dress.

Shop the Holly Bonnet Pattern & Yarn Pack

Olive's Ribbed Jumpsuit

An all-in-one knit for all-day cosiness. Olive's Ribbed Jumpsuit stretches with the wearer, making it ideal for sleep or play. The rib texture allows it to gently cling to the wearer, holding warmth close without restriction. It’s worked from the bottom up, both flat and in the round, using one strand of Merino, Pure Silk, or Cotton Merino. A beautiful example of functional elegance.

Shop the Olive’s Ribbed Jumpsuit Pattern & Yarn Pack

Holly Romper

With a decorative lace pattern and puffed lower shape, the Holly Romper is both sweet and snug. Designed for layering, it fits comfortably over tights or bodysuits, making it a go-to for colder days. Finished with thoughtful closures, it's as practical as it is pretty.

Shop the Holly Romper Pattern & Yarn Pack

Snowberry Dress

Textural and whimsical, the Snowberry Dress offers warmth and softness with graceful movement. Its flared skirt and long sleeves provide coverage, while the delicate patterning brings elegance to everyday wear. Layer it up or let it shine solo indoors.

Shop the Snowberry Dress Pattern & Yarn Pack

Lace Beanie

With its soft scalloped edges and delicate lace patterning, the Lace Beanie is a beautiful layer for cooler days. It’s worked in the round from brim to crown using two strands of yarn, combining texture and breathability. Choose Merino for warmth or Pure Silk and Cotton Merino for lighter, in-between weather.

Shop the Lace Beanie Pattern & Yarn Pack

Best Yarn Choices

The right yarn transforms a pattern into a cherished garment. For babies, natural fibres are indispensable: they breathe, insulate, and comfort. At Thread Collective, we stock yarns that are not only gentle but also ethically sourced and sustainable.

• Merino: Merino wool is a favourite for baby knits and is exceptionally soft and thermoregulating. It keeps little bodies warm while allowing skin to breathe. Ideal for everything from jumpers to bonnets.
• Cotton Merino: For babies prone to overheating or for climates that shift quickly, Cotton Merino offers a breathable, midweight option. It blends softness and structure beautifully.
• No Waste Wool: Sustainably spun from surplus fibres, this eco-conscious choice doesn't compromise on quality. It's warm, rustic, and ideal for outerwear like sweaters and trousers.
• Pure Silk: Luxuriously soft and naturally temperature-regulating, Pure Silk is perfect for base layers or fine accessories. Its gentle sheen and featherlight touch make it a special fibre for precious knits.

Layering Strategies for Winter

Keeping babies cosy in winter is all about thoughtful layering. Each layer plays a part in regulating warmth without overheating.

Base Layer

Start with a gentle, close-fitting layer that sits next to the skin. Look for breathable, natural fibres like silk and merino wool, which help regulate temperature and wick moisture away. The Ribbed Tights or a lightweight Pure Silk or Merino Onesie designed by Knitting for Olive are perfect foundational pieces to keep your little one comfortable all day.

Middle Layer

Add insulation with stylish yet practical garments. The Holly Romper or Snowberry Dress layer effortlessly over the base, offering warmth without bulk. These pieces are ideal for indoor wear or for layering under coats when heading outside.

Outer Layer

Top it off with a cosy outer layer that locks in warmth. Choose from the Hans Sweater, Garter Baby Cardigan, Olive Baby Cardigan, or the versatile Ribbed Jumpsuit. These items are easy to slip on and off as needed, making transitions between outdoor chill and indoor heat a breeze.

Accessories

Don’t forget to keep baby’s head warm—an essential step in maintaining overall body warmth. The Holly Bonnet or Lace Beanie from Knitting for Olive are both charming and practical options, offering just the right amount of coverage for chilly days.

Wrap Your Winter Knits in Love and Intention

Each baby garment you knit carries a story, not just of design and fibre but of quiet evenings, warm hands, and enduring love. These are more than clothes; they're keepsakes made with care and intention.

At Thread Collective, we honour that process by offering thoughtfully chosen patterns and ethical yarns that support your making journey. Whether you're knitting for your own child, a beloved grandbaby, or a friend's little one, we invite you to browse our collection and dream up your next handmade treasure.

With each stitch, you create more than warmth. You craft a legacy of softness, beauty, and sustainability—one winter knit at a time.