Special Body Warmer

NOTES: Special Body Warmer [Flat All in One] For use on Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Adapted by Cynthia

This little body warmer has been made by special request from some of the staff on the neo natal units. It has buttons on the shoulders and opens flat so that the nurses can dress baby with the minimum disturbance. The original was knit in 4ply and measures approx 13" round the chest. It can be made smaller or larger by using larger needles and DK wool or smaller needles and 3 ply wool. As always check with your nearest Neonatal unit to see what their requirements are.

Using 4 ply wool and No 10 needles [ ours weighed 15 grm ( 1/2oz)]

Cast on 89 stitches and knit 4 rows in garter stitch [Every row knit]
Row 5 :- Knit 2 yarn over needle, knit 2 together, knit to end
Row 6 :- Knit.
Keeping 3 stitches at each end in garter stitch. Work 24 rows in either stocking stitch or small pattern, making 2 further buttonholes on rows 9 and 19.

Divide for Arm holes
Next row:- Knit 24 stitches, turn, cast on 3 stitches. Knit 3 , purl to the last 3 stitches, Knit 3. [27 stitches, work on these stitches for the 1st front]
Next row:- Knit 3 , Knit 2 together, Knit to the last 5 stitches Knit 2 together Knit 3.
Stocking stitch 3 rows keeping to garter stitch borders.
Repeat last 4 rows, 4 times more, then 1st and second rows once [15 stitches]
Next row:- Garter stitch 4 rows
Next row:- Buttonhole row. Knit 7, yarn over needle Knit 2 together Knit to end
Next row:- Garter stitch 2 rows
Cast off

Rejoin Yarn, cast on 3 stitches. Knit 44 stitches, including 3 cast on, Turn, leaving 24 stitches for 2nd front, cast on 3 sts, 47 Sts for back.
Next row:- Knit 3, Purl to the last 3 stitches knit 3
Next row:- Knit 3, Knit 2 together, knit to the last 5 stitches knit 2 together knit 3.
Keeping the garter stitch border.
Work 3 rows stocking stitch,
Repeat the last 4 rows, 4 times more, then 1st and 2nd rows once (35 stitches)
Garter stitch 6 more rows.
Cast off
Rejoin Yarn.
Cast on 3 Sts knit to end
Work to match first front
Sew cast on stitches at arm holes
Sew on Buttons