The joy of knitting for babies begins well before they arrive, as we weave own stories, thoughts, care and anticipation into every loving stitch.

The finished product is a physical manifestation of warmth and love that can be wrapped around the baby and carried carefully from one generation to the next.

Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly

From the photos we've seen so far, Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford's circular baby shawl appears to be made from the well-known 'Bubbles' pattern by the British knitting brand Patons. RNZ understands it was knit in New Zealand wool - 2 ply merino from the Taihape wool company. (For non-knitters, 2 ply is very fine yarn).

Originally published in the 1940s, the pattern for this shawl is now in the public domain and available for free online.

Since European settlers first brought over their cherished handknits and knitting skills in the 19th century, New Zealanders have been crafting hand-knit shawls to wrap up our newest citizens.

Fine lace shawls such as Neve's (known as 'Shetland shawls') which feature designs reflecting the natural environment, were first popular in England and Scotland in the early 19th century.

Lace in knitting is more than simply decorative: the holes in lace help trap warm air, making it a light breathable fabric that provides just as much warmth as a heavier weight blanket - and perfect to keep new babies cosy.

Patons developed the 'Bubbles' shawl pattern as part of a collection that made the intricate Shetland shawls accessible to the home knitter.

Photo: Getty Images

One of New Zealand's most skilled spinners, knitters and lacemakers is Margaret Stove, who was commissioned to design, spin and knit a shawl for Prince William's birth in 1982.

Her Bush Bouquet Shawl took nearly 400 hours of work and was an original design featuring traditional Māori motifs and native flora.

In 2013, Margaret designed the Filmy Fern shawl (which was handspun and knitted by Cynthia Read of Cambridge) as New Zealand government's official gift to Prince George.

While Margaret's designs are sometimes special state gifts, she says her primary purpose for the patterns is that they become a family collection that reflects New Zealand's heritage.

Margaret's shawls have kept her own grandchildren and great grandchildren warm, just as her grandmother's shawl will surround Neve.

The pattern for the Filmy Fern shawl can be found in Margaret Stove's most recent book, Wrapped in Lace.

Tash Barneveld owns a yarn shop and a hand- dyed yarn business, co-organises an unconference for women and knits rather a lot.