How to Make a Crochet Baby Jacket – Starting from the Collar (Cardigan Style)

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make a crochet baby jacket (cardigan style), starting from the collar. This method is ideal for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike. We’ll be working top-down, beginning with the collar, shaping the yoke, separating the sleeves, and then finishing the body and sleeves.

How to Make a Crochet Baby Jacket – Starting from the Collar (Cardigan Style)

Basic Details:

• Age/Size: 0–6 months (can be adjusted)

• Skill Level: Easy–Intermediate

• Crochet Style: Top-down raglan style cardigan

• Construction: One-piece, no sewing required

• Yarn: Soft baby yarn (e.g., DK or light worsted weight, 100g)

• Hook Size: 4mm (G) or appropriate for your yarn

• Notions: Scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers, buttons (3–5)

Step 1: Design Planning and Measurements

Before crocheting, plan:

• Design style: Simple cardigan, lacy, textured, or hooded?

• Color scheme: Solid color, stripes, or multicolor?

• Type of collar: Flat collar, ribbed collar, Peter Pan, or hooded start?

For this guide, we’ll do a simple ribbed collar with a raglan-style cardigan.

Step 2: Starting the Collar

We’ll begin by making a ribbed collar using front post/back post half double crochet (fp/bp hdc) or back loop only (blo) stitches.

✨ Ribbed Collar (Back Loop Only)

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 8 (for a small ribbed collar height, adjust for thicker)

2. Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across (7 hdc). Ch 1, turn.

3. Row 2–60 (or until desired neck circumference is reached):

   • Hdc in back loop only across. Ch 1, turn.

NOTE: You can adjust the number of rows depending on your gauge and the baby’s neck circumference. 60 rows = ~30 cm unstretched.

4. Join into a circle (optional if open front) using slip stitch or leave open for a front-buttoned cardigan.

Step 3: Yoke (Raglan Increase Section)

Now you’ll crochet along the long edge of the collar to start forming the yoke.

Stitch Count Setup:

We’ll divide stitches for:

• Left Front

• Sleeve

• Back

• Sleeve

• Right Front

Example (44 stitches total along the edge):

• 7 (left front), 7 (sleeve), 16 (back), 7 (sleeve), 7 (right front)

1. Row 1 (Setup Row):

   • Sc or hdc evenly along the long edge of the collar (approx. 44 stitches)

   • Place stitch markers at raglan points (after 7, 14, 30, 37)

2. Row 2 (Raglan Increases):

   • Ch 2, dc in each stitch, 2 dc in each raglan point stitch (before and after marker)

3. Repeat Raglan Increases:

   • Continue working rows, increasing 2 stitches at each of the 4 raglan points (total +8 per row)

   • Work until you have:

     • 10–12 rows, or

     • Enough depth from neck to underarm (~9–11 cm for 0–6 months)

Step 4: Separate for Sleeves

1. At desired yoke depth, separate sleeves:

   • Work across front

   • Skip sleeve stitches (place them on stitch holder or chain to bridge)

   • Work across back

   • Skip other sleeve

   • Finish front

2. You now have only the body stitches on your hook.

Step 5: Work the Body

Continue working in rows or rounds (depending on open/closed style).

• Use dc, hdc, or preferred stitch

• Add decorative rows (e.g., shell, puff, or fan stitches)

• Length: Stop at ~18–22 cm from shoulder for 0–6 months

Optional:

• Add a bottom border: Ribbing, shell edging, or picot

Step 6: Sleeves

1. Return to sleeve stitches on holder.

2. Join yarn and work in rounds or rows.

3. Decrease slightly if you want a tapered sleeve.

4. Length: ~10–12 cm for 0–6 months.

5. Add a matching cuff (ribbed or decorative).

Step 7: Finishing Touches

• Add button band (sc rows along the front edge)

• Space buttonholes every 4–6 rows

• Sew on buttons

• Weave in ends

Optional Design Variations

• Add a hood after the yoke for warmth

• Use contrasting color for borders and sleeves

• Add applique or embroidery (flowers, animals, initials)

Washing and Care

• Use baby-safe yarn that is machine washable

• Hand-wash recommended for delicate patterns

Watch tutorial: