How to Make a Very Easy Crochet Baby Cardigan

Sure! Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to make a very easy crochet baby cardigan, along with a simple crochet knitting pattern that you can follow. This will be a top-down, seamless baby cardigan, suitable for babies aged 0–3 months. I’ll walk you through each step.

How to Make a Very Easy Crochet Baby Cardigan

(With Crochet Knitting Pattern for 0–3 Months)

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Soft baby yarn (DK/Light worsted, weight #3), approx. 150g

• Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6)

• Buttons: 3–5 small buttons

• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends

• Scissors

• Stitch markers (optional)

Abbreviations (US Terms):

Size:

• This pattern fits a baby aged 0–3 months

• Chest circumference: ~16–17 inches (40–43 cm)

• Length: ~9 inches (23 cm)

Construction:

This cardigan is worked top-down in one piece using double crochet stitches. No seaming required.

Pattern Instructions:

1️⃣ Yoke (Top of the Cardigan)

Start with foundation chain:

Ch 52

Row 1 (Setup row):

• Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across. (Total: 50 dc)

• Turn.

Row 2 (Mark raglan points):

We now divide for raglan increases.

• Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in next 6 sts,

• (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st → Place stitch marker here (1st raglan)

• Dc in next 8 sts,

• (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st → Place marker (2nd raglan)

• Dc in next 14 sts,

• (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st → Place marker (3rd raglan)

• Dc in next 8 sts,

• (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st → Place marker (4th raglan)

• Dc in last 7 sts, turn.

Rows 3–9 (Increase Rows):

• Ch 2, dc in each dc across, placing (dc, ch 1, dc) in each ch-1 space from previous row (raglan points).

• Remember to move your stitch markers to the new ch-1 space each row.

After Row 9, you should have increased to about 98–106 stitches total.

2️⃣ Separate Sleeves from Body:

Row 10:

• Dc across to first raglan point,

• Dc in ch-1 space,

• Skip all sleeve stitches, and ch 6 (creates underarm),

• Dc in next raglan point,

• Dc across back section,

• Dc in raglan,

• Skip sleeve stitches, ch 6 again,

• Dc in last raglan point and finish dc across front.

• Turn.

Now you are only working the body, sleeves will be done later.

3️⃣ Body (Work Even):

Rows 11–18:

• Ch 2, dc in each dc and ch st across.

• Turn at end of each row.

Continue until body measures about 6–7 inches from neckline or your desired length.

Optional: Add 1–2 rows of sc at bottom for a neater finish.

4️⃣ Sleeves:

Join yarn in the underarm chain space of one sleeve.

Round 1:

• Work dc evenly around the sleeve (about 26–28 dc),

• Join with sl st.

Rounds 2–7 (or desired length):

• Ch 2, dc around, sl st to join.

• Optional: Decrease 1–2 stitches every couple rounds for a taper.

End with a round of sc if desired.

Repeat for second sleeve.

5️⃣ Button Band and Neckline:

Front Edge (button band):

• Join yarn at bottom of front edge.

• Work 2 sc in each dc row up to neckline, across neck, then down opposite side.

Buttonholes (optional):

• On one side (typically right for girls, left for boys), make buttonholes every ~1.5 inches:

  • Use: sc, ch 1 (skip 1), sc – for small buttonholes.

Repeat sc row for reinforcement if needed.

6️⃣ Finishing:

• Sew buttons onto opposite side.

• Weave in all ends.

• Block lightly with steam or water to shape if desired.

✅ Tips for Success:

• Always count your stitches to keep the shape correct.

• Use stitch markers at raglan points to avoid mistakes.

• Try the cardigan on a doll or lay flat to check fit as you go.

Customization Ideas:

• Add stripes or contrast colors.

• Add a hood (just work sc or dc rows from neck edge).

• Add ruffles or edging for a decorative touch.

Watch tutorial: