How to Make a Crochet Baby Cardigan / Baby Jacket

Sure! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make a crochet baby cardigan (baby jacket). This is perfect for beginners and can be customized in size, color, and design.

How to Make a Crochet Baby Cardigan / Baby Jacket

✅ Skill Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Soft, baby-friendly yarn (e.g., acrylic or cotton blend, DK weight or worsted)

• Hook Size: Typically 4.0mm (G/6) or 5.0mm (H/8), depending on yarn

• Scissors

• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

• Buttons (optional, 3-5 small buttons if you want a buttoned cardigan)

• Measuring tape

• Stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Size Reference Chart (Approximate):

You can adjust your pattern as needed by increasing or decreasing stitches/rows.

Stitches You Should Know:

• ch – chain

• sc – single crochet

• dc – double crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• inc – increase (2 stitches in one stitch)

• dec – decrease (combine two stitches)

BASIC BABY CARDIGAN CONSTRUCTION:

This cardigan is worked top-down (starting at the neckline), using a yoke method, then separating for sleeves and working the body.

✳️ STEP 1: Start the Yoke (Neckline)

Foundation Row (adjust based on size):

• Chain 54 (for 3–6 months size). This includes chains for back, front panels, and sleeves.

Row 1:

• Work dc in 4th chain from hook.

• Place stitch markers where the increases for the yoke go: usually at 4 points (after left front panel, sleeve, back panel, sleeve).

  • Example: 9 dc (front) – mark, 9 dc (sleeve) – mark, 18 dc (back) – mark, 9 dc (sleeve) – mark, 9 dc (front)

Row 2–7 (or until desired yoke depth):

• In each row, increase at marked stitches:

  • 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc in same stitch (this forms a corner increase).

• Continue dc in each stitch, and increase at each corner.

✳️ STEP 2: Divide for Body and Sleeves

After you’ve reached yoke depth:

• Fold to form armholes.

• Skip sleeve sections and only work on the front + back panels.

• For underarm, you can chain 4–6 stitches between front and back panels for extra room.

Example (Row 8):

• Dc across front panel,

• Chain 5 (to form underarm),

• Skip sleeve stitches,

• Dc across back,

• Chain 5,

• Skip other sleeve,

• Dc across final front panel.

✳️ STEP 3: Work the Body

• Continue working dc rows back and forth for the body section.

• Length is adjustable. Typical baby cardigan length is 10–12 inches.

• Add ribbing or decorative edging at the bottom if desired.

✳️ STEP 4: Sleeves

• Attach yarn to armhole.

• Work dc rounds or hdc rounds around armhole.

• Decrease slightly every few rows to taper the sleeve if desired.

• Work until sleeve is 4–6 inches (or desired length).

• Optionally, add ribbing or a cuff.

✳️ STEP 5: Finishing Touches

• Front edging: Work 1 or 2 rows of sc or hdc along the front opening for a neater finish.

• Buttonholes: If adding buttons, make small chain spaces in the edging row (e.g., ch 1, skip 1 st) for buttonholes.

• Sew buttons on opposite side.

• Weave in ends using tapestry needle.

Optional Design Variations:

• Use granny stitch for a more open, decorative look.

• Add a hood by crocheting a rectangle and sewing it to the neckline.

• Color changes: Stripe the cardigan with multiple baby-safe colors.

• Decorative edges: Add picot or shell stitch edging for a pretty border.

Tips:

• Always measure the baby (if possible) for best fit.

• Soft, washable yarn is key for comfort and practicality.

• Keep checking stitch counts and symmetry for a balanced cardigan.

• Blocking (lightly steaming/pressing) can help the cardigan shape nicely.

Want a Visual Pattern?

If you’d like, I can also recommend a free pattern or YouTube video tutorial for a baby cardigan. Let me know the age/size or style you prefer (e.g., classic, hooded, lacy, boy/girl-specific).

Watch tutorial: