How to Make a Big Kids Crochet Sweater

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a big kid’s crochet sweater, ideal for children aged around 6 to 12 years old. This pattern will be easy to adjust for size and will use basic crochet techniques, so it’s perfect for confident beginners or intermediate crocheters.

How to Make a Big Kids Crochet Sweater

(Pullover style, with simple construction — made in panels and seamed together)

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn – around 800–1200 yards depending on size

  • E.g., Red Heart Soft, Caron Simply Soft, or Paintbox Yarns Aran

• Hook: Size H/5.0 mm crochet hook (check gauge!)

• Tapestry needle for sewing panels

• Stitch markers

• Measuring tape

• Scissors

Sizing:

This guide gives a base size for a Child Size 8 (approx. 26–28″ chest) with tips to adjust for sizes 6–12.

To resize:

• Add/subtract stitches in multiples of 2

• Adjust length measurements

• Refer to a child’s garment size chart for chest and sleeve measurements

Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms):

• ch – chain

• sc – single crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• dc – double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• st(s) – stitch(es)

• RS/WS – right/wrong side

Sweater Construction Overview:

• Made in 4 panels: Front, Back, 2 Sleeves

• Panels are worked flat, then seamed

• Neckline and cuffs added afterward

Step-by-Step Instructions:

✅ Step 1: Gauge Swatch (Important!)

Make a 4” x 4” square in hdc

• You should have about 13 sts x 10 rows = 4”

• Adjust hook size if needed

Step 2: Back Panel

(For Child Size 8 — about 15” wide x 18” long. Adjust as needed.)

Foundation Row:
Ch 50 (adjust in multiples of 2 for width)
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (49 sts)
Row 2–48: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across.
→ Continue until panel measures approx. 18″ or desired length

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Step 3: Front Panel

(Same as back panel, with optional neckline shaping)

Repeat rows 1–40 exactly like the back.

Neck shaping (optional):
Row 41: Hdc in first 20 sts, fasten off.
Join yarn to last 20 sts, hdc across.
→ This creates a 9-st gap in the center for the neckline.

Rows 42–48: Continue each shoulder piece separately for 7 more rows.
Fasten off both sides.

Step 4: Sleeves (Make 2)

Foundation Row: Ch 34
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch and across (33 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc across

Every 4th row: Increase 1 st at each end (for shaping)
→ Do this 3 times = 39 sts

Continue until sleeve measures about 14” long
(finish on an even-numbered row)

Fasten off.

Step 5: Assembly

1. Lay panels flat, right sides facing each other

2. Sew shoulders (about 3–4” on each side of neckline)

3. Attach sleeves to body:

   • Fold sleeves in half to find center

   • Align center with shoulder seam

   • Sew across top of sleeve to body panel

4. Sew side seams and underarms

   • From wrist to armpit to bottom of sweater

Turn right side out.

Step 6: Neckline (Optional Ribbing)

Join yarn to neckline.

Round 1: Sc evenly around neckline. Join with sl st.
Round 2–4: Ch 1, sc in each st around.
→ For a ribbed look: use front loop only (FLO) or back loop only (BLO)

Fasten off, weave in ends.

✅ Optional: Bottom Ribbing & Cuffs

Attach yarn to bottom hem or sleeve ends and work 3–5 rounds of sc in BLO for a stretchy finish.

Customization Ideas:

• Add stripes or color blocking

• Use different stitch patterns (e.g., moss stitch or waffle)

• Add a pocket or hood

• Make it oversized for layering

Care Instructions:

Most worsted weight yarns are machine washable, but always check the yarn label.

• Wash cold, gentle cycle

• Lay flat to dry for best results

Watch tutorial: