by Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step guide on how to crochet a baby girl’s cardigan, suitable for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. If you want, I can also convert this into a printable PDF pattern, add a diagram, or adjust sizing (0–3 mo, 3–6 mo, 6–12 mo, 1–2 yrs).
🧶 How to Crochet a Baby Girl’s Cardigan
Skill Level: Easy–Intermediate
Construction: Top-down (yoke), seamless, worked in rows
Size Provided: 0–3 months (I can add other sizes on request)
✨ Materials
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Yarn: 200–250 g DK (Light #3) baby-soft yarn
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Hook: 4.0 mm (US G)
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Notions: 3–5 small buttons, yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers
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Gauge: 16 stitches × 12 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in double crochet (dc)
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
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ch = chain
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sc = single crochet
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dc = double crochet
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sl st = slip stitch
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st(s) = stitch(es)
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sk = skip
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inc = increase (2 dc in same st)
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rep = repeat
🌸 Construction Overview
The cardigan is worked top-down in one piece:
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Make a yoke (neckline).
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Separate the stitches for sleeves and body.
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Work the body downward.
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Attach yarn to each armhole and crochet the sleeves.
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Add the button band and edging.
🧶 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Yoke (Top of Cardigan)
Foundation Chain: 52 ch
This creates the neckline.
Row 1:
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Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each st across. (50 dc)
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Turn.
Row 2 (Start of Raglan Increases):
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Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in next 6 sts, inc
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Dc in next 8 sts, inc
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Dc in next 12 sts, inc
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Dc in next 8 sts, inc
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Dc in last 7 sts.
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Turn. (Total increases: 4 corners)
Row 3–10:
Repeat Row 2, always placing increases in the stitches above last row’s increases.
After Row 10 the piece should have a rounded yoke and measure about 4.5–5 in (11–12 cm) from top.
2. Separate the Sleeves
Next Row:
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Dc to first increase point
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Ch 4 (creates underarm)
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Skip all sleeve sts until next increase
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Dc across the back until next increase
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Ch 4
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Skip sleeve sts
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Dc to end of row
Your cardigan now looks like a little rectangle with two open armholes.
3. Crochet the Body
Work the body in dc rows:
Rows:
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Ch 2, dc across.
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Repeat rows until body measures 5–6 in (13–15 cm) or desired length.
Optional: Add a decorative border at the bottom
Shell Stitch Row:
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Sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sc in next st. Repeat across.
4. Crochet the Sleeves (Make 2)
Attach yarn at armhole.
Round 1:
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Dc evenly around armhole (usually 26–30 sts).
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Join with sl st.
Round 2–8:
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Dc around.
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For tapered sleeves: dc2tog at the start of every 3rd round.
Optional: Add a shell border at the cuff.
Fasten off and weave ends.
5. Add Front Border and Buttonholes
Work along the cardigan’s front edges.
Right Side (Buttonhole Side):
Row 1: Sc evenly along edge.
Row 2:
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Sc 3, ch 2, sk 2 (buttonhole), sc across.
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Repeat buttonholes every 1.5–2 in.
Left Side:
Work 2 rows of sc evenly—no holes.
Fasten off.
🎀 Finishing Touches
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Sew buttons to line up with buttonholes
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Weave in all ends
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Lightly block cardigan to shape
💗 Tips for Success
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Use stitch markers for the four increase corners.
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For larger sizes, add 2–4 rows to the yoke, and increase foundation chain proportionally.
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For a frillier look, use a shell stitch for the entire bottom edge.
Want a Version With Pictures, Diagram, or Video?
I can create:
📌 A diagram of the yoke
📌 A printable, formatted PDF
📌 A baby cardigan in any size
📌 A softer “lacy” version for summer
Just tell me!
Watch tutorial:
