Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step guide on how to crochet a hooded coat for a baby girl. This is written so that even a confident beginner/intermediate crocheter can follow it. You can adapt yarn, colors, or stitch patterns as you like.

🧵 How to Crochet a Hooded Coat for a Baby Girl

(Detailed, beginner-friendly instructions)

1. Materials You Will Need

• Yarn: Soft, baby-safe yarn (DK/Light worsted #3 or worsted #4). Acrylic or cotton blends are best for washability.

• Hook: Size recommended on your yarn label (commonly 4mm–5mm).

• Tapestry needle for weaving ends.

• Stitch markers (optional but helpful).

• Buttons (2–5 depending on style).

• Scissors.

2. Measurements & Sizing

Use these approximate baby-coat chest widths:

You can adjust by adding or subtracting rows.

3. Stitch Knowledge Needed

You only need these basics:

• Chain (ch)

• Slip stitch (sl st)

• Single crochet (sc)

• Half-double crochet (hdc) or double crochet (dc) (your choice)

• Increasing (2 stitches in the same stitch)

• Decreasing (sc2tog or dc2tog)

4. Construction Method

This baby coat is made in five parts:

1. Back panel

2. Two front panels

3. Sleeves

4. Hood

5. Assembly & edging

You can also crochet it in one piece (yoke-down), but this pattern uses separate panels for clarity.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

A. Back Panel

1. Foundation chain
   Chain enough stitches to match the coat width.

   • Example (6–12 mo): Chain 45–50.

2. Row 1:
   Hdc in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn.

3. Rows 2–X:
   Hdc in each stitch across until the back panel reaches the desired length (shoulder to bottom).

   • For 6–12 mo: about 11–13 inches long.

4. Fasten off.

B. Left Front Panel

1. Chain half the back panel width plus 2 stitches for overlap (optional).

   • Example: Chain 22–25.

2. Work hdc rows until the panel matches the back panel height.

3. Shape the neckline:

   • When you reach the last 2 inches of height, stop stitching 2–3 stitches early on the neck side to round it.

   • Decrease 1 stitch every row for 3 rows.

4. Fasten off.

C. Right Front Panel

Make the same as the left front panel, but mirror the neckline shaping.

D. Sleeves

1. Chain enough for sleeve width.

   • Example: Chain 24–28 for 6–12 mo.

2. Work hdc rows.

3. Increase 1 stitch at each end every 4–5 rows to create a gentle bell or straight sleeve.

4. When the sleeve reaches 5–7 inches long (depending on age), fasten off.

E. Hood

1. Chain the width of the neck opening.

   • Usually same width as back panel or slightly less.

2. Work hdc/dc rows until the hood is tall enough to fold over the head.

   • Typical height: 7–9 inches.

3. Fold the hood rectangle in half and sew or slip-stitch the top edge closed.

6. Assembly

A. Attach the Front Panels to the Back

• Lay pieces flat.

• Join shoulders using whip stitch, mattress stitch, or slip stitches.

B. Attach the Sleeves

• Find the center of the sleeve top and match it with the shoulder seam.

• Sew or slip stitch around.

C. Sew Underarm & Side Seams

• Fold the coat and seam from sleeve cuff to armpit, then down the sides.

D. Attach the Hood

• Line up the hood opening with the neckline.

• Sew or slip stitch across evenly.

7. Edging (Optional but Recommended)

Edging makes the coat look professional.

1. Using your hook, work single crochet evenly around the front edges and hood.

2. Add buttonholes by chaining 2–3 and skipping stitches.

3. Make 1–3 rows for a sturdy border.

8. Buttons or Tie Closure

• Sew buttons securely (especially for babies).

• Space them evenly down one front panel.

• Ensure the buttonholes match the size.

Safety note: For newborns, consider a belt tie instead of buttons to avoid choking hazards.

9. Embellishments (Optional)

• Crochet flowers

• Teddy bear ears on the hood

• Little heart appliqués

• Decorative edging (shell, picot, crab stitch)

10. Tips for Best Results

• Work loosely so the coat is soft and flexible.

• Always steam-block or lightly wet-block the panels before assembly.

• Check the fit as you go—babies grow fast!

• Choose washable yarns only.

Would you like a full written pattern (with stitch counts for a specific age)?

I can generate one for 0–3 mo, 3–6 mo, 6–12 mo, or 12–18 mo, in any stitch style you prefer (hdc, dc, shell, etc.).

Watch tutorial: