Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step guide on how to crochet a baby hoodie, written so even a confident beginner can follow it. Let me know if you want a pattern with exact stitch counts for a specific size (newborn, 3–6 mo, 6–12 mo, 12–18 mo, 2T)—I can write a full printable pattern too.

🧶 How to Crochet a Baby Hoodie

A detailed, beginner-friendly guide

⭐ Materials You Will Need

• Yarn: Medium (4) worsted-weight acrylic or cotton blend, 300–450 yards depending on size

• Hook: Usually 5.0 mm (H) or recommended size for your yarn

• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, optional buttons

• Gauge (important for sizing): 16 sts × 20 rows = 4 in/10 cm in half double crochet (This can vary; adjust hook size as needed.)

🧵 Construction Overview

A baby hoodie is usually made in four main parts:

1. Back Panel

2. Two Front Panels

3. Sleeves

4. Hood

5. Seaming + Edging

You can work it straight (rectangular shapes) and then seam, making it easy for beginners.

🧸 Step-by-Step Instructions

🟦 1. Crochet the Back Panel

1. Foundation chain the width of your desired size.

   • Example: Chain 40–55 (depends on age; I can calculate this for your size).

2. Row 1: HDC (half double crochet) in 2nd chain and across. Turn.

3. Row 2–X: Continue HDC back and forth until the panel reaches the length from shoulder to waist (usually 10–13 inches for baby sizes).

✔ This creates a simple rectangle.

🟥 2. Crochet the Two Front Panels

You will make two identical rectangles that each cover half the front.

1. Foundation chain: About half the number used for the back.

2. Work in HDC rows until the length matches the back panel.

3. If you want a V-neck, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row near the top.
   If not, just keep it straight—very beginner-friendly.

✔ Leave top edges straight so they seam cleanly to the hood later.

🟫 3. Crochet the Sleeves

1. Foundation chain the baby’s arm length from wrist to underarm.

2. Work HDC rows, increasing 1 stitch at each edge every 4 rows to create a gentle widening.

3. Continue until the sleeve reaches baby’s upper-arm width.

4. Make two identical sleeves.

✔ Sleeves should be slightly tapered; baby clothing is forgiving.

🟪 4. Crochet the Hood

The hood is just a large rectangle folded in half.

1. Foundation chain equal to the neck opening height (usually 9–11 in).

2. Work HDC rows until the rectangle is long enough to wrap over the head (usually 10–12 in).

3. Fold the rectangle in half and seam one side closed—this creates the curved top of the hood.

✔ The open edge attaches to the neckline later.

🧵 5. Assembly (Seaming)

Use whip stitch or slip-stitch join.

1. Attach shoulders: Sew front panels to the top of the back panel.

2. Attach sleeves: Lay sleeves flat and seam their tops to the armholes.

3. Seam sides: Fold the whole piece and sew the sides and sleeve seams.

4. Attach the hood: Sew hood’s open edge evenly around the neckline.

🎀 6. Add Edging (Optional but Cute!)

You can add edging around the front opening and hood:

• Work single crochet all the way around the front opening and hood.

• Do 2–3 rows for a thicker border.

• Optional: Add button loops and sew on wooden or plastic buttons.

💡 Tips for Success

• Check gauge so the hoodie isn’t too small or too large.

• Use stitch markers to keep count and mark increase rows.

• Choose soft yarn—baby skin is sensitive.

• Machine-washable acrylic or cotton blends are best.

Want a Printable Pattern?

I can write a complete pattern in standard crochet format for ANY size:

• Newborn

• 0–3 months

• 3–6 months

• 6–12 months

• 12–18 months

• 2T–4T

• Custom measurements

Just tell me the age/size you want, and whether you’d prefer:

• HDC, DC, or SC stitch

• Zipper or buttons

• Ears on the hood (bear, bunny, cat—super cute!)

Watch tutorial: