Below is a clear, detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to crochet a “braided” baby hoodie, including materials, stitch explanations, construction steps, and assembly. If you want, I can also turn this into a printable PDF-style pattern or add images/charts.

🧶 How to Crochet a “Braided” Baby Hoodie (Detailed Guide + Pattern)

This guide walks you through crocheting a cozy baby hoodie featuring a braided texture. The “braid” effect is usually created with front-post/back-post stitches, cables, or a braid stitch repeat.
This version uses an easy braided cable panel on the front and/or sleeves.

⭐ Size

Instructions fit 0–6 months, but I note where to adjust for larger sizes.

🧵 Materials

• Yarn: Soft worsted-weight (Category 4) baby yarn — approx. 350–450 yards
  (Cotton blends, acrylic, or bamboo are good for babies.)

• Hook: 5.0 mm (H) crochet hook

• Tapestry needle for sewing

• Stitch markers

• 4–6 small buttons (optional if adding a cardigan-style front)

• Scissors

🧶 Stitches Used

• ch — chain

• sl st — slip stitch

• sc — single crochet

• hdc — half-double crochet

• dc — double crochet

• fpdc — front-post double crochet

• bpdc — back-post double crochet

• Cable/Braid repeat: A simple 4-stitch cable (cross-front-post stitches)

🧩 Construction Overview

This hoodie is worked in 5 parts:

1. Back panel

2. Front panels (left + right)

3. Sleeves

4. Hood

5. Assembly + edging

The braided effect is added as a vertical panel wherever you choose (front panels or sleeves).

🪡 1. Back Panel

1. Chain 46 (for 0–6 months).
   For other sizes: chain in multiples of 4 + 2.

2. Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (45 sts)

3. Rows 2–30: hdc across each row.

   • This makes a simple, soft rectangle.

   • Adjust length for larger sizes (up to 36–40 rows).

Fasten off.

🪡 2. Front Panels (Make 2)

Each panel is half the width of the back.

Start the Braid Section

1. Chain 22.

2. Row 1: hdc across. (21 sts)

3. Row 2:

   • hdc in first 8 sts

   • Braid panel (4-st cable):
     skip next 2 sts, fpdc around the next 2 sts, fpdc around the skipped sts

   • hdc to end
     (21 sts)

4. Rows 3–4: repeat Row 2.

5. Rows 5–30:

   • To make the braid advance upward:

     • Every 4th row, switch the cable crossing direction (skip first 2, work next 2, then go back and fpdc around skipped stitches).

This creates a raised, rope-like braid.

Fasten off when length matches back panel.

🪡 3. Joining the Shoulders

Place the front panels on top of the back panel.
Sew or slip-stitch shoulders only, leaving armholes open.

🪡 4. Sleeves

1. Chain 26.

2. Row 1: hdc across (25 sts).

3. Rows 2–5: hdc across.

Add the braid (optional)

4. Row 6:

   • hdc 10

   • work the 4-st cable

   • hdc to end

5. Rows 7–25:

   • Continue with 1 cable cross every 4th row

   • Hdc rows in between

Seam underarm edges to shape sleeve.

Attach sleeves to armholes.

🪡 5. Hood

1. Attach yarn at the neckline.

2. Row 1: hdc evenly across the neck opening (typically 40–50 sts).

3. Rows 2–25: hdc across each row.

4. To shape the top of the hood:

   • Fold the hood rectangle in half

   • Seam the top closed with whip stitch or slip stitch.

Add a cable panel centered on the hood if you want more braid detail (optional).

🪡 6. Edging (Front + Hood)

Work a full edging around the entire hoodie front and hood:

1. Attach yarn at bottom corner.

2. Row 1: sc evenly up front edge, around hood, and down opposite edge.

3. Row 2: sc again for a clean border.

4. Add buttonholes by chaining 2 and skipping 2 stitches (if desired).

🧷 7. Optional Add-Ons

• Add ears (bear, bunny, cat) on top of hood.

• Add pockets with mini braid details.

• Add tie strings or button closures.

• Make sleeves ribbed by ending with fpdc/bpdc rows.

✨ Tips for Crocheting the Braid

• Work fpdc loosely so the cable isn’t tight.

• Use a stitch marker to track every 4th “braid-crossing” row.

• If the cable looks twisted, block gently with steam or water.

🎁 Would you like:

✓ A fully formatted written pattern with row-by-row instructions?
✓ A diagram / chart of the braid?
✓ A video-style step-by-step version?
✓ Instructions adjusted for 12 months, 2T, or 3T sizes?

Watch tutorial: