by Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for crocheting a “Carnival” Baby Cardigan — a colorful, playful, and beginner-friendly project. Since there is no single standardized “Carnival Cardigan,” this pattern is written in a universal style that you can follow with any DK/light worsted yarn in multiple colors to achieve a carnival-inspired striped effect.
If you want, I can also format this into a printable PDF, add charts, or convert to UK terms.
🧶 How to Crochet the “Carnival” Baby Cardigan
Size: 0–6 months
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Construction: Top-down, raglan, seamless
Technique: Crochet (US terminology)
✨ Materials
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DK / Light Worsted yarn (category 3) in 3–6 bright colors
(Approx. 250–300 g total) -
4.0 mm (G) hook
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4–5 small buttons (12–15 mm)
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Yarn needle
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Scissors
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Stitch markers (4 for marking raglan increases)
📏 Finished Measurements (0–6 months)
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Chest: 18 in / 45 cm
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Length: 10 in / 25 cm
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Sleeve length: 6–7 in / 15–18 cm
You can adjust sizing easily by adding more increase rows.
🧵 Stitches Used (US Terms)
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ch – chain
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sl st – slip stitch
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sc – single crochet
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hdc – half double crochet
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dc – double crochet
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inc – increase (2 sts worked in the same stitch)
🎨 Color Pattern
For a “Carnival” look:
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Change color every 2 rows
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Use at least 5 bright shades (e.g., yellow, aqua, coral, lilac, lime)
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Fasten off neatly at the end of each color section
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Weave ends into the same-colored stripes for a clean finish
🧣 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Yoke (Top of Cardigan)
Worked flat, top-down.
Foundation
Chain 52.
Row 1 (RS):
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Dc in 3rd ch from hook
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Dc in next 6 sts → Front Left Panel
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Place marker in next st (raglan)
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Dc in next 10 sts → Left Sleeve
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Place marker
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Dc in next 14 sts → Back
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Place marker
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Dc in next 10 sts → Right Sleeve
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Place marker
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Dc in last 7 sts → Right Front Panel
Turn.
2️⃣ Raglan Increase Section
Repeat rows 2 & 3, changing colors every 2 rows.
Row 2 (WS):
Ch 2, dc across, dc-inc in each marked raglan stitch.
Turn.
Row 3 (RS):
Ch 2, dc to marker, (dc, ch 1, dc) in marker st, dc to next marker, repeat for all markers.
Turn.
👉 Continue repeating rows 2–3 until you reach:
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Approx 92–100 stitches total
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Sleeve depth around 5–5.5 in / 13–14 cm
You can modify based on baby size.
3️⃣ Divide for Body & Sleeves
Separation Row:
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Dc across the left front panel
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Dc across left sleeve until marker
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Skip all sleeve stitches and chain 6
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Dc across back
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Skip other sleeve, chain 6
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Dc across right front
Now the sleeves are separated, and the body continues straight.
🧥 4️⃣ Body of the Cardigan
Work in dc rows, continuing to change colors every 2 rows.
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Continue until body measures 10 in / 25 cm from the neckline.
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Optionally add a decorative final stripe using hdc for a neat edge.
Bottom Ribbing (optional):
Switch to a single color.
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Row 1: sc evenly across bottom
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Row 2–5: sc in back loops only (BLO)
Fasten off and weave ends.
👕 5️⃣ Sleeves
Attach yarn at sleeve gap.
Round 1:
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Dc around armhole
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Join with sl st
Rounds 2–15 (or until desired length):
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Dc around
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Decrease 2 stitches every 4th round for tapering
Sleeve Cuffs:
Switch to main border color.
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Work 5 rounds of BLO sc.
Repeat for the second sleeve.
🔘 6️⃣ Button Band
Left Front Band
(For buttonholes on the right side; reverse if desired.)
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Join yarn at bottom of cardigan.
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Work sc evenly up the front, around the neckline, down the opposite front edge.
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Work 3–4 rows of sc.
Buttonholes Row (Right Side):
Spacing depends on preference; typically 4–5 buttonholes.
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sc 3, ch 2, skip 2 → repeat evenly down the band.
Work one more row of sc to reinforce.
Sew buttons on the opposite side.
🎉 7️⃣ Optional Embellishments
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Add a pom-pom trim
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Sew a small crochet flower on the chest
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Embroider simple stars or hearts
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Add a hood (I can provide instructions!)
✔️ Tips for a Perfect “Carnival” Look
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Use high-contrast stripes
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Keep yarn ends short and weave into matching colors
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Choose buttons that match stripe colors
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Steam block lightly to smooth seams
📎 Want more?
I can also create:
✅ A printable PDF pattern
✅ UK terminology version
✅ Multiple sizes (newborn, 6–12m, 12–18m, toddler)
✅ A diagram/chart for the raglan
✅ A video-style step outline
Just tell me!
Watch tutorial:
