by Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step guide on how to crochet a pullover hoodie for children, including materials, sizing tips, stitches, construction steps, and finishing details. It’s written so that even a confident beginner can follow along.
🧶 How to Crochet a Pullover Hoodie for Children — Detailed Guide
⭐ Skill Level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate
⭐ Construction Style: Bottom-up, raglan or straight-seam, with a separate hood added.
1. Materials You Will Need
Yarn
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Weight: Worsted (Medium/4) or DK (Light/3) depending on your climate
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Yardage:
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Toddler (2–4 yrs): 500–700 yds
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Child Small (5–7 yrs): 700–900 yds
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Child Medium/Large (8–12 yrs): 900–1200 yds
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Hooks
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Recommended hook size on yarn label (usually 4.5–5.5 mm for worsted)
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Optional smaller hook (3.5–4 mm) for ribbing
Notions
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Stitch markers
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Tape measure
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Yarn needle
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Scissors
2. Stitches Used
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Chain (ch)
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Slip Stitch (sl st)
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Single Crochet (sc)
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Half Double Crochet (hdc) (common for hoodies because it’s soft and dense)
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Double Crochet (dc) (optional for faster stitching)
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Front Post/Back Post Double Crochet (FPdc/BPdc) — for ribbing
3. Measurements to Take
You can follow sizing charts, but measuring improves fit:
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Chest circumference
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Hoodie length (shoulder → hem)
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Sleeve length (underarm → wrist)
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Armhole depth
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Hood height (shoulder → top of head)
For a pullover, plan 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of ease so it’s comfortable.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
🧩 Part 1: Body of the Hoodie (Worked in the Round)
1. Foundation
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Chain long enough to match the chest measurement ÷ 2.
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Join to work in the round (be careful not to twist the chain).
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Or: Work in rows and sew the side seams; easier for beginners.
2. Hem Ribbing (Optional)
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Switch to the smaller hook.
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Work FPdc/BPdc ribbing for 4–6 rows.
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Switch back to main hook.
3. Main Body
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Work in hdc stitches for a dense, warm fabric.
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Continue until it reaches the underarm.
4. Divide for Armholes
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Stop working in the round.
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Leave stitches unworked on each side to create openings for sleeves.
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Continue working the front and back separately until reaching the shoulders.
🧩 Part 2: Join Shoulders
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With the hoodie laid flat, join the front shoulder edges to the back using slip stitch or whipstitch.
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Leave the neckline opening wide enough for the child’s head.
🧩 Part 3: Sleeves
1. Pick Up Stitches
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Attach yarn at the armhole.
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Evenly pick up stitches around the opening.
2. Sleeve Tube
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Work in the round using hdc.
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Use stitch markers to track rounds.
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Decrease 2 stitches every 4–5 rounds for tapered sleeves.
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Continue until reaching the wrist.
3. Cuff Ribbing
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Switch to smaller hook.
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Work 4–6 rows of FPdc/BPdc.
🧩 Part 4: Hood
1. Start from Neckline
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Attach yarn at neckline.
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Pick up stitches evenly around the neck opening.
2. Work Upward
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Crochet in hdc rows back and forth.
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Keep the edges straight so the hood folds nicely.
3. Shape the Hood
Two options:
A. Straight Hood (Easier)
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Work until hood height equals the measurement from base of neck to top of head.
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Fold the hood in half and sew the top closed.
B. Rounded Hood
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Decrease a few stitches near the top center to gently round it.
🧩 Part 5: Finishing Touches
Add Hood Ribbing or Edging
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Work 2–4 rows of hdc or ribbing around hood opening.
Optional Drawstring
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Chain a long string and weave through the hood edge.
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For kids, safety first:
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Use short, fixed ties
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Or avoid drawstrings entirely
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Weave in All Ends
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Use a yarn needle to hide all loose ends on the inside.
5. Sizing Adjustments
If the hoodie is too big:
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Reduce starting chain
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Use a smaller hook
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Work fewer rows
If too small:
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Increase starting chain
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Add more rows before armholes
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Add more width at sleeves or hood
6. Tips for Best Results
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Use stitch markers to track the start of rounds and armhole divisions.
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Check gauge to ensure your hoodie matches expected size.
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Choose soft, washable yarn suitable for children.
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Seam with the same yarn for invisible joins.
7. Optional Enhancements
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Front pouch pocket (kangaroo pocket)
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Color blocking (hood one color, body another)
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Stripes or textured stitches
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Appliqués (hearts, dinosaurs, animals)
If you want, I can also create:
✅ A printable version
✅ A row-by-row written pattern for a specific age
✅ A diagram or schematic
✅ A beginner-friendly version with fewer techniques
Just tell me the child’s age, measurements, and yarn weight!
Watch tutorial:
