by Below is a clear, step-by-step, beginner-friendly, and detailed guide on how to crochet a very soft baby hoodie—including materials, sizing tips, stitch instructions, and assembly. You can follow this to create a newborn–12 month hoodie.
🍼 How to Crochet a Very Soft Baby Hoodie (Detailed Guide)
🧶 Materials You Will Need
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Yarn: Super soft, baby-friendly yarn. Choose:
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Category 3 (DK/light worsted) or Category 4 (worsted) baby yarn
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Acrylic or bamboo blends are soft and washable (e.g., Bernat Softee Baby, Lion Brand Baby Soft)
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Hook:
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4.0 mm (G) for DK yarn
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5.0 mm (H) for worsted yarn
(Use the hook recommended on the yarn label.)
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Stitch markers
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Yarn needle
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Scissors
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Buttons (optional) if you want it to close
👶 Size Guide (Approx.)
You can adapt the hoodie simply by adjusting the starting chain.
| Age | Chest Width | Starting Chain (yoke) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 16–17” | 52–56 chains |
| 3–6 mo | 17–18” | 58–62 chains |
| 6–12 mo | 19–20” | 66–70 chains |
(Instructions below follow 3–6 months size, and adjustments are noted.)
🪡 Stitches Used
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ch – chain
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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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sl st – slip stitch
All stitches are standard beginner-level.
☁️ Step 1: Make an Ultra-Soft Raglan Yoke
This method makes the hoodie seamless and very comfortable for babies.
Foundation
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Chain 60 (for 3–6 months).
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Join with a slip stitch to form a circle (make sure it’s not twisted).
Round Breakdown
You’ll divide your stitches into 4 sections (front, back, sleeves).
For 60 chains:
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Back: 18
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Front: 18
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Sleeves: 12 each
Use stitch markers at the 4 corners.
Rows 1–10 (or until yoke reaches armpit):
Work in hdc for softness.
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Hdc around, increasing 2 hdc at each marker (one on each side of the marked stitch).
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Continue until:
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Width reaches approx. 6–6.5 inches across the back (for 3–6 months).
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You will see the yoke forming a rounded square shape.
👕 Step 2: Separate Body from Sleeves
Create the armholes
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Hdc across front to first marker.
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Chain 6 (armhole space).
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Skip all sleeve stitches until next marker.
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Hdc across the back.
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Chain 6 again.
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Skip sleeve #2.
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Hdc to end.
Now you have a full torso hole for the baby’s body.
🧸 Step 3: Crochet the Body
Rows (Body):
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Continue working in hdc rows or rounds
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Add gentle texture if desired:
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hdc in the back loop only every few rows makes soft ribs.
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Work 6–8 inches (depending on size).
Finish with:
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1 row of sc for a neat, soft edging.
🖐️ Step 4: Make the Sleeves (Both)
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Join yarn at the bottom of the armhole.
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Work hdc around the armhole, placing ~24–28 stitches evenly.
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Place a stitch marker at the underarm (for decreases).
Sleeve length:
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6–7” for 3–6 months (adjust for smaller/older sizes)
Decrease Row (optional):
Every 4th row:
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hdc2tog under the arm to taper sleeve slightly.
Finish with:
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2 rows of sc for a clean cuff.
🥰 Step 5: Crochet the Hoodie Portion
A soft hoodie is usually a rectangle that folds and sews at the top.
Hood Base
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Reattach yarn at the neckline.
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Work hdc evenly around neckline.
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Chain 1, turn.
Height of Hood:
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8–9” tall for 3–6 months.
Shape:
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Work in rows (back and forth) to create a rectangle.
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When done, fold the hood in half lengthwise.
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Seam the top edge using a whip stitch or slip-stitch seam (softest option).
🎀 Optional: Add a Soft Border
Work sc around the entire hoodie opening (including hood) for a smooth finish.
If adding buttons:
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Place 2–3 buttons on the front.
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Crochet small button-loop chains on the opposite side.
🧻 Step 6: Finishing Touches
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Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.
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Steam block lightly (optional, but helps smooth edges).
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Wash in baby-safe detergent to maximize softness.
🌸 Tips for Maximum Softness
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Use yarn labeled “baby”, “soft”, or “anti-pill.”
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Avoid cotton for newborns; it can feel stiff.
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Work with slightly loose tension.
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Avoid bulky yarns—they’re warm but not soft for a baby’s skin.
❤️ Want a Printable PDF or a Simple Pattern Chart?
I can format everything into:
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A 1-page quick pattern
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A printable PDF
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A row-by-row written pattern for any size
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A video-style step sequence
Just tell me which you prefer!
Watch tutorial:
