How to crochet a simple cardigan for a baby girl

Absolutely! Let’s break this down carefully. I’ll give you a detailed, step-by-step guide for crocheting a simple baby girl cardigan, including materials, measurements, and instructions. This will focus on a basic design suitable for beginners.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Soft baby yarn (DK/light worsted, approx. 150–200 g)

• Hook: Size recommended on yarn label (usually 4.0–4.5 mm)

• Buttons: 3–4 small buttons

• Other tools: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)

Measurements (Approximate)

• Age: 0–6 months

• Chest: 16–18 inches

• Length: 10–12 inches

• Sleeve length: 6–7 inches

Adjust measurements proportionally for older babies.

Basic Stitches Used

• Chain (ch)

• Slip stitch (sl st)

• Single crochet (sc)

• Double crochet (dc)

• Half double crochet (hdc)

• Increasing: 2 stitches in one stitch

• Decreasing: Crocheting 2 stitches together

Step 1: Make the Back Panel

1. Foundation chain: Chain about 42–50 stitches (depending on desired width).

2. Row 1: Dc in 3rd chain from hook, continue dc across. Turn.

3. Row 2 onward: Chain 2 (counts as first dc), dc across.

4. Continue: Repeat until piece measures about 10–12 inches.

5. Fasten off and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Front Panels (2 pieces)

1. Foundation chain: About half the width of back panel plus 1–2 extra stitches for overlap.

2. Rows: Work same as back panel (dc stitch).

3. Length: Same as back panel.

4. Shape neckline: On last 2–3 rows, decrease 1 dc at the inner edge to make a gentle curve for the neckline.

5. Make 2 pieces (left and right front).

Step 3: Make the Sleeves (2 pieces)

1. Foundation chain: Approx. 20–24 stitches.

2. Row 1: Dc across, turn.

3. Rows 2 onward: Dc across, increasing 1 dc at each end every 4th row until sleeve reaches desired width.

4. Length: Approx. 6–7 inches.

5. Make 2 sleeves.

Step 4: Assembly

1. Shoulders: Sew front panels to back panel at the shoulders.

2. Attach sleeves: Align the center of sleeve top with shoulder seam, sew along armhole.

3. Side seams: Sew sides from bottom edge to underarm, including sleeve seams.

Step 5: Add Button Band & Finishing

1. Button band: Pick up stitches along front edges with sc or hdc.

   • Left front: sc all along for buttonholes (make small gaps for buttons).

   • Right front: sc across.

2. Buttons: Sew buttons to match buttonholes.

3. Neckline & Bottom Edge: Optional: Crochet 1–2 rows of sc around neckline and bottom for a neat finish.

4. Weave in all ends.

Tips for a Baby-Friendly Cardigan

• Use soft, washable yarn (acrylic or cotton blends).

• Avoid sharp edges; all seams should be flat and smooth.

• Ensure buttons are securely attached to prevent choking hazards.

• You can decorate with a small crochet flower or bow for a cute touch.

If you want, I can also make a diagram with stitch counts and measurements, showing exactly how many stitches for each panel and where to increase/decrease. That makes it super easy to follow for a first-time cardigan project.

Do you want me to create that diagram?

Watch tutorial: