How to Crochet a Baby Girl Cardigan (0–12 Months)

Below is a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to crochet a baby girl’s cardigan (0–12 months). This is written as a practical how-to with a simple pattern, suitable for gifts or everyday wear 🌸

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How to Crochet a Baby Girl Cardigan (0–12 Months)

Skill Level

Beginner to Easy-Intermediate

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Materials Needed

• Yarn:
  Soft baby yarn (DK or light worsted / Category 3)
  – Approx. 200–300 grams depending on size
  – Choose acrylic, cotton, or bamboo blends (gentle on baby skin)

• Crochet Hook:
  4.0 mm or 4.5 mm (adjust to match gauge)

• Notions:

  • Yarn needle

  • Scissors

  • 3–5 small buttons (optional)

  • Stitch markers (helpful)

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Size Guide (Approximate)

Tip: Babies grow fast—when in doubt, size up!

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Stitches Used

• ch – chain

• sl st – slip stitch

• sc – single crochet

• dc – double crochet

• inc – increase (2 stitches in same stitch)

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Gauge (Important!)

• 10 dc x 5 rows = approx. 10 cm
  Adjust hook size if needed.

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Step 1: Start with the Yoke (Top-Down Method)

This cardigan is worked top-down, meaning no sewing of shoulders.

Foundation Chain

Chain 56–64 (depending on size).

Join with a sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.

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Step 2: Yoke Increases

Round 1:
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each stitch around.
Join with sl st.

Round 2:
Ch 3, dc 3, inc repeat around.
Join.

Round 3–6:
Continue increasing evenly to form a flat circle.
Place stitch markers to divide:

• Left front

• Sleeve

• Back

• Sleeve

• Right front

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Step 3: Separate Sleeves

Once yoke fits comfortably around baby’s shoulders:

• Crochet across first front section

• Chain 8–10 stitches (skip sleeve stitches)

• Crochet across back

• Chain again for second sleeve

• Finish front section

This creates armholes.

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Step 4: Crochet the Body

Work back and forth in rows (not in rounds).

Row Pattern (example):
Ch 2, dc across, turn.

Continue until cardigan reaches desired length:

• 22–28 cm depending on size

Optional:
Add a decorative stitch (shells or picots) at the bottom.

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Step 5: Sleeves

Attach yarn at armhole.

Round 1:
Dc evenly around opening.

Rounds 2–10:
Dc in rounds until sleeve reaches wrist length.
Decrease slightly for a snug fit.

Finish with sc or decorative edging.

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Step 6: Front Edging & Button Band

Attach yarn at bottom edge.

• Sc evenly up one side

• Ch spaces for buttonholes on one side

• Continue across neck and down other side

Repeat for 2–3 rows for firmness.

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Step 7: Finishing Touches

• Sew on buttons securely

• Weave in all ends

• Lightly steam or block (do not stretch)

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Optional Decorations

🎀 Add a small bow
🌸 Crochet flower appliqués
✨ Contrast color edging
🧵 Satin ribbon tie instead of buttons

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Safety Tips for Baby Clothing

• Avoid long ties or loose buttons

• Use soft, non-itchy yarn

• Secure all embellishments tightly

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Final Thoughts

This top-down baby cardigan is adjustable, adorable, and perfect for beginners. Once you master it, you can easily change colors, stitches, or add lace details for a more feminine look 💕

If you’d like, I can also:

• Simplify this into a short pattern

• Create a PDF-style pattern

• Adjust for newborn only or toddler sizes

• Add photos or stitch diagrams (described)

Just tell me 😊

Watch tutorial: