by Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to crocheting a “September” Cardicoat — a cozy baby garment that blends a cardigan top with a dress-style skirt (cardigan + coat + frock look). This design is perfect for autumn babies, layering beautifully over leggings or tights.
🍂 How to Crochet the “September” Cardicoat
A cardicoat is essentially a long cardigan with a flared skirt section, worked top-down so it grows seamlessly from neckline to hem.
🧶 Materials
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Yarn: DK or light worsted weight (soft wool, merino, or baby acrylic)
Approx. 500–800 yards (depending on size) -
Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) or size needed for gauge
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Stitch markers (4 minimum)
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Yarn needle
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Scissors
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4–6 buttons (15–18 mm)
📏 Suggested Sizes
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0–3 months
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3–6 months
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6–12 months
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1–2 years
The pattern below gives general instructions. I can calculate exact stitch counts if you tell me the size.
🪡 Construction Overview
The “September” Cardicoat is worked:
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Top-down from neckline
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Raglan increases for yoke
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Divide for sleeves
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Work body straight
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Increase for flared skirt
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Finish sleeves
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Add button band
🧵 Step 1: Foundation & Neckline
Start with a foundation chain:
For example (3–6 months):
Chain 56 (adjust for size).
Work Row 1:
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dc in 3rd chain from hook
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dc across
📌 Set Raglan Markers
Divide stitches into sections:
Example division:
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8 stitches (front)
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2 stitches (raglan)
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12 stitches (sleeve)
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2 stitches (raglan)
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20 stitches (back)
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2 stitches (raglan)
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12 stitches (sleeve)
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2 stitches (raglan)
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8 stitches (front)
Place stitch markers at raglan sections.
🪡 Step 2: Raglan Yoke Increases
Every right-side row:
Work:
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dc across to marker
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(dc, ch 1, dc) in raglan space
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repeat at each raglan
Turn, repeat.
Continue increasing until yoke depth measures:
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4–5 inches (baby sizes)
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5–6 inches (toddler sizes)
This creates shoulder shaping.
🪡 Step 3: Separate Sleeves
When yoke is deep enough:
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dc across first front section
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Skip sleeve stitches
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Chain 2–4 (for underarm)
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dc across back
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Skip next sleeve
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Chain 2–4
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dc across final front
Now you’re working only the body.
🪡 Step 4: Body (Waist Section)
Work even (no increases) for 2–3 inches.
This forms the fitted waist before skirt flare.
Optional texture for “September” style:
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Row 1: dc
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Row 2: FPdc, BPdc (rib texture)
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Row 3: dc
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Repeat for subtle autumn texture
🍂 Step 5: Create the Skirt Flare
To achieve coat/dress look:
Increase evenly across row:
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2 dc in every 4th stitch (for gentle flare)
OR -
2 dc in every 3rd stitch (for dramatic flare)
Continue increasing every 2–3 rows until desired fullness.
Work until skirt length reaches:
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10–12 inches (baby)
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14–18 inches (toddler)
🪡 Step 6: Decorative Hem (Optional)
Add texture for fall look:
Shell Border:
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Skip 2 stitches
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5 dc in next stitch
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Skip 2 stitches
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sc in next
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Repeat
OR
Moss Stitch Border:
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sc, ch 1, skip 1
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repeat
🪡 Step 7: Sleeves
Attach yarn at underarm.
Work in rounds:
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dc evenly around
Decrease every 4–5 rows if needed for tapered sleeve.
Finish with:
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4 rows FPdc/BPdc ribbing
OR -
scalloped cuff
Make both sleeves.
🪡 Step 8: Button Band
Attach yarn to front edge.
Work:
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sc evenly up one side
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At neckline turn
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sc down other side
On one side, create buttonholes:
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ch 1, skip 1 stitch
Sew buttons opposite holes.
🍁 Styling Ideas for “September” Theme
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Use warm autumn colors (mustard, rust, sage, cream)
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Add wooden buttons
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Crochet a small leaf applique
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Add a tie-back sash
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Use puff stitches in skirt for extra texture
📐 Basic Size Adjustment Formula
To customize size:
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Measure chest circumference.
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Divide by 2 for flat width.
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Multiply by stitch gauge per inch.
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Add 4 stitches per raglan section.
Always check gauge before starting.
🧡 Yarn Tips
Best fibers for babies:
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Superwash merino
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Cotton blends
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Baby acrylic (easy wash)
Avoid scratchy wool.
If you’d like, I can now:
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Write this as a full exact pattern for a specific size
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Create a beginner-friendly simplified version
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Provide a PDF-style printable layout
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Design a matching September bonnet or booties
Just tell me the size you want 😊
Watch tutorial:
