by Below is a detailed tutorial-style guide you can use for learning or writing a pattern for a “Winter’s Tale” crochet cardigan/coat for girls. This design focuses on warmth, texture, and a cozy winter style.
How to Crochet a “Winter’s Tale” Cardigan/Coat for Girls
The “Winter’s Tale” cardigan/coat is a cozy, textured crochet garment perfect for cold weather. It usually features thick yarn, textured stitches, long sleeves, and sometimes a hood or decorative buttons. This cardigan works well for everyday winter wear and special occasions.
1. Materials Needed
Prepare all materials before starting.
Yarn
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Bulky or worsted weight yarn (soft acrylic, wool, or wool blend)
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600–900 g depending on size
Crochet Hook
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5 mm – 6 mm crochet hook
Other Tools
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Yarn needle
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Stitch markers
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Scissors
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Measuring tape
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Buttons (4–6 pieces)
Optional:
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Faux fur yarn for hood trim
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Wooden buttons for a winter look
2. Stitches Used
The cardigan uses a combination of simple and textured stitches.
Basic stitches:
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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)
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Double crochet (dc)
Textured stitches (optional but recommended):
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Front post double crochet (fpdc)
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Back post double crochet (bpdc)
These create a ribbed winter texture.
3. Measurements
Take the child’s measurements before starting.
Typical measurements (Age 5–6 example):
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Chest: 64 cm
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Cardigan length: 48 cm
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Sleeve length: 40 cm
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Shoulder width: 28 cm
Add 4–6 cm ease so the coat fits comfortably over clothing.
4. Crochet Gauge
Make a small test square before starting.
Example gauge:
10 cm × 10 cm =
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12 double crochet stitches
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8 rows
Adjust hook size if necessary.
5. Crochet the Back Panel
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Chain 60–70 stitches depending on size.
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Row 1: Double crochet in the 3rd chain from hook and across.
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Row 2: Chain 2, turn, double crochet across.
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Row 3: Alternate fpdc and bpdc to create texture.
Repeat rows until the piece measures about 30–35 cm.
Shape the Armholes
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Skip 3 stitches at the beginning of the next row.
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Work across.
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Repeat decreases for 2–3 rows.
Continue straight until total length reaches the shoulder.
6. Crochet the Front Panels (Make 2)
Each front panel is half the width of the back.
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Chain 30–35 stitches.
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Work the same stitch pattern as the back panel.
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Continue until reaching armhole height.
Shape the Neckline
When reaching the upper chest:
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Decrease 1 stitch every row on the neck side.
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Continue until shoulder height matches the back panel.
Repeat for the second front piece.
7. Crochet the Sleeves
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Chain 28–32 stitches.
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Row 1: Half double crochet across.
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Continue in textured stitch pattern.
Sleeve increases
Increase 1 stitch on each side every 3 rows.
Continue until sleeve reaches the desired length.
Fold sleeve in half and sew the seam.
8. Assemble the Cardigan
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Sew front panels to back panel at shoulders.
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Sew side seams, leaving armholes open.
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Attach sleeves to the armholes.
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Sew sleeve seams.
Turn the coat right side out.
9. Crochet the Collar or Hood (Optional)
Simple Collar
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Attach yarn at neckline.
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Single crochet evenly around the neck.
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Continue rows of hdc or ribbed stitches for 6–8 rows.
Hood Option
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Crochet a rectangle the width of the neckline.
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Fold it in half.
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Sew the top seam.
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Attach to neckline.
Optional: add faux fur trim.
10. Add Front Border
Attach yarn at the bottom of one front panel.
Crochet single crochet or ribbed stitches:
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Up the front
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Around the neck
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Down the other side
This creates a neat finishing edge.
11. Add Buttonholes
On one side of the border:
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Single crochet to button position.
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Chain 2.
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Skip 2 stitches.
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Continue single crochet.
Repeat for 4–6 buttonholes.
12. Sew Buttons
Sew buttons on the opposite front panel aligned with the buttonholes.
Wooden or large decorative buttons give the cardigan a storybook winter style.
13. Finishing Touches
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Weave in all yarn ends.
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Lightly block the cardigan for shape.
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Add optional decorations:
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Pockets
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Flower appliqués
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Snowflake buttons
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Belt
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Estimated Project Time
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Beginner: 12–16 hours
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Intermediate crocheter: 8–10 hours
💡 Design Tip:
Use cream, soft pink, dusty blue, or winter white yarn to create a magical “Winter’s Tale” look.
If you’d like, I can also create:
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A step-by-step stitch pattern for the exact “Winter’s Tale” coat design
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A diagram showing how all cardigan pieces fit together
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A beginner-friendly pattern for ages 2–10
Just tell me! 🧶
Watch tutorial:
