Simple Baby Cardigan Crochet Pattern

This crochet baby cardigan is a soft little sweater worked top down in one piece, in rows of single crochet, so there are no seams to sew. It comes in 7 sizes, from preemie to 4 years, with an optional shell or ruffle edge and a rainbow or bunny applique.

This easy free baby cardigan pattern has every row for every size written out below, with step photos. Prefer paper? Download the free printable PDF at the end.

Materials

• DK weight yarn (weight 3): from 220 m to 550 m, see the chart for your size
• A 4.0 mm crochet hook for the cardigan and a 3.0 mm hook for the bands
• A 2.0 to 4.0 mm hook for the appliques (see below)
• 4 to 6 buttons, 15 mm
• Small amounts of other colors for the appliques
• A tapestry needle, stitch markers and a measuring tape

Skill level and sizes

This is an easy pattern and a lovely first garment. It is all single crochet: the yoke grows with 3 sc corners, then you skip stitches for the armholes and work the body and the sleeves straight down.

Length and sleeve are measured from the shoulder. Preemie is for a baby of 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg). Every size has 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of positive ease, so the cardigan sits a little loose.

Gauge: 9 sc and 9 rows make 5 cm (2 in) with the 4.0 mm hook.

Abbreviations (US terms)

New to single crochet? Our free crochet stitch guide explains the basic stitches step by step.

How the cardigan is made

• The ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch: ch 1, then sc in the first stitch.
• The yoke grows at 4 corners, with 3 sc in one stitch at each corner on every odd row.
• To divide for the armholes, sc across one front, skip the stitches of the first sleeve, sc across the back, skip the stitches of the second sleeve and sc to the end. The skipped stitches become the sleeves later.

Measure the body and the sleeves from the shoulder, as in the photos.

Each sleeve starts with a few more stitches than you skipped. Work the extra stitches into the underarm, so there is no gap under the arm.

Pattern

Find your size below. The number in brackets is the stitch count at the end of the row. Work the yoke, body and sleeves for your size, then the bands for all sizes.

Preemie (4 to 6 lb)

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 39.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 4, 3 sc in the next, sc 6, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 6, 3 sc in the next, sc 5. Turn. (46)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (46)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 5, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 6. Turn. (54)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (54)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 6, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 7. Turn. (62)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (62)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 7, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 8. Turn. (70)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (70)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 9. Turn. (78)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (78)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (86)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (86)
14. Row 13Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, skip 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, skip 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (58)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (58)
16. BodyRepeat row 14 until the work measures about 18 cm (7 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 21, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (22)
2. Rows 2 to 9Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (22)
3. Row 10Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (21)
4. Row 11Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (21)
5. Row 12Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (20)
6. Row 13Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (20)
7. Row 14Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (19)
8. Row 15Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (19)
9. FinishRepeat row 15 until the sleeve measures 18 cm (7 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

Newborn

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 43.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 4, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 5. Turn. (50)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (50)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 5, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 6. Turn. (58)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (58)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 6, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 7. Turn. (66)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (66)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 7, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 8. Turn. (74)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (74)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 9. Turn. (82)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (82)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (90)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (90)
14. Row 13Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (98)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (98)
16. Row 15Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, skip 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 26, 3 sc in the next, skip 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 12. Turn. (62)
17. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (62)
18. BodyRepeat row 16 until the work measures about 20 cm (8 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 25, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
2. Rows 2 to 9Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
3. Row 10Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (25)
4. Row 11Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (25)
5. Row 12Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (24)
6. Row 13Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (24)
7. Row 14Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (23)
8. Row 15Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (23)
9. Row 16Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (22)
10. Row 17Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (21)
11. Row 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (21)
12. FinishRepeat row 18 until the sleeve measures 20 cm (8 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

0 to 3 months

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 47.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 5, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 6. Turn. (54)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (54)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 6, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 7. Turn. (62)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (62)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 7, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 8. Turn. (70)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (70)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 9. Turn. (78)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (78)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (86)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (86)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (94)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (94)
14. Row 13Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 26, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 12. Turn. (102)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (102)
16. Row 15Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 28, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 13. Turn. (110)
17. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (110)
18. Row 17Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, skip 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 30, 3 sc in the next, skip 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 14. Turn. (70)
19. Row 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (70)
20. BodyRepeat row 18 until the work measures about 23 cm (9 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 27, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
2. Rows 2 to 7Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
3. Row 8Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
4. Row 9Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
5. Row 10Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
6. Row 11Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
7. Row 12Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (25)
8. Row 13Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (25)
9. Row 14Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (24)
10. Row 15Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (24)
11. Row 16Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (23)
12. Row 17Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (22)
13. Row 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (22)
14. FinishRepeat row 18 until the sleeve measures 23 cm (9 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

3 to 6 months

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 51.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 6, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 7. Turn. (58)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (58)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 7, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 8. Turn. (66)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (66)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 9. Turn. (74)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (74)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (82)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (82)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (90)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (90)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 26, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 12. Turn. (98)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (98)
14. Row 13Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 28, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 13. Turn. (106)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (106)
16. Row 15Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 30, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 14. Turn. (114)
17. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (114)
18. Row 17Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 32, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 15. Turn. (122)
19. Row 18Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, skip 26, 3 sc in the next, sc 34, 3 sc in the next, skip 26, 3 sc in the next, sc 16. Turn. (78)
20. Row 19Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (78)
21. BodyRepeat row 19 until the work measures about 25.5 cm (10 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 29, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
2. Rows 2 to 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
3. Row 11Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
4. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
5. Row 13Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
6. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
7. Row 15Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
8. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
9. Row 17Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
10. Row 18Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (25)
11. Row 19Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (25)
12. FinishRepeat row 19 until the sleeve measures 25.5 cm (10 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

6 to 12 months

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 57.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 7, 3 sc in the next, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 8. Turn. (64)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (64)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 9. Turn. (72)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (72)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (80)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (80)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (88)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (88)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 26, 3 sc in the next, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 12. Turn. (96)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (96)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 28, 3 sc in the next, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 13. Turn. (104)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (104)
14. Row 13Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 30, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 14. Turn. (112)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (112)
16. Row 15Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 32, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 15. Turn. (120)
17. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (120)
18. Row 17Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 34, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 16. Turn. (128)
19. Row 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (128)
20. Row 19Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 36, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 17. Turn. (136)
21. Row 20Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (136)
22. Row 21Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, skip 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 38, 3 sc in the next, skip 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 18. Turn. (86)
23. Row 22Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (86)
24. BodyRepeat row 22 until the work measures about 29 cm (11.5 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 32, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (33)
2. Rows 2 to 7Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (33)
3. Row 8Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (32)
4. Rows 9 and 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (32)
5. Row 11Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (31)
6. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (31)
7. Row 13Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
8. Rows 14 and 15Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
9. Row 16Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
10. Rows 17 and 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
11. Row 19Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
12. Rows 20 and 21Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
13. Row 22Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
14. Rows 23 and 24Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
15. Row 25Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
16. Row 26Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (26)
17. FinishRepeat row 26 until the sleeve measures 29 cm (11.5 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

1 to 2 years

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 61.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 8, 3 sc in the next, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 9. Turn. (68)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (68)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 22, 3 sc in the next, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (76)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (76)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 24, 3 sc in the next, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (84)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (84)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 26, 3 sc in the next, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 12. Turn. (92)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (92)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 28, 3 sc in the next, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 13. Turn. (100)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (100)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 30, 3 sc in the next, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 14. Turn. (108)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (108)
14. Row 13Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 32, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 15. Turn. (116)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (116)
16. Row 15Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 34, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 16. Turn. (124)
17. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (124)
18. Row 17Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 36, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 17. Turn. (132)
19. Row 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (132)
20. Row 19Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 38, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 18. Turn. (140)
21. Row 20Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (140)
22. Row 21Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 40, 3 sc in the next, sc 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 19. Turn. (148)
23. Row 22Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (148)
24. Row 23Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, skip 31, 3 sc in the next, sc 42, 3 sc in the next, skip 31, 3 sc in the next, sc 20. Turn. (94)
25. Row 24Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (94)
26. BodyRepeat row 24 until the work measures about 32 cm (12.5 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 34, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (35)
2. Rows 2 and 3Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (35)
3. Row 4Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (34)
4. Row 5Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (34)
5. Row 6Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (33)
6. Row 7Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (33)
7. Row 8Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (32)
8. Rows 9 and 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (32)
9. Row 11Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (31)
10. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (31)
11. Row 13Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
12. Rows 14 and 15Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
13. Row 16Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
14. Rows 17 and 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
15. Row 19Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
16. Rows 20 and 21Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
17. Row 22Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
18. Row 23Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (27)
19. FinishRepeat row 23 until the sleeve measures 34 cm (13.5 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

3 to 4 years

Yoke and body:

1. StartWith the 4 mm hook, ch 64.
2. Row 1Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 9, 3 sc in the next, sc 10. Turn. (71)
3. Row 2Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (71)
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 10, 3 sc in the next, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 11. Turn. (79)
5. Row 4Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (79)
6. Row 5Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 11, 3 sc in the next, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 12. Turn. (87)
7. Row 6Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (87)
8. Row 7Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 12, 3 sc in the next, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 13. Turn. (95)
9. Row 8Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (95)
10. Row 9Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 13, 3 sc in the next, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 14. Turn. (103)
11. Row 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (103)
12. Row 11Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 31, 3 sc in the next, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 15. Turn. (111)
13. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (111)
14. Row 13Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 15, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 33, 3 sc in the next, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, sc 16. Turn. (119)
15. Row 14Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (119)
16. Row 15Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 16, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 35, 3 sc in the next, sc 23, 3 sc in the next, sc 17. Turn. (127)
17. Row 16Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (127)
18. Row 17Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 17, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 37, 3 sc in the next, sc 25, 3 sc in the next, sc 18. Turn. (135)
19. Row 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (135)
20. Row 19Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 18, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 39, 3 sc in the next, sc 27, 3 sc in the next, sc 19. Turn. (143)
21. Row 20Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (143)
22. Row 21Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 19, 3 sc in the next, sc 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 41, 3 sc in the next, sc 29, 3 sc in the next, sc 20. Turn. (151)
23. Row 22Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (151)
24. Row 23Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 20, 3 sc in the next, sc 31, 3 sc in the next, sc 43, 3 sc in the next, sc 31, 3 sc in the next, sc 21. Turn. (159)
25. Row 24Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (159)
26. Row 25Divide for the armholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc 21, 3 sc in the next, skip 33, 3 sc in the next, sc 45, 3 sc in the next, skip 33, 3 sc in the next, sc 22. Turn. (101)
27. Row 26Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (101)
28. BodyRepeat row 26 until the work measures about 35.5 cm (14 in) from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Then work the bands below.

Sleeves (make 2):

1. Row 1With the wrong side facing, join the yarn in the first unworked stitch under the arm. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc 34, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (35)
2. Rows 2 and 3Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (35)
3. Row 4Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (34)
4. Row 5Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (34)
5. Row 6Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (33)
6. Row 7Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (33)
7. Row 8Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (32)
8. Rows 9 and 10Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (32)
9. Row 11Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (31)
10. Row 12Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (31)
11. Row 13Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
12. Rows 14 and 15Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (30)
13. Row 16Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
14. Rows 17 and 18Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (29)
15. Row 19Ch 1, dec, sc in each stitch to the end, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
16. Row 20Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st to the first stitch. Turn. (28)
17. FinishRepeat row 20 until the sleeve measures 38 cm (15 in) from the shoulder. Fasten off. Make the second sleeve the same way.

Button and buttonhole bands (all sizes)

Change to the 3.0 mm hook and keep going from the body.

Button band:

1. Row 1Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, then 1 sc in the end of each row up to the top. Turn.
2. Row 2Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc in each stitch back to the bottom. Turn.
3. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc in each stitch back to the top.
4. FinishFasten off.

Buttonhole band:

1. Row 1With the right side facing, join the yarn at the top of the left front edge. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, then 1 sc in the end of each row. Turn.
2. MarkersMark where you want the buttonholes, one for each button.
3. Row 2Buttonholes: ch 1, sc in the first stitch, sc in each stitch, but at each marker ch 1 and skip 1 stitch. Turn.
4. Row 3Ch 1, sc in the first stitch and in each stitch and chain.
5. FinishFasten off. Sew the buttons on to match the buttonholes and weave in all the ends.

Edging (optional)

Shell edging

Finish the cardigan and the bands first. The shell edging needs a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1 along the bottom, counting 3 stitches for the band at each side. If your number does not fit, work a row of sc first and add stitches to get the right number.

1. With the right side facing, join the yarn at the bottom right of the cardigan.
2. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, then repeat (skip 2, 5 dc in the next, skip 2, sc in the next) to the end.
3. At the start, this means: sc in the end of the button band, skip the rest of the band and make the first 5 dc in the first stitch of the cardigan bottom. At the other end, make the last shell in the last stitch of the cardigan and finish with a sc in the end of the band.

Ruffle edging

Finish the cardigan and the bands first. Join the yarn at the bottom right of the cardigan, ch 1, dc in the same stitch, 3 dc in each stitch to the last stitch, then dc in the last stitch. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Appliques (optional)

Make the appliques with a smaller hook, matched to the size of the cardigan:

• 2.0 mm: preemie and newborn
• 2.5 mm: 0 to 3 and 3 to 6 months
• 3.0 mm: 6 to 12 months
• 3.5 mm: 1 to 2 years
• 4.0 mm: 3 to 4 years

Rainbow

1. Row 1With purple, ch 2, 4 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Fasten off. (4)
2. Row 2Join blue where you fastened off, ch 1, 2 sc in each stitch. Fasten off. (8)
3. Row 3Join green where you fastened off, ch 1, sc in the same stitch, inc, *sc, inc*, repeat to the end. Fasten off. (12)
4. Row 4Join yellow where you fastened off, ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next, inc, *sc 2, inc*, repeat to the end. Fasten off. (16)
5. Row 5Join orange where you fastened off, ch 1, sc in the same stitch and the next 2, inc, *sc 3, inc*, repeat to the end. Fasten off. (20)
6. Row 6Join red where you fastened off, ch 1, sc in the same stitch and in each stitch to the end. Fasten off. (20)
7. FinishWeave in all the ends and sew the rainbow onto the cardigan.

Bunny

Head and ears, in beige:

1. HeadCh 4, sl st to the first ch to make a ring. Ch 3, 11 dc in the ring, sl st to the top of the ch 3. (12)
2. EarsCh 6, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 4, sl st to the base of the ear. Sl st in the next stitch, ch 6, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc 4, sl st to the base of the ear. Fasten off.

Body, in the sweater color and then beige:

1. StartSkip 1 stitch from where you fastened off and join the sweater color.
2. Row 1Ch 1, 2 hdc in the same stitch, hdc 3. Turn. (5)
3. Row 2Ch 1, hdc in the same stitch, hdc, 2 hdc in the next, hdc 2. Fasten off. (6)
4. Row 3Join beige where you fastened off. Ch 1, 2 hdc in the same stitch, hdc 4, 2 hdc in the last stitch. Turn. (8)
5. Row 4Ch 1, dec, hdc 4, dec. Fasten off. (6)

Foot, arm and tail, with the back of the bunny facing you. Each one is a small cluster, built from this step: yarn over, insert the hook in the stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

1. FootJoin beige at the bottom of the first beige row. Ch 1, work the step 3 times, so you have 4 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4. Fasten off.
2. ArmJoin beige at the top row of the sweater. Ch 1, work the step 2 times, so you have 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3. Fasten off.
3. TailJoin white at the first beige row, under the sweater. Ch 1, work the step 3 times, so you have 4 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4. Fasten off.
4. FinishWeave in all the ends, leaving a long beige tail for sewing. For the face, sew a couple of pink stitches for the nose, a couple of black stitches in the middle of the head for the eye, and one white stitch in the center of the black.

Tips for a perfect cardigan

• Check your gauge first: the size of the cardigan depends on it.
• Put a stitch marker in the middle stitch of each 3 sc corner, so the corners are easy to find on the next increase row.
• Measure from the shoulder, or try the cardigan on the baby, before you start the bands.
• Sew the buttons and appliques on very firmly, so there is nothing small for a baby to pull off.

Questions

Is this cardigan good for beginners?

Yes. It is an easy pattern, all in single crochet, made in one piece from the top down with no seams to sew. If you can chain, single crochet and count your stitches, you can make it.

Which size should I make?

Choose by the chest measurement in the chart, not only by age. Every size has 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of positive ease, so the cardigan sits a little loose.

What yarn do I need?

DK weight yarn (weight 3). You need from 220 m (241 yd) for the preemie size to 550 m (601 yd) for 3 to 4 years: see the chart.

How do you wash crochet baby clothes?

Follow the care label of your yarn, and dry the cardigan flat so it keeps its shape.

Can I make it without the applique?

Yes. The appliques and the edgings are optional. The plain cardigan with buttons is lovely on its own.

Can I sell the cardigans I make?

Yes. You are welcome to sell the finished cardigans you make from this pattern, and a credit to Crochet Simplified with a link to crochetsimplified.com is appreciated. Please do not share, copy or sell the pattern itself.

Is there a printable version?

Yes. The free PDF has the whole pattern for all 7 sizes, the edgings and the appliques. Download it, open it on your phone or print the pages you need.

Using this pattern

This pattern is for your personal use. You may not copy, share, translate, resell or publish this pattern or its photos, in print or online, in whole or in part, free or paid.