by Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a crochet baby cardigan that’s easy, fast, and perfect for beginners. This pattern is worked in one piece (top-down), so there’s minimal sewing and you can finish it quickly — often in just a few hours!
EASY & FAST CROCHET BABY CARDIGAN TUTORIAL
Skill Level:
Beginner to Easy (you should know basic stitches: chain, single crochet, double crochet)
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: DK (Light Worsted / #3) or worsted weight yarn (#4) – about 200g for a newborn to 6-month size
(Cotton or soft acrylic yarn recommended for babies) - Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) or 4.5 mm (7) depending on yarn and tension
- Stitch Markers (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
- Buttons (3–5 small buttons, 1 cm size)
Crochet Stitches Used:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- inc = increase (2 dc in the same stitch)
Sizes:
This tutorial gives the 0–3 month size. To adjust, simply add rows to make it longer or start with a longer chain for wider sizes. Common baby cardigan sizes:
- Newborn–3 months: chest ~16″, length ~9″
- 6–12 months: chest ~18″, length ~11″
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Yoke (Top Part)
You’ll crochet the cardigan top-down in rows, starting at the neckline.
Foundation Chain:
- Ch 52 (for newborn size)
- Row 1: dc in the 4th ch from the hook, dc in each ch across (you’ll have 50 dc)
- Turn your work.
Marking Raglan Increases (Dividing for Sleeves)
Row 2:
- ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc in next 7 stitches
- Place stitch marker (this is your first raglan point)
- dc in next stitch (increase), ch 1, dc in same stitch again (this creates a “V”)
- dc in next 10 stitches, place marker
- dc, ch 1, dc (increase)
- dc in next 12 stitches, place marker
- dc, ch 1, dc
- dc in next 10 stitches, place marker
- dc, ch 1, dc
- dc in remaining 8 stitches, turn
You’ve now marked the 4 points where you’ll increase to shape the yoke.
Continue Raglan Increases
- Rows 3 to 10: Repeat the same pattern as Row 2
- Always do dc, ch 1, dc in each ch-1 space from the previous row
- dc in every other stitch
After about 10 rows, the piece should have taken a rectangular yoke shape with sections for front, sleeves, and back.
Separate for Body & Sleeves
Row 11:
- Work dc across the front until you reach the first raglan ch-1 space
- Skip all stitches for the sleeve, and jump directly to the next ch-1 space (armhole)
- Continue dc across the back
- Skip the second sleeve, and dc across the last front section
Now you have only the body on your hook — the sleeves are on hold.
Body of Cardigan
- Rows 12–20 (or as long as you want): Work dc in each stitch across
- Turn at the end of each row
You can add a ribbed border by switching to sc or hdc in BLO (back loop only) for the last 2 rows.
Sleeves (Optional or Short-Sleeve)
If you want short sleeves, you can leave them as is or just sc around the armholes for 2-3 rows.
For long sleeves:
- Join yarn at underarm
- Work in rounds around the armhole, using dc or hdc
- Decrease 1 stitch every 2-3 rounds to taper the sleeve
- Repeat until sleeve is desired length (about 5–6 inches for newborn)
Neckline & Button Band
- Work sc evenly around the neckline
- For the button band (front opening edges), do 2 rows of sc
- On one side, sew buttons
- On the other side, create buttonholes by skipping 1–2 stitches and chaining 2 (repeat every few rows depending on how many buttons you want)
Finishing
- Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle
- Sew on buttons securely
- Optional: add a decorative edging around sleeves and bottom using shell stitch or picot
Optional Embellishments
- Crochet flower, bow, or applique
- Contrast color for edging
- Striped rows
Care Instructions
- Use machine-washable yarn for easy care
- Wash on gentle cycle and lay flat to dry
Summary Pattern (Abbreviated Version)
1. Ch 52
2. Row 1: dc in 4th ch, dc across (50)
3. Row 2-10: dc in each st, (dc, ch 1, dc) at raglan markers
4. Row 11: separate sleeves from body
5. Rows 12-20: dc rows for body
6. Sleeves: dc/hdc in rounds to length
7. Button band: 2 rows sc, add buttonholes
8. Finish: weave ends, sew buttons
Would you like a printable PDF version or a diagram/chart? I can also provide a video tutorial recommendation if you prefer to follow along visually.
Watch video:
