June 6, 2025

How to Crochet a Baby Cardigan with Bobble Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a detailed guide on How to Crochet a Baby Cardigan with Bobble Stitch — ideal for a handmade baby shower gift or your own little one. This pattern assumes a basic understanding of crochet stitches like chain (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), and bobble stitch.


How to Crochet a Baby Cardigan with Bobble Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Size:

Newborn to 6 months (adjustable instructions for 6–12 months included)


Materials Needed:

  • Yarn: Worsted weight (Size 4) soft baby yarn (approx. 300–400 yards)
  • Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7) or size needed to meet gauge
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Buttons (3–5 small, optional)
  • Scissors

Crochet Abbreviations:

  • ch – chain
  • sc – single crochet
  • dc – double crochet
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • bobble – bobble stitch
  • RS – right side
  • WS – wrong side

Bobble Stitch (5-dc Bobble):

  1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through (3 loops).
  2. Yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops remain).
  3. Repeat steps 1–2 four more times (you will have 6 loops on hook).
  4. Yarn over, pull through all 6 loops.
  5. Chain 1 to close the bobble (if pattern calls for it).

Step-by-Step Pattern

Step 1: Make the Yoke (Top Down)

  1. Ch 51 (Newborn size)
  2. Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and across. (48 dc)
  3. Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st (increase) — repeat across. Use stitch markers to mark where sleeves will go.
  4. Continue increasing every other row until you reach a total of about 80–90 stitches (depending on size).

Step 2: Divide for Body and Sleeves

  • Fold yoke and place markers to divide stitches:
    • 18 front / 14 sleeve / 26 back / 14 sleeve / 18 front
  • Next Row: Dc across front, ch 3 (underarm), skip sleeve sts, dc across back, ch 3, skip sleeve sts, dc across other front.

Step 3: Begin Bobble Stitch Body

  1. Row 1 (RS): Dc across.
  2. Row 2 (WS)Dc 2, bobble, dc 2 – repeat across for even spacing.
  3. Row 3: Dc across.
  4. Repeat Rows 2–3 until body measures approx. 6–8 inches from armhole.

Step 4: Edging and Bottom Ribbing

  • Switch to single crochet or front post/back post double crochet for a ribbed border.
  • Work 4–5 rows for a neat finish.

Step 5: Sleeves (In the Round)

  1. Attach yarn at underarm.
  2. Work 1 round of dc evenly around.
  3. Begin bobble pattern on alternate rounds: dc 2, bobble, dc 2.
  4. Continue until sleeve is 4–5 inches long.
  5. Finish with 3 rounds of sc or ribbing.

Step 6: Front Edging & Button Band

  • With RS facing, sc evenly up one side, across neckline, and down the other.
  • Optional: Add buttonholes every 6–8 stitches on one side (ch 2, skip 2 sts).
  • Make 2–3 more rows for a firm edge.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

  • Weave in all ends.
  • Sew on buttons opposite buttonholes.
  • Lightly block the cardigan to even stitches.

Tips for Success:

  • Keep bobbles consistently tight for even texture.
  • Try alternating rows of bobbles and plain dc for a more subtle texture.
  • Use a stitch marker at the center back to help with symmetry.

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