How to Make Step-by-step crocheted puffer coat or sweater - simple and easy knitting - 0 to 3 months

Creating a crocheted puffer coat or sweater for a newborn (0 to 3 months) is a heartwarming and practical project for babies, especially in colder weather. While the term puffer typically refers to a quilted look in sewn jackets, we can replicate a similar puffed and cozy texture using bulky yarn and textured crochet stitches like the puff stitch or bobble stitch.

This guide will walk you through making a simple step-by-step crocheted puffer-style baby coat/sweater, ideal for beginners.

🧶 Materials Needed

Yarn: Bulky (weight 5) or worsted weight (weight 4) yarn in soft acrylic or cotton blend
- Approx. 150g – 200g for 0–3 months size
Crochet Hook: Size 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm (I-9 to K-10.5) – check yarn label for recommendation
Buttons or zipper (optional, for closure) – 3 to 5 baby-safe buttons
Yarn needle – for weaving in ends
Scissors
Stitch markers

👶 Measurements for 0–3 Months

Part	Measurement
Chest	16–17 inches
Sweater Length	9–10 inches
Sleeve Length	6 inches
Armhole Depth	3.5 inches

🧵 Stitches Used

CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
DC – Double Crochet
Puff Stitch – Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull through, repeat 3–4 times in same stitch, yarn over and pull through all loops
SL ST – Slip Stitch
INC – Increase (2 stitches in 1)
DEC – Decrease (combine 2 stitches)

🧥 Step-by-Step: Baby Puffer Coat/Sweater (0–3 Months)

🪡 Step 1: Yoke (Top of Sweater)

We’ll start from the top down, creating a round yoke style sweater.

Foundation Chain:

CH 50
Join with SL ST to form a circle (if you prefer, work in rows and seam later for a cardigan-style opening)

Round 1:

CH 2, DC in each stitch, join with SL ST (50 DC)

Round 2–5 (Increasing for Yoke):

Work 2 DC in every 5th stitch to gradually increase
By end of Round 5, you should have about 65–70 stitches

✂️ Step 2: Separate Body and Sleeves

From the yoke, we will now separate stitches for sleeves and body.

Count and mark:
- 12 stitches for each sleeve
- 20 for front, 20 for back

Join for Body:

Work DC across 20 front, skip 12 for sleeve, work DC across 20 back, skip 12 for other sleeve

You should now have 40 DC around the body.

🧶 Step 3: Body Section (Make it Puffy!)

Work 8–10 rows in puff stitch or alternating puff/DC for that soft, padded texture.

Body Pattern:

Row 1: CH 2, (DC in next stitch, puff stitch in next) repeat around
Row 2: CH 2, (puff stitch in DC, DC in puff stitch) repeat
Repeat for 8–10 rows or until it reaches 9 inches total length

You can finish with 2 rows of SC for a neat hem.

🧶 Step 4: Sleeves (Make Puffy and Snug)

Reattach yarn to sleeve opening.

Sleeve Pattern:

Round 1: Join yarn, CH 2, DC evenly around (approx. 20–24 stitches)
Round 2–5: Work puff/DC stitch pattern
Round 6–8: Decrease slightly for cuff (DEC every 6th stitch)
Final 1–2 rounds: SC or ribbed cuffs (optional)

Repeat for second sleeve.

🧶 Step 5: Collar or Hoodie (Optional)

For a Turtleneck Collar:

Join yarn to neck edge
CH 2, work BLO HDC for 4–6 rows to create a soft foldable collar

For a Hoodie:

Work from neck edge upward
CH 2, DC in each stitch, increase gradually
After 5–6 inches, fold and sew back seam

🪡 Step 6: Finishing Touches

Closure Options:
- Sew buttons down the front (use SC buttonholes if you created a cardigan style)
- Or sew in a baby-safe zipper
Weave in all loose ends
Block lightly with steam (no heat on acrylic yarn!)

💡 Tips

Always check the gauge if using different yarns.
Use soft yarn only; rough textures can irritate baby skin.
You can line the inside with flannel or fleece for added warmth (sew-in carefully).