How to Make Easy crochet baby cardigan

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make an easy crochet baby cardigan, perfect for beginners. This step-by-step instruction will help you create a cozy and adorable cardigan for a baby (0–3 months size). You can adjust it later for larger sizes.

🧶 Materials Needed:

• Yarn: DK weight (Light worsted / Size 3) – approx. 250–300 yards

• Crochet hook: 4 mm (G-6)

• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

• Scissors

• Buttons (optional, 3–5 small baby buttons)

• Measuring tape

📏 Finished Size (0–3 months approx.):

• Chest: 16–18 inches

• Length: 8–9 inches

• Sleeve length: 5–6 inches

🧵 Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms):

• ch – chain

• sc – single crochet

• dc – double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• sk – skip

• st(s) – stitch(es)

• inc – increase (2 dc in same stitch)

👕 Construction Method:

This cardigan is worked top down in one piece as a raglan-style yoke, then separated into body and sleeves.

🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Yoke – Starting at Neckline

1. Ch 52

2. Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next st to end (Total: 50 dc)
   – You can place stitch markers to divide the yoke:

   • 8 dc (left front), 1 (marker), 8 dc (sleeve), 1 (marker), 14 dc (back), 1 (marker), 8 dc (sleeve), 1 (marker), 8 dc (right front)

3. Rows 2–10:

   • Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc to marker, inc in marker stitch, repeat around (increase at each raglan corner).

   • Every row increases the stitch count by 8 (2 dc at each of 4 raglan points).

   • After row 10, check that the yoke is wide enough to fit across the baby’s chest.

2. Separate Sleeves

1. Row 11:

   • Dc to 1st marker (left front),

   • Sk sleeve sts and ch 4 (armpit),

   • Dc across back section,

   • Sk sleeve sts and ch 4,

   • Dc to end (right front)

Now you have 3 sections: Body (left front + back + right front), and sleeves are on hold.

3. Body

1. Rows 12–20 (or as long as needed):

   • Ch 2, dc in each st and ch across the row.

   • Optional: Add a row of sc at the bottom for a neater edge.

4. Sleeves

1. Join yarn at underarm.

2. Work dc in each sleeve stitch, placing 4 dc in the underarm chain space.

3. Join with sl st and ch 2 to continue in the round (or rows if preferred).

4. Decrease every 2–3 rounds to taper sleeve slightly.

5. Continue for 12–15 rounds, or desired sleeve length.

6. End with sc edging (optional).

Repeat for the other sleeve.

5. Finishing Touches

• Work 1–2 rows of sc around the neckline and front opening for a clean look.

• Optional: Add buttonholes by chaining and skipping stitches in one row.

• Sew buttons opposite the buttonholes.

• Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.

🧼 Care Instructions:

• Use machine-washable yarn (baby-friendly).

• Wash on gentle cycle or hand wash.

• Lay flat to dry.

📝 Tips for Success:

• Use stitch markers to keep track of raglan increases.

• Measure frequently if adjusting for different sizes.

• Use soft, hypoallergenic yarn for baby comfort.

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