🧶 How to Make Baby crochet cardigan

Sure! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to crochet a baby cardigan – suitable for newborns (0–3 months). This is a top-down, seamless, double crochet (dc) cardigan with button closure and optional shell edging.

🧶 MATERIALS NEEDED

✨ BASIC STITCHES USED (US TERMS)

• ch – chain

• sl st – slip stitch

• sc – single crochet

• dc – double crochet

• shell stitch – (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same stitch

🧵 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

🔸 1. Start the Yoke (Worked Top Down)

This creates the shoulder area.

1. Foundation Chain:

   • Ch 54 for newborn size (adjust in multiples of 6 for other sizes).

2. Row 1:

   • Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across.

   • (51 dc total). Turn.

3. Row 2 (start raglan shaping):

   • Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in next 7 sts, [dc, ch 1, dc] in next (shoulder),
     dc in next 9, [dc, ch 1, dc] (shoulder), dc in next 13, [dc, ch 1, dc],
     dc in next 9, [dc, ch 1, dc], dc in last 8. Turn.

4. Rows 3–8:

   • Repeat increases in ch-1 spaces:
     Place [dc, ch 1, dc] in each ch-1 space (4 per row), dc in all others.
     Use stitch markers to help identify raglan increases.

✅ Stop when you have ~74–80 stitches (adjust depending on how wide you want the chest area).

🔸 2. Divide for Armholes

1. Next row:

   • Dc across to first ch-1 space, skip stitches to next ch-1 space, ch 4 (or desired armhole width),

   • Dc across the back, skip to next ch-1 space, ch 4, dc to end.

2. You now have separated body and sleeves.

🔸 3. Body of Cardigan

1. Work rows in dc across the body only.

2. Continue for 12–14 more rows (or until desired length).

3. Optionally, add 2–3 rows of shell stitch at the bottom:

   • Row: sc, skip 1, shell (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc), skip 1, repeat

🔸 4. Sleeves

1. Attach yarn at underarm.

2. Dc around the sleeve hole in the round (use stitch markers at start).

3. Work 8–10 rounds, or until sleeve measures about 3–4″.

4. End with a shell stitch row, or simply finish with a round of sc.

🔸 5. Edging & Finishing

1. Work sc evenly around neckline, front opening, and bottom (optional).

2. Add buttonhole loop (ch 5) at top right corner.

3. Sew a button on the left side to match.

4. Weave in all ends.

🎀 OPTIONAL VARIATIONS

• Change yarn color after the yoke for a color-block effect.

• Add puff or bobble stitches to the body for texture.

• Use decorative buttons or attach a bow.

📏 SIZING GUIDE (approx.)

💡 TIPS

• Block your finished cardigan for a smooth, professional look.

• Use soft, washable yarn for babies.

• Stitch markers help keep raglan increases consistent.

Watch video: