Baby Cardigan Crochet Pattern – Free & Easy to Follow
Adorable, handmade, and perfect for layering— this baby cardigan crochet pattern is free, easy, and ideal for beginners. Whether you’re making your first crochet baby garment or looking for a go-to project for gifts, this pattern is just what you need. With instructions for multiple sizes, step-by-step photos, and a helpful video tutorial, you’ll feel confident from the very first stitch.
This DIY baby cardigan works up quickly, and the top-down design makes it easy to customize. Add your favorite buttons, pick soft yarn in any color you love, and enjoy creating a handmade baby cardigan that’s as practical as it is cute. Ready to start? The free pattern is below!
🧵 Jump to section:
- Skill level
- Materials
- Size chart
- Gauge
- Crochet terms
- Pattern notes
- Special stitch
- Instructions
- Finishing
- FAQ
- More free baby patterns
Why you’ll love this baby cardigan crochet pattern
If you’re looking for a crochet baby cardigan that’s both cute and practical, this is it! The classic shape, button front, and comfy fit make it a wardrobe favorite. It’s a crochet cardigan for baby that works up quickly and looks great in any color.
This free baby cardigan crochet pattern is designed to be simple enough for beginners and customizable enough for experienced crocheters. Whether you’re making a baby girl cardigan crochet pattern in pastel shades or a baby boy cardigan crochet pattern in blues and grays, you can make it your own. It’s also a wonderful addition to any crochet baby layette.
This is a beginner-friendly baby cardigan crochet pattern
New to crocheting baby clothes? Don’t worry! This easy baby cardigan crochet pattern is worked from the top down in basic stitches, making it perfect for first-time garment makers. You’ll start with simple rows and shape the cardigan using v-stitches and basic increases.
The design includes a crochet baby cardigan tutorial and written instructions for all sizes—from newborn to 24 months—so you can follow along easily. The video shows you how to crochet a baby cardigan step by step, making the process fun and approachable. Whether you’re making a crochet cardigan for newborns or a larger size, you’ll find success with this pattern.
This crochet baby cardigan pattern is perfect for baby showers & craft fairs
Handmade baby gifts are always a hit, and this newborn baby cardigan crochet pattern is a perfect choice. It’s fast, fun to make, and always appreciated. Make several sizes of this baby cardigan crochet pattern ahead of time, so you’re always ready for a baby shower or birthday gift.
This crochet baby sweater pattern is also great for selling at craft fairs. Shoppers love finding crochet baby clothes that are soft, cute, and handmade with love. Plus, the clean look and button-up front make it feel store-bought but totally unique. It’s an ideal crochet baby wearables project if you’re looking to stock your table with something special.
The best yarn to use for your baby cardigan crochet pattern
To make your baby cardigan pattern free of frustration, you’ll want to choose the right yarn. Go for a soft, washable worsted weight yarn in cotton or acrylic blends. These are cozy, baby-safe, and easy to care for—perfect for busy parents.
If you’re going for a lightweight version, cotton works great. Want something warmer? Acrylics are ideal for chilly days and layering. No matter what you choose, this top down baby cardigan crochet pattern will look adorable in every color. It also pairs well with other baby crochet patterns like hats, booties, and pants to create a matching set.
Skill level for this baby cardigan crochet pattern
This baby cardigan crochet pattern is perfect for beginners. It uses only basic stitches and simple repeats, so it’s easy to follow even if this is your first crochet garment. If you’re just getting started with baby crochet patterns, this is a great project to build your skills and confidence.
Materials needed to crochet your baby cardigan
To make your crochet baby cardigan, you’ll need the following:
- Crochet hook: Size H-8 (5 mm) or the size needed to match gauge
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (#4); soft acrylic or cotton works great
- Yarn needle: For weaving in your ends
- Scissors: For cutting your yarn
- Stitch markers: These help you keep track of your rounds and v-stitches
Baby cardigan size chart (0–24 months)
This free baby cardigan crochet pattern includes four sizes from newborn to 24 months. Use the chart below to help you choose the best fit for your baby or gift recipient.
| Size | Chest | Waist | Back Length | Crossback | Armhole Depth |
| 0-3 Months | 16″ | 18″ | 6″ | 7.25″ | 3.25″ |
| 3-6 Months | 17″ | 19″ | 7″ | 7.75″ | 3.5″ |
| 6-12 Months | 18″ | 20″ | 7.5″ | 8.25″ | 3.75″ |
| 12-24 Months | 20″ | 21″ | 8.5″ | 8.75″ | 4.25″ |
Gauge for the baby cardigan crochet pattern
To make sure your crochet cardigan for baby turns out the right size, it’s important to check your gauge before you start.
Gauge: 17 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches
✅ If you have more stitches, try a larger hook size
✅ If you have fewer stitches, try a smaller hook size
Crochet terms and abbreviations used
Here are the basic crochet terms and abbreviations used in this baby sweater crochet pattern:
- dc = double crochet
- dc2tog = double crochet decrease
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet decrease
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- rnd/rnds = round/rounds
- rem = remaining
All instructions are written in US crochet terms.
Pattern notes for your baby cardigan pattern
Before you begin your easy baby cardigan crochet pattern, here are a few helpful notes:
- Repeat the stitches between asterisks (*) until the end of the row or round
- The sleeves are worked in the round
- Use stitch markers to keep track of v-stitches and sleeve openings
- Customize the length by adding or removing body rows
Special stitch used in this baby cardigan crochet pattern
V-stitch: In the same stitch, make (dc, ch 1, dc).
Baby cardigan crochet pattern instructions (all sizes)
Rows 1 and 2 are the same for every size: 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, and 12–24 months.
Row 1: Make your starting chain (58, 62, 66, 70). Dc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each remaining chain. Turn.
Stitch counts: 56, 60, 64, 68
Row 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, repeat across. Turn.
Stitch counts: 84, 90, 96, 102
0–3 month baby cardigan crochet pattern
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in 13, v-stitch, dc in 14, v-stitch, dc in 26, v-stitch, dc in 14, v-stitch, dc in 13, turn (88 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, dc in 14, v-stitch, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 28, v-stitch, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 14, turn (96 sts)
Row 5: Ch 2, dc in 15, v-stitch, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 30, v-stitch, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 15, turn (104 sts)
Row 6: Ch 2, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 20, v-stitch, dc in 32, v-stitch, dc in 20, v-stitch, dc in 16, turn (112 sts)
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 22, v-stitch, dc in 34, v-stitch, dc in 22, v-stitch, dc in 18, turn (120 sts)
Row 8: Ch 2, dc in 18, dc in next st, skip 22 sts, dc in next (first sleeve), dc in 36, dc in next, skip 22 sts, dc in next (second sleeve), dc in 18, turn (76 sts)
Rows 9–22: Ch 2, dc in each st, turn (76 sts)
Row 23: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, repeat across. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves (0–3 months)
Join yarn at back of armhole.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc evenly around sleeve opening, join
Rnds 2–14: Ch 2, dc in each st, join
Rnd 15: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
3–6 month baby cardigan crochet pattern
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in 14, v-stitch, dc in 15, v-stitch, dc in 28, v-stitch, dc in 15, v-stitch, dc in 14, turn (94 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, dc in 15, v-stitch, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 30, v-stitch, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 15, turn (102 sts)
Row 5: Ch 2, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 19, v-stitch, dc in 32, v-stitch, dc in 19, v-stitch, dc in 16, turn (110 sts)
Row 6: Ch 2, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 21, v-stitch, dc in 34, v-stitch, dc in 21, v-stitch, dc in 17, turn (118 sts)
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 23, v-stitch, dc in 36, v-stitch, dc in 23, v-stitch, dc in 18, turn (126 sts)
Row 8: Ch 2, dc in 19, dc in next st, skip 23 sts, dc in next (first sleeve), dc in 38, dc in next, skip 23 sts, dc in next (second sleeve), dc in 19, turn (80 sts)
Rows 9–22: Ch 2, dc in each st, turn (80 sts)
Row 23: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, repeat across. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves (3–6 months)
Join yarn at back of armhole.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc evenly around sleeve opening, join
Rnds 2–15: Ch 2, dc in each st, join
Rnd 16: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
6–12 month baby cardigan crochet pattern
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in 15, v-stitch, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 30, v-stitch, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 15, turn (100 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 32, v-stitch, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 16, turn (108 sts)
Row 5: Ch 2, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 20, v-stitch, dc in 34, v-stitch, dc in 20, v-stitch, dc in 17, turn (116 sts)
Row 6: Ch 2, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 22, v-stitch, dc in 36, v-stitch, dc in 22, v-stitch, dc in 18, turn (124 sts)
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in 19, v-stitch, dc in 24, v-stitch, dc in 38, v-stitch, dc in 24, v-stitch, dc in 19, turn (132 sts)
Row 8: Ch 2, dc in 20, dc in next st, skip 24 sts, dc in next (first sleeve), dc in 40, dc in next, skip 24 sts, dc in next (second sleeve), dc in 20, turn (84 sts)
Rows 9–24: Ch 2, dc in each st, turn (84 sts)
Row 25: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, repeat across. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves (6–12 months)
Join yarn at back of armhole.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc evenly around sleeve opening, join
Rnds 2–17: Ch 2, dc in each st, join
Rnd 18: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
12–24 month baby cardigan crochet pattern
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in 16, v-stitch, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 33, v-stitch, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 16, turn (106 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2, dc in 17, v-stitch, dc in 19, v-stitch, dc in 34, v-stitch, dc in 19, v-stitch, dc in 17, turn (114 sts)
Row 5: Ch 2, dc in 18, v-stitch, dc in 21, v-stitch, dc in 36, v-stitch, dc in 21, v-stitch, dc in 18, turn (122 sts)
Row 6: Ch 2, dc in 19, v-stitch, dc in 23, v-stitch, dc in 38, v-stitch, dc in 23, v-stitch, dc in 19, turn (130 sts)
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in 20, v-stitch, dc in 25, v-stitch, dc in 40, v-stitch, dc in 25, v-stitch, dc in 20, turn (138 sts)
Row 8: Ch 2, dc in 21, dc in next st, skip 25 sts, dc in next (first sleeve), dc in 42, dc in next, skip 25 sts, dc in next (second sleeve), dc in 21, turn (88 sts)
Rows 9–26: Ch 2, dc in each st, turn (88 sts)
Row 27: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, repeat across. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves (12–24 months)
Join yarn at back of armhole.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc evenly around sleeve opening, join
Rnds 2–19: Ch 2, dc in each st, join
Rnd 20: Ch 2, skip a st, 4 dc in next st, skip a st, sl st in next st, join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
How to crochet the collar on your baby cardigan crochet pattern
With the cardigan facing you, attach your yarn to the left edge of the neckline. Ch 2, dc2tog, dc in next st, repeat across to the other edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Accent trim for your crochet baby cardigan
Attach yarn at the bottom of the left front. Single crochet up the edge, around the neckline, and down the right front. Finish off and weave in the ends.
Finishing the cardigan
Double-check that all ends are woven in securely. Block your cardigan if desired for a polished final look.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different yarn for this baby cardigan crochet pattern?
Yes! While I recommend worsted weight yarn (#4) for this design, you can use any yarn of a similar weight. Just make sure to check your gauge and adjust your hook size if needed.
What skill level is this baby cardigan pattern?
This is a beginner-friendly baby cardigan crochet pattern. It uses basic stitches like double crochet and a simple v-stitch repeat. If you’ve made a few easy baby patterns before, you’ll feel confident with this one.
How do I customize this for a baby boy or baby girl?
This pattern works great for either! To make a baby girl cardigan crochet pattern, try soft pastels or add decorative buttons. For a baby boy cardigan crochet pattern, go with classic blues, greens, or neutrals.
Does this cardigan work for newborn sizes?
Yes! The pattern includes sizing from newborn baby cardigan crochet pattern through 24 months.
How is the cardigan constructed?
This is a top down baby cardigan crochet pattern, so you start at the neckline and work your way down the body. The sleeves are added at the end and worked in the round.
Can I sell finished cardigans made from this pattern?
Absolutely! Feel free to sell finished items made from this pattern. I just ask that you credit me as the designer when you can.
More free baby crochet patterns you might enjoy
Looking for more baby crochet patterns to add to your handmade gift stash? Try one of these:
🧶 Newborn crochet hat pattern – Quick, cozy, and perfect for beginners.
🧸 Easy crochet baby booties – A fast and adorable match for your cardigan.
🐻 Crochet baby bear hat pattern – Comes with two ear styles for extra cuteness!
🌸 Crochet baby dress pattern – Great for spring, special events, or photo shoots.
These patterns are all free, beginner-friendly, and perfect for baby showers, craft fairs, or your next DIY baby gift!
Let’s connect!
I’d love to see your finished beanies and hear about your crochet journey. Come hang out with me on social media:
- Instagram – see behind-the-scenes photos and sneak peeks
- Facebook – join the conversation and share your projects
- Pinterest – save and explore all my free crochet patterns
- YouTube – watch step-by-step crochet tutorials
Don’t forget to tag me in your photos—I’d love to share your makes! Until next time, happy crocheting!