How to Crochet a Baby Simple Cardigan: Free Pattern

Keep your little one cozy with this Baby Simple Playdays Cardigan! Worked seamlessly from the top down in one piece, this pattern includes raglan shaping, comfortable sleeves, buttonhole edging, and cute optional appliques (Rainbow and Bunny!).

• Yarn: DK Weight (Category 3) baby yarn (approx. 220 – 450 meters).
• Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6) main hook, plus 3.0 mm for button bands.
• Notions: 4 to 6 wooden buttons (15mm diameter), tapestry needle, and scissors.
• Gauge: 9 single crochet stitches x 9 rows = 2″ x 2″ (5 cm x 5 cm) using 4.0 mm hook.

• Ch: Chain stitch
• SC / HDC / DC: Single Crochet / Half Double Crochet / Double Crochet
• Inc: Increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch)
• Dec: Decrease (work 2 stitches together)
• [3 SC]: Work 3 single crochet stitches into the exact same stitch (corner raglan increase)

Note: Ch 1 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch throughout. Work first st into the same stitch.

• Foundation: With 4.0 mm hook, Ch 47.
• Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, [3 sc] in next ch, sc 8, [3 sc] in next ch, sc 14, [3 sc] in next ch, sc 8, [3 sc] in next ch, sc 6. Turn. (54 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st across. Turn. (54 sts)
• Row 3: Ch 1, sc 6, [3 sc] in next st, sc 10, [3 sc] in next st, sc 16, [3 sc] in next st, sc 10, [3 sc] in next st, sc 7. Turn. (62 sts)
• Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st across. Turn. (62 sts)
• Row 5: Ch 1, sc 7, [3 sc] in next st, sc 12, [3 sc] in next st, sc 18, [3 sc] in next st, sc 12, [3 sc] in next st, sc 8. Turn. (70 sts)
• Rows 6-16: Continue repeating odd increase rows (+8 sts per inc row) and even plain sc rows until Row 16 ends with 110 sts.

• Row 17 (Dividing Row): Ch 1, sc 13, [3 sc] in next st, skip next 24 sts (first armhole), [3 sc] in next st, sc 30 (back), [3 sc] in next st, skip next 24 sts (second armhole), [3 sc] in next st, sc 14 (front). Turn. (70 sts body)
• Row 18+: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Repeat Row 18 until the body measures 9 inches (23 cm) from shoulder to hem.

• Round 1: Join yarn at center underarm with 4.0 mm hook (WS facing). Ch 1, sc 28 evenly around sleeve opening, sl st to first sc. Turn. (28 sts)
• Rounds 2-7: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. Turn. (28 sts)
• Round 8 (Dec Round): Ch 1, dec 1 st, sc to end, sl st to join. Turn. (27 sts)
• Rounds 9-17: Continue decreasing 1 st every other round until 22 sts remain. Repeat plain rounds until sleeve measures 9 inches (23 cm) from shoulder cuff. Fasten off.

• Right Front (Button Band): Switch to 3.0 mm hook. Join yarn at top neck corner, work 3 rows of single crochet down the front edge. Fasten off.
• Left Front (Buttonhole Band): Join yarn at top left corner. Row 1: SC down edge. Row 2: Mark 4-5 button placement points, work *(sc, ch 1, skip 1 st for buttonhole)*. Row 3: SC across all sts including ch-1 spaces. Sew buttons to match!

• Rainbow Applique: Work 6 curved half-circle rows of single crochet in Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red. Sew onto right pocket area!
• Bunny Applique: Work 12-dc ring for head, add 2 chain-6 ears, work 4-row body, and add small white yarn tail. Sew onto front panel!

Your Baby Simple Playdays Cardigan is complete! Pair it with matching booties and a plush blanket to build the ultimate handmade gift set.