Classic Baby Cardigan – Free Crochet Pattern

Easy Crochet Baby Sweater

This easy crochet baby cardigan pattern is a sweet and classic baby sweater that’s perfect for little ones.

Designed with a beautiful textured stitch pattern and an open front, this crochet baby cardigan is made with soft size 3 (DK) yarn and includes instructions for two sizes: newborn–6 months and 6–12 months.

The beautiful textured stitch featured in this cardigan is the same stitch that’s used in my Classic Baby Blanket, Classic Baby Hat and Classic Prayer Shawl.

I still remember my daughters as babies, all snuggled up in little crocheted cardigans. There’s something so special about dressing a baby in a cozy cardigan that was made just for them. It’s more than simply keeping them warm; it feels like wrapping them in a homemade hug. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to create this Classic Baby Cardigan Crochet Pattern, so you can make something filled with love for a special little one in your life.

Whether this is your first time crocheting a sweater or you’re looking for a beautiful and easy baby cardigan, this pattern will guide you through every step.

The pattern includes detailed instructions, helpful photos and a full step-by-step video tutorial to help you make your own adorable baby cardigan.

Use the Table of Contents below to jump to any section of the pattern or keep scrolling down to view all the details, the video tutorial and the written instructions.

---

Get the PDF!

Purchase the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF of this pattern that you can instantly download! It includes everything from this free pattern but you can easily save, print and access it anytime!

---

---

Pattern Details

Skill Level

Easy

Sizes

The pattern includes instructions for:

• Small: Newborn – 6 months.
• Large: 6 – 12 months.

Materials

Yarn: You can use any size 3 (light) yarn. You will need approx.:

• Small: 340 yds in total.
• Large: 415 yds in total. 

I used Bernat Softee Baby yarn. This yarn is size 3 (light) and 100% acrylic. A skein is 362 yds / 331 m and 5 oz / 140 g. I used: 

• Small: 1 skein of “Pale Blue.”
• Large: 2 skeins of “Soft Lilac.”

Crochet Hook Size (Both Sizes): G/7 (4.00 mm).

Other Materials: 5 stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors and a measuring tape.

Terminology

This pattern is written for right-handed crochet using standard US terminology. If you’re more familiar with UK terms, here’s my US to UK Conversion Chart. 

Abbreviations

• approx. = approximately
• ch/chs = chain/chains
• dc = double crochet
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet 
• Shell = see “Special Stitch”
• sk = skip
• sl st = slip stitch
• sp/sps = space/spaces 
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• WS = wrong side 

Pattern Overview

This cardigan is designed with an open, V-shaped neckline and a comfortable, loose fit. Please keep in mind that babies come in different shapes and sizes. The suggested age ranges are based on average baby measurements, so the fit may vary from baby to baby.

There are complete, separate instructions from start to finish for the Small and Large sizes.

The Pattern Notes, Gauge and Special Stitch apply to both sizes.

Small (Newborn to 6 Months)

The Small size is designed to fit babies from newborn to approx. 6 months. It will have a roomier fit on a newborn and will fit more closely as the baby grows.

Large (6 – 12 Months)

The Large size is designed to fit babies from approx. 6 to 12 months.

Gauge

After Neck – Row 2, your work, when straight and not stretched, should measure:

• Small: 11” wide.
• Large: 12.5” wide.

If necessary, adjust your hook size. 

Gauge swatch (optional): If you prefer to check your gauge before beginning, make a swatch by alternating rows of sc and dc. A 4” x 4” section should measure 15 sts and 12 rows.

Note: There is no starting chain multiple provided to adjust the size because specific stitch counts are required throughout the pattern for the shaping and stitch pattern to work correctly.

Pattern Notes

• Chains never count as stitches.
• When working a RS (right side) row or round, the front of your work will be facing you. When working a WS (wrong side) row or round, the inside of your work will be facing you.
• I call the stitch used in the Body & Sleeves (the Shell) the “Modified Blanket Stitch” as it’s similar to the blanket stitch but in reverse.

Special Stitch

Shell: In this pattern, a Shell = (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same stitch or space. 

---

This Classic Baby Cardigan pattern is included in the Baby Bundle. For a limited time, get SIX sweet baby patterns that you can download, print and keep forever — all for only $9.97!

Get the Baby BundleToday!

---

Video Tutorial

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial for both sizes below or keep scrolling down for the written instructions.

---

Just a Reminder!

This pattern is also available as a PDF, which includes everything listed here but as a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF that you can instantly download, save, print, make notes on and keep forever.

---

Small Cardigan Instructions

The following is the full set of instructions for the Small size (newborn – 6 months) from start to finish. The full instructions for the Large size (6 -12 months) are further below under “Large Cardigan Instructions.”

Small (Newborn – 6 Months) – Neck

Start: Ch 43. 

For Row 1 (only) work into the back ridge loops. 

Row 1 (RS): In the second ch from the hook, sc.

Sc in each ch across.

(Stitch count: 42 sc sts) 

Note: It’s normal for each row of the neck to curl.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 2 and turn.

In the first st, dc. 

Dc in each st across. 

(Stitch count: 42 dc sts. Reminder: chs never count as sts.)

After Row 2, work should measure approx. 11” wide. If your work is measuring differently, start again with a different hook size.

Row 3 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.

*In the next st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 56 sc sts)

Row 4 (WS): Ch 2 and turn.

In the first st, 2 dc. 

Dc in each st across.

(Stitch count: 57 dc sts)

Row 5 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.

*In the next st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.*

Repeat from * to * across.

(Stitch count: 76 sc sts)

Row 6 (WS): Ch 2 and turn.

In the first st, dc. 

Dc in each st across.

(Stitch count: 76 dc sts)

Row 7 (RS): Ch 1 and turn. 

In the first st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.

*In the next st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.*

Repeat from * to * across until there is 1 st left.

In the last st, sc.

(Stitch count: 101 sc sts)

After Row 7, your work should look similar to the diagram below and approximately match the measurements shown.

Do not fasten off. Proceed to the Body instructions.

Small (Newborn – 6 Months) – Body

Row 8 (WS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first st, make a Shell. Reminder: Shell = (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same st.

Sk the next st.

In the next st, make a Shell.

*Sk the next 2 sts.

In the next st, make a Shell.

Sk the next st.

In the next st, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * across until there are 3 sts left.

Sk the next 2 sts.

In the last st, make a Shell.

(Stitch count: 41 Shells)

Note: Every Shell has a “ch-2 sp” that you will work into on the next row. This ch-2 sp is under the 2 chs and between the sc and dc sts.

For the rest of the Body, only work into the ch-2 sps, not into the tops of sts. 

Row 9 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell. 

*In the next ch-2 sp, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 41 Shells)

Next, you will create the sleeve holes. Place stitch markers in the ch-2 sps (around the 2 chs) as instructed below. After placing each stitch marker, work into that same ch-2 sp. Leave the stitch markers in place until instructed to remove them in the Sleeves section.

Row 10 (WS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell.

In the next 5 ch-2 sps, make a Shell. 

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell. 

Sk the next 7 Shells.

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell. 

In the next 11 ch-2 sps, make a Shell.

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell.

Sk the next 7 Shells.

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell. 

In the last 6 ch-2 sps, make a Shell. 

(Stitch count: 27 Shells)

Next, you will work into the ch-2 sp of each of the 27 Shells made in the previous row.

Row 11 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell. 

*In the next ch-2 sp, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 27 Shells)

Rows 12 – 21: Repeat Row 11.

After Row 21, my work measured approx. 8.5” high from the top of the neck to the bottom of the body. To adjust the length, repeat Row 11 more or less times. End after completing a RS row. 

After completing Row 21 or after reaching your desired length, sl st in the same ch-2 sp as your last Shell. 

Fasten off (this always means to cut the yarn that’s attached to your skein and pull it through the loop on your hook).

Small (Newborn – 6 Months) – Sleeves

Both sleeves are made the exact same way. You can work on either sleeve first. Except for when specifically instructed, only work in ch-2 sps, not into tops of sts. 

You may find it helpful to place a stitch marker in the top of the first sc (from the first Shell) of each round.

Sleeve Round 1 (WS): 

A) Position your work so the RS of the Body is facing you and you are looking into the sleeve opening (the WS of the sleeve will be facing you). Insert your hook into the first ch-2 sp to the left of the 2 stitch markers. Place your yarn on your hook and pull it through the sp. 

B) Ch 1. Do not turn. 

In the same/first ch-2 sp, make a Shell. 

C) In the next 6 ch-2 sps, make a Shell.

Next, you will work into the sps with the stitch markers. Exact placement is not important.

D) In the sp with the first stitch marker, make a Shell.

E) Make a sl st into the Body. (This is to prevent a gap. Exact placement is not important. Work in the Body between the sps with the stitch markers and under 2 loops). 

F) In the sp with the second stitch marker, make a Shell.

Remove the stitch markers.

Sl st in the top of the first sc (from the first Shell) to join.

(Stitch count: 9 Shells)

Sleeve Round 2 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell.

*In the next ch-2 sp, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * around.

Sl st in the top of the first sc (from the first Shell) to join.

(Stitch count: 9 Shells)

Sleeve Rounds 3 – 14: Repeat Sleeve Round 2. 

After Sleeve Round 14, my sleeve measured approx. 6” high from the underarm to the bottom of the sleeve and approx. 9” from the top of the neck to the bottom of the sleeve. To adjust the sleeve length, repeat Sleeve Round 2 more or less times. End after completing a RS round. 

After completing Sleeve Round 14 or after reaching your desired sleeve length, fasten off. 

Repeat the instructions for the other sleeve. 

Weave in all loose ends. 

Optional: Block your finished cardigan if desired.

And now you have a new cardigan! 

---

Large Cardigan Instructions

The following is the full set of instructions for the Large size (6 -12 months) from start to finish.

Large (6 – 12 Months) – Neck

Start: Ch 49. 

For Row 1 (only) work into the back ridge loops. 

Row 1 (RS): In the second ch from the hook, sc.

Sc in each ch across.

(Stitch count: 48 sc sts)

Note: It’s normal for each row of the neck to curl. 

Row 2 (WS): Ch 2 and turn.

In the first st, dc. 

Dc in each st across. 

(Stitch count: 48 dc sts. Reminder: chs never count as sts.)

After Row 2, work should measure approx. 12.5” wide. If your work is measuring differently, start again with a different hook size. 

Row 3 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.

*In the next st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 64 sc sts)

Row 4 (WS): Ch 2 and turn.

In the first st, 2 dc. 

Dc in each st across until there is 1 st left.

In the last st, 2 dc. 

(Stitch count: 66 dc sts)

Row 5 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.

*In the next st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.*

Repeat from * to * across.

(Stitch count: 88 sc sts)

Row 6 (WS): Ch 2 and turn.

In the first st, dc. 

Dc in each st across.

(Stitch count: 88 dc sts)

Row 7 (RS): Ch 1 and turn. 

Sc in the first 4 sts. 

*In the next st, 2 sc. Sc in the next 2 sts.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 116 sc sts)

After Row 7, your work should look similar to the diagram below and approximately match the measurements shown.

Do not fasten off. Proceed to the Body instructions.

Large (6 – 12 Months) – Body

Row 8 (WS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first st, make a Shell. Reminder: Shell = (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same st.

Sk the next st.

In the next st, make a Shell.

*Sk the next 2 sts.

In the next st, make a Shell.

Sk the next st.

In the next st, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * across until there are 3 sts left.

Sk the next 2 sts.

In the last st, make a Shell.

(Stitch count: 47 Shells)

Note: Every Shell has a “ch-2 sp” that you will work into on the next row. This ch-2 sp is under the 2 chs and between the sc and dc sts.

For the rest of the Body, only work into the ch-2 sps, not into the tops of sts. 

Row 9 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell. 

*In the next ch-2 sp, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 47 Shells)

Row 10 (WS): Repeat Row 9.

Row 11 (RS): Repeat Row 9.

Next, you will create the sleeve holes. Place stitch markers in the ch-2 sps (around the 2 chs) as instructed below. After placing each stitch marker, work into that same ch-2 sp. Leave the stitch markers in place until instructed to remove them in the Sleeves section.

Row 12 (WS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell.

In the next 6 ch-2 sps, make a Shell. 

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell. 

Sk the next 8 Shells.

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell. 

In the next 13 ch-2 sps, make a Shell.

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell.

Sk the next 8 Shells.

In the next ch-2 sp, place a stitch marker and make a Shell. 

In the last 7 ch-2 sps, make a Shell. 

(Stitch count: 31 Shells)

Next, you will work into the ch-2 sp of each of the 31 Shells made in the previous row.

Row 13 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell. 

*In the next ch-2 sp, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * across. 

(Stitch count: 31 Shells)

Rows 14 – 25: Repeat Row 13.

After Row 25, my work measured approx. 9.5” high from the top of the neck to the bottom of the body. To adjust the length, repeat Row 13 more or less times. End after completing a RS row. 

After completing Row 25 or after reaching your desired length, sl st in the same ch-2 sp as your last Shell. Fasten off (this always means to cut the yarn that’s attached to your skein and pull it through the loop on your hook).

Large (6 – 12 Months) – Sleeves

Both sleeves are made the exact same way. You can work on either sleeve first. Except for when specifically instructed, only work in ch-2 sps, not into tops of sts. 

You may find it helpful to place a stitch marker in the top of the first sc (from the first Shell) of each round.

Sleeve Round 1 (WS): 

A) Position your work so the RS of the Body is facing you and you are looking into the sleeve opening (the WS of the sleeve will be facing you). Insert your hook into the first ch-2 sp to the left of the 2 stitch markers. Place your yarn on your hook and pull it through the sp. 

B) Ch 1. Do not turn. 

In the same/first ch-2 sp, make a Shell. 

C) In the next 7 ch-2 sps, make a Shell.

Next, you will work into the sps with the stitch markers. Exact placement is not important.

D) In the sp with the first stitch marker, make a Shell.

E) Make a sl st into the Body. (This is to prevent a gap. Exact placement is not important. Work in the Body between the sps with the stitch markers and under 2 loops). 

F) In the sp with the second stitch marker, make a Shell.

Remove the stitch markers.

Sl st in the top of the first sc (from the first Shell) to join.

(Stitch count: 10 Shells)

Sleeve Round 2 (RS): Ch 1 and turn.

In the first ch-2 sp, make a Shell.

*In the next ch-2 sp, make a Shell.*

Repeat from * to * around.

Sl st in the top of the first sc (from the first Shell) to join.

(Stitch count: 10 Shells)

Sleeve Rounds 3 – 16: Repeat Sleeve Round 2. 

After Sleeve Round 16, my sleeve measured approx. 7” high from the underarm to the bottom of the sleeve and approx. 10.5” from the top of the neck to the bottom of the sleeve. To adjust the sleeve length, repeat Sleeve Round 2 more or less times. End after completing a RS round. 

After completing Sleeve Round 16 or after reaching your desired sleeve length, fasten off. 

Repeat the instructions for the other sleeve.

Weave in all loose ends. 

Optional: Block your finished cardigan if desired.

And now you have a new cardigan! 

---

More Crochet Patterns

You’ll find the same beautiful stitch used in this cardigan in these patterns:

---