Easy Crochet Baby Cardigan: Newborn to 8 Years!

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Crocheting a beautiful and practical cardigan for your little one is a rewarding experience, and this pattern makes it surprisingly easy! Whether you're welcoming a newborn or have a growing child up to eight years old, this versatile design offers a cozy and stylish garment adaptable to various sizes. From delicate baby yarn to chunkier options for older children, the adaptable design ensures a perfect fit for every stage of growth, saving you time and effort in the long run. The simple stitches and clear instructions make it perfect for beginners while experienced crocheters will appreciate its efficiency.

Forget complicated patterns and hours of frustrating work! This easy crochet baby cardigan project guides you through every step, from casting on to the final finishing touches. Learn how to create a timeless piece your child will cherish, perfectly sized to keep them warm and comfortable through their formative years. Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 125 grams Drops Baby Merino yarn
  • 3.0mm or 3.5mm crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Darning needle
  • 6 buttons (15mm diameter)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use safe, non-toxic yarn suitable for babies. Avoid anything that could be a choking hazard or irritate delicate skin.
  • Ensure stitches are secure and there are no loose ends that a baby could pull off and choke on. Weave in all ends carefully.
  • Never leave a baby unattended while wearing a crocheted garment. Always supervise to ensure safety and prevent overheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Foundation Chain

    • Make a slip knot and chain 54.
    Make a slip knot and chain 54.
    Foundation Chain

  2. Body - Initial Rows

    • Skip the first chain, half double crochet (hdc) in the next 7 chains, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 8 chains, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 18 chains, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 8 chains, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the last 8 chains.
    • Chain 1, turn. Hdc in the first 9 stitches, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 10 stitches, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 20 stitches, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 10 stitches, 3 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the last 9 stitches.
    • Repeat rows 2 and 3, increasing 3 hdc in each corner until you have 14 rows. The written pattern provides exact stitch counts between increases.
    Repeat rows 2 and 3, increasing 3 hdc in each corner until you have 14 rows. The written pattern provides exact stitch counts between increases.
    Body - Initial Rows

  3. Body - Armhole Shaping

    • Chain 1, turn. Hdc in the first 23 stitches, chain 3, skip the next 36 stitches, hdc in the next stitch (armhole). Hdc in the next 47 stitches (back piece), chain 3, skip 36 stitches, hdc in the next stitch (armhole), hdc in the next 22 stitches (front piece).
    Row 15: Chain 1, turn. Hdc in the first 23 stitches, chain 3, skip the next 36 stitches, hdc in the next stitch (armhole). Hdc in the next 47 stitches (back piece), chain 3, skip 36 stitches, hdc in the next stitch (armhole), hdc in the next 22 stitches (front piece).
    Body - Armhole Shaping

  4. Body - Main Section

    • Hdc in every stitch across (24 rows total).
    Rows 16-39: Hdc in every stitch across (24 rows total).
    Body - Main Section

  5. First Border and Buttonholes

    • Chain 1, single crochet (sc) along the side of the last row up to the neckline. Chain 3, turn, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next, *make a buttonhole (sc in next 6 stitches, ch 2, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch)*, repeat from * to * until all buttonholes are made.
    Create border: Chain 1, single crochet (sc) along the side of the last row up to the neckline. Chain 3, turn, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next, *make a buttonhole (sc in next 6 stitches, ch 2, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch)*, repeat from * to * until all buttonholes are made.
    First Border and Buttonholes

  6. Second Border

    • Attach yarn, sc in the opposite side and create 2 rows of sc. Sc around all edges of cardigan, 2 sc in the corners for a nice rounded edge.
    Create second border: Attach yarn, sc in the opposite side and create 2 rows of sc. Sc around all edges of cardigan, 2 sc in the corners for a nice rounded edge.
    Second Border

  7. Sleeves

    • Attach yarn in the middle chain of the armhole. Chain 1, hdc in every stitch around the armhole. Repeat rows 1-3. Row 4: Hdc decrease, hdc in every stitch, hdc decrease at the end. Repeat rows 1-4 until 27 rows total.

  8. Sew Sleeves

    • Sew sleeve edges together using mattress stitch. Fasten off. Repeat for second sleeve.
    Sew sleeve edges together using mattress stitch. Fasten off. Repeat for second sleeve.
    Sew Sleeves

  9. Attach Buttons

    • Sew buttons onto the opposite side of the buttonholes.
    Sew buttons onto the opposite side of the buttonholes.
    Attach Buttons

Read more: Easy Color Block Crochet Blanket Tutorial for Beginners

Tips

  • N/A

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Varying tightness of stitches throughout the project leads to uneven fabric and a misshapen cardigan.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by using a tension square and counting stitches regularly.

2. Incorrect Stitch Count

Reason: Losing or gaining stitches results in mismatched seams and sizing issues.
Solution: Carefully count stitches at the end of each row and correct any discrepancies immediately.

3. Improper Seaming

Reason: Sloppy or inaccurate seaming creates a less professional-looking finish and can affect the overall fit.
Solution: Use a mattress stitch or other appropriate seaming technique and weave in ends securely.

FAQs

What yarn weight is recommended for this cardigan?
The best yarn weight depends on the child's age and your desired thickness. For newborns, a lightweight (fingering or sport) yarn is ideal. For older children (2-8 years), a DK or worsted weight yarn works well. The pattern includes adjustments for different yarn weights.
Can I adjust the pattern to make a larger or smaller cardigan?
Absolutely! The pattern provides instructions for sizes newborn to 8 years, and you can easily adapt it by adding or subtracting rows/stitches to achieve the desired length and width. Remember to maintain consistent stitch counts to keep the garment symmetrical and well-fitting.