A stunning crochet baby cardigan that uses the puff stitch and gives it that unique lacy look to it, and is a perfect gift to make for our little ones!
With winter being just around the corner, I’m always on the hunt for beautiful pattern designs to crochet for our kids.
When it comes to lacy patterns, it’s always a delightful treat. That’s why I’m excited to show you our unique looking crochet sweater or cardigan for babies and young kids! It’s such a great gift to make for Christmas that they will love.
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About The Crochet Sweater/Cardigan For Kids
When it comes to crocheting garments for children, that can always look intimidating for an absolute beginner. But with patience and enough practice, I have the confidence that you’ll be able to complete this cardigan beautifully!
If you’re more of an advanced crocheter, this sweater should not take you more than a weekend to complete.
The best part for this pattern is the liberty to choose any color or use a color palette inspired by any theme. To be honest, any color you choose to make it with, will turn out unique and pretty.
The overall look of this project is focused on the puff stitch. I absolutely love this stitch! It will definitely need some practice if you’re a beginner, but it’s worth trying as it has a cozy look to it and works up quickly. This stitch is also the foundation of the jasmine stitch technique, which so many beautiful patterns come from!
The tricky part about the puff stitch is keeping all the loops at the same length. So you have to make sure to take your time, and count slowly. Another point worth noting about it, is that this specific stitch takes up a lot of yarn. So make sure you have enough yarn for the size that you’ll be crocheting.
The other stitch is the double crochet stitch and the double crochet increase. Increase means we are making two same stitches in one stitch. This technique is used to shape the yoke of the sweater to keep it round.
I suggest practicing the puff stitch before taking on this project. And once you’ve built that confidence, you can crochet this sweater in 4-5 hours for a small size!
Skill Level
I would consider this pattern to be for an advanced-beginner as you’ll need to learn how to crochet the puff stitch which will take some practice to master.
Materials Needed
- Sports Weight Yarn: Rose
- Crochet hook (4mm)
- Needle for sewing
- Scissors/yarn cutter
- Stitch Marker
Abbreviation Used
- R = row
- CH = chain
- SC = single crochet
- DC = double crochet
- HDC = half double crochet
- INC = increase
- Pf st = puff stitch
- SL ST= slip stitch
- ST/S = stitch/es
Notes
Here are the Chest measurements of the Finished garment in size small, not the actual Chest measurements.
AGE 6 months-1 year old (small): 18 inches
Crochet Kids Cardigan Pattern Direction for a Size Small
Instructions written: small
R1: chain (52) then work 1DC across the chain starting in the 3rd ST from the hook. (50)
R2: Turn. Chain 2, (4DC, INC)*10 (60)
Turn. Chain 2, (4DC, INC)*11, 2DC (68)
Turn. Chain 2, (4DC, INC)*12, 4DC (76)
R3: Turn. Chain 2, (5DC, INC)*10 (70)
Turn. Chain 2, (5DC, INC)*11, 2DC (77)
Turn. Chain 2, (5DC, INC)*12, 4DC (88)
R4: Turn. Chain 2, (6DC, INC)*10 (80)
Turn. Chain 2, (6DC, INC)*11, 2DC (90)
Turn. Chain 2, (6DC, INC)*12, 4DC (100)
R5: Turn. Chain 2, (7DC, INC)*10 (90)
Turn. Chain 2, (7DC, INC)*11, 2DC (101)
Turn. Chain 2, (7DC, INC)*12, 4DC (112)
R6: Turn. Chain 2, (8DC, INC)*10 (100)
Turn. Chain 2, (8DC, INC)*11, 2DC (112)
Turn. Chain 2, (8DC, INC)*12, 4DC (124)
R7: Turn. CH 3, [work “1 puff st, ch1, 1 puff st” in the same ST (1 puff set), CH1, SKIP 2 STS, make another puff set], repeat from across to the last ST. Total of 34 puff set.
Small: Place the 1st stitch marker between the 5th and 6th puff set through the space between the 13th, and 14th puff set. Then the 2nd one on the space between 21st and 22nd puff set through the space between the 29th and 30th puff set.
The holes on the side will serve as the armholes.
Let’s continue crocheting around the body (big hole).
The Body
R8-R(14): Turn. CH 3, [work 2 puff set in the space between the 2 puff STS (1 puff set), CH1, make another puff set between the next 2 puff STS], repeat from across to the last ST around the body. (7 rows) Total of 18 puff sets.
Note: You can add rows if you want a longer cardigan.
R(15): CH2, work 1DC in each ST across to the last ST. Stitch count is not crucial.
Cut the yarn and secure the ends.
The Sleeves
It’s time to work on the sleeves! Tie yarn in any space in the middle of a puff set.
1. CH3, [work 2 puff sts in the same space (1 puff set), CH1, make another puff set between the next 2 puff sets, repeat from across to the last ST around the armhole. Total of 8 puff sets.
2. Repeat this round (1) more times.
3. CH2, work 1DC in each ST across to the last ST.
Stitch count is not crucial. Cut the yarn and secure the ends.
4. Repeat step from 1 to 3 on the other armhole to complete the sleeves.
The Buttons
R1. 8sc in Magic Circle
Cut the yarn with a long tail to sew later.
Create another one. Sew the buttons on the cardigan.
Place one on R1 and the other one on R6.
Now let’s create the lock for the buttons.
Tie yarn on R1 on the opposite side of the button. [CH10, SL ST in the same ST.]
Cut the yarn and secure the ends.
Create another one on R6 using the step on the previous one.
Almost done! Finish off the cardigan by sewing the holes under the sleeves.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for spending your precious crochet time with me! This pattern piece is so light and easy to dress for a baby.
Its soft texture is suitable for the baby skin and avoids any rashes. You can also add a pinch of color by making the hem with a different color.
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