The Sunset Cardigan: A Sweet Crochet Pattern for Newborns

Hello, fellow makers! Are you ready to create a truly special and cozy garment for a newborn baby? Inspired by the spirit of kindness and handmade love, I’m excited to share this detailed pattern for the Sunset Cardigan. This classic top-down sweater is worked in one piece, so there’s no seaming the body together, and the final result is a beautiful and professional-looking cardigan perfect for a baby shower gift or a thoughtful keepsake.

The pattern is designed to be a great project for a variety of skill levels. We’ll start with a classic yoke, separate the armholes, and then work the body and sleeves in simple double crochet stitches. The final front post and back post stitches on the bottom and cuffs add a beautiful ribbed detail, and the buttonholes are built right into the front panel. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and get ready to create something beautiful!

Why You’ll Love Crocheting This Cardigan:

• Seamless Design: The top-down construction means the body of the cardigan is worked in one piece, with no seaming required.
• Classic Look: The design is timeless and perfect for any newborn.
• Skill-Building: You’ll practice a variety of stitches, including double crochets, post stitches, and single crochets.
• Customizable: Easily change the yarn color and buttons to personalize the cardigan.

What You’ll Need:

• Yarn: Medium weight number 4 yarn.
• Crochet Hook: A 5mm crochet hook.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in all those ends.
• Scissors:
• Small Buttons: For the front closure.

Essential Crochet Abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• FPdc: front post double crochet
• BPdc: back post double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sk: skip
• FO: fasten off

The Pattern: The Sunset Cardigan (Newborn)

This cardigan is worked from the top down, starting with the yoke.

Part 1: The Yoke

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 54.
2. Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc in the next 6 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the next 12 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the next 14 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the next 12 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the last 7 ch. (Total: 52 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
3. Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn. Dc in each of the first 7 sts. In the next ch 1 sp, make (dc, ch 1, dc). Dc in each of the next 12 sts. In the next ch 1 sp, make (dc, ch 1, dc). Dc in each of the next 14 sts. In the next ch 1 sp, make (dc, ch 1, dc). Dc in each of the next 12 sts. In the last ch 1 sp, make (dc, ch 1, dc). Dc in each of the last 7 sts.
4. Row 3: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st, making (dc, ch 1, dc) in each of the four ch 1 spaces.
5. Row 4: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st, making (dc, ch 1, dc) in each of the four ch 1 spaces.
6. Row 5 (Separate Sleeves): Ch 2, turn. Dc in each of the first 10 sts. (Dc, ch 2, dc) in the next ch 1 sp. Sk the next 18 sts (first sleeve). (Dc, ch 2, dc) in the next ch 1 sp. Dc in each of the next 14 sts (back panel). (Dc, ch 2, dc) in the next ch 1 sp. Sk the next 18 sts (second sleeve). (Dc, ch 2, dc) in the next ch 1 sp. Dc in each of the last 10 sts.

Part 2: The Body

1. Row 6: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each of the first 12 sts. Dc in each of the 2 chains of the armhole space. Dc in each of the next 14 sts. Dc in each of the 2 chains of the armhole space. Dc in each of the last 12 sts. (Total: 56 dc)
2. Rows 7-14: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st across the row.

Part 3: Final Touches

1. Bottom Edging: Ch 2, turn. Alternate between FPdc and BPdc all the way to the end.
2. Front Panels:
   • Work two rows of sc up one side of the front opening.
   • Buttonhole Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st, ch 1, sk 1 st. Repeat this pattern for your buttonholes, spacing them out as desired.
   • Work one row of sl st all along the front opening edge.
3. Sleeves:
   • Join yarn in the center of the 4 dc under the armhole.
   • Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in the same space. Make a stitch reduction by crocheting the next 2 sts together. Dc in each st around to get a total of 21 sts.
   • Rounds 2-8: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st.
   • Cuff: Ch 1, sl st in the first st. Ch 2, alternate between FPdc and BPdc all around the cuff.
   • FO and repeat for the second sleeve.

Congratulations, you’ve created a beautiful and unique Sunset Cardigan! It’s now ready for buttons and a happy new owner. Happy hooking!

Video tutorial: