by A crochet baby sweater or cardigan jacket is a perfect handmade piece to keep your baby girl cozy and cute. Lightweight, soft, and easy to wear, this type of project is also incredibly beginner-friendly—especially when made in one piece with minimal sewing!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to crochet a simple baby sweater with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
Supplies You’ll Need
| Material | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Soft baby yarn, DK or Light Worsted (Category 3) |
| Hook | 4.0 mm (G-6) crochet hook |
| Yarn Needle | For weaving in ends and seaming |
| Buttons | 3–5 small buttons |
| Scissors | For trimming yarn |
| Stitch Markers | Optional, but helpful for armholes |
Finished Size: 0–6 Months
| Measurement | Approximate |
|---|---|
| Chest Width | 17 in (43 cm) |
| Sweater Length | 9–10 in (23–25 cm) |
| Sleeve Length | 5–6 in (13–15 cm) |
You can adjust the number of stitches/rows for bigger sizes.
Crochet Stitches Used
This project uses basic stitches only, ideal for beginners:
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ch – chain
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sc – single crochet
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hdc – half double crochet
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dc – double crochet
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sl st – slip stitch
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inc – increase (2 stitches in 1 stitch)
Pattern Construction Overview
This baby cardigan is worked top-down in one piece, then split for sleeves and body. Sleeves are added later in the round.
Pattern Structure:
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Yoke (neck to underarm)
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Separate for body and sleeves
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Work body (bottom of jacket)
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Add sleeves
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Add edging and buttons
Easy Crochet Baby Sweater Pattern
Step 1: Make the Yoke (Neck to Underarm)
Foundation Chain:
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Ch 52 (adjust in multiples of 8 for different sizes)
Row 1 (Set Up):
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Dc in 4th ch from hook and each across
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(Total 50 dc + 1 turning ch = 51 stitches)
Row 2–6 (Yoke Increases):
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Increase at 4 raglan points: front-left, sleeve-left, back, sleeve-right
Sample Increase Layout:
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Dc in next 7, 2 dc in next (increase)
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Dc 6, 2 dc (increase)
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Dc 16, 2 dc (increase)
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Dc 6, 2 dc (increase)
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Dc to end
➡️ Repeat increase rows for a total of 5–6 rows or until the yoke measures around 3.5–4 inches deep.
Video Tutorial Part1:
Step 2: Divide for Body and Sleeves
Row 7:
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Dc across first front section
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Skip stitches for sleeve (use stitch marker to note start/end)
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Ch 4–6 for armhole
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Dc across back
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Skip second sleeve section
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Ch 4–6
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Dc across second front section
➡️ You now have the body of the sweater formed!
Step 3: Work the Body
Rows 8–18 (or until desired length):
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Dc in each stitch and chain space across
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Ch 2, turn at the end of each row
➡️ Optional: Work alternating rows of hdc or include shell stitches for design.
Row 19 (Final Edge Row):
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Work 1 row of sc for a clean bottom edge
Step 4: Add Sleeves (In the Round)
Sleeve (Repeat for both):
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Join yarn to underarm
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Work dc evenly around the armhole (approx. 24–26 stitches)
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Join with sl st, ch 2
Rounds 1–6 (or desired length):
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Dc in each stitch around
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Optional: Slightly decrease (dc2tog) every other round for tapered sleeve
Final Round:
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Sc around cuff or add shell/picot edging
Step 5: Add Front Edging and Buttonholes
Button Band (Left Side):
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Join yarn at bottom front
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Sc evenly up to the neckline
Buttonhole Band (Right Side):
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Repeat sc row, but add buttonholes:
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(Sc 3, ch 2, skip 2) – repeat 2–3 times evenly
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Neckline:
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Sc or hdc around collar for a neat finish
Step 6: Finishing Touches
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Sew buttons opposite buttonholes
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Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle
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Lightly block if needed
Optional Design Variations
| Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Blocking | Use one color for the yoke and another for the body/sleeves |
| Shell Stitch Hem | Add feminine touch with shell edging at bottom and cuffs |
| Ribbon Tie | Add satin ribbon at the waist or neckline |
| Appliqué | Sew on a crocheted flower or heart |
Tips for Beginners
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Keep your tension loose for flexibility and comfort
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Use stitch markers at increase points to avoid confusion
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Check size by measuring as you go
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Choose washable yarn—babies can be messy!
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If using buttons, make sure they are secure and baby-safe
Perfect For:
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Newborn gifts
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Baby showers
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Holidays or birthdays
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Everyday layering for chilly days
Matching Accessories (Optional)
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Crochet baby hat or beanie
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Baby booties
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Headband with bow or flower
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Blanket in matching yarn
Let me know if you’d like tutorials for any of those too!
Final Thoughts
Making an easy crochet baby sweater or cardigan jacket for a little girl is a beautiful, beginner-friendly project that delivers big results. With soft yarn, basic stitches, and a little time, you’ll create a handmade piece full of love and warmth.
Whether you keep it simple or add embellishments, your creation is sure to become a treasured item—perhaps even a keepsake passed down through generations.
Video Tutorial Part2:
