How to Make an EASY Crochet Baby Coat with Hood (Step-by-Step Guide)

A crochet baby coat with a hood is a precious handmade gift that’s both cozy and adorable. Whether you’re preparing for a baby shower, dressing your little one for cooler weather, or just want to create a special keepsake, this easy project is perfect for beginners or intermediate crocheters.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn (Category 4)

  • Soft, machine-washable yarn is ideal (e.g., acrylic or cotton blends)

  • Approx. 400–600 yards, depending on size

  • Choose 1–2 colors (e.g., one for the body and one for edging)

Tools

• Crochet hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size recommended on yarn label

• Yarn needle: For weaving in ends

• Scissors

• Measuring tape

• Buttons (optional): 3–5 buttons for front closure (1/2″ to 3/4″)

Size Options (Estimates)

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain

• sl st – slip stitch

• sc – single crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• dc – double crochet

• inc – increase (2 stitches in same stitch)

• dec – decrease (crochet 2 stitches together)

PART 1: Crochet the Baby Coat Body

We’ll start by working top-down, from the neckline to the hem, using a raglan style yoke.

Step 1: Yoke Foundation

1. Ch 46 (0–3 months)
   (Add more chains in multiples of 4 for larger sizes.)

2. Row 1:
   Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across. (44 dc)
   Turn.

3. Row 2 (Raglan Increase):
   Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in next st, dc-inc in next st, repeat to end. Place stitch markers at raglan corners (i.e., where increases are made).
   Turn.

4. Rows 3–8:
   Continue increasing in the raglan style until armhole depth is about:

   • 4″ for 0–3 months

   • 4.5″ for 3–6 months

   • 5″ for 6–12 months

Step 2: Divide for Body and Sleeves

• Separate the body from the sleeves by skipping the sleeve stitches and connecting the front, back, and opposite front.

• Continue working dc rows evenly until the body is desired length (approx. 7–9″).

Optional:

• Add a border of sc or shell stitch at the bottom hem.

PART 2: Crochet the Sleeves

1. Rejoin yarn at the armhole.

2. Work hdc or dc rounds around the sleeve opening.

3. Decrease slightly toward the wrist if desired.

4. Continue until sleeve length is:

   • 5″ for 0–3 months

   • 6″ for 3–6 months

   • 7″ for 6–12 months

5. Finish with a border round.

Repeat for the second sleeve.

PART 3: Crochet the Hood

1. Count and mark the center 20–24 stitches at the back neck.

2. Join yarn at one marker.

3. Work dc or hdc rows back and forth across the neckline, building upward.

4. Continue rows until the hood height reaches:

   • 6″ for 0–3 months

   • 6.5″ for 3–6 months

   • 7″ for 6–12 months

5. Fold the hood top in half and sl st or seam across to close.

PART 4: Add Edging & Buttons

1. Edging:
   Work a row of sc or shell stitch around the entire coat edge, including hood and front panels.

2. Buttonholes:
   On one front panel, skip 2 sts where you want a buttonhole, then ch 2 and continue. On the opposite panel, sew buttons to match.

3. Optional Additions:

   • Pom-poms or tassels for hood ties

   • Appliqués or embroidery

   • Contrast color edging

Tips & Tricks

• Use stitch markers to track increases and armholes.

• Make a matching hat or booties for a gift set.

• Test yarn against baby’s skin for softness.

• Wash and block finished coat before gifting.

Simple Pattern Summary (0–3 Months)

This is a simplified pattern version to get you started quickly.

1. Ch 46, dc across.

2. Increase rows (raglan): Add 4 increases each row at raglan corners.

3. Separate body and sleeves.

4. Continue body in dc until 7” long.

5. Sleeves: Work in rounds for 5”, tapering slightly.

6. Hood: Work rows from neckline until 6” tall, then fold and seam.

7. Edging and buttons.

Final Thoughts

Crocheting a baby coat with a hood is a satisfying and heartwarming project. With just a few basic stitches and a bit of patience, you can create something timeless and useful that will be cherished by parents and babies alike.

Don’t worry about perfection — babies don’t mind a missed stitch here or there. What matters most is the love you put into every loop.

Video Tutorial: