26 Free
Crochet Cardigan Patterns
For Babies and Children
Adorable and free crochet cardigan patterns; crochet jackets to suit babies through to young children.
Some pattern designers make their patterns available for free for limited sizes, and a range of sizes is in the premium paid versions. Other designers make a wide range of sizes freely available. These patterns have been organized into three groups to make it easier to find the sizing for which you are looking. The sizing groups listed below refer to the free patterns only.
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Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Newborns and Babies
NEO Crochet Baby Kimono Jacket from Creativa Atelier
This free pattern for the sweetest kimono-style baby jacket has detailed instructions and step-by-step pictures. There are also helpful video tutorials to help you with any special techniques and stitches used in this pattern.
SIZE: 1-3 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight, cotton acrylic, e.g., Alabama from Katia.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: three 50 g skeins.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: tapestry needle, scissors, and 30 cm of matching cord or ribbon.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Centre Single Crochet and Bobble Stitch (details in the pattern).
Bubbly Baby Cardigan from Knitting with Chopsticks
An easy crochet baby cardigan with a bubbly texture, made in cotton yarn, it’s perfect for summer evenings.
SIZE: 3-6 months and 6-9 months
YARN WEIGHT: #2 / Fine / Sport weight, cotton yarn, e.g., Catania from Schachenmayr.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: two 50 g skeins of the main colour and one skein for the edges (optional).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3 mm crochet hook.
NOTIONS: four 10 mm buttons, a tapestry needle, T-pins for blocking, and scissors.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: V-Stitch and Bobble Stitch ( details in the pattern)
Crochet Easy Alpine Stitch Baby Cardigan by Sirin’s Crochet
This free, written crochet pattern is accompanied by a full YouTube video tutorial that will teach you how to make this beautifully textured crochet cardigan.
SIZE: 6-12 months (finished size 11 inches across the front and 11 1/2″ long.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight, cotton acrylic, e.g., Jeans Plus from YarnArt.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: four buttons, a yarn needle, and scissors.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Alpine Stitch.
Bramble Cardigan from Baby Crochet Designs
A free crochet cardigan pattern for a newborn.
SIZE: newborn, to fit 14″ ( 35.5 cm) chest.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: you will need about 218 yards (200 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3.50 mm (E-4) and 4 mm (G-6) crochet hooks.
NOTIONS: four or five ½” (15) mm buttons, a yarn needle, and scissors.
Tatum’s Jacket from Brenda Grobler
Tatum’s Jacket is a free crochet baby cardigan pattern designed by Brenda Grobler for Vinnis Colours.
SIZE: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Vinnis Colours Nikkim.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: three 50 g balls for the 0-3 months size, four balls for the 3-6 months size, and five balls for the 6-12 months.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3.50 mm (E-4) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: measuring tape, two 15 mm buttons, one meter of 5 mm ribbon, a tapestry needle, and scissors.
Ginger Crochet Jacket from Creativa Atelier
The Ginger Crochet Jacket pattern is free in the 1-3 month size. A PDF pattern is available to purchase with instructions in sizes 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years.
SIZE: 1-3 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #1 / Super Fine / Sock / Fingering weight yarn, e.g., Baby Pure Cotton from Anchor.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: two 50 g skeins of off-white yarn, one skein in mint, one skein in pale pink, one skein in mustard, and one skein in blue.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3 mm crochet hook.
NOTIONS: a measuring tape, scissors, and a tapestry needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Back Loops Only.
The Ella Cardi from Maisie and Ruth
The Ella Cardi is a free crochet baby cardigan pattern to suit newborns to 6 months’ size; the size is adjusted by changing the hook size. A YouTube video tutorial accompanies the free written pattern, making it perfect for beginners to follow along step-by-step.
SIZE: newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Deramores Studio Baby Soft DK.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: one 100 g skein.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 4 mm (G-6), 4.50 mm (7), or 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: a measuring tape, three 9/16″ (14 mm) buttons, a yarn needle, scissors, and stitch markers (optional).
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Cluster Stitch.
Aunalie Baby Sweater from Jen Dwyer
This free crochet baby cardigan pattern has a circular yoke with three-quarter length sleeves and bead stitch detail.
SIZE: 3 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight, cotton acrylic yarn, e.g., Comfy Worsted from Knit Picks.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 4.50 mm (7) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: a measuring tape or ruler, one wooden button, scissors, and a tapestry needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Bead Stitch.
Crochet Cotton Stripes Baby Sweater from Daisy Farm Crafts
This free crochet cardigan pattern suits a 3 to 6-month-old; there are also some notes on making a larger version in the pattern.
SIZE: 3-6 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Bernat Softee Cotton.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: two skeins of the primary colour and smaller amounts of the accent stripe colours.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: stitch markers, tape measure, scissors, and a yarn needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Herringbone Half Double Crochet.
Yavana Baby Cardigan from K.A.M.E. Crochet
The Yavana Baby Cardigan is a free crochet baby cardigan pattern for a newborn featuring a pretty shell stitch. There is also a pattern for a matching hat.
SIZE: 0-3 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: 410-437 yards (375-400 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: three small buttons, scissors, a yarn needle, and stitch markers (optional).
Rainbow Children’s Cardigan from Hobbii
The Rainbow Children’s Cardigan is a simple, free cardigan pattern with stripes and frilled edging. The instructions are for six sizes, from preemie up to 4 years.
SIZE: preemie, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and 2-4 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #2 / Fine / Sport weight yarn, e.g., Rainbow Bamboo from Hobbii.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3 mm crochet hook.
NOTIONS: three-six x 12 mm buttons, a measuring tape, scissors, and a yarn needle.
Newborn Baby Sweater from The Lazy Hobby Hopper
A video tutorial and written pattern for a sweet crochet newborn cardigan. The pattern is also available in other sizes for a small fee.
SIZE: newborn.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: you will need approximately 415 yards (380 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: measuring tape, buttons, scissors, and a yarn needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Front Post Double Crochet X Stitch.
Crochet Cardigans in Sizes to Suit Babies through to Children
Special Gift Jacket from Universal Yarn
Kimono-style baby jackets are super sweet and comfortable too. They have the added bonus of being easy to put on and take off: an important feature in newborn baby clothes.
SIZE: 3-6 months, 1-2 yr, 4-6 yr, 6-8 yr, 8-10 yr.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Adore from Universal Yarn.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: three skeins for the 3-6 month and 1-2 year size pattern and four, five, or six skeins for the larger sizes.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: tapestry needle, and scissors.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: scrunch stitch, shell edging (details in the pattern)
Bubblegum Children’s Cardigan from Hobbii
Designed by Haley Handcrafted for Hobbii, the Bubblegum cardigan is crocheted from the bottom up.
SIZE: 0-6 months, 9-12 months, 18-24 months, 2 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, and 10 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Highland Wool from Hobbii.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: you will need the following number of skeins for the main colour – three skeins for sizes 0-6 months and 9-12 months; four skeins for 18-24 months and 2 years; five skeins for 4 and 6 years; and six skeins for 8 and 10 years. You will also need one skein each in five different contrasting colours for the stripes.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3.75 mm (F-5) and 4 mm (G-6) crochet hooks.
NOTIONS: a tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker, and measuring tape.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Bobble Stitch.
Cutie Bug Cardi from Premier Yarns
The Cutie Bug Cardi is a free crochet cardigan pattern to suit sizes from 6 months to 6 years. It is suitable for an intermediate-level crocheter.
SIZE: 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 4 years, and 6 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: You will need two to three 100 g balls of yarn in the primary colour and one ball of each of the four accent colours.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: a measuring tape, three toggle buttons, a tapestry needle, stitch markers, and scissors.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Front Post Double Crochet, Back Post Double Crochet, and Shell Stitch edging.
Crochet Baby Bubble Tea Sweater from Off the Hooks & Co.
This free crochet baby cardigan pattern features sweet little ties in place of buttons. You could easily substitute buttons if you prefer.
SIZE: to suit a three-six-month-old baby.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight yarn, e.g., Heartland from Lion Brand.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: just over one skein.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5.50 mm (I-9) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: scissors and a tapestry needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Front Post Double Crochet, Back Post Double Crochet, V Stitch, and Bobble Stitch.
Willow Cardigan from The Moule Hole
The Willow Cardigan is a cute and free, crochet baby cardigan pattern to suit sizes from 0-6 months up to 10 years. It’s a quick and easy project worked in the raglan style from the top down, perfect for a baby shower gift.
SIZE: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 1½-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, and 9-10 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight yarn, e.g., Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: 400 yards to 1030 yards (370 m to 945 m), depending on size
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: four stitch markers, one small button, a measuring tape, scissors, and a yarn needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Half Double Crochet Shell and Puff Stitch.
Greyson Baby Cardigan from Moogly
This cute unisex baby cardigan pattern is free on the Moogly Blog.
SIZE: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Bernat Softee Baby.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: 350-500 yards (320-458 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5.50 mm (I-9) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: a measuring tape. four stitch markers, five buttons, scissors, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Knobbly Baby Cardi from Crochet ‘n’ Create
This is a free pattern but you do have to subscribe to Crochet ‘n’ Create to access it.
SIZE: to suit 6-12-month-old babies. 20″ chest with a finished length of about 11″ and a sleeve length of 5½”.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., King Cole Big Value Baby.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: you will need approximately 130 g of yarn.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 4.50 mm (7) to 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: measuring tape, five buttons, scissors, and a yarn needle.
Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Toddlers and Children
Oversized Crocheted Cardigan from Delia Creates
This gorgeous cardigan is easy to make, constructed with basic stitches and simple rectangles.
SIZE: an oversized jacket, it should fit sizes 4 to 8.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: you will need about 880 yards ( 805 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: a yarn needle and scissors.
Annabelle Smock Jacket from Peanut and Plum
This vintage look crochet jacket uses simple stitches and is perfect for beginners. It is a raglan-style cardigan worked from the top down with a three-quarter length sleeve.
SIZE: 1-2 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight yarn, w.g., Vanna’s Choice from Lion Brand.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: about 540 yards (494 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 6 mm (J-10) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: stitch markers, yarn needle, three buttons, and scissors.
Moana Jacket from Novita Knits
The Moana Jacket is a free crochet cardigan pattern featuring the loop stitch. The Loop Stitch is made by placing a cardboard strip at the back of your work and looping the yarn around it.
SIZE: The pattern instructions are in three sizes to suit chest circumferences of 27½”, 29″, and 30¾” (70 cm, 74 cm, and 78 cm). The underarm length and length of the mid back are also detailed. You may find the sizing information and charts on the Craft Yarn Council website helpful when deciding what size to make.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Wooly Wood from Novita.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: you will need between 500 g and 650 g of yarn.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 3.50 mm (E-4) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: measuring tape, a 16 mm/0.6″ x 5 cm/2″ cardboard strip, scissors, and a yarn needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Loop Stitch.
Snowdrop Cardigan from By Katerina
The link above takes you to the free written pattern for this adorable jacket. There is also a YouTube tutorial available to guide you through the pattern. It is an easy pattern and is suitable for beginners.
SIZE: 2 to 10 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #5 / Bulky / Chunky / Craft weight yarn, e.g., Alaska from Katia.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: approximately 400 yards for size 2, 490 yards for size 4, 580 yards for size 6, 680 yards for size 8, and 800 yards for size 10.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 6 mm (J-10) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers, and one 2½cm button.
Cameo Cardigan Crochet Pattern from Crochet It Creations
The Cameo Cardigan is a free crochet cardigan pattern with instructions for sizes to suit babies up to 2XL Adults. The link above takes you to the pattern for preschoolers; you can find links to all the other sizes on the pattern page.
SIZE: 3-5 preschoolers.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight yarn.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: about 500 yards.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 6.50 mm (K-10 ½) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: measuring tape, scissors, a tapestry needle, and stitch markers (optional).
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Back Loop Only crochet and Foundation Single Crochet.
Dusty Miller Cardigan from The Moule Hole
The Dusty Miller is a raglan-style cardigan crocheted from the top down. This is a free crochet cardigan pattern to suit sizes 12-18 months up to 10 years.
SIZE: 12-18 months, 1½-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10.
YARN WEIGHT: #4 / Medium / Worsted / Aran weight yarn, e.g., Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool.
HOW MUCH YARN DO I NEED?: anywhere from 330 yards to 880 yards, depending on size (300 m to 800 m).
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: stitch markers, buttons, a tapestry needle, scissors, and a measuring tape.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: Bobble Stitch.
Horizon Children’s Cardigan from Hobbii
The Horizon Cardigan is a classic granny-style crochet pattern with an interesting construction method. The cardigan is constructed from two hexagons that are crocheted together to form the body. The size is easily adjusted.
SIZE: from 1-10 years.
YARN WEIGHT: #3 / Light / DK / Light Worsted weight yarn, e.g., Horizon from Hobbii.
RECOMMENDED HOOK SIZE: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
NOTIONS: measuring tape, stitch markers, five buttons, scissors, and an embroidery needle.
SPECIAL STITCHES/TECHNIQUES USED: uses basic crochet stitches only.
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