I was asked if I would consider making a bigger pattern for the popular Baby Bear Newborn Cardigan. Probably it is such a popular crochet baby cardigan pattern because its so easy.
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| Finished Baby Crochet Cardigan without sleeves |
The readers request was to use Double Knit Yarn and a 3.5mm hook. to make a simple baby cardigan, suitable for a boy or a girl. T\he simple method of working top-down means it is a very beginner friendly introduction to making baby clothes. I honestly do not make cardigans or sweaters any other way now.
Of course designing a whole new sized item takes time, lots of trials and errors, and a few times ripping it out. My designing process is not really straightforward, I work backward from finished measurements. I am sure there is an easier way however I like to fiddle around and, well basically just do it my way. Eventually I have now worked out the perfect finished size for a 3- 6 month old baby. AND more importantly a simple straightforward pattern.
I have made this baby sweater with a slight slant on the front for a side front fastening, as this was also requested by the reader and seems a more popular way to finish off the cardigan than with the straight edge.
This cardigan is worked in one piece from the neck down, the yoke is achieved by 3dc in each corner.
Again the fastening is off to one side just work the pattern and turn the cardigan inside out BEFORE making last single crochet row around edge to finish. LEFT for a girl/ RIGHT for a boy.
NOTES:
use Kiddies Cygnet Double Knit Yarn and a 3.5mm hook
Instructions for Crochet Cardigan:
ch 71.
Row 1: dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 17 sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 20 sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, 3dc in next st, dc in last 10sts. TURN (76sts)
Row 2: ch2, dc in next 10sts, 3dc in next, dc in next 10sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 22sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 10sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 18 sts, 2dc in last st. TURN (85sts)
Row 3: ch2, dc in next 20sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 24 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 12sts, 3dc in next st, dc in last 12sts. TURN (94sts)
Row 4: ch2, dc in next 12 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 14 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 26sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 14sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 21 sts, 2dc in last st, turn, (102sts)
Row 5: ch2, dc in next 23 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 16 sts,3dc in next sts, dc in next 28sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 16sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts, (110)
Row 6: ch2, dc in next 14 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 18 sts,3dc in next sts, dc in next 30sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 18sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 24 sts,2dc in last st, turn, (119sts)
Row 7: ch2, dc in next 26 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 20 sts,3dc in next sts, dc in next 32sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 20sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 16 sts, turn, (127sts)
Row 8: ch2, dc in next 16 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 22 sts,3dc in next sts, dc in next 34sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 22sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 28 sts,2dc in last st, turn, (137sts)
Row 9: ch2, dc in next 30 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 24 sts,3dc in next sts, dc in next 36sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 24sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 18 sts, (146sts)
Row 10: ch2, dc in next 18 sts, 3dc in next sts, dc in next 26 sts,3dc in next sts, dc in next 38sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 26sts, 3dc in next st, dc in next 30, 2dc in last st, turn, (154sts)
Row 11: ch2, dc in next 32sts, skip 30sts, chain 5, (armhole created) dc in next 40sts, skip 30 sts, chain 5 (armhole created) dc in next 20sts,turn (102sts)
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| This is what your piece should now look like with the Ch5s for underarms. |
Row 12: ch2, dc in every stitch, (including the ch5s for underarms) work 2 dc in the last stitch. (103sts)
Row 13: ch2, dc in each stitch to end, TURN (103sts)
Row 14- 22: ch2, dc in each stitch to end, TURN (103sts)
Edging: Create 3 single crochet in corner of last dc and work single crochet (SC) evenly up the front and along the neck and back down the other side. and along bottom.
Work 3 single crochets in each corner. (I do not create button hole as I feel the double crochets provide enough space to pass a button through.)
Optional sleeves
SLEEVES: Join yarn in middle chain of underarm. double crochet around, for 10 rows (do not join work in continuous round)
CUFF: Work 3 rounds of single crochet, by changing, to a size smaller hook and working single crochet in each stitch around, if the sleeve is looking too wide at the cuff then you can single crochet 2 together in a few stitches and finish off with a single crochet round.
Fasten off and weave in all ends. Attach buttons and finish off. As always you are Free to make and sell items you have made from the pattern. However You Must NOT copy or distribute the pattern online TEXT OR PDF, in part or whole anywhere else without my express written permission. You can share the picture of the finished item. With a link BACK to this page. You must NOT use my pictures in any way to sell YOUR Own Finished product You will NOT put this PATTERN (whole or in part) on to ANY other SITE online without my express written permission. This post may contain affiliate links.
Happy Hooking
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