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Keep your little ones cosy in this simple button up raglan sweater. Using a combination of beginner stitches to create a simple body and a central textured panel, this is a quick and easy baby crochet sweater pattern to make.
The pattern is sized from baby to 4 years old with cute button fastenings to make for easy dressing. With cuffs and a hem that’s ribbed, and antique buttons for a pop of colour, this sweater is perfect for all types of events to make your little one look dapper.
More about this textured baby crochet sweater pattern
This is a beginner friendly pattern made up entirely with basic stitches. There are some variations to them, but they’re all explained down below and you won’t have to worry about anything complicated.
The fabric of the sweater is solid to ensure little fingers don’t get caught in any holes. It’s very warm as well, making it the perfect winter wear.
How to make a crochet baby sweater like this
The sweater is made from the bottom up in separate pieces for Front, Back and Sleeves. There is raglan decreasing to fit the Sleeves, and Button Tabs are made to join into the raglan seam at the Front.
The sweater is worked in hdc stitches throughout, with a Centre Stitch Pattern panel in the middle of the chest and sleeves. This section is similar to a crochet moss stitch but uses front and back loops only to create an amazing texture!
Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!). Once you have made your sweater, you can block it to measurements.
Yarn
To crochet this modern baby sweater pattern, I used Snuggly Cashmere Merino Silk DK (75% Extra Fine Merino Wool, 20% Silk, 5% Cashmere; 116m/50g). The sweater pictured is made in Pied Piper (305).
You will need for the following sizes: 0-6 months (6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2-3 years, 3-4 years)
Balls of yarn required: 3 (3, 4, 5, 6)
Approx. yarn required (m/yds): 300/328 (320/350, 440/480, 550/600, 640/700)
If you choose to add any length to your sweater remember to get some extra yarn for that.
Yarn Substitutes
You can use any similar weighted yarn for your project. Some great options are:
- Mellowpsun by Mary Maxim (100% acrylic; 284yds/100g)
- Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (100% acrylic; 301yds/100g)
- Capra DK by WeCrochet (85% fine merino, 15% cashmere, 123yds/50g)
Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- 4mm (G) crochet hook (or hook required to meet gauge)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- 4 small buttons
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Glossary and Abbreviations
ss – slip stitch
ch – chain
sts(s) – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
blo – back loop only
flo – front loop only
Yoh – yarn over hook
FP – front post
BP – back post
Stitches
The baby sweater pattern uses the following crochet stitches:
hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble)
dc – double crochet (UK tr – treble crochet)
Special Stitches
This baby crochet sweater pattern is made by using some variations of basic stitches. I love crocheting things that look really complicated but are actually really simple!
If you like the look of the moss stitch panel in the centre of this raglan sweater then you might enjoy making these too that use a really similar type of stitch:
- Herringbone Moss Stitch Sweater (a top down seamless raglan)
- Herringbone Moss Stitch Mittens (baby to adult sizes)
- Herringbone Moss Stitch Hat (baby to adult sizes)
FPdc – Front Post Double Crochet
Yarn over hook, insert hook from front to back to front around post of desired stitch below, yarn over hook and pull up a loop, yarn over hook and pull through 2 loops on the hook, yarn over hook and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
BPdc – Back Post Double Crochet
Yarn over hook, insert hook from back to front to back around post of desired stitch below, yarn over hook and pull up a loop, yarn over hook and pull through 2 loops on the hook, yarn over hook and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
FLO – Front Loop Only
To work in the front loop only: Going from the front to back as you would with a regular stitch, insert your hook through the front loop only. Make sure you have one loop on your hook and that the other loop of the V is behind your hook (the back loop).
BLO – Back Loop Only
To work in the back loop only: Going from the front to back as you would with a regular stitch, insert your hook through the back loop only. Make sure you have one loop on your hook and that the other loop of the V is in front of your hook (the front loop).
Hdc2tog – Half Double Crochet 2 Together
(Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop) 2 times, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook to complete stitch. This decreases your stitch count by 1.
Before you dive into crocheting your sweater, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, transitioning yarn colours, and tips on turning your work.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
- A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.
- Turn at the end of each row.
- Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
- Instructions are given for the smallest size, with larger sizes in brackets ( ).
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous row.
Baby Crochet Sweater Pattern
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Perfect to print out or use on any device, with added schematic and charts, colour inspiration and stitch tutorials
Copyright Notice
The Baby Crochet Sweater Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.
This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd).
Unauthorised distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited. The free to view crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.
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SLEEVES (BOTH ALIKE)
Cuff
Foundation chain: ch 23 (25, 27, 29, 29).
Row 1 (WS): hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end [22 (24, 26, 28, 28)].
Row 2 (RS): ch1, hdc in first st, FPdc around next st, *hdc in next st, FPdc around next st; rep from * to last 2 sts, hdc in last 2 sts.
Row 3: ch1, hdc in first 2 sts, *BPdc around next st, hdc in next st; rep from * to end.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Main Sleeve
Row 1: ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in next 6 (7, 8, 9, 9) sts, (ch1, skip next st, hdc in next st) 4 times, hdc in next 6 (7, 8, 9, 9) sts, 2hdc in last st [24 (26, 28, 30, 30) sts].
Centre Stitch Pattern will be worked on central panel of 8 sts in following rows. Mark first and last sts of panel with stitch markers, moving markers up each row.
Row 2: ch1, hdc in each st to first st marker,Centre Stitch Pattern over marked section working RS or WS as appropriate, hdc in each st to end.
Rows 3-4: Rep Row 2.
Row 5 (increase row): ch1, 2hdc in first st, hdc in each st to first st marker, Centre Stitch Pattern over marked section working RS or WS as appropriate, hdc in each st to last st, 2hdc in last st [26, 28, 30, 32, 32)].
Work 4 (3, 3, 4, 4) rows more as Row 2.
Last 5 (4, 4, 5, 5) rows set Increase Pattern.
Repeat Increase Pattern: 1 (2, 2, 3, 3) more times [28 (32, 34, 36, 38) sts].
Next Row: Repeat Row 2 (2, 5, 5, 5).
All sizes: Repeat Row 2 once more [28 (32, 36, 38, 40) sts, 16 (19, 21, 25, 30) rows of Main Sleeve].
If you need to make the Sleeve slightly longer then add extra rows of Row 2 at this point.
RAGLAN SHAPING
Row 1: ss into first 3sts, hdc in same st as last ss and next 7 (9, 11, 12, 13) sts to marker, Centre Stitch Pattern over marked section working WS or RS as appropriate, hdc in each st to last 2 sts, leave remaining sts unworked [24 (28, 32, 34, 36) sts].
Size 3-4 years only:
Work 1 row as Row 2 of Main Sleeve.
All Sizes:
Decrease Row: ch1, hdc2tog, hdc in each st to marker, Centre Stitch Pattern over marked section working RS or WS as appropriate, hdc in each st to last 2 sts, hdc2tog [22 (26, 30, 32, 34) sts].
Repeat Decrease Row: 9 (11, 13, 14, 15) times more [4 (4, 4, 4, 4) sts].
Once decreases reach marked section, remove markers and continue working decreases over first 2 and last 2 sts of Centre Stitch Pattern working the hdc2tog in FLO/BLO to match that row of Centre Stitch Pattern.
Sizes 2-3 years and 3-4 years only:
Work 1 row as Row 2 of Main Sleeve.
All Sizes:
Fasten off [11 (13, 15, 17, 19) rows of Raglan Shaping].
TO MAKE UP
Sew side, underarm and Back raglan seams, leaving Front raglan seams open.
FRONT BUTTON TABS
Join yarn to unseamed side of Sleeve row just inside neckline. Work the Left side first, as this will be the side with RS facing.
Row 1 (RS): ch1, hdc 8 (10, 10, 12, 12) evenly [8 (10, 10, 12, 12) sts].
Row 2: ch1, hdc in each st to end.
Row 3: (buttonhole row) ch1, hdc in 2 (3, 3, 4, 4), ch1, skip next st, hdc in next 2, ch1, skip next st, hdc in 2 (3, 3, 4, 4).
Row 4: ch1, hdc in each st or ch to end.
To finish, sew buttons to Front to match buttonholes.
Weave in all ends and block lightly to measurements.
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More Crochet Baby Outfits You Might Enjoy
If you enjoy making tiny adorable outfits for the babies in your life, here are a few more you patterns you might like to make:
- Rainbow baby crochet romper pattern – a cute outfit for baby boys and girls.
- Easy crochet baby sweater pattern – the lazy day sweater is a modern raglan with gorgeous texture.
- Crochet baby vest pattern – a fitted sleeveless crochet top for sizes newborn baby to 10 years.
Congratulations on completing your baby crochet sweater pattern! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this stunning piece, why stop here? Dive into my other fun crochet garment patterns for babies and children, each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists and colourful creations! Join our community of crochet enthusiasts, where we share tips, tricks, and plenty of crafting inspiration. So, grab your hooks, explore more patterns, and let’s continue this crochet adventure together! Happy stitching! 🧶✨
