Child Crochet Cardigan Pattern (baby to 10 years)

The Wetherby is a classic child crochet cardigan pattern with options for a flat or rolled collar in sizes newborn baby to age 10 years.

With a sophisticated and simple textured stitch pattern, it makes a perfect crochet cardigan for baby boys or girls and older kids too.

The easy construction means you can simply leave the sleeves off to make a vest version. Or add pockets and toggles, or a rolled or flat collar. Truly a kids crochet cardigan pattern that you can make to suit the little one you’re making for!

In this post you’ll find everything you need to know how to make this easy crochet cardigan pattern in child sizes, including materials, stitches, a detailed video tutorial and free written pattern for blog subscribers.. It also comes in adult sizes too if you want to crochet cardigans for the whole family!

About the child crochet cardigan pattern

I love designing crochet patterns for everyone but now that my boys are 5 and almost 3 I’m thinking more about customisable designs because they have such different personalities and tastes!

My aim with this kids crochet cardigan pattern is to give you all the tools you need to tailor it to suit whoever you are making it for. I now have quite a selection of different garments for babies and children so make sure you check them out too!

My Wetherby Cardigan is a really simple construction with the sleeves added afterwards making it super simple to make a sleeveless version too!

It’s a category 4, worsted weight yarn which gives a cosy and warm feel to the cardigan. Check our handy yarn weight chart and guide to find out more about yarn weights and categories.

I used the colour Stratus for the cardigans my sons are wearing, but I also made two adult versions for myself in Goldenrod and Wren.

How do you crochet a cardigan for children?

Crocheting a garment for a baby or child might seem intimidating and fiddly but it really isn’t! This cardigan is crocheted side to side with the front and the back panel made in one piece and the optional sleeves added afterwards.

Once you’ve made the main body of the cardigan you can decide whether you want a flat or rolled collar.

The construction of the cardigan means that we simply work a different length of starting chain for the size you’d like (this one is crocheted side to side so that the rows sit vertically on you).

I’ve crocheted the adult crop cardigan pattern version in the video tutorial but it’s exactly the same way that you crochet the child sizes so perfect to work along with me!

Crochet Cardigan Pattern Video Tutorial

If you’d like to follow a full video tutorial for the cardigan then you can find it here: crochet cardigan video tutorial.

I made four versions of the crochet cardi pattern myself –

• a cropped one with a rolled collar and toggle fastening
• a duster length one with a flat collar, pockets and tie
• a child one with a flat collar and toggle fastening
• a child one with a rolled collar and no fastening

You will need for the following sizes: 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years) approximately:

350 (436, 545, 610, 720, 872, 960) yards.

I often get asked about ideas for alternative yarns and I love swatching from my stash to see what works!

Here are some that I think would work really well for this crochet cardigan pattern in various price ranges:

• Lion Brand Heartland – 100% acrylic, 252yds, 230m/140g
• Sirdar Country Classic Worsted – 50% wool, 50% acrylic, 218yds, 200m/100g
• Swish Worsted by WeCrochet – 100% superwash merino wool, 110yds, 100m/50g

Here’s a picture of me wearing the adult crop version and my boys wearing their sizes with a flat and rolled collar:

Tension and Sizing

12 sts and 11 rows of Main Set Pattern = 4in by 4in  / 10 cm x 10 cm using a 5.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension. (See Swatch info below for Main Set Pattern).

Ch25

Row 1: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each across, turn. [24]

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop of each st across, turn.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in each st across, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your swatch measures approximately 6 inches before measuring a 4 inch by 4 inch section of the swatch.

The child crochet cardigan pattern is for sizes 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years). The baby size is available to view for free by logging in below.

To fit chest circumferences: 17 (18, 21, 23, 25, 26.5, 28) inches.

Cardigan Width: 9.75 (10.25, 11.5, 12.75, 13.5, 14.25, 15.25) inches.

Garment Circumference: 19.5 (20.75, 23.5, 25.25, 26.5, 29.25, 30.75) inches.

Armhole Depth: 4 (4.25, 4.5, 5, 5.25, 6, 6.5) inches.

Child Cardigan Length: 11.25 (12.75, 15, 15.75, 17.5, 19, 19.75) inches.

Sleeve Length: 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 9.75, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5) inches.

Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this crochet toddler cardigan pattern to your crochet Pinterest board!

Crochet Terms You’ll Need to Know

Glossary and Abbreviations

ch(s) – chain(s)

sp – space

ss – slip stitch

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

sk – skip

rep – repeat

yoh – yarn over hook

blo – back loop only

flo – front loop only

Stitches

The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:

sc – single crochet (UK dc – double crochet)

hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)

Special Stitches

3rd loop

Extra loop created on hdc or Exhdc from the yarn over. When working in rows this will be the first loop you come to when looking at the stitch.

Exhdc – Extended half double crochet (UK Exhtr)

Yoh, insert your hook, yoh and pull up a loop, yoh and pull through one loop, yoh and pull through remaining three loops.

• A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.
• Turn at the end of every row.
• Read through the entire pattern before beginning.
• 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!).
• Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
• 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.
• The count number referring to each size is laid out as follows: 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years) unless otherwise indicated.
• If an instruction does not apply to a particular size then a – is used instead of a number. E.g. – (-, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6) means that the 0-6 months and 6-12 months sizes do not apply to this instruction.

Cardigan Construction

The Front and Back is made in one piece creating a ‘U’shape.

The sleeves are made separately and then sewn in place before seaming the sides.

The garment is made side to side with the rows sitting vertically when worn.

The collar is added as follows in the second diagram:

There are two options for the collar in the cardigan pattern – rolled or flat.

They are both worked in rows joining to the fronts and neckline as you go.

The rolled collar is worked with the WS facing the front of the cardigan so that when you roll it back you see the RS.

The flat collar is worked with the RS facing the front.

Here I am wearing the sleeveless duster version with pockets and a belt – can you believe it’s the same design with just some tweaks?!

Child Crochet Cardigan Pattern – Baby to Age 10 Sizes

There are a few options for you to access and enjoy this crochet pattern:

Copyright Notice

The Wetherby Child Crochet Cardigan 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.

Pattern Support

I am delighted to invite you to join the HanJan Crochet Community Facebook Group where we host all pattern support queries and love to see your progress, yarn choices and finished projects! 

Crochet Pattern Free for Blog Subscribers to View

US Terminology

FLAT COLLAR

Right side of collar: With WS facing, join yarn to first st using 5mm hook (or hook 0.5mm smaller than the size you met the gauge with).

Foundation chain: ch 9

Row 1: RS of collar: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body. [8].

Row 2: ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram. Break yarn.

Left side of collar: This begins in a similar way but you need to work a foundation chain of 8 before joining with a slip stitch to the 1st st on the left side of the Collar (with WS facing).

Row 1: RS of collar: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end. [8].

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body.

Rows 1 and 2 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram.

Once both sides are complete, join the Collar together at the back centre with either a whip stitch or a slip stitch seam.

ROLLED COLLAR

The rolled collar is worked in the same way as the flat collar but with the RS of the Collar facing the inside of the cardigan.

Right side of collar: With RS facing, ch 16 using 5mm hook (or hook 0.5mm smaller than the size you met the gauge with). Join with a slip stitch to the 1st st on the right side of the Collar.

Row 1: WS of collar: Exhdc 2nd ch from hook and in each to end. [16].

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the level of the armhole shaping.

Increase Row: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to last, 2Exhdc in last st. [17]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in each st to end.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern 5 more times.

Increase Row: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to last, 2Exhdc in last st. [18]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram.

Left side of collar: This begins in a similar way but you need to join yarn to first st on the left side of the Collar with RS facing.

Foundation chain: ch 17

Row 1: WS of collar: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body. [16].

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the level of the armhole shaping.

Next Row: Repeat Row 2

Increase Row: ch1, 2Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.[17]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 3 and 4 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern 5 more times.

Increase Row: ch1, 2Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body. [18]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram.

Once both sides of the rolled Collar are complete, join together at the back centre with either a whip stitch or a slip stitch seam.Then fold over the Collar and stitch into place if you’d like to.

SLEEVES

(Make 2):

Foundation chain: ch 24 (27, 30, 34, 39, 42, 46).

Row 1: ss in 2nd ch from hook, ss in next 7 (adjust this if you would like your cuff shorter or longer), Exhdc in each remaining st to end. [23 (26, 29, 33, 38, 41, 45)].

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop of each st to cuff, ss in flo of each remaining st to end.

Row 3: ch1, ss in flo of each st of cuff (20 in this case), Exhdc in each remaining st to end.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 3 and 4 create the Set Pattern for the Sleeves.

Rows Rows 5 – 22 (24, 26, 28, 30, 34, 36): Repeat the Set Pattern for the Sleeves.

Optional Pockets (make 2):

You can make your Pockets as deep and wide as you like of course, this is just a suggestion.

Foundation chain: ch ch 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16).

Row 1: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end. [9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)].

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop of next 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11), ss in flo of next 4.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 4, Exhdc in next 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11).

Rows 2 and 3 create the Pocket Set Pattern.

Rows 4 – 4 (4, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8): Repeat the Pocket Set Pattern.

FINISHING

Once you have made all of the component parts, block them to measurements.

Begin to construct your cardigan by joining the sleeves with the WS facing you into the armhole shaping with either a whip stitch or a slip stitch seam.

Then with the WS facing you, join the side and underarm seams with either a whip stitch or slip stitch seam.

If you have chosen to add toggles then sew them in place.

Weave in ends securely to finish.

I hope you enjoyed this child crochet cardigan pattern – I’ve loved sharing it with you!

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More Crochet Patterns for Children You Might Enjoy

If you enjoy making crochet patterns for babies and kids as much as I do then here are a few more of my designs you might enjoy exploring! My top suggestion is this kids crochet cardigan pattern using the granny stitch!

Or if you have the garment making bug then you’ll love this collection of easy crochet cardigan patterns for beginners!

Child Crochet Sweater Patterns You Might Enjoy

If you’ve enjoyed making this child cardigan pattern, then why not try a few sweaters too? Here’s a few other of my designs you might like:

• Child Granny Stitch Sweater – simple, timeless and versatile
• Crochet Sweater Pattern for Boys – and girls! Another textured raglan for you to enjoy
• Baby Crochet Sweater Pattern – beginner stitches and cute buttons for 0-4 years

Congratulations on crocheting your very own child crochet cardigan! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this fun project, why stop here? Dive into my other child crochet garment patterns, 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! 🧶✨