Sweet Stripes Baby Cardigan - Free Crochet Pattern!
The Sweet Stripes Cardigan is a cozy, relaxed-fit baby sweater that combines timeless style with playful colorwork. Crocheted in soft KnitPal Cotton to the Core DK yarn, this pattern features clean double crochet construction, sweet striping on the sleeves, and a polished ribbed edging with front and back post stitches. With sizes included from 6–9 months through 24–30 months, it’s a wonderful handmade layer for everyday wear—and a truly special gift for new little ones.
Download a printable pattern PDF
What You’ll Need
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Yarn:
Knitpal Cotton to the Core (DK weight 78% cotton/22% acrylic, 142 yards / 50 g)
Color A: Pearl White approx 287 [355, 424] yards
Color B: Shamrock Green approx 516 [639, 764] yards
Alternate yarn: KnitPal Tweed Twinkles (DK weight, 79% acrylic, 21% polyester, 87 yards / 50g) -
Needles:
US size E (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Or size needed to obtain gauge -
Notions:
Tapestry needle
5 [5, 6] small buttons approx 3/8 inch / 9 mm
Details
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Skill Level: Easy
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Gauge: 4x4 inches / 10x10cm = 19 stitches x 11 rows in double crochet stitch
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Sizes: 6 - 9 month [12 - 18 month, 24 - 30 month]
Chest circumference: 20 [22, 24] inches
Finished length: 14 [15, 16] inches
Sleeve length: 5.5 [7, 8.5] inches
Designed with 2-4 inches of positive ease for your growing little one to enjoy longer.
Abreviations
- bpdc: back post double crochet
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- fpdc: front post double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- slst: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rpt: repeat
- sp: space
- sk: skip/miss
Notes
- Follow along with the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxX5Hy76KyM
- Ch3 counts as a double crochet.
- Ch1 is not counted as a stitch.
Patterns
Download a printable pattern PDF
CARDIGAN:
Using Color A, ch 54 [66, 72].
Row 1: ch3 (counts as dc), dc in 4th ch and next 8 [9, 10] ch (front), make corner (3dc into next ch), dc in next 6 [10, 10] ch (shoulder), make corner (3dc into next ch), dc in each next 18 [20, 24] ch (back), make corner (3dc into next ch), dc in next 6 [10, 10] ch (shoulder), make corner (3dc into next ch), dc in next 10 [11, 12] ch (front), turn work. (62 [72, 78] sts)
Row 2: ch1 (does not count a st), dc in each next 10 [11, 12] sts, make corner (3dc into middle st of corner), dc in next 6 [12, 12] sts, make corner (3dc into middle st of corner), dc in next 20 [22, 26] sts, make corner (3dc into middle st of corner), dc in each next 6 [12, 12] sts, make corner (3dc into middle st of corner), dc in next 10 [11, 12] sts, turn work. (70 [82, 88] sts) Row 3-14 [15, 16]: rpt Row 2. (166 [186, 200] sts)
SLEEVE SEPARATION:
Using Color B:
Row 15 [16, 17]: ch1, dc in each st across to middle of next corner st, sk 34 [40, 42] shoulder sts, dc into middle of next corner st, dc in each st across back, sk 34 [40, 42] shoulder sts, dc in each st across front, turn work. (98 [106, 116] sts for the body)
SWEATER BODY PATTERN:
Pattern Row 1: ch1, dc in same st, *sk1, dc into next st, then dc into skipped st*, repeat from * to * across to end, dc into last st, turn work.
Pattern Row 2: ch1, dc in same st, dc in each st across to end, turn work.
Row 3-17 [19, 21]: rpt Pattern Row 1-2.
BUTTON BANDS, COLLAR, HEM:
Using Color B:
Row 1: ch1, dc across front edge, turn work. (64 [68, 72] sts)
Row 2: ch1, hdc into same st, *fpdc into next dc, bpdc into next dc*, repeat from * to * across to last st, hdc into last st, turn work.
Row 3: ch1, hdc into same st, *fpdc into next fpdc, bpdc into next bpdc*, repeat from * to * across to last st, hdc into last st. Fasten off. Work second button band as above. Using Color B, work collar as above. Using Color A, work hem as above.
SLEEVES
Using Color B:
Round 1: join yarn into corner of armhole, ch3 (counts as a dc), dc in each st around armhole, slst to join into 3rd ch. Switch colors.
Round 2: ch3, dc in each st around, sl st to join into 3rd ch. Switch colors.
Round 3-13 [17, 21]: continuing to alternate colors, rpt Round 2.
CUFFS:
Using Color B:
Round 1: ch1, hdc into same st, *fpdc into next dc, bpdc into next dc*, repeat from * to * across to last st, hdc into last st, turn work.
Round 2: ch1, hdc into same st, *fpdc into next fpdc, bpdc into next bpdc*, repeat from * to * across to last st, hdc into last st. Fasten off.
FINISHING:
Sew buttons on front band. Weave all ends.
Download a printable pattern PDF
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