Crochet baby blanket cardigan design - Free Pattern

Welcome to our crochet blog, where we’ll show you how to create a delightful and cozy baby blanket cardigan. This adorable and versatile garment will keep your little one warm and stylish during the chilly months. Crocheting a baby blanket cardigan is a rewarding and enjoyable project suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters. With some yarn, a crochet hook, and a bit of creativity, you can craft a unique and personalized cardigan that will be cherished for years to come.

Skill Level: beginner

Materials Needed:

Before we start crocheting, let’s gather the necessary materials:

Yarn: Choose a soft and washable yarn suitable for baby’s sensitive skin. Acrylic, cotton, or a blend of both are excellent choices.
Crochet Hook: The recommended hook size will depend on the yarn weight you’ve chosen. For worsted weight yarn, a 5.5mm (US I-9) or 6.0mm (US J-10) hook works well.
Scissors: Necessary for the act of severing yarn and organizing dangling extremities.
Yarn Needle: Utilized for intertwining loose threads and adding final embellishments.
Buttons or Other Closures (optional): Adding buttons will provide additional charm and functionality to the cardigan.

Abbreviations:

ch: chain
st(s): stitch(es)
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
blo: back loop only
RS: right side
WS: wrong side

Size: Newborn (adjust the pattern to your desired size)

Gauge: 4 inches x 4 inches = 14 sts x 9 rows in Half double crochet(hdc)

Pattern:

Back Panel:

Ch 63 (or a multiple of 3 chains + 6 chains to achieve your desired width).
Row 1 (RS): Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, hdc across. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, hdc in blo across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your piece measures the desired length for the back of the cardigan (typically around 14 inches for newborn size). End with a WS row.

Front Panel (make two):

Ch 33 (To attain your desired width, use either a number of chains that is a multiple of 3, plus an additional 6 chains).
Row 1 (RS): Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, Half double crochet across. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, hdc in blo across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your piece measures the desired length for the front of the cardigan (typically around 7 inches for newborn size). End with a WS row.

Assembly:

Lay the back panel flat with the RS facing up. Place one front panel on each side, aligning the top edges with the back panel. The WS of the front panels should be facing up.
Seam the shoulder seams by using your preferred seaming method (e.g., slip stitch, single crochet, or whip stitch). Make sure to leave an opening in the center for the neck opening, approximately 4-5 inches wide.
Now, turn the cardigan inside out, so the RS is facing out. You should have a cardigan shape with openings for the sleeves on each side.
Attach the yarn to the bottom corner of the front panel and work sc evenly along the bottom edge, up the side, around the armhole, down the other side, and along the bottom edge of the other front panel. Repeat for the other armhole.
Next, work a border around the neck opening by evenly working sc stitches around.
For the bottom border, you can choose to add a simple edging like a round of sc, hdc, or dc, or you can create a decorative border pattern of your choice.
Weave in any remaining ends, and your baby blanket cardigan is complete!

Optional: You can add buttons, ribbons, or any other embellishments to enhance the cardigan’s appearance.

Remember to adjust the pattern and stitch counts according to your preferred size and gauge. Crocheting a baby blanket cardigan allows for creativity, so feel free to experiment with colors, stitch patterns, and design elements to create a unique and special garment for your little one. Happy crocheting!

Step By Step Guide:

Step 1: Gauge Swatch

Commence the process by crafting a gauge swatch to guarantee that your stitches align precisely with the stipulated specifications of the pattern. Crochet a small square using the recommended hook and yarn. Measure the number of stitches and rows per inch to check if your gauge matches the pattern. Modify the hook dimensions if needed to attain an accurate gauge measurement.

Step 2: Foundation Chain

Begin with a foundation chain that fits the desired width of the cardigan. For the average newborn size, a chain of 60-70 stitches is a good starting point. Adjust the number of chains for different sizes or if you prefer a longer or shorter cardigan.

Step 3: Row 1 – Foundation Row

Work a row of double crochet (dc) stitches across the foundation chain. This will form the first row of your cardigan.

Step 4: Body of the Cardigan

Continue crocheting in double crochet rows until the piece reaches the desired length, which should be approximately the length from the baby’s neck to its waist. Feel free to customize the length according to your preference.

Step 5: Armholes

To create armholes, stop crocheting when you have reached the desired length for the armholes. On each side of the cardigan, skip a certain number of stitches (e.g., 10-15 stitches) to leave an opening for the arms.

Step 6: Sleeves

Attach your yarn to the edge of one armhole and start crocheting in rounds to create the sleeves. Work double crochet rounds until the sleeve reaches the desired length, typically around the baby’s elbow.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Securely finish your work and thread in all loose strands using a yarn needle. If you wish, add buttons or other closures to the front of the cardigan.

Video tutorial

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve completed your baby blanket cardigan crochet project. This adorable and cozy garment will not only keep your baby warm but will also become a cherished keepsake for years to come. Remember, you can always experiment with different colors, stitches, and embellishments to make each cardigan unique. Happy crocheting!

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