Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern (Free) – Easy Newborn Vest

This free crochet baby cardigan pattern is one of my favourite designs, because I don't think there is anything sweeter than a handmade baby cardigan. My gorgeous little short-sleeved cardigan is worked in one piece from the neck down. Simple increasing shapes the yoke and there's no complicated seaming to worry about. Therefore, you can just crochet, add your buttons, and it's ready to gift!

Worked in rows throughout in US double crochet (UK treble crochet), the cardigan has a lovely soft texture that's perfect for a baby garment. The neat edging frames the whole piece beautifully, and the three little buttons at the front finish it off perfectly. As you can see from the photos, it looks absolutely stunning worked in stripes. A brilliant way to use up small amounts of light worsted weight yarn (double knitting; 8ply) in coordinating colours from your stash. Alternatively, you can use one single colour throughout.

The pattern is available in two sizes — newborn and approximately 3-6 months. This makes it the perfect handmade gift for a new arrival. Written in both US and UK crochet terms, so you can choose your preference. FREE PDF to download at the end of the post, until Monday 11th. May 2026. Grab it now so you can use it later when you're ready.

Why You'll Love This Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern

This little cardigan ticks every box for a satisfying and rewarding crochet project. Here's why it deserves to be at the top of your project queue:

• One piece construction. Worked from the neck down in one piece, so there is minimal sewing up and no complicated seams to join.
• Two sizes. Newborn and approximately 3-6 months, so you can make the perfect fit for any new arrival.
• Quick to make. Using a 4mm (US G/6) hook and light worsted weight (double knitting) yarn, this cardigan works up surprisingly quickly for a garment.
• Stash friendly. Each cardigan uses only around 55-60g of yarn, making it perfect for using up oddments from your stash in coordinating stripes.
• Beginner-friendly construction. Simple increases shape the yoke, and the rest is straightforward rows of treble crochet.
• Gorgeous striped option. Use up small amounts of yarn in different colours for a beautiful striped version as shown in the photos.
• Perfect handmade gift. A handmade baby cardigan is one of the most treasured gifts you can give to a new parent. They will remember it fondly.

When to Make a Crochet Baby Cardigan

Crochet baby cardigans are timeless makes that are always needed and always appreciated:

• New baby gifts. A handmade cardigan is one of the most personal and meaningful gifts you can give to welcome a new arrival into the world.
• Baby showers. Make one in a neutral shade or choose bold and bright colours — either way it will be received with delight.
• Christmas gifts. A handmade baby cardigan makes a truly special Christmas gift for a new parent or grandparent to give.
  • Pair it with a handmade washcloth using my Free Washcloth Pattern here
• Charity knitting and crochet. Charities always need cardigans to support premature babies and families in need.
• Stash busting. It's a brilliant way to use up small balls of light worsted (double knitting) yarn sitting in your yarn basket.
• Last minute gifts. Because the cardigan works up quickly in treble crochet on a 4mm (US G/6) hook, it's an achievable make even when time is short.
  • My crochet nesting bowls are another great last-minute gift: Find the free pattern here
• Making multiples. Once you've made one and got into the rhythm of the construction, it's very easy to make several in different colours as a set of gifts.

Level of Difficulty

This is an easy 'next steps' crochet pattern. Suitable for crocheters who are comfortable with the basic US double crochet stitch (UK treble crochet stitch), and working in rows.

How to Get Your Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern

The pattern is written in full using both US and UK crochet terms. US terms are given first, followed by UK terms.

Scroll down to the pattern section for the step-by-step instructions. There is no need to sign up or log in because the pattern is free to use directly on the blog.

FREE PDF to download at the end of the post, until Monday 11th. May 2026. Grab it now so you can use it later when you're ready.

Copyright

Please read the copyright terms, which apply globally, before using or downloading your pattern:

The contents of this page, including the pattern instructions and images, are published under copyright to me ©Lynne Rowe 2026 under my brand Knit Crochet Create® and are for your own personal use only. Do not copy, download or otherwise republish any part of this pattern, other than for personal use only.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern for charity fundraising purposes, or to gift them to family and friends, but selling small numbers for profit is only allowed with permission. Please email lynne@knitcrochetcreate.com for permission.

Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern Information

Materials You Will Need

• Yarn: Approximately 55g (60g) of double knitting yarn (8ply; light worsted weight).
  • One colour can be used throughout. Or you could use oddments and make it striped, or use self-striping yarn, or a gradient yarn.
  • I used leftovers of Yarnsmiths Elvis DK in shade Chet (1A001), and also Yarnsmiths Bizarre DK in shade Malarkey (3G080).
• Hook: 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook.
• Extras: 3 small buttons; wool needle; sewing needle and thread.

Two Finished Sizes (ages are approximate as all babies are different)

• Preemie/newborn: Actual finished chest is 40cm (16in); length to back neck is 18cm (7in).
• 3-6 months: Actual finished chest is 46cm (18in); length to back neck is 21.5cm (8.5in).

Tension; Gauge

17 sts and 10 rows measure 10 x 10cm, in US double crochet (UK treble crochet), using double knitting yarn (8ply; light worsted weight) with 4mm (US G/6) hook.

Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern in US Terms

Crochet Abbreviations and Special Stitches (US Terms)

• ch = chain.
• dc = double crochet.
• hdc = half double crochet.
• sc = single crochet.
• st(s) = stitch(es).
• slst = slip stitch.
• sp(s) = space(s).
• yo = yarn over.
• 2dc-cl = 2 double crochet cluster as follows: *Yo, insert hook in stitch, yo and pull loop through, yo and pull through first 2 loops*; rep from * to * in same stitch (3 loops on hook), yo then pull through all 3 loops.
• V-st = V stitch as follows: [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in same stitch or space.
• * = the start/end of a repeat sequence.
• [   ] = repeat instructions within brackets as stated.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Start at the neck edge, and the whole piece is worked in rows.
• Increases are made on yoke (using V-st), to create the back, sleeves and front sections.
• After completing the yoke, join the front and back sections at the underarms, then the body is worked on remaining stitches.
• Add edging around both the whole piece and arms, to finish.
• The ch2 at beginning of a row does not count as a stitch.
• The 2dc-cl at the end of each row helps to keep a straight edge.

PATTERN BEGINS: NECK AND YOKE

Using chosen yarn and US G/6 (4mm) hook, ch58 (62).

• Row 1 (right side): 1dc in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 1dc), 1dc in next 7 (8) ch (for left front), V-st in next ch, 1dc in next 10 (10) ch (for first sleeve), V-st in next ch, 1dc in next 16 (18) ch (for back), V-st in next ch, 1dc in next 10 (10) ch (for second sleeve), V-st in next ch, 1dc in next 7 (8) ch, then 2dc-cl in last ch (for right front), turn. (60 (64) sts and 4 ch1-sps)
• Rows 2-8 (10): Ch2 (does not count as st), 1dc in st at base of ch2, 1dc in each st and V-st in each ch1-sp to last st, then 2dc-cl in last st, turn. (116 (136) sts and 4 ch1-sps)
• Next you will separate the body and sleeves. Right side is facing for next row.
• Row 9 (11): Ch2, 1dc in st at base of ch2, 1dc in each st to first ch1-sp, 1dc through first and second ch1-sps, 1dc in each st to next ch1-sp, 1dc through third and fourth ch1-sps, 1dc in each st to last st, then 2dc-cl in last st, turn. (66 (78) sts)
• You have now created the sleeve openings, and you will continue around the back and fronts only, to work the body.

BODY

• Rows 1-10 (12): Ch2, 1dc in st at base of ch2, 1dc in each st to last st, then 2dc-cl in last st, turn.
• Continue in same colour for Edging around hem, fronts and neck, or change to a contrast colour if desired.

EDGING

• Before working the edging, read the following notes to help with placement:
  • The [ch1, 1sc] in each stitch of hem edge helps create a relaxed edge that doesn’t pull in. Don’t forget the ch1 for each sc you make, otherwise your hem stitches will be tight.
  • When working the 2sc in the row-ends of fronts, you can work over the ch2 at start of each row, or over the end leg of the 2dc-cl. This helps create a neat finish.
  • When working into neck stitches, this is into the spare loop of the beginning chain.
• Edging: After turning at end of last row, right side is facing, [ch1, 1sc in next st] to end of hem edge, *ch2 for corner, 2sc in each row-end of front, ch2 for corner*, 1sc in each neck st; rep from * to * for second front edge, then slst in first sc and fasten off. Weave in ends.

FINISHING: ARM EDGING (both alike)

• Join yarn with slst to underarm, ch2 (does not count as a st), 1hdc in each st around, then slst in first hdc. Fasten off then weave in ends.
• Sew 3 buttons to one side of front yoke, equal distance apart.
• Use the gaps between dc stitches on opposite side as buttonholes.
• Pin flat and spray block cardigan if needed.

Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern in UK Terms

Crochet Abbreviations and Special Stitches (UK Terms)

• ch = chain.
• dc = double crochet.
• htr = half treble crochet.
• tr = treble crochet.
• st(s) = stitch(es).
• slst = slip stitch.
• sp(s) = space(s).
• yo = yarn over.
• 2tr-cl = 2 treble crochet cluster as follows: *Yo, insert hook in stitch, yo and pull loop through, yo and pull through first 2 loops*; rep from * to * in same stitch (3 loops on hook), yo then pull through all 3 loops.
• V-st = V stitch as follows: [1tr, ch1, 1tr] in same stitch or space.
• * = the start/end of a repeat sequence.
• [   ] = repeat instructions within brackets as stated.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Start at the neck edge, and the whole piece is worked in rows.
• Increases are made on yoke (using V-st), to create the back, sleeves and front sections.
• After completing the yoke, join the front and back sections at the underarms, then the body is worked on remaining stitches.
• Add edging around both the whole piece and arms, to finish.
• The ch2 at beginning of a row does not count as a stitch.
• The 2tr-cl at the end of each row helps to keep a straight edge.

PATTERN BEGINS: NECK AND YOKE

Using chosen yarn and UK 4mm (G/6) hook, ch58 (62).

• Row 1 (right side): 1tr in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 1tr), 1tr in next 7 (8) ch (for left front), V-st in next ch, 1tr in next 10 (10) ch (for first sleeve), V-st in next ch, 1tr in next 16 (18) ch (for back), V-st in next ch, 1tr in next 10 (10) ch (for second sleeve), V-st in next ch, 1tr in next 7 (8) ch, then 2tr-cl in last ch (for right front), turn. (60 (64) sts and 4 ch1-sps)
• Rows 2-8 (10): Ch2 (does not count as st), 1tr in st at base of ch2, 1tr in each st and V-st in each ch1-sp to last st, then 2tr-cl in last st, turn. (116 (136) sts and 4 ch1-sps)
• Next you will separate the body and sleeves. Right side is facing for next row.
• Row 9 (11): Ch2, 1tr in st at base of ch2, 1tr in each st to first ch1-sp, 1tr through first and second ch1-sps, 1tr in each st to next ch1-sp, 1tr through third and fourth ch1-sps, 1tr in each st to last st, then 2tr-cl in last st, turn. (66 (78) sts)
• You have now created the sleeve openings, and you will continue around the back and fronts only, to work the body.

BODY

• Rows 1-10 (12): Ch2, 1tr in st at base of ch2, 1tr in each st to last st, then 2tr-cl in last st, turn.
• Continue in same colour for Edging around hem, fronts and neck, or change to a contrast colour if desired.

EDGING

• Before working the edging, read the following notes to help with placement:
  • The [ch1, 1dc] in each stitch of hem edge helps create a relaxed edge that doesn’t pull in. Don’t forget the ch1 for each dc you make, otherwise your hem stitches will be tight.
  • When working the 2dc in the row-ends of fronts, you can work over the ch2 at start of each row, or over the end leg of the 2tr-cl. This helps create a neat finish.
  • When working into neck stitches, this is into the spare loop of the beginning chain.
• Edging: After turning at end of last row, right side is facing, [ch1, 1dc in next st] to end of hem edge, *ch2 for corner, 2dc in each row-end of front, ch2 for corner*, 1dc in each neck st; rep from * to * for second front edge, then slst in first dc and fasten off. Weave in ends.

FINISHING: ARM EDGING (both alike)

• Join yarn with slst to underarm, ch2 (does not count as a st), 1htr in each st around, then slst in first htr. Fasten off then weave in ends.
• Sew 3 buttons to one side of front yoke, equal distance apart.
• Use the gaps between dc stitches on opposite side as buttonholes.
• Pin flat and spray block cardigan if needed.

Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern: Frequently Asked Questions

Is this crochet baby cardigan pattern suitable for beginners? 

This pattern is listed as a next steps crochet pattern, meaning it is best suited to crocheters who are already comfortable with basic stitches and working in rows. The yoke shaping uses simple increases that are clearly explained within the pattern, and the body is worked in straightforward rows throughout. If you have completed a simple flat crochet project before, you are ready to give this cardigan a go.

What yarn do I need to crochet a baby cardigan?

The pattern uses double knitting (DK) weight yarn, also known as 8ply or light worsted weight. You need approximately 55-60g in total, which means you can make the whole cardigan from a single 100g ball, or use up small oddments from your stash in coordinating colours to create a beautiful striped version as shown in the photos. Any DK yarn works well — for a baby garment, look for a yarn that is soft, machine washable, and gentle against delicate skin.

What hook size do I need?

The pattern uses a 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook. However, because this is a garment pattern where sizing is important, always check your tension before you begin and adjust your hook size if needed. If your stitches are too small, go up a hook size. If your stitches are too big, go down a hook size.

Why is tension important for this pattern?

Because this is a garment rather than a decorative item, tension matters — a cardigan that is worked too tightly or too loosely will not come out the right size. Before you begin, crochet a 10cm x 10cm tension square in US double crochet or UK treble crochet, and count how many stitches and rows are within a 10cm square. You should have 17 stitches and 10 rows per 10cm. Adjust your hook size until your tension matches before starting the cardigan.

What size buttons do I need?

The pattern uses three 1cm buttons for the front fastening. When choosing buttons for a baby garment, always make sure they are securely sewn on, as buttons can be a safety hazard for very young children. Check buttons regularly for security after washing.

Can I make the crochet baby cardigan in stripes? 

Yes you can make it however you choose — and as you can see from the photos, the striped version looks absolutely beautiful! Because the cardigan is worked in rows, changing colour at the end of any row is very straightforward. You can plan your stripes in advance or simply change colour whenever you like. Using up small oddments of coordinating yarn is a brilliant way to make this an even more stash-friendly project.

Is this pattern safe for babies? 

The cardigan itself is safe for babies when made using a soft, baby-appropriate yarn. Please ensure that all three buttons are very securely attached, as loose buttons are a safety hazard for young children. Check the security of the buttons regularly, especially after washing. Always supervise young babies when wearing any garment with button fastenings.

Can I wash the finished cardigan? 

This depends on the yarn you choose. I recommend selecting a machine washable yarn for a baby garment, as it will need frequent washing. Also take care to avoid yarns that could cause allergic reactions. Always follow the yarn manufacturer's care instructions for the best results.

FREE PATTERN PDF to download until Monday 11th. May 2026. 

Download your preferred UK or US crochet terms, and save to use later:

• Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern in UK terms
• Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern in US terms

What Next?

If you loved this free crochet cardigan pattern, then check out my other stash-busting projects like the Crochet Baby Star Blanket or my Crochet Bunny Motif Pattern – all of which are free on the blog.

Share your makes from my Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern

If you love this pattern and make lots of cute cardigans, then I’d love to see your finished projects! Tag me on Instagram [@knitcrochetcreate] so I can admire your colour combinations.