Baby Bear Crochet Cardigan Pattern – Free & Easy
The FREE Baby Bear Crochet Cardigan pattern is the perfect handmade piece for a newborn to 3 months-old baby, and such an easy design.
This cute little cardigan is designed with a top-down raglan yoke; it’s completely seamless and easy to customise.
With a classic fit, tapered sleeves, and a soft finish, it’s ideal for gifting at baby showers, bringing your little one home from the hospital, or making for market stalls.
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The pattern includes exact stitch counts, row-by-row instructions, and standard baby measurements for a great fit.
Why You’ll Love This Baby Bear Cardigan Crochet Pattern
- Beginner-Friendly Design – Easy-to-follow instructions in US crochet terms.
- Seamless Construction – No sewing shoulders or side seams.
- Adjustable Size – Just change your hook or yarn weight for a bigger size.
- Customisable Style – Add colour changes, edging, or appliqué.
This beginner-friendly baby jacket crochet pattern uses simple double crochet stitches for quick results.
The top-down raglan construction shapes the cardigan as you crochet, meaning fewer seams and a quicker make.
The charming crochet baby sweater makes a thoughtful baby shower gift for a baby or a treasured keepsake of your little one’s first wearables.
Why You’ll Love This Baby Bear Cardigan Crochet Pattern
- Beginner-friendly: Simple stitches and clear shaping instructions
- The Perfect New Baby Gift to crochet– thoughtful, handmade, and timeless.
- Versatile yarn choice: Works with Aran or similar weights
- Top-down design: Seamless construction for a neat finish
- Customizable: Adjust hook size to fit slightly older babies
- Unisex look: Perfect gender neutral design just flip the cardigan to the side you want the flap to be.
Tips for a Perfect Fit for your baby cardigan
- Measure as you go — babies vary in size, even at the same age.
- Therefore, adjust your hook size if your gauge is off
- For a warmer cardigan, use a tighter stitch pattern for the sleeves and body.
- If you want more length Add 1–2 extra rows to the body
Baby Bear cardigan Crochet Pattern starts HERE
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Aran/Worsted weight yarn (Use a soft baby friendly yarn)
- Hook: 4.50mm (for nearer 3 months use a 5mm hook )
- Gauge: Gauge: 4 dc = 1 inch, 5 rows = 3 inches
- Size: Newborn to 3 months (17 inches around to fit a 16-inch chest)
- Extras: Buttons, stitch markers, yarn needle for weaving in ends
Abbreviations (US TERMS) and Skill Level
Confident beginner. You’ll need to know:
- Chain (Ch)
- Double Crochet (DC) – US terms
- Single Crochet (SC) for edging
- Raglan increases (3 DC in the same stitch)
START:
Chain 50
Row 1:
DC in 4th Ch from hook and next 4 Ch’s, work 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 6 Ch’s, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 12 Ch’s, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 6 Ch’s, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in last 14 Ch’s. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2:
DC in base of Ch and next 14 Ch, work 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 8 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 14 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 8 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in last 7 Ch. Ch 2, turn.
Row 3:
DC in base of Ch and next 7 Ch, work 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 10 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 16 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 10 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in last 16 Ch. Ch 2, turn.
Row 4:
DC in base of Ch and next 16 Ch, work 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 12 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 18 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 12 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in last 9 Ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 5:
DC in base of Ch and next 9 Ch, work 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 14 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 20 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 14 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in last 18 Ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 6:
DC in base of Ch and next 18 Ch, work 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 16 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 22 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in next 16 Ch, 3 DC in next Ch (corner),
DC in last 11 Ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7:
Ch 3, DC in next 11 sts, 3 DC in next st (corner),
DC in next 18 sts, 3 DC in next st (corner),
DC in next 24 sts, 3 DC in next st (corner),
DC in next 18 sts, 3 DC in next st (corner),
DC in last 20 sts. Ch 3, turn. (104 sts)
Row 8: Ch 3, Dc in next 21sts, Ch 5, skip 20 sts (first armhole made), DC in next 28 sts (back = 28 sts),
Ch 5, skip 21 sts (second sleeve), DC in each st to end (second front . ( 73sts)
BODY of Cardigan
Rows 9–19:
Ch 2, turn, DC in each st across, including the ch-5 spaces for armholes. (73 sts throughout body)
At the end of Row 19, Ch 1, and you will continue working around the front panels and neck, making 3sc into each corner to help the piece lay flat
Edging: (Flip the cardigan the right way for a girl or for a boy
Mark the side you need to create buttonhole loops. SC up the front, making buttonholes as (SC, Ch 1, in the same st = buttonhole created) repeat 3 times evenly space dout Continue SC evenly around, placing 3 SC in each corner. Join to first SC, fasten off.
Tapered Sleeve – 0–3 Months (Worked in Joined Rounds)
NOTE: “Skip the first st” means to skip the slip stitch join from the previous round. This keeps your stitch count accurate and prevents extra increases.
Round 1: With RS facing and working in the opposite direction to the last row worked on the yoke, join yarn at the bottom of the armhole. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around armhole opening, picking up 1 stitch from each POST stitch of the yoke row at the underarm, for a total of 29 sts. Sl st to first st to join. (29 sts)
Round 2: Ch 3, skip the first st, dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. (28 sts)
Round 3: Ch 3, skip the first st, dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. (27 sts)
Round 4: Ch 3, skip the first st, dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. (26 sts)
Round 5: Ch 3, skip the first st, dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. (25 sts)
Round 6: Ch 3, skip the first st, dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. (24 sts)
Round 7: Ch 3, skip the first st, dc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join. (23 sts)
Work until sleeve measures 5″–5.5″ from underarm (ending with a RS round).
Cuff:
Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to first st to join.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Love this Baby Bear Cardigan Crochet Pattern? Share it with your crochet friends on Pinterest, Facebook, or in your favorite crafting group so more makers can enjoy creating this sweet little cardigan too! Remember to tag me online #lisaauchcrochet
Questions I am always asked about Baby Bear Crochet Cardigan
How do you crochet a baby bear cardigan?
method. You’ll start with a chain, increase at each corner to form the sleeves, separate for armholes, and finish with body and sleeve rounds before adding edging and buttons.
How long does it take to crochet a baby cardigan?
Most crocheters can make this newborn-sized cardigan in 4–6 hours. Beginners may take a little longer, but the simple stitches make it a quick and satisfying project.
Can I make this crochet cardigan in a bigger size?
Can I make this crochet cardigan in a bigger size?
Yes. Increase your hook size, use thicker yarn, I now have the 12 months sized baby bear baby cardigan pattern HERE
What yarn is best for a baby cardigan?
Soft, washable yarns are best. Aran weight acrylic, cotton, or blends are ideal for warmth and durability, while still being gentle on baby skin.
Is the Baby Bear Crochet Cardigan beginner-friendly?
Yes! The pattern uses only basic stitches like chain, double crochet, and single crochet for edging. The top-down raglan style means there’s minimal sewing.
Can I make this crochet cardigan without buttons?
Absolutely. Replace buttons with ties, snaps, or a simple ribbon tie for a different look.
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