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Free Simple EASY Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern

The perfect tiny cardigan for your just-born baby.

This free crochet baby cardigan pattern was designed for the earliest, scrunched-up newborn stageโ€”when nothing seems to fit except a baby onesie.

Free crochet pattern for newborn baby cardigan Newborn baby crochet cardigan pattern FREE

These free crochet patterns are ideal for beginners who want to make a simple baby crochet cardigan.

I created this easy and fast crochet baby jacket pattern to make for the vital first weeks, because we couldnโ€™t find anything that actually fitted my neices tiny newborn baby.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

The Tiny 5lb+ baby Cardigan and and the Small Newborn crochet cardigan patterns are perfect for those first precious days just out of the hospital.

And fits perfectly.

The just born easy baby cardigan makes the most welcome gift to crochet for a new baby and makes the Perfect Baby shower gift.

baby crochet patterns free, newborn, 0-3 months crochet baby patterns
Picture of baby wearing the TINY BABY Cardigan Pattern and Baby Booties PATTERN HEREBaby Hat Pattern HERE

You can also Purchase and AD FREE Newborn Baby Cardigan (2 sizes), Baby Hat and Matching Booties Patterns from RAVELRY – View to BUY HERE

The perfect tiny cardigan for your just-born baby. (2 sizes, baby cardigan to fit 5+lb and 5-10 lb baby) is perfect for those precious days just out of the hospital.

This free crochet baby cardigan pattern was designed for the earliest, scrunched-up newborn stageโ€”when nothing seems to fit right except a baby onesie.

This baby cardigan design is made with DK yarn (Double knitting Yarn) and a 4 mm Crochet hook size, the pattern is simple, seamless, and beginner-friendlyโ€”plus it includes full instructions for tiny baby (5+lbs) and Small Newborn sizes.

basic crochet stitches, no fancy crochet techniques are required.

And yes, they are a completely free pattern on this website.

Itโ€™s been a lifesaver for so many of you over the yearsโ€”and itโ€™s still one of the most loved patterns.

If you’re crocheting for a new baby or putting together a handmade gift set, this cardigan is a classic choice.

The seamless baby cardigan is a quick crochet project and works beautifully in soft pastel or neutral shades, and pairs perfectly with other baby garments and essentials like crochet booties or a baby bonnet.

Materials and Sizing – What Youโ€™ll Need to Make This Cardigan

This newborn crochet cardigan was designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. It uses minimal yarn and very basic supplies, making it an ideal project even for beginners.

Yarn:
Double Knit (DK) weight yarn โ€” approx. 50g.
Choose a soft, baby-friendly yarn like Stylecraft Special DK, Paintbox Baby DK, or any lightweight acrylic or cotton blend bamboo yarnthatโ€™s gentle on newborn skin.

Hook: 4.00 mm crochet hook (US G/6)
Make sure to check your tension โ€” a tighter or looseer tension can affect the fit.

Gauge: 4dc = 1 inch in a ROW 2dc ROWS = 1 inch

  • scissors
  • Yarn needle for sewing in ends
  • 1 small button (optional, for closure)

Pattern Notes & Construction of the Simple Baby Crochet Pattern

Simple, Seamless & Skill Level – Confident Beginner

This baby cardigan is crocheted from the top down in one piece using basic double crochet stitches (US terms).

Thereโ€™s no awkward shaping, and no sewing together panels,just a soft and stretchy fabric that fits snugly on a tiny newborn.

Youโ€™ll start by working a yoke with raglan increases, then separate for the body and sleeves.

The body is worked straight down in rows, while the sleeves are added by working into the armholes after the body is complete.

Tiny & Small Newborn Size Chart for crochet Baby Sweaters and cardigans

SizeChest CircumferenceFinished ChestSleeve LengthBody Length- at LEAST
Tiny baby 5lb+12″โ€“12.5″13″โ€“13.5″3″6.5″
Small Newborn (5โ€“9 lb)12″โ€“13″14″4″7″

Finished chest allows for ~1″ of ease. Adjust hook size for fit.

Notes:

  • Finished chest allows for ~1 inch of ease over baby’s body.
  • Sleeve length is adjustable; the pattern includes 6โ€“9 rounds of dc for a soft, slightly flared sleeve.
  • Body length is designed to hit jmid-hip for Small Newborn.
  • Use a larger hook or heavier DK yarn for slightly roomier fit if needed.

Tiny Baby Cardigan Crochet Pattern (5lbs)

Yarn: Light DK weight yarn (approx. 40g)
Hook: 4.0 mm
Gauge: 7 dc x 4 rows = 2″ x 2″

Foundation: Ch 37
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in next 4 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 12 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in last 5 chs. Turn. (44 dc)
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in next 5 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 6 sts. Turn. (52 dc)
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 16 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 7 sts. Turn. ( 60 dc)
Row 4: Ch 2, dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 18 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 8 sts. Turn. (68 dc)

Row 5: Ch 2, dc in next 8 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 1 3sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 20 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 9 sts. Turn. (76 dc)

Armhole Separation โ€“ Row 6:
Row 6: Ch 2, dc in next 10 sts, ch 4, skip 15 sts, dc in next 24 sts, ch 4, skip 15 sts, dc in last 11 sts. Turn. (54 sts)

Body Rows:
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in each st and ch across. Turn. (54 sts, including the ch2)
Rows 8โ€“14: Ch 2, dc across. Fasten off at approx. 7.5″ length.

Sleeves (x2): When working a new round, skip the first st, this helps decrease 1st, per round for shaping the sleeve
Join in underarm.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc in 4 chs + around armhole. Sl st. Turn.
Rnd 2โ€“Rnd 7: Dc around. Sl st to join. TURN continue working for cuff

Cuff:
Rnd 1:
sc in each st around,

Finishing Border and Buttonholes

Buttonhole Placement:
Mark where buttonholes will go.
Buttonholes: (ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next)

  • For a boy: Buttonholes on left front when worn
  • For a girl: Buttonholes on right front when worn

You can join a new contrasting colour for the Edging Border

Edging โ€“ Row 1:
Join yarn to RS lower right front corner.
Work 1 row of sc evenly around entire cardigans border, working the single crochet into the sides of the front edges stitches,neck edge, and bottom edging, with 3 sc in each corner.
At each marked button hole: ch 1, skip 1, sc next.
Sl st to join, fasten off, and using your yarn/ tapestry needle weave in ends.

Small Newborn Simple Baby Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Yarn: DK weight yarn (approx. 45g)
Hook: 4.0 mm
Gauge: 7 dc x 4 rows = 2″ x 2″

Foundation: Ch 40
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in next 5 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 6 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 12 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 6 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in last 6 chs. Turn. (48 dc)
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 7 sts. Turn. (56 dc)
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 16 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 8 sts. Turn. (64 dc)
Row 4: Ch 2, dc in next 8 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 18 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 12 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 9 sts. Turn. (72 dc)
Row 5: Ch 2, dc in next 9 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 20 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 14 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in last 10 sts. Turn. (80 dc)

Armhole Separation โ€“ Row 6:
Row 6: Ch 2, dc in next 11 sts, ch 4, skip 15 sts, dc in next 26 sts, ch 4, skip 15 sts, dc in last 12 sts. Turn. ( 58 sts)

Body Rows:
Row 7: Ch 2, dc in each st and ch across. Turn. ( 58 dc)
Rows 8โ€“Rows 15: Ch 2, dc across. Fasten off at approx. 8″ length.

Sleeves (x2):
Join in underarm.
R1: Ch 2, dc in 4 chs + around armhole. Sl st. Turn. (24 sts)
Rnd 2โ€“Rnd 9: Dc around. Sl st to join. TURN continue working for cuff

Cuff: Rnd 1: Ch1, sc in each st around, Fasten Off


Finishing Border and Buttonholes

Buttonhole Placement:
Mark where buttonholes will go.
Buttonholes: (ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next)

  • For a boy: Buttonholes on left front when worn
  • For a girl: Buttonholes on right front when worn

You can join a new contrasting colour for the Edging Border

Edging โ€“ Row 1:
Join yarn to RS lower right front corner.
Work 1 row of sc around entire cardigans border , with 3 sc in each corner.
At each marked buttonhole: ch 1, skip 1, sc next.
Sl st to join, fasten off, and weave in ends.

newborn baby crochet cardigan pattern free

Why You love This Baby Cardigan

  1. It fits the babyโ€™s first week of life
    Most “newborn” cardigans are too big straight off the hook. This pattern is written with real post-birth sizing in mindโ€”Small Newbornโ€”so it hugs baby gently when their limbs are still curled and theyโ€™re swimming in store-bought clothes.
  2. Itโ€™s quick and easy to make I can make one watching a movie!
    Top-down construction, no shaping, and basic stitches mean itโ€™s a pattern you can make in an eveningโ€”perfect for last-minute gifting or making several for donation.
  3. It looks polished, even for beginners
    Despite being simple, the finished result looks professional and clean. Optional fold-down neckline and seamless finish give it a timeless, handmade charm.
  4. It works with almost any DK yarn
    No need to hunt down expensive specialty yarns. You can use any soft DK-weight yarnโ€”cotton blends, acrylics, or your favorite stash standby.
  5. Itโ€™s endlessly customizable
    Longer sleeves? Fancy edging? Change the button band? Easy. This pattern adapts well without losing its shape, so makers feel confident tweaking it.
  6. Itโ€™s part of a matching set
    If youโ€™re designing gift sets or hospital outfits, it pairs beautifully with hats, booties, and baby blankets. One pattern = many gifting opportunities.
  7. Makers trust it
    Itโ€™s been tested and remade by thousands. When you find something that just works, you donโ€™t mess with itโ€”you bookmark it, pin it, and use it again and again.

You can see more of my Baby Crochet Cardigan Patterns here

Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern for 0-3 months (FREE)
FREE Crochet Pattern HERE
easy crochet baby cardigan free patterns
Free Baby Cardigan Crochet Patterns
SEE EVEN MORE FREE Crochet Baby Cardigan Patterns HERE

See More Free Patterns

5 Comments

  1. the FREE patterns are on the website -The website is supported by advertising meaning I can make a little bit of money to continue running the website and providing the free patterns As I am sure you would not want someone working for FREE
    All of my patterns are available from Ravelry to purchase that are AD free.

    Thankyou for your continued support

  2. When working on the cardigan the newborn size these stitches are not adding up after the row of 56 Stitches. I restarted it three times and there’s always one extra stitch

      1. Thank you so much for replying! I wasScared you wouldn’t reply and I couldn’t find an email for you so again thank you so much!

        1. It’s okay! I am always around. The BEST place to find me quicker is online. Lisaauchcrochet on Facebook will get you a quicker response, too!

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