The Sunset Cardigan: A Classic Crochet Pattern for Newborns

Hello, fellow makers! Are you ready to create a sweet, cozy, and wonderfully quick project for a baby? I’m excited to share this detailed pattern for the Sunset Cardigan, a classic ribbed cardigan that’s perfect for keeping tiny bodies warm. This pattern is designed for beginners and uses a simple increase pattern to create a classic top-down yoke, and the finished garment is beautiful and professional-looking.

This pattern is designed to be a great project for all skill levels. We’ll start with a foundation chain, work up the yoke with a simple increasing pattern, and then separate the sleeves before continuing the body and sleeves in the round. The final decorative borders on the hem and cuffs add a beautiful ribbed detail, and the buttonholes are built right into the front panel. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and get ready to create something beautiful!

Why You’ll Love Crocheting This Cardigan:

• Seamless Design: The top-down construction means the body of the cardigan is worked in one piece, with no seaming required.
• Classic Look: The design is timeless and perfect for any newborn.
• Skill-Building: You’ll practice a variety of stitches, including basic double crochets, and front post and back post stitches.
• Customizable: Easily change the yarn color and add decorative details to personalize the cardigan.

What You’ll Need:

• Yarn: Light #3 baby yarn. The video uses James C. Brett yarn, but any DK or light worsted weight yarn will work.
• Crochet Hook: A 4mm crochet hook.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in all those ends.
• Scissors:
• Small Buttons: For the front closure.

Essential Crochet Abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• hdc: half-double crochet
• FPdc: front post double crochet
• BPdc: back post double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)
• inc: increase (2 stitches in the same space)
• sk: skip
• FO: fasten off

The Pattern: The Sunset Cardigan (3-6 months)

This cardigan is worked from the top down, starting with the yoke.

Part 1: The Yoke

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 46.
2. Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (45 sts)
3. Row 2: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 3 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 3 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (54 sts)
4. Row 3: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 4 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 4 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (64 sts)
5. Row 4: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 5 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 5 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (74 sts)
6. Row 5: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 6 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 6 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (84 sts)
7. Row 6: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 7 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 7 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (94 sts)
8. Row 7: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 8 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 8 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (104 sts)
9. Row 8: Ch 2, turn. 1 dc in each of the first 9 sts, then inc in the next st. Repeat (1 dc in next 9 sts, inc) across the row. The row ends with 4 dc. (114 sts). Change to your next color here if desired.

Part 2: Separating for Sleeves

1. Row 9: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each of the first 15 sts (front panel). Ch 4 for the underarm. Sk the next 27 sts (sleeve). Dc in each of the next 30 sts (back panel). Ch 4 for the underarm. Sk the next 27 sts (sleeve). Dc in each of the last 15 sts (front panel). (60 sts)

Part 3: The Body

1. Row 10: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st across the row, working 2 dc in each of the ch under the armhole.
2. Rows 11-17: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st across the row.

Part 4: Final Touches

1. Hem: Ch 2, turn. Alternate between FPdc and BPdc for two rows to create a ribbed cuff.
2. Front Panels & Neckline: Ch 2, turn. Work a row of sc all along the front opening and neckline.
3. Buttonhole Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st. Ch 1, sk 1 st. Repeat this pattern for your buttonholes, spacing them out as desired.
4. Sleeves:
   • Start: Join yarn in the center of the ch 4 under the armhole.
   • Rows 1-15: Ch 2, dc in each of the 33 sts around. Join with a sl st.
   • Cuff: Ch 2, turn. Alternate between FPdc and BPdc for three rows to create a ribbed cuff.
   • FO and repeat for the second sleeve.

Congratulations, you’ve created a beautiful and unique Sunset Cardigan! It’s now ready for buttons and a happy new owner. Happy hooking!

Video tutorial: