Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to crocheting a “September” Cardicoat — a cozy baby garment that blends a cardigan top with a dress-style skirt (cardigan + coat + frock look). This design is perfect for autumn babies, layering beautifully over leggings or tights.
How to Crochet the “September” Cardicoat
A cardicoat is essentially a long cardigan with a flared skirt section, worked top-down so it grows seamlessly from neckline to hem.
Materials
- Yarn: DK or light worsted weight (soft wool, merino, or baby acrylic)
Approx. 500–800 yards (depending on size) - Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) or size needed for gauge
- Stitch markers (4 minimum)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- 4–6 buttons (15–18 mm)
Suggested Sizes
- 0–3 months
- 3–6 months
- 6–12 months
- 1–2 years
The pattern below gives general instructions. I can calculate exact stitch counts if you tell me the size.
Construction Overview
The “September” Cardicoat is worked:
- Top-down from neckline
- Raglan increases for yoke
- Divide for sleeves
- Work body straight
- Increase for flared skirt
- Finish sleeves
- Add button band
Step 1: Foundation & Neckline
Start with a foundation chain:
For example (3–6 months):
Chain 56 (adjust for size).
Work Row 1:
- dc in 3rd chain from hook
- dc across
Set Raglan Markers
Divide stitches into sections:
Example division:
- 8 stitches (front)
- 2 stitches (raglan)
- 12 stitches (sleeve)
- 2 stitches (raglan)
- 20 stitches (back)
- 2 stitches (raglan)
- 12 stitches (sleeve)
- 2 stitches (raglan)
- 8 stitches (front)
Place stitch markers at raglan sections.
Step 2: Raglan Yoke Increases
Every right-side row:
Work:
- dc across to marker
- (dc, ch 1, dc) in raglan space
- repeat at each raglan
Turn, repeat.
Continue increasing until yoke depth measures:
- 4–5 inches (baby sizes)
- 5–6 inches (toddler sizes)
This creates shoulder shaping.
Step 3: Separate Sleeves
When yoke is deep enough:
- dc across first front section
- Skip sleeve stitches
- Chain 2–4 (for underarm)
- dc across back
- Skip next sleeve
- Chain 2–4
- dc across final front
Now you’re working only the body.
Step 4: Body (Waist Section)
Work even (no increases) for 2–3 inches.
This forms the fitted waist before skirt flare.
Optional texture for “September” style:
- Row 1: dc
- Row 2: FPdc, BPdc (rib texture)
- Row 3: dc
- Repeat for subtle autumn texture
Step 5: Create the Skirt Flare
To achieve coat/dress look:
Increase evenly across row:
- 2 dc in every 4th stitch (for gentle flare)
OR - 2 dc in every 3rd stitch (for dramatic flare)
Continue increasing every 2–3 rows until desired fullness.
Work until skirt length reaches:
- 10–12 inches (baby)
- 14–18 inches (toddler)
Step 6: Decorative Hem (Optional)
Add texture for fall look:
Shell Border:
- Skip 2 stitches
- 5 dc in next stitch
- Skip 2 stitches
- sc in next
- Repeat
OR
Moss Stitch Border:
- sc, ch 1, skip 1
- repeat
Step 7: Sleeves
Attach yarn at underarm.
Work in rounds:
- dc evenly around
Decrease every 4–5 rows if needed for tapered sleeve.
Finish with:
- 4 rows FPdc/BPdc ribbing
OR - scalloped cuff
Make both sleeves.
Step 8: Button Band
Attach yarn to front edge.
Work:
- sc evenly up one side
- At neckline turn
- sc down other side
On one side, create buttonholes:
- ch 1, skip 1 stitch
Sew buttons opposite holes.
Styling Ideas for “September” Theme
- Use warm autumn colors (mustard, rust, sage, cream)
- Add wooden buttons
- Crochet a small leaf applique
- Add a tie-back sash
- Use puff stitches in skirt for extra texture
Basic Size Adjustment Formula
To customize size:
- Measure chest circumference.
- Divide by 2 for flat width.
- Multiply by stitch gauge per inch.
- Add 4 stitches per raglan section.
Always check gauge before starting.
Yarn Tips
Best fibers for babies:
- Superwash merino
- Cotton blends
- Baby acrylic (easy wash)
Avoid scratchy wool.
Watch tutorial:
