Create a charming and cozy cardigan for babies 0–24 months
When it comes to handmade baby garments, few pieces rival the sweetness and functionality of a baby cardigan. The Easy Crochet Little Ivy Baby Cardigan is the perfect beginner-to-intermediate project that blends simplicity with elegance. Lightweight, customizable, and completely adorable, this cardigan works up quickly and is sure to become a favorite—both to make and to gift.
🧶 About the Little Ivy Cardigan
The Little Ivy Baby Cardigan is inspired by soft garden vines and baby’s natural sweetness. Its top-down construction means it’s worked in one piece—no complex seams to sew—making it an approachable project even for newer crocheters.
What sets the “Little Ivy” design apart is the option to include a delicate leafy stitch pattern (like the ivy or shell stitch) in the yoke or hem, giving the garment a timeless look.
📏 Sizing Guide
This cardigan is written to accommodate babies from newborn to 24 months. Adjust the foundation chain and number of yoke rows to size up or down.
| Age Group | Chest Size | Finished Chest | Yarn Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 16″ | 17″ | ~250 yds |
| 3–6 months | 17″ | 18″ | ~280 yds |
| 6–12 months | 18″ | 19″ | ~320 yds |
| 12–18 months | 19″ | 20″ | ~350 yds |
| 18–24 months | 20″ | 21″ | ~400 yds |
🧵 Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) weight, soft acrylic, bamboo, or cotton blend
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6)
- Stitch markers
- Buttons: 3–5 small (½” to ¾”)
- Yarn needle for weaving ends
- Scissors
- (Optional) Blocking mat and pins for finishing
📚 Stitches and Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CH – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- V-stitch – (DC, CH 1, DC) in same stitch
- Shell stitch – (5 DC) in same stitch
- FPDC/BPDC – Front/Back Post Double Crochet (for ribbing, optional)
🧣 Construction Overview
This cardigan is worked top-down, starting from the neckline.
- Yoke – Form the neckline and shoulders with increasing rows.
- Body – Separate for sleeves and work the torso down.
- Sleeves – Added after body; worked in the round or rows.
- Edging – Add trim and buttonholes along the front edge.
- Finishing – Weave in ends and block for shape.
✨ How to Make the Little Ivy Baby Cardigan – Step-by-Step Overview
✅ Step 1: Start the Yoke
- Foundation Chain
CH 50 (adjust based on size).
You’ll be working back and forth in rows. - Yoke Rows (using DC or V-stitch)
Increase in 4 corners each row to shape shoulders.
Example:- Row 1: DC across, placing (DC, CH 1, DC) in corner stitches.
- Continue for 6–10 rows, depending on size.
✅ Step 2: Separate for Sleeves
Once the yoke is wide enough, place stitch markers at each corner.
- Work across the back and fronts, skipping sleeve stitches (chain underarm space).
- Continue working the body in rows down to desired length (waist or hips).
✅ Step 3: Add the Sleeves
Rejoin yarn at each armhole and work in the round.
- Work 6–10 rounds of DC or SC.
- You can taper or keep them straight.
- For long sleeves: add 4–6 more rounds.
✅ Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Trim: Add SC or a FPDC/BPDC ribbed edge to neckline, hem, and cuffs.
- Front Border: Work 2–3 rows of SC along the opening.
- Buttonholes: On one side, CH 2 spaces at even intervals to fit buttons.
- Sew buttons opposite the holes.
🌷 Customization Ideas
- 🌼 Use a variegated yarn for a watercolor-style cardigan.
- 🍃 Add a row of tiny crocheted leaves to the neckline for extra ivy flair.
- 🎀 Attach a bow tie or crochet flower for decoration.
- 🧶 Use wooden buttons or toggle closures for a natural look.
🧼 Care and Washing
Choose yarn that is machine washable and baby-safe. Cotton blends or baby acrylic yarns work best. Gently block the finished cardigan to shape before gifting or selling.
🎁 Why You’ll Love This Project
- Quick to make – can be finished in a weekend!
- Customizable – perfect for boys and girls.
- A thoughtful handmade gift for baby showers, birthdays, or holidays.
- Ideal for Etsy shops or craft markets.
Video tutorial:
🌟 Final Thoughts
The Easy Crochet Little Ivy Baby Cardigan is more than just a baby garment—it’s a sweet, soft piece of love wrapped in yarn. Whether you’re crafting for your own little one or gifting to someone special, this cardigan brings charm, warmth, and a personal touch to any baby’s wardrobe.
