This easy crochet cardigan pattern is designed to be worked almost entirely in one large piece, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who prefers simple construction with minimal shaping. The cardigan forms the back and front panels first, then uses straightforward side seams to create armholes before adding sleeves directly onto the body.
Crochet Child Cardigan
The result is a cozy, practical cardigan that works up quickly in chunky yarn and is ideal for everyday wear. Although the instructions are written for a child size approximately 6 years old, the pattern can be easily adjusted by changing stitch counts and row numbers to fit different sizes.
Materials
- Crochet hook size 6.5 mm
- Chunky weight yarn suitable for children’s garments
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
Back Panel
- Chain 50 or enough chains to measure from one elbow to the other across the shoulders
- Chain 4 more for turning
- Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook
- Work one double crochet in every chain to the end of the row
- Chain 3 and turn
- Work one double crochet in the first stitch and in every stitch across, skipping the turning chain at the end
- Repeat the previous row until the panel reaches the desired length, about 30 rows for a 6 year old size
- Do not cut the yarn after finishing the back panel
Front Panels
- Chain 3 and turn
- Work double crochet across half of the stitches only
- Continue working rows in double crochet until the front panel matches the back panel length
- Cut yarn and fasten off
- Join yarn to the first unworked stitch on the opposite side of the back panel
- Chain 3 and work double crochet across the remaining stitches
- Repeat rows until this front panel matches the others
- Cut yarn and fasten off
Border
- Join yarn and chain 1
- Work single crochet evenly along the inner edges of both front panels and around the neckline
- Chain 1 and turn
- Work a second row of single crochet around the same edges
- Fasten off
Assembly
- Fold the cardigan with right sides together
- Count 10 rows down from each shoulder and place a stitch marker in the next row
- Sew the side seams from the bottom edge up to the stitch markers
- Leave the space above the markers open to form the armholes
- Turn the cardigan right side out
Sleeves
- Join yarn at the bottom of the armhole opening
- Chain 3 and work double crochet evenly around the armhole
- Slip stitch to the first double crochet to join the round
- Continue working rounds of double crochet, joining each round, until the sleeve reaches the desired length, about 13 rounds
- Work a decrease round by crocheting four double crochet stitches followed by one double crochet decrease around
- Work another decrease round by crocheting three double crochet stitches followed by one double crochet decrease around
- Finish with a final round using three single crochet stitches followed by one single crochet decrease around
- Fasten off and weave in ends
- Repeat the sleeve steps for the second armhole
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