by As the heat of summer fades and gentle breezes begin to roll in, babies still need a light layer to stay cozy and comfortable. The “End of Summer” baby cardigan is the perfect handmade garment to transition your little one into fall. It’s soft, breathable, and stylish, with just enough warmth for those cooler mornings and evenings.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a simple, open-front baby cardigan with optional sleeves, using lightweight yarn, lacy stitches, and customizable options to suit your baby’s size and your personal style.
🍂 Why “End of Summer”?
This cardigan is designed with late summer in mind:
- Made with lightweight yarns like cotton or bamboo
- Features openwork stitch patterns for breathability
- Easy to layer over baby clothes
- Suitable for sizes 0–24 months
- Quick to crochet — ideal for beginners and intermediate makers
🧵 What You’ll Need
Yarn:
Choose breathable, natural fiber yarns:
- Cotton, bamboo, or cotton-blend yarns
- Light (Category 3) or Sport (Category 2) weight
Recommended Yarns:
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- Lion Brand Coboo (cotton/bamboo blend)
- Bernat Softee Baby Cotton
- Drops Baby Merino (if you want a wool blend)
Yardage Estimate:
| Size | Approx. Yardage |
|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 200–250 yards |
| 3–6 months | 250–300 yards |
| 6–12 months | 300–350 yards |
| 12–24 months | 350–400 yards |
Tools:
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm (check yarn label)
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Buttons (optional, for front closure)
- Scissors
📐 Sizing Guide
| Age | Chest (inches) | Length (shoulder to hem) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 16–17″ | 9″ |
| 3–6 months | 17–18″ | 10″ |
| 6–12 months | 18–19″ | 11″ |
| 12–24 months | 19–20″ | 12″ |
Always create a gauge swatch before starting. Adjust your hook size to match gauge.
📘 Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- v-stitch – (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch
- shell – 5 dc in the same stitch
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch(es)
🌸 Stitch Pattern Suggestions
Since this is a summer-into-fall project, airy and decorative stitches are best.
| Stitch Name | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| V-Stitch | Open & light | All-over body |
| Mesh Stitch | Lacy & stretchy | Sleeves |
| Shell Stitch | Feminine detail | Hem & edging |
| Lemon Peel | Slight texture | Solid sleeves |
For this pattern, we’ll use a simple V-stitch for the body, and shell stitch borders for a pretty finish.
🧥 Construction Method: Top-Down Raglan (Seamless)
The cardigan is worked top-down, starting at the neckline. This method allows easy adjustments for size and length, and makes the sleeves optional or customizable.
🪡 Step-by-Step Pattern: “End of Summer” Baby Cardigan (6–12 Months Size Example)
✅ You can adjust this pattern by increasing/decreasing your starting chain and working more or fewer rows before separating for sleeves.
🔹 Step 1: Yoke (Top Part)
Foundation chain:
Ch 56 (multiple of 8 + 8 for this size)
Row 1:
Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, dc in same ch (V-stitch made).
Sk 1 ch, dc, ch 1, dc in next ch. Repeat to end. Turn.
Row 2:
Ch 3, dc, ch 1, dc in first ch-1 space.
Continue making V-stitch in each ch-1 space across. Turn.
Place Stitch Markers for Raglan Lines:
Place markers after the:
- 1st 8 V-stitches (left front)
- next 2 V-stitches (sleeve)
- next 12 V-stitches (back)
- next 2 V-stitches (sleeve)
- last 8 V-stitches (right front)
Rows 3–10: (or until armhole depth is reached)
Continue working in V-stitch pattern.
At each marker, make a raglan increase:
In each marked V-stitch, work:
(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) — a double V-stitch to increase width.
You can try the yoke against a baby shirt or size chart. Stop when it reaches the underarm.
🔹 Step 2: Separate Sleeves from Body
Next row:
- Work across to first sleeve section
- Ch 4 (underarm), skip sleeve section
- Continue across back
- Ch 4, skip second sleeve section
- Finish front panel
You now have the main body of the cardigan. The sleeves are on hold.
🔹 Step 3: Body (Main Cardigan)
Continue in the V-stitch pattern across rows.
Work until the piece reaches desired length (approx. 11 inches from neckline for 6–12 months).
Final row: Switch to shell stitch or sc border for the hem:
- Shell border: 5 dc in same stitch, skip 2, repeat
- OR: 2 rows of sc for a clean edge
🔹 Step 4: Sleeves (Optional)
Reattach yarn at the underarm and crochet in rounds.
Option 1: Short sleeves:
- Work 4–6 rounds of V-stitch or mesh pattern
- Finish with shell or sc edge
Option 2: Long sleeves:
- Continue in stitch pattern
- Decrease every 4 rounds by 1 stitch at underarm
- Work until sleeve reaches desired length
- Add border
Leave the sleeves off entirely if making a summer vest-style cardigan!
🔹 Step 5: Front Edging & Button Band
Edging:
Attach yarn at bottom of left front edge.
Work sc or shell edging evenly up the front, around the neckline, and down the opposite front side.
For buttonholes:
On the right side, add:
- Ch 2, skip 1 stitch at desired intervals
- Sew buttons on opposite side
Suggested: 3 to 5 buttons evenly spaced
🔹 Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Weave in all ends with a yarn needle
- Block lightly using steam or wet blocking for shaping
- Add embellishments: crochet flowers, bows, small lace trim, or a label
🎨 Customization Ideas
| Idea | How to Implement |
|---|---|
| Color Block | Change yarn color for sleeves or edging |
| Hood | Work rows of dc from neckline and seam top |
| Pockets | Add small crocheted squares on the front |
| Frilly Sleeves | Finish sleeve edge with picot or ruffle |
| Appliqués | Sew on small crochet flowers, hearts, or leaves |
🧺 Care Instructions
- Wash in cold water, delicate cycle
- Lay flat to dry to maintain shape
- Use baby-safe detergents
💡 Tips for Success
- Choose smooth, soft yarns for babies (no itchiness)
- Use stitch markers to track increases or raglan points
- Measure against a baby garment for accuracy
- Don’t skip the gauge swatch — it makes all the difference
❤️ Why Make the “End of Summer” Cardigan?
- Transitional piece — perfect from summer to autumn
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to customize for any gender or style
- A thoughtful gift for baby showers, birthdays, or just because
- Quick project — can be finished in a weekend
🧶 In Summary
Crocheting an “End of Summer” baby cardigan is a joyful and satisfying project. It’s the perfect balance of comfort, breathability, and beauty. Whether you’re making one for your baby or gifting it to someone special, this cardigan will quickly become a go-to favorite for those in-between days when a light layer is just right.
You can make it as simple or decorative as you wish, and with the seamless top-down construction, it’s easy to adjust as you go.
Video tutorial:
