Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern (The Ella Cardigan) – 8 Sizes from Newborn to 8 Years

I'm so excited to share the FREE and updated Ella Crochet Baby Cardigan with you! This cozy crochet cardigan has become one of my most popular patterns, and it's now even better with 8 included sizes ranging from newborn all the way up to 7-8 years.

If you'd like this design in an ad-free format you can slip into a binder or basket, I've made a PDF just for you. You can grab it here and enjoy a cozier way to crochet.

Key Features

Beginner-friendly construction
Beautiful textured stitch pattern
Includes 8 sizes from newborn to 7-8 years
Great for gifts and everyday wear
Step-by-step video tutorial available
Optional printable, ad-free PDF available for purchase
Timeless design you'll crochet again and again

baby wearing the cardigan and hat in stylecraft yarns bambino dk

Stylecraft Bambino DK in the shade Denim Dungarees

What's New?

The original yarn used for the Ella Cardigan has now been discontinued, so I've updated the pattern with readily available yarn alternatives that produce equally beautiful results.

I've also expanded the pattern to include 8 sizes, making it easier than ever to crochet matching cardigans for babies and children. The available sizes are:

Newborn
0-3 months
3-6 months
6-12 months
1-2 years
3-4 years
5-6 years
7-8 years

To keep the pattern easy to follow, it has been organised into three separate sets of instructions:

Set 1: Newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months
Set 2: 1-2 years and 3-4 years
Set 3: 5-6 years and 7-8 years

Each group uses the appropriate yarn weight and hook size for those sizes, so be sure to refer to the materials section and size charts before getting started.

ella crochet baby cardigan pattern free and easy

crochet baby cardigan pattern made with cream DK yarn beginner friendly

Cardigan made in a now discontinued DK yarn

A Little Cardigan with Lots of Love

There's something so special about crocheting for a new baby! When I found out we had a new little arrival in the family, I was inspired to design the Ella Cardigan-a sweet, timeless piece that's as practical as it is adorable.

Perfect for layering throughout the year, this cardigan can be popped over a summer outfit on cooler days or worn as an extra cozy layer during the winter months. No matter the season, it's sure to become a well-loved wardrobe staple for your little one.

Crochet baby cardigan pattern with textured stitch design in mustard yellow yarn

Stylecraft Bambino DK in the shade Mellow Yellow

How the Ella Cardigan Comes Together

The Ella Cardigan is worked from the top down, beginning at the neckline and gradually shaping the yoke as you crochet. The yoke is wonderfully beginner-friendly, using alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (with simple increases).

For the body of the cardigan, you'll switch to a beautiful textured cluster stitch made from a combination of double crochet and half double crochet stitches worked in the same stitch. It's easy to master and adds a lovely touch of texture that makes the design really stand out.

Once the body is complete, you'll crochet the sleeves before finishing the cardigan with a neat edging of single crochet stitches for a polished, professional finish.

Best of all, the cardigan is worked in one piece with no sewing required, making it an enjoyable and relaxing project from start to finish.

Crochet baby cardigan pattern with top down construction and textured body

Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted in the shade African Violet

Complete the Collection

The Ella Cardigan is part of a beautiful coordinating collection of crochet patterns. Pair it with the Cozy Steps Booties, Willow Ridge Beanie, and Willow Ridge Blanket to create a timeless handmade set that's perfect for baby showers, birthdays, or everyday wear.

Whether you make just one piece or the entire collection, these matching designs come together to create a cozy, heirloom-quality wardrobe for little ones.

collection of matching free crochet patterns

free crochet baby cardigan pattern simple stitches with soft baby yarn

Yarn Used

For the newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months sizes, I used Stylecraft Bambino DK, a wonderfully soft DK weight yarn with excellent stitch definition that's perfect for delicate baby garments.

For the 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, and 7-8 years sizes, I used Caron Simply Soft, a smooth worsted weight yarn that creates a cozy fabric with beautiful drape and durability.

Yarn Substitutes

If you'd like to use a different yarn, there are plenty of great alternatives that work beautifully with this pattern!

For the DK sizes (newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months), I recommend:

Easy crochet baby cardigan pattern made in red and yellow with video tutorial and printable PDF

Red Cardigan: Lion Brand Wool Ease in the colour Cranberry

For the worsted weight sizes (6-12 months through 7-8 years), excellent substitutes include:

Whichever yarn you choose, be sure to check your gauge for your chosen size to achieve the best fit.

Crochet cardigan for babies and children from newborn to 8 years in caron simply soft yarn

Cardigan made with Caron Simply Soft worsted yarn in the colours Blackberry and Robin's Egg

Textured crochet baby cardigan pattern for newborn to 8 years

Let's Get Started!

The pattern below is beginner-friendly, works up quickly, and is completely free here on the blog-perfect for your next cozy project.

So, gather your yarn and hook, choose your size, and enjoy making your own Ella Cardigan. I can't wait to see your finished creations!

Crochet baby cardigan pattern styled flat

FREE PATTERN: ELLA CROCHET BABY CARDIGAN

Please carefully read all the information below.

LEVEL

Easy. See details of project difficulty levels at the Craft Yarn Council website.

Pattern Notes

Instructions are written in standard US crochet terminology.
The pattern is written in three separate sets of instructions: one for newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months; one for 1-2 years and 3-4 years; and one for 5-6 years and 7-8 years. The yarn weight and hook size vary depending on the size being made, so please refer carefully to the materials section below for the correct information for your chosen size.
Yardage and ball quantities are based on Stylecraft Bambino DK and Caron Simply Soft yarn.
I've made samples of the cardigan using other brands: The red cardigan in the images was made with Lion Brand Wool Ease (weight 4) in the colour Cranberry. And the purple sample seen in the photos was made with Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted (weight 4) in the colour African Violet.
Starting Chain: Work the starting chain fairly tightly, or drop down half a hook size. A loose foundation chain may result in a larger neckline.
The ch3 turning chain counts as the first stitch of the next row; please do not crochet into the same stitch. Instead, make one double crochet into the next stitch. At the end of rows, crochet into the top of the beginning ch3.
The ch1 turning chain does not count as the first stitch of the next row. Therefore, you should make the first stitch of the row in the same stitch (at the base of the ch1). At the end of rows, do not crochet into the top of the ch1.
For the sleeves: The ch2 turning chain counts as the first stitch of the next round; do not crochet into the same stitch. Instead, make one double crochet into the next stitch. At the end of rounds, slip stitch into the top of the beginning ch2 to join.

Materials

Numbers given below in this section are for smallest size, with numbers for larger sizes in ( ) brackets . E.g. newborn (0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos) (1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs).

Yarn for sizes newborn, 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos: Weight 3 (DK / 8 ply). Stylecraft Bambino DK, 293 yds / 3.5 oz (268m / 100g). 100% acrylic. Colours used in samples are Denim Dungarees, Mellow Yellow and Vintage Pink.

Yarn for sizes 6-12 mos, 1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs: Weight 4 (worsted, aran, 10 ply). Caron Simply Soft, 315 yds / 6 oz (288m / 170g).100% acrylic. Colours used in samples are Blackberry and Robin's Egg.

Yarn amounts for sizes newborn (0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos) (1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs): 2 (2, 2, 2) (3, 3, 3, 4) balls or 358 (400, 460, 463) (677, 710, 926, 1065) yards

Crochet Hooks for sizes newborn (0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos) (1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs): G/4mm (4.5mm, H/5mm, H/5mm) (H/5mm, I/5.5mm, I/5.5mm, J/6mm) or hook size to obtain gauge

Extras: 2x stitch markers; yarn needle for weaving in ends; scissors.

Buttons for sizes newborn, 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos: 3 x 15mm

Buttons for size 6-12 mos: 3 x 17mm

Buttons for sizes 1-2 yrs & 3-4 yrs: 3 x 20mm

Buttons for sizes 5-6 yrs & 7-8 yrs: 4 x 20mm

Substitute Yarns

DK Yarn

Worsted Yarn

Finished Sizes

The sizes in this pattern are based on the standard baby and child measurements from the Craft Yarn Council, and this garment is designed with 2-4″ positive ease for a comfortable fit and room to move.

Sizes newborn (0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos) (1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs):

To fit chest (IN): 14 (16, 17, 18) (20, 23, 25, 26.5)
To fit chest (CM): 35.5 (40, 43, 46) (51, 58, 63.5, 67)

Finished chest (IN): 16 (18, 20, 21.5) (24, 27, 29, 30)
Finished chest (CM): 41, (46, 51, 55) (61, 69, 74, 76)

Sleeve length (underarm to cuff) (IN): 5.5 (6, 6.5, 7.5) (9, 9.5, 10, 11)
Sleeve length (underarm to cuff) (CM): 14 (15, 16.5, 19) (23, 24, 25, 28)

Underarm-to-hem length (IN): 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8.5) (10, 11, 12, 13)
Underarm-to-hem length (CM): 16.5 (18, 19, 21.5) (25, 28, 30.5, 33)

Gauge / Tension

It is essential that you check you gauge / tension before you begin. This helps ensure your finished project turns out the correct size.

NEWBORN:

→With a G (4mm) hook & DK yarn: 19 stitches & 13 rows = 4″ (10cm) worked in alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (after blocking).

0-3 MOS:

→With a size 7 (4.5mm) hook & DK yarn: 27 stitches & 19 rows = 6″ (15cm) worked in alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (after blocking).

3-6 MOS:

→With a H (5mm) hook & DK yarn: 17 stitches & 12 rows = 4″ (10cm) worked in alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (after blocking).

6-12 MOS & 1-2 YRS:

→With a H (5mm) hook & worsted yarn: 23 stitches & 18 rows = 6″ (15cm) worked in alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (after blocking).

3-4 YRS & 5-6 YRS:

→With a I (5.5mm) hook & worsted yarn: 15 stitches & 11 rows = 4″ (10cm) worked in alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (after blocking).

7-8 YRS:

→With a J (6mm) hook & worsted yarn: 14 stitches & 10 rows = 4″ (10cm) worked in alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet (after blocking).

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

beg - beginning

ch(s) - chain(s)

dc - double crochet

dc2tog - double crochet two together (also known as a dc decrease)

fasten off - To fasten off securely, work one chain, then cut the yarn leaving a 5 - 6" tail. Pull the tail through the loop that is on your hook. Tighten gently.

sc - single crochet

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(es)

Turn: I prefer to turn my work clockwise

* to * - Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed.

( ) - Sets of stitches to be worked as many times as directed.

[ ] - The total number of stitches at the end of a row.

Special Stitches

SpCL - special cluster: 1 double crochet and 1 half double crochet worked together as follows: yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into same stitch, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 4 loops. 1 special cluster completed (see photo tutorial).

💡 Tired of scrolling?

You can grab the printable, ad-free PDF version of the Ella Cardigan here:
Get the PDF pattern
It's much easier to follow and perfect for printing or using on your mobile or tablet.

Pattern Instructions: Newborn, 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos & 6-12 mos:

Yoke

See 'materials' section above for the recommended yarn weight and hook size for your chosen size.

Chain 57 (fairly tightly)

Row 1. 1sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in every ch until end of the foundation chain, TURN [56 sts].

Row 2. Ch3 (counts as your first st here and throughout), 1dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to end of row, TURN [70sts].

Row 3. Ch1 (does not count as your first st here and throughout), 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next 69 sts, TURN (70 sts).

Row 4. Ch3, 1dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to end of row, TURN [84sts].

Row 5. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1) , 1sc in next 83 sts, TURN (84 sts).

Row 6. Ch3, 1dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to end of row, TURN [98 sts].

Row 7. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next 97 sts, TURN (98sts).

Row 8. Ch3, 1dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 6 sts, 2dc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to end of row, TURN [112 sts].

Row 9. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1) , 1sc in next 111 sts, TURN (112sts).

Row 10. Ch3, 1dc in next 6 sts, 2dc in next st, *1dc in next 7 sts, 2dc in next st*, repeat from * to * across to end of row, TURN [126 sts].

Row 11. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next 125 sts, TURN (126 sts).

Divide for Armholes

In row 12 the yoke will be divided for the armholes.

Row 12. Ch3, 1dc in next 17 sts, sk next 27 sts, 1dc in next 36 sts, sk next 27 sts, 1dc in next 18 sts, TURN [72 sts].

The yoke has now been formed and two armholes have been created (see photo 1 below).

Skirt

Continuing with the skirt section:

Row 13. Ch3, SpCL in next 70 sts, 1hdc in top of beg ch3 TURN [ch3, 70 SpCL, 1hdc].

Rows 14 - 26. Repeat Row 13.

Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.

Photo 2 below shows how your work should be shaping up at the end of this section.

Sleeves

For both the right and left sleeve:

Make sure that the right side is facing up (the beginning yarn tail will be on the left hand side - photo 3 below).

You will work into the 27 stitches that were skipped in row 12. I placed one stitch marker in both the 1st and 27th stitch. 3 extra stitches will also be created, giving you a total of 30 stitches when working the sleeves. (photo 4)

Position your work as seen in photo 5 below and re-attach yarn with a sl st to the centre stitch at the underarm area.

Round 1. Ch2 (counts as your first st here and throughout), 1dc in next dc row end, 1dc in next 27 sts, 1dc in next dc row end, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join, TURN [30 sts].

Round 2. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st here and throughout), 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next 29 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join, TURN [30 sts].

Round 3. Ch2, 1dc in next 29 sts, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join, TURN, [30 sts].

Round 4. Ch1, 1sc in same st (at base of ch1), 1sc in next 29 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join, TURN [30 sts].

Rounds 5 - 14. Repeat rounds 3 and 4.

Round 15. Ch2, dc2tog. 1dc in next 25 sts, dc2tog, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join, TURN, [28 sts].

Round 16. Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 27 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join, TURN [28 sts].

Round 17. Ch2, dc2tog. 1dc in next 23 sts, dc2tog, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join, TURN, [26 sts].

Round 18. Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 25 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join, TURN [26 sts].

Round 19. Ch2, 1dc in next 25 sts, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join, TURN, [26 sts].

Round 20. Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc in next 25 sts, sl st to 1st sc to join, TURN [26 sts].

Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat process for the other sleeve.

Edging

A single crochet edging will be made up the right front panel (3 button loops will also be made on this side), around the neckline, down the left front panel and finally around the bottom of the cardigan.

The edging is made in one continuous round.

With the right side facing up, re-attach your yarn with a sl st to the bottom corner of right front. (photo 6)

Right Front

Ch1, (2sc in each SpCL row end) 14 times (NOT 13 times as seen in video tutorial), (1sc, ch3) in next dc row end, 1sc in next sc row end (1st button loop made), 1sc in next dc row end, 1sc in next sc row end, (1sc, ch3) in next dc row end, 1sc in next sc row end (2nd button loop made), 1sc in next dc row end, 1sc in next sc row end, 1sc in next dc row end, (1sc, ch3) in next sc row end, 1sc in last dc row end (3rd button loop made).

Around Neck

2sc in top corner of right front, 1sc in each st along neckline to left front, 2sc in top corner of left front.

Left Front

(1sc in next sc row end, 1 sc in next dc row end) 6 times, (2sc in each SpCL row end) 14 times (NOT 13 times as seen in video tutorial).

Around Bottom

*2sc in next SpCL, 1sc in next SpCL*, repeat from * to * along to bottom corner of right front, sl st to 1st sc made at beg of round to join.

Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew three buttons on the left front of the cardigan, making sure that they are aligned with the three button loops on the right front.

💡 Tired of scrolling?

You can grab the printable, ad-free PDF version of the Ella Cardigan here:

👉 Get the PDF pattern

It's much easier to follow and perfect for printing or using on your mobile or tablet.

Pattern Instructions: 1-2 yrs & 3-4 yrs