Crochet Cardigan for Preemie / Newborn Babies - Free Pattern

This is a cute cardigan for babies. I don't like making items in pieces that need sewing together. So this pattern crochets the cardigan body in one piece, starting at the neckline. You then join the yarn to the armholes and crochet each sleeve. I made it with Sensations Classic Yarn, which is a brushed acrylic, so it came out nice and soft.


Cardigan for Preemie / Newborn Babies

#5 yarn
H hook
Size: preemie, 12” chest
(For newborn, 15" chest use a K hook)


Chain 36

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 3 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 10 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in last 5 chs. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 2-6: dc in each dc across and 3dc in center dc of 3dc group in row below. Ch 2, turn.

Row 7: (Armhole row) dc across to center of first 3dc group, ch 4, skip across to next 3dc, dc in center st and each st across to center st of 3rd dc group, ch4, skip to last 3dc put dc in center of 3dc group and across to end. Ch 2, turn.

Row 8: dc in each dc, and in each of the two 4 chain in Row 7, across (46 sts). Ch 2, turn.

Rows 9-15: dc in each dc across. Ch 2, turn.

Row 16: ch 1, sc up front side of sweater, 3 sc in corner, sc around neckline, 3 sc in corner, sc down side of sweater, 3 sc corner, sc across bottom of sweater, 2 sc in last st and join to first sc with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.



Sleeves: Join yarn to center stitch at bottom of armhole

Row 1: dc around.

Rows 2-8: repeat row 1

Row 9: sc around cuff

Fasten off and weave in ends.