12 Easy Crochet Baby Sweater Free Patterns
Baby sweaters are small, quick, and so rewarding to make. A whole easy crochet baby sweater can take just a few evenings, which makes it the perfect way to practice garment skills. It is also one of the sweetest gifts you can give a new family.
We checked 12 free baby sweater patterns for this list. Most are top-down cardigans with little or no sewing. There is also a bear hoodie, a hooded single crochet sweater, and a sweater with crocheted daisies. Sizes and yarn are listed as the designers show them.
Easy Crochet Baby Sweater Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Soft baby yarn in DK (#3) or worsted (#4) weight
- Crochet hooks, 3.75 mm to 6 mm
- Small buttons, sewn on securely
- Locking stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Small measuring tape
1. Essential Baby Sweater
Photo: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
Moogly made this simple unisex cardigan for beginner crocheters. It is worked top down in half double crochet, with a yoke, sleeves, and buttonholes. There are no increases or decreases in the body, and you can add color stripes if you like. Size 0 to 6 months.
- Designer: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly (per designer)
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Chloe Easy Raglan Baby Cardigan
Photo: Shehnaaz / Crochet Dreamz
A top-down raglan cardigan made in one piece, so there is no armhole shaping to worry about. It has a little skirt, a button band, and a collar. The yoke uses simple clusters. Sizes run from 0-3 months all the way to 3T/4T.
- Designer: Shehnaaz / Crochet Dreamz
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Abigail Baby Girl Cardigan
Photo: Lorene Eppolite / Cre8tion Crochet
A simple, delicate cardigan worked in raglan-style rows, with sleeves in rounds. It is mostly double crochet with a few decreases. The designer left it plain and notes it could suit a boy in neutral colors. Size 6 to 12 months.
- Designer: Lorene Eppolite / Cre8tion Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Light worsted
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Greyson Baby Cardigan
Photo: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
A unisex top-down cardigan with a textured yoke. The button band can go on either side, so it works for boys or girls, and the sleeves are optional. It pairs with the Greyson Baby Blanket for a matching gift set. Sizes are 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 months.
- Designer: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. The Ella Cardigan
A top-down cardigan made in one piece with a textured cluster stitch body. The sleeves are worked in rounds, so the only sewing is the buttons. It has a huge size range, from newborn to 7-8 years. The hook changes with size.
- Designer: Amanda / Maisie and Ruth
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3) or worsted (#4), by size
- Hook: 4 mm (G) to 6 mm (J), by size
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Eloise Baby Sweater
Photo: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
A sweater with a striped, pleated skirt worked sideways, a yoke, and striped cuffs. The jewel-tone colors come from the Eloise picture books. It has a few more steps than a plain cardigan, but it is still very doable. Sizes run 0-6 months to 3T.
- Designer: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Medium / worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Shawl Collar Baby Cardigan
Photo: Bernat / Yarnspirations
A cozy cardigan with a wide shawl collar, made in a soft self-striping baby yarn. The stripes form on their own, so it looks fancy without color changes. Sizes are 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
- Designer: Bernat / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Bernat Softee Baby Stripes)
- Hook: 4 mm (G/6)
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Character Sweaters (Kitty and Bear)
Photo: Bernat / Yarnspirations
A top-down cardigan with a cute cat or bear face. It uses double and half double crochet, and there are no seams to sew. It is a fun first-birthday or baby shower gift. Sizes are 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
- Designer: Bernat / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Bernat Softee Baby)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Embroidered Baby Cardigan
Photo: Bernat / Yarnspirations
Worked in one piece from the neck down, this cardigan teaches half double crochet, post-stitch ribbing, and working in rounds. Simple embroidery adds a sweet finishing touch. Sizes are 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
- Designer: Bernat / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Bernat Softee Baby)
- Hook: 3.75 mm (US 5)
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Baby Bear Hoodie
Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
An easy button-up hoodie for little cubs, with a bear hood. It is made in a soft, squishy baby yarn and rated easy. It is a great choice for fall and winter babies. Sizes are 6, 12, and 18 months.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Red Heart Bunches of Hugs)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Single Crochet Baby Sweater With Daisy Flowers
Photo: Tiffany / Daisy Farm Crafts
A top-down single crochet sweater with a button loop at the neck and crocheted daisies sewn on the front. A shell-style trim finishes the bottom. The designer says an advanced beginner can make it. It is written for 9-12 months, and a free printable PDF is included.
- Designer: Tiffany / Daisy Farm Crafts
- Skill level: Easy (advanced beginner, per designer)
- Yarn: see pattern (Patons Canadiana)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free (with free PDF)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Pink Single Crochet Baby Sweater
Photo: Tiffany / Daisy Farm Crafts
A pink and white single crochet sweater with a hood, ribbed hem and cuffs, and an optional button placket. The designer rewrote it to be clearer and added a video. It is a nice beginner sweater if you are comfortable changing colors. Size 3 to 6 months.
- Designer: Tiffany / Daisy Farm Crafts
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly (per designer)
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First baby sweater? Start with #1 (Essential). It was made for beginners.
- Need many sizes? #5 (Ella) goes from newborn to 8 years, and #2 goes to 3T/4T.
- Hate sewing? Try #5 or #8, which are made in one piece.
- Want something extra cute? #8 (Kitty and Bear) or #10 (Baby Bear Hoodie).
- Making a gift set? #4 (Greyson) has a matching blanket.
FAQ
What yarn is best for a crochet baby sweater?
Choose a soft yarn that is machine washable. Baby acrylic, cotton, and superwash wool are all good picks. Avoid fuzzy or hairy yarns that shed. DK and worsted are the most common weights, and many baby yarns say “baby” right on the label.
What size should I make for a baby gift?
Go one size up. Babies grow fast, and a 6-12 month sweater will still fit later. Think about the season too. If the baby is born in spring, a 6-month size will fit in fall. When in doubt, a cardigan with a little extra room is the safest choice.
Are buttons safe on a baby sweater?
They can be, if you sew them on very securely and check them often. Use flat buttons with no sharp edges. For newborns, some makers prefer ties or snaps instead. Never use small decorations that could come loose.
Pick your favorite pattern and make a little sweater that will be loved and kept for years.