Butterfly Days Baby Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Crochet your little one a whimsical and cozy cardigan with the Butterfly Days Baby Crochet Cardigan Pattern. This charming crochet project is designed for babies from 0 to 24 months, making it a perfect gift for baby showers or a delightful addition to your child’s wardrobe.
About the Design
The Butterfly Days Baby Crochet Cardigan features playful colors and a delightful arrangement of stitches that form a soft and comfortable layer for little ones. It combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring that your baby stays warm and stylish. The use of multicolor yarn adds a whimsical touch, making it a wonderful choice for any baby outfit.
Materials
To complete this project, you will need the following materials:
Yarn
- Yarn: RED HEART® Baby Sheen™ (Art 795)
- 1 ball each of 930 Baby Multi A and 1 White B
Crochet Hook
- Crochet hook: Susan Bates® 6mm [J-10 US]
Notions
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Buttons: 3 (3, 4, 4) ½” (13 mm) shank buttons
Crochet Abbreviations
Understanding crochet abbreviations is essential for following the pattern accurately. Here are the abbreviations used in this pattern:
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st: stitch
- ( ): work the instructions in parentheses the number of times indicated
- [ ]: work the instructions in brackets as a group
Gauge
While the pattern does not specify gauge, achieving a consistent tension in your stitches is crucial for the size and fit of the cardigan.
Pattern Notes
Before diving into the pattern, here are a few notes to keep in mind:
- This pattern is worked primarily in rows for the back and front panels, with sleeve details provided separately.
- Always check your stitches at the beginning and end of each row to ensure accuracy in your counts.
Pattern Instructions
Back
- With A, ch 27 (29, 29, 37).
- Row 1 (right side): Working in back bars, sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sc in next ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across, turn—26 (28, 28, 36) sts.
- Row 2–5 (6, 7, 8): Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.
- Row 6 (7, 8, 9): Ch 1, sc in first st, [dc in next st, sc in next st] 4 times, (dc, sc, dc) in next st, sc in next st, [dc in next st, sc in next st] 2 (3, 3, 7) times, (dc, sc, dc) in next st, sc in next st, [dc in next st, sc in next st] 4 times, dc in last st, turn—30 (32, 32, 40) sts.
- Row 7 (8, 9, 10): Repeat Row 2.
- Row 8 (9, 10, 11): Ch 1, sc in first st, (dc, sc, dc) in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * to last 2 sts, (sc, dc, sc) in next st, dc in last st—34 (36, 36, 44) sts.
- Rows 9 (10, 11, 12) – 10 (11, 12, 13): Repeat Row 2.
- Fasten off.
Fronts
Directions are for size 0-3 months. Changes for sizes 3-6, 6-12 and 24 months are in parentheses.
Right Front
- Row 1 (right side): With right side of back facing and working across opposite side of the foundation ch, join A with sc in the first ch, dc in next ch, [sc in next ch, dc in next ch] 4 times, turn—10 sts.
- Rows 2 and 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.
- Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first st, (dc, sc, dc) in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, turn—12 sts.
- Row 5: Repeat Row 2.
Left Front
- Row 1 (right side): With right side of back facing and working across opposite side of the foundation ch, join A with sc in the 10th ch from left edge, dc in next ch, *sc in next ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across, turn—10 sts.
- Rows 2 and 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.
- Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * to last 2 sts, (sc, dc, sc) in next st, dc in last st, turn—12 sts.
- Row 5: Repeat Row 2.
Joining Fronts to Back
- Match fronts to back, folding along shoulder line. Work across all 3 pieces as if they were one continuous row.
- Row 11 (12, 13, 14): Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across front edge, back, and other front edge, turn—62 (68, 72, 84) sts.
- Rows 12 (13, 14, 15)–20 (23, 26, 29): Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.
- Fasten off.
Lower Edging
- Row 1 (right side): With right side facing, join B with sc in last st of Row 20 (23, 26, 29), dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, turn—62 (68, 72, 84) sts.
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across front edge, back, and other front edge, do not turn. Do not fasten off.
Front Edging
- Row 1: Ch 1, working across ends of rows of first front (including rows of lower edging), sc in first row, dc in next row, *sc in next row, dc in next row; repeat from * to back neck edge; working across opposite side of back neck edge foundation ch, work sc in ch at base of each dc and dc in ch at base of each sc across neck edge; working across ends of rows of 2nd front, sc in first row, dc in next row, *sc in next row, dc in next row; repeat from * across, turn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, [ch 1, sk next st (for buttonhole), sc in next 4 sts] 3 (3, 4, 4) times, sc in each across, turn.
- Row 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, working 2 sts in each ch-1 space to complete buttonholes. Fasten off.
Sleeves
- Round 1 (right side): With right side facing, join A with sc in end of row at bottom of armhole, dc in next row, [sc in next row, dc in next row] 9 (10, 11, 12) times evenly spaced around armhole; join with slip st in first sc, turn—20 (22, 24, 26) sts.
- Rounds 2–17 (19, 22, 25): Ch 1, sc in first st, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first sc, turn.
- Fasten off.
Edging
- Round 1 (right side): With right side facing, join B with sc in first dc, *dc in next st, sc in next st; repeat from * to last st, dc in last st; join with slip st to first sc, turn.
- Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st; join with slip st to first sc. Fasten off.
Finishing
To complete your Butterfly Days Baby Crochet Cardigan, align buttons under buttonholes and sew them in place. Finally, weave in all loose ends to achieve a neat finish. Your beautiful crocheted cardigan is now ready to keep your little one warm and stylish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What crochet hook is used for this pattern?
This pattern utilizes a Susan Bates® 6mm [J-10 US] crochet hook.
Is this project worked in rows or rounds?
The majority of the cardigan is worked in rows, with sections for sleeves worked in rounds.
How many buttons are needed for the cardigan?
You will need 3 buttons for sizes 0-3 months, with adjustments indicated for larger sizes (3, 4 for 6-12 months and 24 months).
What yarn is used for this project?
The pattern calls for RED HEART® Baby Sheen™ (Art 795) yarn, specifically 1 ball of 930 Baby Multi A and 1 ball of White B.
Does this crochet project require assembly?
Yes, the fronts and back must be joined together, and sleeves are attached after working them separately. The buttons also need to be sewn in place.
Conclusion
The Butterfly Days Baby Crochet Cardigan Pattern is a charming and functional piece for any baby. With its simple yet engaging construction and the opportunity for color variation, this cardigan makes for a delightful addition to your crochet repertoire. Whether you’re crafting for your own child or making a thoughtful gift, this cardigan is sure to be treasured. Happy crocheting!
