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The Wetherby is a classic child crochet cardigan pattern with options for a flat or rolled collar in sizes newborn baby to age 10 years.

With a sophisticated and simple textured stitch pattern, it makes a perfect crochet cardigan for baby boys or girls and older kids too.

With an easy construction you can simply leave the sleeves off to make a vest version. Or add pockets and toggles, or a rolled or flat collar. Truly a kids crochet cardigan pattern that you can make to suit the little one you’re making for!

With a full video tutorial this is the perfect child’s cardigan for anyone that wants to crochet clothes but doesn’t know where to start. It also comes in adult sizes too if you want to crochet cardigans for the whole family!

Two boys in child crochet cardigan pattern with toggles and long sleeves.

Scroll down and sign in for the free baby crochet cardigan pattern (size 0-6 months), or purchase an ad-free, printable PDF version with hundreds of versions including pockets, and flat or rolled collar:

Etsy
Ravelry

About the child crochet cardigan pattern

I love designing crochet patterns for everyone but now that my boys are 5 and almost 3 I’m thinking more about customisable designs because they have such different personalities and tastes!

My aim with this kids crochet cardigan pattern is to give you all the tools you need to tailor it to suit whoever you are making it for.

I’ve teamed up with 2 amazing designer friends of mine to offer you a collection of 3 easy crochet cardigan patterns to show you that you can make them too!

We’ve all designed them with beginners in mind, using different constructions and added as many options as possible to really give you the chance to adapt them to your style.

My Wetherby Cardigan is a really simple construction with the sleeves added afterwards making it super simple to make a sleeveless version too!

Toddler wearing crochet cardigan for baby boy.

How do you crochet a cardigan for children?

Crocheting a garment for a baby or child might seem intimidating and fiddly but it really isn’t! This cardigan is crocheted side to side with the front and the back panel made in one piece and the optional sleeves added afterwards.

Once you’ve made the main body of the cardigan you can decide whether you want a flat or rolled collar.

The construction of the cardigan means that we simply work a different length of starting chain for the size you’d like (this one is crocheted side to side so that the rows sit vertically on you).

I’ve crocheted the adult crop cardigan version in the video tutorial but it’s exactly the same way that you crochet the child sizes so perfect to work along with me!

Mom and son wearing matching crochet cardigans.

Crochet Cardigan Pattern Video Tutorial

If you’d like to follow a full video tutorial for the cardigan then you can find it here: crochet cardigan video tutorial.

Yarn

I made four versions of the crochet cardi pattern myself –

  • a cropped one with a rolled collar and toggle fastening
  • a duster length one with a flat collar, pockets and tie
  • a child one with a flat collar and toggle fastening
  • a child one with a rolled collar and no fastening

To make the cardigans I used Brava Tweed by WeCrochet 100% premium acrylic (218yds, 200m/100g).

You will need for the following sizes: 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years) approximately:

350 (436, 545, 610, 720, 872, 960) yards.

I often get asked about ideas for alternative yarns and I love swatching from my stash to see what works!

Here are some that I think would work really well for this crochet cardigan pattern in various price ranges:

Here’s a picture of me wearing the adult crop version and my boys wearing their sizes with a flat and rolled collar:

Mother and children wearing matching easy crochet cardigan patterns.

Tension and Sizing

12 sts and 11 rows of Main Set Pattern = 4in by 4in  / 10 cm x 10 cm using a 5.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension. (See Swatch info below for Main Set Pattern).

Ch25

Row 1: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each across, turn. [24]

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop of each st across, turn.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in each st across, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your swatch measures approximately 6 inches before measuring a 4 inch by 4 inch section of the swatch.

The child crochet cardigan pattern is for sizes 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years). The baby size is available to view for free by logging in below.

To fit chest circumferences: 17 (18, 21, 23, 25, 26.5, 28) inches.

Cardigan Width: 9.75 (10.25, 11.5, 12.75, 13.5, 14.25, 15.25) inches.

Garment Circumference: 19.5 (20.75, 23.5, 25.25, 26.5, 29.25, 30.75) inches.

Armhole Depth: 4 (4.25, 4.5, 5, 5.25, 6, 6.5) inches.

Child Cardigan Length: 11.25 (12.75, 15, 15.75, 17.5, 19, 19.75) inches.

Sleeve Length: 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 9.75, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5) inches.

Materials

Along with your yarn, you will need the following:

Pattern Options

Get this easy baby crochet cardigan pattern free in this blog post in US terms – just scroll down and login to the members area to find it! You can also purchase an ad-free, printable PDF with sizes to age 10 years and added extras in my pattern stores: 

Purchase and Print

Get the ad-free, printable PDF in sizes baby to age 10 years in my stores:

Etsy
Ravelry

Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this free cardigan pattern to your crochet Pinterest board!

Five year old boy smiling wearing a crochet cardigan.

Glossary and Abbreviations

ch(s) – chain(s)

sp – space

ss – slip stitch

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

sk – skip

rep – repeat

yoh – yarn over hook

blo – back loop only

flo – front loop only

Crochet Stitches

US crochet terminology

  • sc – single crochet (UK dc – double crochet)
  • hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)

Special Stitches

3rd loop

Extra loop created on hdc or Exhdc from the yarn over. When working in rows this will be the first loop you come to when looking at the stitch.

Exhdc – Extended half double crochet (UK Exhtr)

Yoh, insert your hook, yoh and pull up a loop, yoh and pull through one loop, yoh and pull through remaining three loops.

Two boys with hands on heads wearing cardigans and shorts.
Four crochet cardigan patterns in adult and child sizes hanging on rail.
Balls of Brava tweed yarn in yellow, blue, mink, grey and pink.

Pattern Notes

If you’re new to crochet garment making please don’t worry! I have a fabulous guide on how to start your perfect crochet wardrobe and also learn garment making with 12 free crochet top patterns for different skill levels.

A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.

Turn at the end of every row.

Read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Before you start, go through the pattern and find the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!).

Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.

Instructions are given for the smallest size, with larger sizes in brackets ( ).

Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous row.

The pattern is written in standard US crochet terms.

Cardigan Construction

The Front and Back is made in one piece creating a ‘U’shape.

The sleeves are made separately and then sewn in place before seaming the sides.

The garment is made side to side with the rows sitting vertically when worn.

The collar is added as follows in the second diagram:

Child crochet cardigan pattern construction diagrams.

There are two options for the collar in the cardigan pattern – rolled or flat.

They are both worked in rows joining to the fronts and neckline as you go.

The rolled collar is worked with the WS facing the front of the cardigan so that when you roll it back you see the RS.

The flat collar is worked with the RS facing the front.

Here I am wearing the sleeveless duster version with pockets and a belt – can you believe it’s the same design with just some tweaks?!

Woman wearing mustard sleeveless duster crochet vest.

Child Crochet Cardigan Pattern – Baby Size

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US Crochet Terminology

Main Body

(Front and Back worked together) :

Section 1: first armhole shaping –

Foundation chain: ch 69.

Row 1: RS: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook, Exhdc in next 21 , ss in flo of next 24, (this creates the sleeve shaping), Exhdc in next 22 [68].

Row 2: WS: ch1, ss in flo of next 8, sc in 3rd loop only of next 14, ss in flo of next 24, sc in 3rd loop only of next 14, ss in flo of next 8.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 8, Exhdc in next 14, ss in flo of next 24, Exhdc in next 14, Exhdc in blo of next 8.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Section 2: first straight side panel –

Row 1: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 8, Exhdc in next 52, Exhdc in blo of next 8.

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of next 8, sc in 3rd loop only of next 52, ss in flo of next 8.

Rows 1 and 2 create the Section 2 Set Pattern.

Rows 3 – 4: Repeat Section 2 Set Pattern.

Section 3: Back neckline –

The Back neckline only works for a portion of the stitches that you have already made. At the end of each row turn and work the next row into the Back neckline, leaving the other stitches to work the Collar into later.

Row 1: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 8, Exhdc in next 25 [33].

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop only of next 25, ss in flo of next 8.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Section 3 Set Pattern.

Rows 4 – 11: Repeat Section 3 Set Pattern.

Section 4: second straight side panel –

The second straight panel works for the entire length of the cardigan again so we need to continue from the final stitch on the last row of Section 3 and create a new Foundation Chain to make the total of 68 stitches again.

Chain: ch 36

Row 1: ss in flo of 2nd ch from hook, ss in flo of next 7, sc in back bump of next 27, sc in 3rd loop only of next 25, ss in flo of next 8 [68].

Row 2: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 8, Exhdc in next 52, Exhdc in blo of next 8.

Row 3: ch1, ss in flo of next 8, sc in 3rd loop only of next 52, ss in flo of next 8.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 3 and 4 create the Section 4 Set Pattern.

Section 5: second armhole shaping –

Row 1: ch1, ss in flo of next 8, sc in 3rd loop only of next 14, ss in flo of next 24, sc in 3rd loop only of next 14, ss in flo of next 8.

Row 2: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 8, Exhdc in next 14, ss in flo of next 24, Exhdc in next 14, Exhdc in blo of next 8.

Rows 1 and 2 create the Section 5 Set Pattern.

Rows 3 – 4: Repeat Section 5 Set Pattern.

Break yarn but do not weave in ends yet.

You can either add the Collar or make the Sleeves next.

FLAT COLLAR

Right side of collar: With WS facing, join yarn to first st using 5mm hook (or hook 0.5mm smaller than the size you met the gauge with).

Foundation chain: ch 9

Row 1: RS of collar: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body. [8].

Row 2: ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram. Break yarn.

Left side of collar: This begins in a similar way but you need to work a foundation chain of 8 before joining with a slip stitch to the 1st st on the left side of the Collar (with WS facing).

Row 1: RS of collar: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end. [8].

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body.

Rows 1 and 2 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram.

Once both sides are complete, join the Collar together at the back centre with either a whip stitch or a slip stitch seam.

ROLLED COLLAR

The rolled collar is worked in the same way as the flat collar but with the RS of the Collar facing the inside of the cardigan.

Right side of collar: With RS facing, ch 16 using 5mm hook (or hook 0.5mm smaller than the size you met the gauge with). Join with a slip stitch to the 1st st on the right side of the Collar.

Row 1: WS of collar: Exhdc 2nd ch from hook and in each to end. [16].

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the level of the armhole shaping.

Increase Row: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to last, 2Exhdc in last st. [17]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in each st to end.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern 5 more times.

Increase Row: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to last, 2Exhdc in last st. [18]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram.

Left side of collar: This begins in a similar way but you need to join yarn to first st on the left side of the Collar with RS facing.

Foundation chain: ch 17

Row 1: WS of collar: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body. [16].

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts (or rows when working the back section) of Main Body.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the level of the armhole shaping.

Next Row: Repeat Row 2

Increase Row: ch1, 2Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.[17]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 3 and 4 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern 5 more times.

Increase Row: ch1, 2Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body. [18]

Row 2: ch1, ss in flo of each st to end.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of Main Body.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Collar Set Pattern.

Repeat the Collar Set Pattern until you reach the halfway point of the back collar as shown in the diagram.

Once both sides of the rolled Collar are complete, join together at the back centre with either a whip stitch or a slip stitch seam.Then fold over the Collar and stitch into place if you’d like to.

SLEEVES

(Make 2):

Foundation chain: ch 24.

Row 1: ss in 2nd ch from hook, ss in next 7 (adjust this if you would like your cuff shorter or longer), Exhdc in each remaining st to end. [23].

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop of each st to cuff, ss in flo of each remaining st to end.

Row 3: ch1, ss in flo of each st of cuff, Exhdc in each remaining st to end.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 3 and 4 create the Set Pattern for the Sleeves.

Rows Rows 5 – 22: Repeat the Set Pattern for the Sleeves.

Optional Pockets (make 2):

You can make your Pockets as deep and wide as you like of course, this is just a suggestion.

Foundation chain: ch ch 10.

Row 1: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end. [9].

Row 2: ch1, sc in 3rd loop of next 5, ss in flo of next 4.

Row 3: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next 4, Exhdc in next 5.

Rows 2 and 3 create the Pocket Set Pattern.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

FINISHING

Once you have made all of the component parts, block them to measurements.

Begin to construct your cardigan by joining the sleeves with the WS facing you into the armhole shaping with either a whip stitch or a slip stitch seam.

Then with the WS facing you, join the side and underarm seams with either a whip stitch or slip stitch seam.

If you have chosen to add toggles then sew them in place.

Weave in ends securely to finish.

I hope you enjoyed this child crochet cardigan pattern – I’ve loved sharing it with you!

Young boys wearing grey crochet cardigan for boys.

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I look forward to seeing your finished crochet projects, especially this easy crochet pattern, so please share them with me in the HanJan Crochet Facebook group or on Instagram and tag #hanjancrochet.

Boy holding a stick wearing easy crochet cardi with toggles.

Purchase, download and print

Get the ad-free, printable PDF with sizes from baby to age 10 years in my stores:

Etsy
Ravelry

More Crochet Patterns for Children You Might Enjoy

If you enjoy making crochet patterns for babies and kids as much as I do then here are a few more of my designs you might enjoy exploring! My top suggestion is this kids crochet cardigan pattern using the granny stitch!

Or if you have the garment making bug then you’ll love this collection of easy crochet cardigan patterns for beginners!

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As the creator, designer and writer behind HanJan Crochet I am delighted to share all the crochet fun with you!

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