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Pattern for: Easy Crochet Sweater Pattern in sizes baby to age 10 years
Yarn used: worsted weight (quick and easy to make!)
Difficulty level: Easy – using basic stitches and an easy construction
Stitches used: slip stitches and half double crochet stitches are used for this pattern
Hannah’s Notes: This versatile crochet sweater is perfect for kids from baby to age 10, designed with options to wear as a cozy cardigan or an open collar for added comfort. Its relaxed fit ensures a comfy, snug feel, keeping little ones warm and stylish all day long.
Table of Contents
In this post you’ll find everything you need to know how to crochet a child’s sweater, including materials, stitches, a detailed video tutorial and free written pattern for blog subscribers.
If you’re looking for adult patterns, check out the crochet ribbed sweater pattern or the modern crochet vest pattern! Both use the same stunning ribbed stitch pattern! Plus you can match with your little ones 🙂
Things you’ll love about this easy baby crochet sweater
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Yarn
To make this easy crochet sweater pattern for beginners, I used Sirdar Country Classic Worsted, 50% wool, 50% acrylic, 199m/218yds/100g
It’s a category 4, medium weight yarn which is what gives this top it’s shape and drape.
Check out our handy yarn weight chart and guide to find out more about yarn weights and categories. Make sure you explore my other medium weight yarn crochet patterns too!
I used Port for the knit-look crochet sweater and Fern for the Cardigan.
I used Heatherly Worsted in Butter for this split neck sweater version. It’s 80% Acrylic, 20% Merino Wool with 218yds/100g and comes in the most delicious colours!
Yarn Substitutes
You can use any yarn that you like bearing in mind that you need to make sure you meet the gauge. Some other great options are:
- WeCrochet Swish Worsted, 100% Superwash Merino Wool (101m/110yds/50g)
- Paintbox Yarn 100% Wool Worsted Superwash, 100% wool, (200m/219yds/100g)
- WeCrochet Brava Worsted, 100% premium acrylic (199m/208yds/100g)
Sizing
Sizes: 0-6m (6-12m, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10)
To fit chest sizes: 17 (18, 21, 23, 25, 26.5, 28) inches.
With finished garment circumference: 20 (22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 32) inches.
Yarn amounts
This knit-look crochet sweater for kids is designed with a small amount of positive ease for child sizes. It is however really easy to adjust the length of the sweater and sleeves to fit anyone beautifully.
There are numerous options for adding length to the sweater body, cuff and sleeves to make it perfect for you but make sure to order plenty of yarn if you are making adjustments to the pattern.
You can also create a cardigan or a sleeveless pullover with this pattern too!
The following yarn amounts are estimated as a total as the pattern is written assuming a single colour is used. Any changes and customisations will adjust the amount of yarn required so make sure to order plenty.
You will require approximately 300 (375, 475, 560, 660, 760, 890) metres, 330 (410, 520, 615, 725, 830, 975) yards of yarn to crochet the sweater.
This is 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5) balls of the recommended yarn.
Other Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- A 5mm(H) crochet hook or hook needed to meet gauge
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Skill Level
Easy.
Check out my other easy crochet patterns – from blankets and bags to garments and mittens!
Learning to Crochet Garments
If you’re new to crochet garments and worried about all the sizing, seaming, gauge and other things that might seem really daunting, please don’t worry. I used to feel exactly the same! If you can make a blanket, then you can make this garment. I promise!
I’ve written all about my experience with learning to both make and design garments and you can learn about crochet garment making and make sure you explore all of these fabulous easy crochet cardigan patterns too. There are so many options out there for every skill level and style!
We also have an article all about how to make perfect crochet garments which is a great read packed full of experience and tips!
If you’re ready to dive and get all of the garment making info in one place then you will LOVE our Crochet Garments with Confidence Course! You get lifetime access to world class crochet garment designers teaching you everything they know!
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Step by Step Video Tutorial
Come along as I make this crochet kids sweater pattern and see just how easy it is in our step-by-step video tutorial.
Glossary and Abbreviations
beg – beginning
blo – back loop only
ch(s) – chain(s)
ch-sp(s) – chain space(s)
flo – front loop only
rep – repeat
RS – right side
sp – space
ss/sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
Yoh – yarn over hook
Stitches
The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:
hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)
Special Stitches
Slip Stitch (ss)
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through the stitch and the active loop on the hook.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
This stitch is the equivalent to a UK half treble crochet (htr).
- Yarn over, and insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over again, and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
Back Loop Only (blo)
To work the back loop only, turn your work so that the top is facing you to see the front and back loops. Work into the back loop by inserting the hook into the loop furthest from you.
Below you can see the sleeveless vest version!
Making Your Easy Crochet Baby Sweater for Beginners Perfect For You
Although the garment comes in so many sizes, there are still some things you can easily do to adjust it to fit you perfectly.
I suggest choosing the garment chest size that you’d feel most comfortable wearing and then checking ‘customisation’ below for details of how you can adjust various parts.
If you choose to add stitches or rows then it would be a good idea to order another ball of yarn to make sure you have enough.
WIDTH
I suggest selecting the garment chest size from the chart above that will be most comfortable for you and then adjusting the other aspects from there.
LENGTH
If you’d like your sweater longer/shorter then just work more/less stitches for the Back and Front. I’d add the stitches in the main body of the panel and not the rib or armhole shaping.
ARMHOLE DEPTH
If you would like your armhole bigger/smaller then work more/less slip stitch shaping as you like. You’ll need to decide this before you begin though as the shaping happens at the very start of the panel.
SLEEVE LENGTH
You can adjust the sleeve length by adding or subtracting as many stitches as you like to your Foundation Chain.
CARDIGAN VERSION
The cardigan version is made the same for the Back and Sleeves with a slight adjustment to make 2 Front parts with buttons along one edge.
Find the details of how to do this after the Sweater version.
SLEEVELESS PULLOVER VERSION
A great alternative is a sleeveless pullover and it couldn’t be simpler to achieve it! Just make the Front and Back as written and simply leave the sleeves off.
You can add some extra detail by only seaming part of the sides and leaving a ‘split seam’ at the bottom if you like too.
Before you jump into crocheting your child sweater, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, customisation and more.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
- 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 highlight/mark 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.
- The count number referring to each size is laid out as follows: 0-6 months (6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years) unless otherwise indicated.
- If an instruction does not apply to a particular size then an – is used instead of a number. E.g. – (-, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6) means that the 0-6 months and 6-12 months sizes do not apply to this instruction.
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each Row or Round. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous Row or Round.
- If an instruction states to work in the blo of a chain then this needs to be into the back bump of the chain.
Free Easy Crochet Sweater Pattern
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For Sizes 0-6m and 6-12m go to Section 3 now. All other sizes continue.
Rows 4 to – (-, 5, 7, 7, 7, 9): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of this section.
Continue to Section 3.
Section 3: neckline –
Row 1: ch5 (7, 7, 9, 9, 10, 10) (to extend for neckline), ss in 2nd ch from the hook, ss in blo of next 7 (11, 11, 15, 15, 17, 17), (neckline and into sweater) hdc in blo of next 34 (36, 45, 44, 50, 54, 57), ss in blo of next 4 (6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9) [46 (54, 63, 68, 74, 81, 84)].
Row 2: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Row 3: ch1, ss in blo of next 8 (12, 12, 16, 16, 18, 18), hdc in blo of next 34 (36, 45, 44, 50, 54, 57), ss in blo of next 4 (6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9).
Row 4: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Rows 5 – 18 (20, 20, 18, 20, 22, 22): repeat Rows 3 and 4 of this section.
Continue to Section 4.
Section 4: second straight area –
Row 1: ch1, ss in blo of next 8 (12, 12, 16, 16, 18, 18), hdc in blo of next 34 (36, 45, 44, 50, 54, 57), ss in blo of next 4 (6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9).
Row 2: ch1, hdc in blo of next 42 (48, 57, 60, 66, 72, 75) (no neck stitches now) [42 (48, 57, 60, 66, 72, 75)].
Row 3: ch1, hdc in blo of next 38 (42, 51, 52, 58, 63, 66), ss in blo of next 4 (6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9).
For Sizes 0-6m and 6-12m go to Section 5 now. All other sizes continue.
Row 4: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Row 5: ch1, hdc in blo of next – (-, 51, 52, 58, 63, 66), ss in blo of next – (-, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9).
For Size 1-2 years go to Section 5 now. All other sizes continue.
Rows 6 to – (-, -, 7, 7, 7, 9): repeat Rows 4 and 5 of this section.
Section 5: second sleeve shaping –
Row 1: ch1, hdc in blo of next 24 (28, 36, 37, 42, 46, 47), ss in blo of next 18 (20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28) (sleeve shaping).
Row 2: ch1, ss in blo of next 18 (20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28), hdc in blo of next 20 (22, 30, 29, 34, 37, 38), ss in blo of next 4 (6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9).
Fasten off but don’t weave in ends.
FRONT (PLAIN SWEATER)
Make as for Back.
FRONT (SWEATER WITH SPLIT NECKLINE)
Sizes 0-6 months (3-4, 7-8, 9-10) only
Make as for Back to Row 9 (9, 11, 11) of Section 3. Then continue as follows.
The neckline split here is to match the stitches of the neckline shaping. You can work as many or as few stitches on the following row to create a split depth of your choice.
Row 10 (10, 12, 12): ch1, hdc in blo of next 38 (52, 63, 66) sts, ch 9 (17, 19, 19) [47 (69, 82, 85)].
Row 11 (11, 13, 13): ss in blo of 2nd ch from hook, ss in blo of next 7 (15, 17, 17), hdc in blo of next 34 (44, 54, 57), ss in blo of next 4 (8, 9, 9)[46 (68, 81, 84)]
Row 12 (12, 14, 14): ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Rows 13 (13, 15, 15) – 18 (18, 22, 22): Repeat Rows 3 and 4 of Section 3.
Continue to work Section 4 and 5 as per the Back.
FRONT (SWEATER WITH SPLIT NECKLINE)
Sizes 6-12 months (1-2, 5-6) only
Make as for Back to Row 10 of Section 3. Then continue as follows.
The neckline split here is to match the stitches of the neckline shaping. You can work as many or as few stitches on the following row to create a split depth of your choice.
Row 11 (11, 11): ch1, ss in blo of next 12 (12, 16), ch 13 (13, 17), ss in blo of 2nd ch from hook, ss in blo of next 11 (11, 15) chs, now continue to work in remaining sts of Row 10 (10, 10), hdc in blo fo next 36 (45, 50) sts, ss in blo of next 6 (6, 8) sts [54 (63, 74)]
Row 12 (12, 12): ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Rows 13 (13, 13) – 20 (20, 20): Repeat Rows 3 and 4 of Section 3.
Continue to work Section 4 and 5 as per the Back.
CARDIGAN FRONTS
Sizes 0-6 months (3-4, 7-8, 9-10) only
First front side:
Work as for Back until Section 3 – Row 8 (8, 10, 10) then continue as follows –
Row 9 (9, 11, 11): ch1, ss in blo of next 4 (8, 9, 9), hdc in next 3 (6, 4, 6), *ch1, skip next st, hdc in blo of next 5 (7, 8, 8); rep from * to last 3 (6, 5, 6), ch1, skip next st, hdc in blo of next 2 (5, 4, 5)
Row 10 (10, 12, 12): ch1, hdc in blo of next 42 (60, 72, 75), leave the remaining 4 (8, 9, 9) sts unworked. Fasten off.
Second front side:
Foundation chain: ch43 (61, 73, 76).
Row 1: ch1, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each along [42 (60, 72, 75)].
Row 2: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Row 3: ch5 (9, 10, 10) (to extend for neckline), ss in 2nd ch from the hook, ss in blo of next 7 (15, 17, 17) (neckline and into sweater), hdc in blo of next 34 (44, 54, 57), ss in blo of next 4 (8, 9, 9) [46 (68, 81, 84)].
Row 4: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Row 5: ch1, ss in blo of next 8 (16, 18, 18), hdc in blo of next 34 (44, 54, 57), ss in blo of next 4 (8, 9, 9) [46 (68, 81, 84)].
Row 6: Repeat Row 4.
Rows 7 to 10 (10, 12, 12): Repeat Rows 5 and 6 of this section.
Continue to work Section 4 and 5 as per the Back.
CARDIGAN FRONTS
Sizes 6-12 months (1-2, 5-6) only
First Front Side:
Work as for Back until Section 3 – Row 9 (9, 9) then continue as follows –
Row 10 (10, 10): ch1, hdc in blo of next 3 (4, 5), *ch1, skip next st, hdc in blo of next 6 (6, 7); rep from * 5 (6, 6) more times, ch1, skip next st, hdc in next blo of next 2 (3, 4) sts, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked.[48 (57, 66)]
Row 11: ch1, hdc in blo of next 42 (51, 58), ss in blo of next 6 (6, 8). Fasten off.
Second front side:
Foundation chain: ch49 (58, 67)
Row 1: ch1, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each along [48 (57, 66)].
Row 2: ch7 (7, 9) (to extend for neckline), ss in 2nd ch from the hook, ss in blo of next 11 (11, 15) (neckline and into sweater), hdc in blo of next 36 (45, 50), ss in blo of next 6 (6, 8) [54 (63, 74)].
Row 3: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Row 4: ch1, ss in blo of next 12 (12, 16), hdc in blo of next 36 (45, 50), ss in blo of next 6 (6, 8).
Row 5: ch1, hdc in blo of each st.
Rows 6 to 11 (11, 11): Repeat Rows 4 and 5 of this section.
Continue to work Section 4 and 5 as per the Back.
SLEEVES
All Sizes
Make 2
Foundation chain: ch26 (30, 33, 39, 45, 48, 53).
Row 1: ss in 2nd ch from hook, ss in blo of the next 3 (5, 5, 7, 7, 8, 8) (creates the cuff), hdc in blo of next 21 (23, 26, 30, 36, 38, 43) [25 (29, 32, 38, 44, 47, 52)].
Row 2: ch1, hdc in blo of the next 19 (21, 22, 26, 30, 32, 37), ss in blo of the next 6 (8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 15) (shaping + cuff).
Row 3: ch1, ss in blo of the next 4 (6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 9), hdc in blo of the next 21 (23, 26, 30, 36, 38, 43).
Rows 4 – 25 (29, 29, 33, 33, 37, 41): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the Sleeves.
Finish here for sizes 6-12 months, 3-4, 7-8 and 9-10.
Continue for sizes 0-6 months, 1-2, 5-6.
Row 26 (-, 30, -, 34, -, -): Repeat Row 2.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
SEAMING AND FINISHING
Before seaming, block all pieces to measurements. Either use a crochet slip stitch seam or sew with a whip stitch seam to join your pieces. You can decide which is the right and wrong side of the fabric.
Neck and shoulders –
With the RS facing each other and WS facing you, join the shoulder seams and sides of the neckline together with you chosen seaming method.
Set in sleeves –
Lay the joined Front and Back panel flat with the WS facing you. Place the sleeves into their space with the WS facing you (this will be where you work slip stitches on the tops of the Front and Back panels) and seam into place.
Join underarms and sleeves –
With the RS facing each other and WS facing you, fold the sweater in half so that the side seams and sleeves line up. Seam each side from the bottom of the sweater up to the underarm then along the sleeve to join.
Fasten off and weave in all ends to finish.
Copyright Notice
The Harris Child Sweater Crochet Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.
This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd).
Unauthorised distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited. The free to view crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.
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More Crochet Kids Patterns You Might Enjoy
If you’ve enjoyed making this beginner crochet sweater pattern, then why not try a few more? Here’s a few other of my designs you might like:
- Crochet Sweater Pattern for Boys – A stunning classic raglan sweater
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Congratulations on crocheting your very own knit-look kids crochet sweater! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this fun project, why stop here? Dive into my other patterns for babies and children each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists and colourful creations! Join our community of crochet enthusiasts, where we share tips, tricks, and plenty of crafting inspiration. So, grab your hooks, explore more patterns, and let’s continue this crochet adventure together! Happy stitching! 🧶✨
