Beginners / Cardigans & Cover Ups / Garments How to Crochet a Children’s Cardigan: Free Pattern Updated January 21, 2026 This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, I may earn a small commission. Click to see full details of my Privacy Policy. Pin it now, make later!3.9KShares Learn how to crochet a children’s cardigan with my free step-by-step pattern and assisting video tutorial in both right and left-handed versions to help you along the way. This beginner-friendly pattern is available in six sizes: 18 months – 2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, 11-12 years. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Materials & Tools 2. Where to Shop for Yarn3. About the Yarn4. Colour Inspiration: 5. Sizing and Yarn Quantities6. Gauge & Size7. Gauge Swatch8. Pattern Notes9. Pattern Support10. Convert Pattern Terms11. Terms & Abbreviations12. Special Stitches13. Pin for Later14. Crochet Ad-Free Patterns 15. Free Pattern: Crochet Childrens Cardigan in 6 sizes16. Main Body (made in one piece): Part one17. Neckline split18. 18m-2y19. 3-420. 5-621. 7-822. 9-1023. 11-1224. Main Body: Part Two25. 18m-2y26. 3-427. 5-628. 7-829. 9-1030. 11-1231. Sleeves (repeat on both sides)32. Size 3-4 years ONLY33. All other sizes34. Cuff Ribbing35. Time to Block36. Seaming37. Bottom Ribbing38. Front Opening Ribbing39. Pockets40. Pocket Ribbing41. Attaching Pockets42. Video Tutorials43. Right-handed44. Left-handed45. Pattern F.A.QsVIEW MORE▼ The Nova cardigan is also available in adult sizes, CLICK HERE for all the details. This project is the perfect way to level up your skills while creating something cosy and stylish. Even if you’re a beginner, this project is totally within reach! Materials & Tools Yarn: Sirdar Hayfields Bonus Tweed, Aran Category 4, 74% Acrylic 20% Wool, 6% Viscose, 840m (920yds)/400g (14.1oz) in shade Stormcloud. Hook: 5mm (US H-8) and 4.5mm (US 7) Darning needle Scissors Tape Measure Four Stitch Markers Where to Shop for Yarn Wool Warehouse we crochet Mary maxium love crafts Herrschners About the Yarn I have used the same yarn for the children’s version as the adult version, I’ll share some of my favourite colours below! I just love this yarn, the subtle flecks of colour that add a beautiful tweed texture to your projects. Sirdar Hayfields Bonus Aran Tweed comes in 400g balls, this yarn is perfect for garments, especially cardigans and jumpers! Machine washable and made from a marvellous mix of wool, acrylic, and viscose, making this yarn warm and durable. Colour Inspiration: I have used the colours Stormcloud and Butterscotch. However, I’ve shared some of my favourites from the colour pallet below: Raspberry Tweed 638 Butterscotch 642 Seaspray 665 Honeycomb 797 Berry 799 Stormcloud 931 Sizing and Yarn Quantities The Nova Cardigan is designed with (3-4 inch) positive ease. Measurements after light blocking. Length (excluding ribbing) – 14 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) inches, 35.5 (40.5, 45.75, 50.75, 55.75, 61) cm. Width – 12 (13, 14.5, 15, 16, 17) inches, 30.5 (33, 36.5, 38, 40.5, 43) cm. Circumference – 24 (26, 29, 30, 32, 34) inches, 61 (66, 73.5, 76, 81, 86.5) cm. Neckline – 3 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4) inches, 7.5 (7.5, 7.5, 7.5, 10, 10) cm. Armhole Depth – 4.5 (4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5) inches, 11.5 (12, 12.75, 14, 15.25, 16.5) cm. 18 months – 2 years3-45-6To fit chest size53.5cm/21 in58.5cm/23 in63.5cm/25 inApprox. Yardage388yds476yds573ydsBalls (400g)111 7-89-1011-12To fit chest size66cm/26 in71cm/28 in76cm/30 inApprox. Yardage700yds795yds920ydsBalls (400g)111 All measurements are approximate. Gauge & Size 13 sts and 8 rows measures over 10cm X 10cm (4in X 4in) measured using Treble Crochet. Gauge Swatch Save some time and use the pocket as your gauge swatch!See below for the pocket instructions and choose the size you are making. (This will only apply to size 3-4 and larger) Pattern Notes Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms below. This pattern is made up by creating the main body of the cardigan from side to side. The arms and cuff will be crocheted onto the main body to minimise seaming. You will finish by adding ribbing to the bottom and front opening using the join as you go method.The number references for each size will be listed as follows: 18 months-2y (3-4y, 5-6y, 7-8y, 9-10y, 11-12y) Pattern Support The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters. Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this. Convert Pattern Terms Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version. view in UK terms view in US terms Terms & Abbreviations Stitch(s): st(s)Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. Back Loop Only: BLO: Working into the back loop only of the stitch. Special Stitches Stacked Double Crochet(s): sdc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. Insert hook into the post of the stitch which is furthest away from the hook. Yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. Double Crochet two together: Dc2tog: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loopsTreble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. How to Crochet – A Handy Reference Guide eBook Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your crochet stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE. Pin for Later Crochet Ad-Free Patterns etsy Bella coco crochet ravelry Free Pattern: Crochet Childrens Cardigan in 6 sizes You are viewing this pattern in UK terms. Main Body (made in one piece): Part one Ch 93 (107, 119, 133, 145, 159)Row 1: Working in the back bumps of the ch, tr in third ch from hook (missed chs count as st) and each ch across. Turn. <92 (106, 118, 132, 144, 158) sts> Row 2-9 (10, 11, 12, 12, 13): Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. To unlock this FREE crochet pattern all you need to do is enter your email to join our mailing list and the grow app will appear, please enter your email and create a password. Now you’ve created a grow account you’ll be able to access all of the free patterns on the blog and bookmark your favourites so you can have them all in one place for easy access. If you forget your password, click the “forgot password” link and follow the prompts. Please note that the team are unable to assist with resetting Grow passwords or accessing your Grow account, so please make sure you save your login information in a safe place. Your grow account is separate from your Bella Coco account which you use to access your purchased patterns. Neckline split Row 10 (11, 12, 13, 13, 14): Sdc in first st, tr in next 45 (52, 58, 65, 71, 78) sts, leave remaining sts unworked. Turn. <46 (53, 59, 66, 72, 79) sts> 18m-2y Rows 11-14: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 3-4 Rows 12-15: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 5-6 Rows 13-16: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 7-8 Rows 14-17: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 9-10 Rows 14-19: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 11-12 Rows 15-20: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. Main Body: Part Two Do not fasten off your yarn, you will now be making a chain before moving onto the next rows.Chain 47 (54, 60, 67, 73, 80) Row 15 (16, 17, 18, 20, 21): Working in the back bumps of the ch, tr in third ch from hook (missed chs count as st) and each ch and st across. Turn. <92 (106, 118, 132, 144, 158) sts> 18m-2y Rows 16-23: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 3-4 Rows 17-25: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 5-6 Rows 18-27: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 7-8 Rows 19-29: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 9-10 Rows 21-31: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. 11-12 Rows 22-33: Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. Sleeves (repeat on both sides) Set up: The sleeves of the cardigan are going to be crocheted straight onto the main body of your cardigan. This means you will be working into the final row of the main body and the underside of the chain from row 1. Locate the centre on each side as shown in Image A, count 18 (19, 20, 22, 24, 26) sts either side of the centre and mark with a stitch marker. IMAGE A: Shows location of centre stitches on the main body of the cardigan. Row 1: With right side of work facing you, join with ss to first marked st. Work a sdc in first st, tr in each st to next marked st. Leave remaining sts unworked. Turn. <36 (38, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts>Row 2-14 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26): Sdc in first st, tr in each st across. Turn. Size 3-4 years ONLY Final Row: Ch 1, dc2tog across. <19 sts> All other sizes Final Row: Ch 1, dc in first st, dc2tog across until you have 1 st remaining, dc in last st. <19 ( – , 21, 23, 25, 27) sts> Cuff Ribbing Change to 4.5mm hookChain 7 (7, 7, 9, 9, 9)Row 1: Dc in second ch from hook (missed ch does not count as st) and each st across. Ss in next 2 sts from the last row of the sleeve. Turn. <6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8) dc, 2 ss> Row 2: Skip 2 ss, BLOdc in each st across. Turn. <6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8) BLOdc>Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), BLOdc in first st and next 5 (5, 5, 7, 7, 7) sts. Ss in next 2 sts from the last row of the sleeve. Turn. <6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8) BLOdc, 2 ss>Repeat row 2 & 3 across.Fasten off. Time to Block Now is the time to steam block your work. Use blocking pins and mats to shape your work ensuring that each side is the same size. Seaming Fold the work in half bringing the seams of the arms together and wrong side facing outwards.With a strand of yarn and a darning needle, start at the bottom of the main body and whip stitch through both thicknesses. Once the body is seamed, continue along the underside of the arm and cuff.Fasten off and sew in ends.Repeat on the other side. Bottom Ribbing Turn the work right side out and turn ready to work on the bottom edge of the cardigan.With 5mm hook, join with a ss to the bottom left corner (bottom right if you’re left-handed)Set up row: Ch 1 (does not count as a st here and throughout) work 2 dc in each row end across. Turn. Change to 4.5mm hook. Chain 7 (7, 7, 9, 9, 9)Row 1: Dc in back bump of second ch from hook (missed ch does not count as st) and each st across. Ss in next 2 sts from the set up row. Turn. <6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8) dc, 2 ss>Row 2: Skip 2 ss, BLOdc in each st across. Turn. <6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8)BLOdc> Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), BLOdc in first st and next 5 (5, 5, 7, 7, 7) sts. Ss in next 2 sts from the setup row. Turn. <6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8) BLOdc, 2 ss>Repeat row 2 & 3 across. Front Opening Ribbing With 5mm hook, join with a ss to the bottom right corner stitch of the bottom edging (bottom left if you’re left-handed).Set up row: Ch 1, dc in each stitch of the bottom ribbing and main body of the cardigan until you reach the neck opening. Rotate work and work 2 dc in each row end of the neck opening. Rotate work and dc in each st of the main body and bottom ribbing. Turn.Change to 4.5mm hook. Chain 5 Row 1: Dc in back bump of second ch from hook (missed ch does not count as st) and each st across. Ss in next 2 sts from the set up row. Turn. <4 dc, 2 ss>Row 2: Skip 2 ss, BLOdc in each st across. Turn. <4 BLOdc>Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), BLOdc in first st and next 3 sts. Ss in next 2 sts from the set up row. Turn. <4 BLOdc, 2 ss>Repeat row 2 & 3 across.Fasten off and sew in ends. Pockets With 5mm hook. Row 1: Ch 13 (13, 17, 21, 21, 21), working in back bump of ch, tr in 3rd ch from hook (missed chs count as st) tr in each st across. Turn. <12 (12, 16, 20, 20, 20) sts> Row 2-6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10): Sdc, tr in each st across. Turn. Pocket Ribbing Set up row: Ch 1, dc in each st across. Turn. Change to 4.5mm hook. Chain 5 Ribbing row 1: Dc in bump of second ch from hook (missed ch does not count as st) and each st across. Ss in next 2 sts from the set up row. Turn. <4 dc, 2 ss>Row 2: Skip 2 ss, BLOdc in each st across. Turn. <4 BLOdc>Row 3: Ch 1, BLOdc in first st and next 3 sts. Ss in next 2 sts from the last row of the pocket. Turn. <4 BLOdc, 2 ss>Repeat row 2 & 3 across.Fasten off and sew in ends. Attaching Pockets Place the pockets at the front bottom of the cardigan, the base of the pocket will sit just above the ribbing and the inner edge of the pocket will be roughly around 1 row in from the ribbing. Pin the pockets into place ensuring that they are the same on each side.With a strand of yarn and a darning needle, sew the pocket to the body of the cardigan using whip stitch.Repeat on other side.Sew in all ends. Video Tutorials Right-handed Or Watch on YouTube Left-handed Or Watch on Youtube Pattern F.A.Qs Q. When marking the armholes, the pattern says to locate the centre but I can’t get the number of stitches above and below the centre to match? A. When marking the armholes, you need to locate the centre point which will be between two stitches. The easiest way to mark the armholes is to find the centre point, count in one direction the number of stitches required for your armhole in the size you are making, place a marker, then count back in the opposite direction double that number from that marker and then place your second marker. This makes sure you have exactly the same number of stitches either side of the centre point. I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet sarah-jayne KEEP ON making Don’t miss a thing! Sign up to our newsletter, grab a cuppa and find out about the latest posts and projects. First name Email address Thanks! Please check your inbox (and junk) to confirm your subscription! Pin it now, make later!3.9KShares Further Reading... How to Crochet a Quick & Easy Crochet Top March 17, 2026 Bandana Style Crochet Cowl by Veronika Cromwell January 6, 2020 How to Crochet a Top: FREE Beginner-Friendly Pattern March 25, 2026 4 Comments Lisa Webb April 1, 2025 at 8:34 am Where can I find the pattern in smaller than size 6 please and when I convert to US TERMS then save to GoodNotes it goes back to UK TERMS Reply Christine MacLaren June 4, 2025 at 6:51 pm I have been trying to see the blurred out instructions by signing in to unlock those areas with no success. What am I doing wrong? i would really like to crochet this sweater for my twin granddaughters. Reply Christine MacLaren June 4, 2025 at 7:03 pm Thanks, figured out what I was doing wrong! Reply Ashley July 17, 2025 at 8:43 pm I’m confused by “Row 2-9 (10, 11, 12, 12, 13)” and “Row 15 (16, 17, 18, 20, 21).” Are these just typos and the first is actually through 14 rows and the second is only through 21 rows? 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