Lightweight Toddler Raglan Cardigan Easy Pattern

This toddler raglan cardigan crochet pattern easy design creates a classic, button-up sweater perfect for layering.

🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 8-12 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 400-550 yards
Finished Size
📏 Chest: 20 (22) inches, Length: 10 (11) inches
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Lightweight Toddler Raglan Cardigan Easy Pattern is a free Beginner-level wearable pattern with a H / 5mm hook . Estimated time: 8-12 hours. Finished size: Chest: 20 (22) inches, Length: 10 (11) inches. You'll need approximately approximately 400-550 yards of yarn.

18 steps across 8 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

DK weight yarn
400 (550) yards in main color
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Crochet hook
Size H/5mm
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Buttons
4-5 buttons, 3/4 inch diameter
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Stitch markers
4 markers for raglan increases
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Tapestry needle
For weaving in ends
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📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
inc — increase (2 sc in same stitch)
st(s) — stitch(es)
sl st — slip stitch
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

📌 Before You Begin

💡

Pattern uses top-down raglan construction with no seaming required.

💡

Numbers in parentheses are for size 2-3T; if only one number appears, it applies to both sizes.

💡

Chain 1 at beginning of rows does not count as a stitch.

💡

Place markers at raglan increase points and move them up as you work.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: The markers indicate where increases will be worked to create raglan shaping.
  1. Foundation
    Ch 48 (52). Join with sl st to first ch, being careful not to twist. This forms the neck opening.
  2. Round 1
    Ch 1, sc in each ch around, place markers at sts 8, 16, 32, and 40 (8, 18, 34, and 44) to mark raglan lines. Join with sl st to first sc. (48 (52) sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Try on toddler after Round 8 to check armhole depth. Continue increases if needed for larger fit.
  1. Round 2
    Ch 1, *sc in each st to 1 st before marker, inc in next st, sc in marked st (move marker), inc in next st; repeat from * 3 more times, sc in remaining sts. Join with sl st. (56 (60) sts)
  2. Rounds 3-10
    Repeat Round 2, working 8 increases every round (2 sts before and after each of 4 raglan markers). After Round 10: 112 (124) sts total
  3. Round 11
    For size 12-24m only: Repeat Round 2 one more time. (120 sts). For size 2-3T: Continue to Round 12. (124 sts)
Row counter:
  1. Round 12
    Ch 1, sc in next 18 (19) sts (right front), ch 4 (5) for underarm, skip next 22 (24) sts (right sleeve), sc in next 36 (38) sts (back), ch 4 (5) for underarm, skip next 22 (24) sts (left sleeve), sc in next 18 (19) sts (left front). Join. (84 (91) sts including ch sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: For a longer cardigan, continue working even rounds until desired length is reached.
  1. Round 13
    Ch 1, sc in each st and ch around. Join. (84 (91) sts)
  2. Rounds 14-28
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. Work until body measures 6 (6.5) inches from underarm.
  3. Final Round
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: For tapered sleeves, decrease 2 sts evenly spaced every 4th round.
  1. Round 1
    Join yarn at center of underarm ch. Ch 1, sc in next 4 (5) underarm ch, sc in next 22 (24) sleeve sts. Join. (26 (29) sts)
  2. Rounds 2-14
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. Work until sleeve measures 5 (6) inches from underarm, or desired length.
  3. Final Round
    Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. Repeat for second sleeve.
Row counter:
  1. Row 1
    With RS facing, join yarn at bottom right front edge. Ch 1, work 40 (44) sc evenly up right front edge to neck. Turn.
  2. Row 2
    Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Adjust buttonhole placement as needed to align with buttons.
  1. Row 1
    With RS facing, join yarn at neck edge of left front. Ch 1, work 40 (44) sc evenly down left front edge. Turn.
  2. Row 2
    Ch 1, sc in first 3 sts, *ch 2, skip 2 sts (buttonhole made), sc in next 8 (9) sts; repeat from * 3 more times, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in remaining sts. Turn.
  3. Row 3
    Ch 1, sc in each st and 2 sc in each ch-2 space across. Fasten off.
Row counter:
  1. Round 1
    With RS facing, join yarn at right front neck corner. Ch 1, sc evenly around entire neck opening, working through both layers at front bands. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all ends securely using tapestry needle. Block cardigan lightly by laying flat, misting with water, and shaping to measurements. Allow to dry completely. Sew buttons to right front band opposite buttonholes using sewing needle and coordinating thread. Try cardigan on toddler and adjust button placement if necessary for best fit.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not wring or twist. Store folded to maintain shape.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 400-550 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, sc, inc, st(s). Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 8-12 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not wring or twist. Store folded to maintain shape. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.