💡

Want to make this pattern your own? Sign up to email it to yourself, save the printable PDF, or resize it for any size — every new account gets a free 7-day Maker trial.

Create your free account · no credit card

Textured Bobble Stitch Baby Cardigan with Pearl Buttons

A lightweight, charming cardigan for babies with dimensional bobble texture and a generous fit for layering.

+ Save Pattern
🤍
Difficulty
🔴 Advanced
Time
⏱️ 12-16 hours
Hook
🪡 E / 3.5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 650 yards
Finished Size
📏 20 inches chest (to fit approximately 6-12 months)
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 18 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Textured Bobble Stitch Baby Cardigan with Pearl Buttons is a free Advanced-level baby pattern using Dk weight yarn with a E / 3.5mm hook . Estimated time: 12-16 hours. Finished size: 20 inches chest (to fit approximately 6-12 months). You'll need approximately approximately 650 yards of yarn.

22 steps across 6 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

DK-weight acrylic yarn
650 yards total (approximately 270g), acrylic yarn chosen for durability, machine-washability, and safety for babies
Find on Amazon
Crochet hook
US E / 3.5mm
Find on Amazon
Buttons
4 small pearl or plastic buttons (12-15mm), baby-safe (shank-style or sew-through, securely anchored)
Find on Amazon
Tapestry needle
For seaming and weaving in ends
Find on Amazon
Stitch markers
3-4 markers to track shaping
Find on Amazon

📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
sc — single crochet → inc — increase (2 sc in same stitch) → dec — single crochet 2 together → bobble — work 5 dc in same st, yo and pull through 1 loop (to close bobble), then pull through remaining 2 loops on hook to complete stitch → ch — chain → sl st — slip stitch → st(s) — stitch(es) → rnd — round → yo — yarn over →

Tap any abbreviation to look it up. Start a free 7-day Maker trial for full stitch details.

📌 Before You Begin

💡

This pattern uses bobble stitch, which requires careful tension and loop management. Practice bobbles on a swatch before beginning.

💡

The cardigan is designed with minimal seaming; pieces are worked flat and joined with slip stitch seams for strength.

💡

All buttons should be securely sewn and double-stitched for safety. Test button security before gifting.

💡

Measurements are slightly generous to allow for layering and growth.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Use stitch markers at armhole decreases to track your stitch count.
  1. Foundation Chain
    Ch 46. (46 ch)
  2. Row 1
    Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (45 sc)
  3. Row 2
    Ch 1, turn. Bobble in first st, sc in next st, *bobble in next st, sc in next st* repeat from * across, ending with bobble in last st. (23 bobbles, 22 sc)
  4. Rows 3-20
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across for 2 rows, then repeat bobble row (Row 2 pattern) for 2 rows. Continue alternating solid sc rows with bobble rows until piece measures 10 inches (16 rows total). (45 sts)
  5. Armhole Shaping (Rows 21-26)
    Row 21: Ch 1, turn. Sl st in first 3 sts, ch 1, sc in same st as last st">sl st and in each st across, leaving last 3 sts unworked. (39 sc). Row 22-26: Continue alternating texture pattern (bobble, then sc) for 5 more rows, maintaining 39 sts. Fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Mark the front edge (right edge of left panel) to later work buttonholes.
  1. Foundation Chain
    Ch 25. (25 ch)
  2. Row 1
    Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (24 sc)
  3. Rows 2-20
    Work same pattern as back (alternating bobble and sc rows) for 19 rows total until piece measures 10 inches. (24 sts)
  4. Armhole Shaping (Rows 21-26)
    Row 21: Ch 1, turn. Sl st in first 3 sts, ch 1, sc in same st and across. (21 sc). Rows 22-26: Continue alternating texture for 5 more rows. (21 sts). Fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: This panel will be reversed when seaming; mark the left edge (front opening) for button placement.
  1. Foundation Chain
    Ch 25. (25 ch)
  2. Rows 1-20
    Work same pattern as left front for rows 1-20. (24 sts)
  3. Armhole Shaping (Rows 21-26)
    Row 21: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across, leaving last 3 sts unworked. (21 sc). Rows 22-26: Continue alternating texture for 5 rows. (21 sts). Fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Increase rows should be sc-only rows to make shaping more subtle. Work inc by doing 2 sc in the edge st.
  1. Foundation Chain
    Ch 32. (32 ch)
  2. Row 1
    Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (31 sc)
  3. Rows 2-14
    Work alternating bobble and sc rows for 13 rows. Rows 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 are sc-only rows; rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 are bobble rows. At end of Row 2, Row 6, Row 10, and Row 14, inc 1 st at each end (2 sts total per row) by working 2 sc in first and last st. (39 sts after all increases). Fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Slip stitch seaming creates strong, secure seams suitable for baby items and is less visible than mattress stitch from the front.
  1. Join Shoulders
    Lay pieces flat. Using tapestry needle and matching yarn, slip stitch left front to back at left shoulder (10 rows / approximately 6 inches). Slip stitch right front to back at right shoulder.
  2. Attach Sleeves
    Slip stitch sleeves into armholes, matching pattern alignment and ensuring sleeve cap is centered at shoulder seam.
  3. Sleeve and Side Seams
    Slip stitch sleeve seams from cuff to underarm. Slip stitch side seams from underarm to bottom edge.
  4. Blocking
    Gently steam or spray block to even out bobble texture and set seams. Lay flat to dry.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Work button bands in single crochet for a neat, stable edge that will stand up to frequent fastening. When cardigan is closed, the right front band tucks underneath the left front band for a neat appearance.
  1. Right Front Band
    With RS facing, join yarn at bottom right corner. Ch 1, work 20 sc evenly up right front edge (approximately 1 sc per row). Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Fasten off. Slip stitch this band to the back side of the right front panel edge.
  2. Left Front Band with Buttonholes
    With RS facing, join yarn at top left corner. Ch 1, work 20 sc evenly down left front edge. Ch 1, turn. Sc across, creating 4 buttonholes by working (ch 2, skip 1 st) at approximately Row 3, 7, 11, and 15 of the band. These should align with button placement on right band when closed. Fasten off. Slip stitch this band to the back side of the left front panel edge.
  3. Attach Buttons
    Sew 4 buttons securely to right band behind each buttonhole on left band. Use doubled thread, stitch through each button hole at least 4 times, and finish with a small knot on the underside. Test security before completing.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave all ends securely into body of nearby stitches using tapestry needle. Trim closely. Block entire cardigan gently using steam or spray blocking to even out bobble texture. Allow to dry completely while lying flat. Try cardigan on a baby-sized doll or newborn to verify fit and button function. Double-check all button stitching is secure and no loose threads remain.

🎁 Ways to Use This

✦

A thoughtful baby shower gift for expectant parents, especially for a charity donation to a local birth center or children's hospital

✦

Provides warmth and visual charm for a newborn in photos while maintaining safe, tagless construction with securely fastened buttons

✦

Layers beautifully over long-sleeve onesies for fall and spring weather without the bulk of heavier knits

✦

The textured bobble stitch creates a sensory experience for babies learning to touch and explore textures

🧺 Care Instructions

Machine wash warm on gentle cycle with like colors. Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry. Acrylic yarn is durable and machine-washable, making this cardigan ideal for frequent washing. Do not bleach. Pilling may occur with wear; use a fabric comb or lint roller to gently remove if needed.

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

What's wrong with this pattern?

✓ Thanks for your feedback — we'll review it shortly.

📸 Made by our community

See how real makers brought this pattern to life

📷 Sign in to share
📷

Be the first to share a photo of your finished make!

Pattern photo

Report this photo

Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 650 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
This pattern uses techniques that require precision and experience. Expect stitches like sc, inc, dec, bobble and potentially complex shaping. If you're newer to crochet, try a few intermediate patterns first to build confidence with stitch counts and tension before tackling this one.
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 "18 sc x 16 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.
Machine wash warm on gentle cycle with like colors. Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry. Acrylic yarn is durable and machine-washable, making this cardigan ideal for frequent washing. Do not bleach. Pilling may occur with wear; use a fabric comb or lint roller to gently remove if needed. 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.
✨

Enjoyed this pattern?

Create your own AI-generated crochet patterns in seconds.
5 free patterns every month.

🎨

Describe what you want to make

Our AI writes a complete, mathematically correct pattern

📚

Save patterns to your library

Come back anytime — your work is always there

💝

No credit card required

Free forever · Upgrade only if you love it

Create free account I already have an account
🧶

Wait — don't leave empty handed!

Enter your email and we'll send you 3 free beginner patterns + a gentle starter guide.

No spam — just cozy crochet goodness

We'll never share your email. Unsubscribe anytime.

💝

Perfect! Check your inbox

Your patterns are on their way.