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Worsted Half Double Crochet Child Cardigan with Ribbed Edges

A structured, seamed cardigan for children featuring ribbed cuffs and hem, worked in durable acrylic-blend yarn with button closure.

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Difficulty
🔴 Advanced
Time
⏱️ 28-32 hours
Hook
🪡 5.5mm / I
Yardage
🧶 approximately 1200 yards
Est. Cost
💰 $33–$57
Finished Size
📏 26 inches chest (2T-4T child)
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 16 hdc x 12 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
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At a Glance

The Worsted Half Double Crochet Child Cardigan with Ribbed Edges is a free Advanced-level baby pattern using Worsted weight yarn with a 5.5mm / I hook . Estimated time: 28-32 hours. Finished size: 26 inches chest (2T-4T child). You'll need approximately approximately 1200 yards of yarn.

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

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Use stitch markers at increases and decreases to track shaping.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 52. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (50 sts)
  2. Rows 2-28
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (50 sts)
  3. Rows 29-30 (cap shaping)
    Ch 2, sk first st, hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in each st to last 4 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in last 2 sts. (46 sts after row 29; 42 sts after row 30)
  4. Row 31
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (42 sts)
  5. Fasten off
    Cut yarn and pull through final st. (42 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Mirror this panel for right front, reversing all shaping.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 28. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (26 sts)
  2. Rows 2-28
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (26 sts)
  3. Row 29 (cap shaping)
    Ch 2, sk first st, hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in each st across. (23 sts)
  4. Row 30
    Ch 2, hdc in each st to last 4, hdc2tog, hdc in last 2 sts. (21 sts)
  5. Row 31
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (21 sts)
  6. Fasten off
    Cut yarn and pull through final st. (21 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Shaping is reversed from left front to create correct armhole. On row 29, decrease is worked closer to end of row for mirror shaping.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 28. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (26 sts)
  2. Rows 2-28
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (26 sts)
  3. Row 29 (cap shaping)
    Ch 2, hdc in each st to last 5 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 sts, sk last st. (23 sts) [Starting with 26 sts: ch 2 (not counted), hdc in 18 sts, hdc2tog (1 st), hdc in 2 sts, sk 1 st = 18 + 1 + 2 = 21 sts plus the ch 2 turn = 23 sts]
  4. Row 30
    Ch 2, sk first st, hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in each st across. (21 sts)
  5. Row 31
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (21 sts)
  6. Fasten off
    Cut yarn and pull through final st. (21 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Both sleeves are identical. Increase on rows 5 and 11 for gradual cap fit.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 36. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (34 sts)
  2. Rows 2-4
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (34 sts)
  3. Row 5 (inc row)
    Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc in each st to last st, 2 hdc in last st. (36 sts)
  4. Rows 6-10
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (36 sts)
  5. Row 11 (inc row)
    Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc in each st to last st, 2 hdc in last st. (38 sts)
  6. Rows 12-22
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (38 sts)
  7. Row 23
    Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (38 sts). Fasten off.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Working through back loops only creates the ribbed texture. Keep tension consistent for even ribbing throughout.
  1. Step 1
    With RS facing and back panel in front of you, join yarn at bottom right corner. Ch 1, sc in each st of foundation row along bottom edge of back. (50 sts)
  2. Step 2
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO (back loop only) of each st across. (50 sts)
  3. Rows 3-5
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of each st across. (50 sts)
  4. Fasten off
    Cut yarn. Repeat ribbed hem for both front panels (26 sts each) and sleeves (34 sts each).
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Cuff ribbing matches hem ribbing for consistent aesthetic throughout the garment.
  1. Step 1
    With RS facing, join yarn at bottom corner of sleeve. Ch 1, sc in each st of foundation row. (34 sts per sleeve)
  2. Rows 2-5
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of each st across. (34 sts)
  3. Fasten off
    Cut yarn and pull through final st. Repeat for second sleeve. (Cuff is 4 rows total, same height as hem ribbing.)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Use pins to secure pieces before seaming. Block to measurements before adding button bands. Mattress stitch is ideal for this pattern as it creates invisible seams that match the stitch pattern. When attaching button bands to front edges, use slip stitch or backstitch in the ends of rows to create a secure, flat seam.
  1. Step 1
    Lay all pieces flat on a blocking surface. Seam shoulder seams by matching top edges of fronts to back. Use mattress stitch with yarn needle for invisible seams.
  2. Step 2
    Pin sleeve cap into armhole, matching center of sleeve cap to shoulder seam. Seam sleeve to body using mattress stitch.
  3. Step 3
    Seam underarm sleeve seams and side seams in one continuous line on each side using mattress stitch.
  4. Step 4
    Weave in all ends with yarn needle before adding button bands.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Ribbed button bands add professional structure. Ensure spacing is even before crocheting buttonholes. Take time to count rows on both front edges to ensure bands are worked to the same height on each side.
  1. Left Front Band
    With RS facing, join yarn at bottom of left front edge. Ch 1, sc in each row end down left front (approximately 28-30 sc). Ch 1, turn. Row 2: Sc in BLO of each st across. Ch 1, turn. Row 3: Sc in BLO of each st across. Ch 1, turn. Row 4: Sc in BLO of each st across. (Band is 4 rows total) Fasten off. This is the buttonhole band.
  2. Right Front Band
    With RS facing, join yarn at bottom of right front edge. Ch 1, sc in each row end down right front (approximately 28-30 sc). Ch 1, turn. Row 2: Sc in BLO of each st across. Ch 1, turn. Row 3: Sc in BLO of each st across. Ch 1, turn. Row 4: Sc in BLO of each st across. (Band is 4 rows total) Fasten off. This is the button band.
  3. Buttonhole Placement
    On left front band (RS facing up), mark positions for 5 buttonholes evenly spaced: approximately 1 inch from hem, then every 5 rows. To create a 2-stitch buttonhole: On row 2 of the button band, when you reach a marked position, ch 2 and skip the next 2 sts (do not work into them). Continue with sc in each remaining st across. On row 3, work normally in BLO. When you reach the ch-2 space from row 2, work 2 sc into the chain space (or work under and around the chains) to close the gap, then continue with sc in each remaining st. This creates a functional buttonhole that your button will pass through.
  4. Button Placement
    Sew 5 buttons to right front band opposite buttonholes using yarn needle and matching yarn. Position buttons so they align with the center of each buttonhole.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends with yarn needle. Block the cardigan to finished measurements (26 inch chest, approximately 14-15 inches long from shoulder to hem). Lightly steam with a clothing steamer or damp towel to set the ribbed edging and even out stitches. Allow to dry completely on a flat surface. Sew buttons securely to right front band with tapestry needle and matching yarn, using 2-3 passes through each button for durability. Test all buttons and buttonholes for smooth operation before finishing.

🛒 Materials

Worsted weight acrylic-blend yarn
1200 yards total (approximately 800g), machine-washable acrylic-blend or washable wool. Recommend a solid color for visibility of stitch definition.
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Crochet hook
5.5mm (I) or size needed to achieve gauge
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Buttons
5 buttons, 0.75 inch diameter, durable plastic or wood suitable for children's garments
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Yarn needle
Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
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Stitch markers
4-6 markers to track sections during construction
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📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
ch — chain → hdc — half double crochet → sc — single crochet → sl st — slip stitch → st(s) — stitch(es) → inc — increase → dec — decrease → rnd(s) — round(s) → sk — skip → BLO — back loop only →

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

📌 Before You Begin

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This is an advanced pattern requiring proficiency with seaming, ribbed edging, and button band construction.

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Measurements are for 2T-4T (26 inch chest). Pattern uses standard increases and decreases for shaping.

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Cardigan is worked in four flat pieces: left front, right front, back, and sleeves. Button bands are added after seaming.

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Ribbed edging technique: Working in back loop only (BLO) creates a vertical ribbed texture. Work foundation row normally in single crochet, then on subsequent rows work only through the back loop of each stitch. This creates ridges that run perpendicular to the body of the garment.

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Gauge is critical for proper fit. Swatch before beginning.

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All pieces are blocked before seaming for best results and ease of assembly.

🎁 Ways to Use This

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Perfect layering piece over T-shirts and long sleeves for spring and fall outdoor play.

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An excellent handmade gift for toddlers, with durable acrylic-blend yarn that withstands frequent washing.

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Works for both boys and girls in a neutral colorway; easily customized with different button styles for personalization.

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The structured ribbed edges hold their shape through repeated wearing and washing, making it ideal for active children who need durability.

🧺 Care Instructions

Machine wash in warm water on gentle cycle or hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water; do not wring. Lay flat to dry completely, reshaping to finished measurements while damp. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry clean. Check button security before and after each wash.

🤖 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 (Worsted). You'll need about approximately 1200 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 ch, hdc, sc, sl st 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 "16 hdc x 12 rows = 4 inches in half double 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 in warm water on gentle cycle or hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water; do not wring. Lay flat to dry completely, reshaping to finished measurements while damp. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry clean. Check button security before and after each wash. 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.