Crochet Mint Tunisian Entrelac Baby Cardigan

This original BabyYarnie tunisian entrelac baby cardigan pattern uses the supplied collage only as a visual mood reference. A modular Tunisian entrelac cardigan of small mint-and-cream diamonds, with plain crochet sleeves and bands. The written construction, stitch counts and shaping are independently developed and numerically reviewed.

This free tutorial is written as an original measured construction rather than a color-only variation. Read the complete pattern before beginning, make a washed gauge swatch, and record the selected size and every adjustment. The stitch audit checks the written arithmetic, but it does not claim a physical sample or fit test.

Development disclosure: The supplied collage is a mandatory visual mood reference only. This independently written tutorial has a numerical stitch audit, but no physical sample test is claimed. AI-generated illustrations are not photographs of a tested sample.

Pattern Details

• Hook Size: 5.0 mm Tunisian hook; 4.0 mm standard hook for sleeves and bands
• Finished Size: 6–12 months; 20 in chest, 10.5 in body length
• Gauge: One washed entrelac block = 2.5 in square; 18 sc and 20 rows = 4 in
• Terminology: US
• Construction: Thirty modular Tunisian entrelac body blocks, plain crochet sleeves and applied bands
• Yarn Weight: DK (category 3)
• Yarn Amount: Approximately 390 yd mint and 220 yd cream

Materials

• Soft washable DK yarn: 390 yd mint and 220 yd cream
• 5.0 mm flexible Tunisian hook and 4.0 mm standard hook
• Locking markers, yarn needle, scissors and tape measure
• Four flat 14 mm buttons or four pairs of short crochet ties

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• inc: increase
• dec: decrease
• BLO: back loop only
• Tss: Tunisian simple stitch

Tunisian simple stitch (Tss): insert the hook from right to left under the front vertical bar, yarn over and draw up one loop. Standard return pass: yarn over and draw through one loop, then yarn over and draw through two loops repeatedly.

Gauge, Sizing and Planning

Wash and dry a generous swatch in the same yarn, hook and colorwork method planned for the project. Measure only the relaxed center. If the stitch gauge is too tight, move up a hook; if it is too loose, move down. Recheck row gauge because length and shaping depend on it. Parenthetical counts follow the listed size order throughout. Place removable markers at all shaping points and recount before moving to the next section.

Instructions

Make the Entrelac Blocks

1. Each block begins ch 7. Forward Pass 1: insert the hook in the second chain and each remaining chain, drawing up a loop in every chain: 7 loops on hook, representing 6 worked stitch positions plus the edge loop. Return Pass: yarn over and draw through one loop, then yarn over and draw through two loops six times.
2. Forward Passes 2–6: keep the first loop on the hook, work Tss under each of the next six vertical bars: 7 loops on hook. Complete the standard return pass. Bind off by slip stitching under each of the six vertical bars. The finished block has six counted stitch positions and six Tunisian rows.
3. Wash and dry one test block. It must measure 2.5 inches square. Change hook size if needed; do not add stitches to force the dimensions because every body panel depends on the same modular grid.
4. Make 30 blocks total. Alternate mint and cream by grid position: 16 mint and 14 cream. Leave a long tail on each block for edge-to-edge mattress seaming, and arrange all blocks before joining so the checkerboard remains balanced.

Assemble the Modular Body

1. Back: arrange four blocks across and four blocks high, alternating colors: 16 blocks. Join adjacent blocks through one edge loop from each piece so the seams remain flexible. The washed back measures approximately 10 by 10 inches.
2. Each front uses seven blocks. Arrange two blocks across for Rows 1–3, then place one block at the outer shoulder on Row 4. Mirror the second front. Across both fronts this uses 14 blocks, bringing the body total to 30.
3. Join each one-block front shoulder to the outer back block. Join side seams through the lower two and one-half block heights, leaving approximately 3.75 inches open on both front and back at each armhole. The full opening is about 7.5 inches around.
4. Check that the two front openings hang evenly and that no seam has trapped a loose float. Entrelac color changes happen between independent blocks, so there should be no carried strands across the wrong side.

Plain Sleeves and Crochet Bands

1. Sleeve: with the standard hook and mint, ch 23. Row 1: sc in the second chain and across: 22 sts. Increase one stitch at both ends of Rows 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30: 22 to 24 to 26 to 28 to 30 to 32 sts. Work through Row 34.
2. Fold the sleeve lengthwise and seam the underarm. Center its 32-stitch top at the shoulder seam, match the underarm seams, and sew evenly around the measured armhole. Repeat for the second sleeve and work five BLO-sc rounds around each 22-stitch cuff.
3. Hem band: with cream work 90 sc evenly around the complete lower edge, then add four BLO-sc rows. Front and neck setup: work 45 sc up the first front, 11 across its neck step, 22 across the back neck, 11 across the second neck step and 45 down the second front: 134 sts.
4. Add four BLO-sc band rows. Place four ch-2 buttonholes on the right band or attach four pairs of short crochet ties. Wet-block flat, square every entrelac corner and confirm the 20-inch chest before supervised wear.

Finishing

1. Seam with matching yarn, weave every tail through several hidden paths, and reinforce each cable, hood and underarm join.
2. Wash according to the yarn label, shape flat to the listed measurements, and let the cardigan dry completely.
3. Inspect all seams and closures before supervised wear. Remove the garment for sleep and discontinue use if any part loosens.

Tips

• Make and wash a full-size gauge swatch before beginning.
• Label mirrored pieces and record every shaping row.
• Compare both sleeves before seaming or adding cuffs.
• Use securely anchored crochet ties instead of buttons for a small-parts-free closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I resize this cardigan?

Yes. Recalculate from the washed stitch and row gauge, preserving each shaping ratio and measured armhole depth.

Can I substitute yarn?

Choose a soft washable yarn that matches both washed gauge and drape; yarn labels alone do not guarantee the same fit.

Are buttons required?

No. Short, securely anchored crochet ties are a practical alternative. Inspect every closure before use.

Conclusion

The finished project combines measured shaping, readable colorwork and practical finishing in one complete original crochet construction. Compare the finished measurements with the plan, confirm that every seam and carried strand is secure, and follow the yarn label for washing and storage.

Audited stitch-count references: (6 sts).