This original BabyYarnie crochet scallop collar baby cardigan uses the supplied collage only as a visual mood reference. A bottom-up sage cardigan with a separate round scalloped collar, saddle shoulders and vertical rib cuffs. 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 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: 4.0 mm
- Finished Size: 6–12 months; 20 in chest, 11.5 in length
- Gauge: 18 sc and 20 rows = 4 in
- Terminology: US
- Construction: Bottom-up body, saddle shoulders, separate round collar and ribbed cuffs
- Yarn Weight: DK (category 3)
- Yarn Amount: 560 yd sage, 60 yd cream
Materials
- DK yarn in sage and cream
- 4.0 mm hook; 3.5 mm for ribbing
- Six markers, yarn needle, scissors and tape
- Four flat buttons or 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
Collar scallop: repeat [sc, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1] along the outer collar edge; adjust only the final spacing.
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
Bottom-Up Body
- With sage ch 91. Row 1: sc in second chain and across: 90 sts. Work Rows 2–34 even in sc, turning with ch 1.
- Divide for fronts and back: work 22 left-front stitches, leave 2 underarm stitches unworked, work 42 back stitches, leave 2, work 22 right-front stitches.
- Continue each section separately for 16 rows. On each front, decrease one stitch at the neck edge on Rows 9, 11, 13 and 15, leaving 18 shoulder stitches.
- Back shoulder rows remain 42 stitches. Mark 18 stitches at each outer shoulder and leave six center stitches for the back neck.
Saddle Shoulders and Sleeves
- Saddle strip: ch 9 and work 7 hdc for 18 rows. Sew one long edge to a front shoulder and the other long edge to the matching back shoulder. Repeat for the second side.
- Pick up 48 sc evenly around one armhole, including both ends of the saddle. Work 22 joined rounds, decreasing two stitches on Rounds 7, 14 and 21: 48→46→44→42.
- Cuff: with smaller hook ch 8, sc in second chain and next six. Join each rib row to one sleeve stitch with sl st; turn and work BLO sc back. Continue around all 42 sleeve stitches.
- Repeat sleeve and cuff. Close any underarm gaps with matching yarn and compare sleeve lengths.
Round Scalloped Collar
- With cream ch 63 and sc in second chain and across: 62 sts. Work six rows, increasing one stitch at both ends of Rows 2 and 4: 66 sts.
- Work the scallop repeat along the outer edge. Pin the straight inner edge around the neckline, centered at the back with equal front ends, and sew through every row end.
- Add five sage sc band rows along both fronts, form four buttonholes, sew closures and block the collar flat.
Finishing
- Secure every seam, pocket, collar and edging through several hidden paths.
- Wash and dry flat, then compare chest, body and sleeve measurements with the plan.
- Inspect closures and decorative stitches before supervised wear; remove the cardigan for sleep.
Tips
- Make and wash a generous gauge swatch.
- Recount after each shaping row and keep paired pieces together.
- Use crochet ties instead of buttons for a small-parts-free closure.
- Block textured stitches from the wrong side without crushing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resize this cardigan?
Recalculate from the washed gauge and preserve the shaping ratios; changing only hook size can distort the garment.
Can I substitute yarn?
Choose a soft washable yarn that matches the washed stitch and row gauge and gives suitable drape.
Are buttons required?
No. Securely anchored crochet ties are a practical small-parts-free alternative.
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: (86 sts), (90 sts).
Printable Pattern Card
Body 90; divide 22 front +2 underarm +42 back +2 underarm +22 front. Each front shapes to 18 shoulder stitches; saddle strips are 7 stitches for 18 rows.
