This original BabyYarnie crochet openwork baby cardigan pattern uses the supplied collage only as a visual mood reference. A sage longline cardigan with a top-down raglan frame, open trellis body below the armholes, solid sleeves and a softly rounded hem. 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: 4.0 mm
- Finished Size: 9–18 months; 22 in chest, 13.5 in length
- Gauge: 18 dc and 9 rows = 4 in
- Terminology: US
- Construction: Top-down raglan yoke, solid sleeves, open trellis long body and rounded hem
- Yarn Weight: DK (category 3)
- Yarn Amount: 610 yd sage
Materials
- Soft washable DK yarn in sage
- 4.0 mm hook; 3.5 mm for bands
- Four raglan markers, yarn needle, scissors and tape
- Five 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
Trellis repeat: dc in next stitch, ch 2, skip 2, dc in next; on following row work dc into dc and ch 2 over each ch-2 space.
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
Raglan Yoke
- Ch 53. Row 1: dc in fourth chain and across: 50 sts. Mark four raglan stitches after 8, 16, 34 and 42 stitches.
- Row 2: work 3 dc in each marked stitch and one dc elsewhere: 58 sts. Row 3 even: 58. Repeat raglan increase rows on Rows 4, 6, 8 and 10, ending with 90 stitches.
- Row 11 divide: dc 14 front, hold 17 sleeve stitches, ch 5, dc 28 back, hold 17 sleeve stitches, ch 5, dc 14 front: 66 body positions.
- Work two solid dc rows over 66 positions before beginning the trellis so the underarms remain stable.
Long Trellis Body
- Trellis Row 1: dc 2, repeat [ch 2, skip 2, dc 1] across, ending dc 2. Treat every dc and ch-2 space as one structural repeat and keep 66 positions.
- Work 22 trellis rows, turning after each row. Add one repeat at each front edge on Rows 8, 14 and 20 to create the rounded longline hem without widening the back.
- For the final four rows switch to solid dc, working one dc in each dc and two dc in every ch-2 space. Shape each front corner with one dec on the final two rows.
- Finish the hem with one loose sc row. The back should measure about 13.5 inches from neck to hem.
Sleeves and Bands
- For each sleeve return 17 held stitches to the hook, work 5 dc across the bridge and one dc in each corner gap: 24 sts.
- Work 20 solid joined rounds. Decrease two stitches on Rounds 7, 13 and 19: 24→22→20→18. Add five BLO-sc cuff rounds.
- Work an applied sc band around fronts and neck, adding five buttonholes or crochet ties. Block the trellis open without stretching the raglan seams.
Finishing
- Secure underarms, shoulder areas and bands with hidden duplicate passes.
- Wash and dry flat, then compare chest, body length and sleeve length with the finished-size plan.
- Inspect buttons or ties before every supervised wear and remove the garment for sleep.
Tips
- Make and wash a generous gauge swatch.
- Move shaping markers every row and recount before continuing.
- Work both sleeves before weaving ends so they can be compared.
- Choose crochet ties for a small-parts-free closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resize this cardigan?
Use the washed stitch and row gauge to recalculate the yoke or panels; changing only hook size can distort proportions.
Can I use another yarn?
Yes, if the washed gauge and drape match and the fiber is soft, washable and suitable for baby clothing.
Are buttons required?
No. Replace them with securely anchored crochet ties and inspect all closures 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: (50 sts), (58 sts), (66 sts).
Printable Pattern Card
Yoke starts 50 and gains 8 on increase rows to 90. Divide 14 front +17 sleeve +28 back +17 sleeve +14 front; add two 5-chain bridges for 66 body positions.
