When it comes to handmade baby clothing, nothing beats the comfort and charm of a soft, puffy crochet pullover. The “Puffy” Baby Pullover is a delightful garment perfect for keeping your little one warm during colder months. With its textured puff stitch detailing and seamless design, it’s both stylish and practical—ideal for everyday wear or special photo ops!
This guide walks you through creating a cuddly, wearable baby pullover using puff stitches and easy shaping techniques. Even if you’re a confident beginner or intermediate crocheter, this pattern will help you build your garment-making skills with confidence.
📌 Pattern Overview
- Project Name: Puffy Baby Pullover
- Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate
- Construction: Top-down (yoke first), in the round or flat depending on preference
- Sleeves: Optional long or short sleeves
- Closure: Buttoned shoulder or envelope neckline (for easy on/off)
- Sizes Included: 0–3 mos, 3–6 mos, 6–12 mos, 12–18 mos, 18–24 mos
🧶 Materials and Tools
Yarn
- Weight: DK or light worsted (Category 3)
- Fiber: Soft baby-friendly yarn such as cotton, bamboo, or acrylic blends
- Yardage:
- 0–3 mos: 250 yards
- 3–6 mos: 300 yards
- 6–12 mos: 350 yards
- 12–18 mos: 400 yards
- 18–24 mos: 450 yards
Recommended Yarns:
- Bernat Softee Baby DK
- Paintbox Baby DK
- Lion Brand Baby Soft
Tools
- Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (G-6) and 3.5 mm (E-4) for edging
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- 3 small buttons (for shoulder closure)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Blocking mat and pins (optional)
🔁 Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
RS/WS – right side / wrong side.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
puff – puff stitch (described below)
inc – increase (2 sts in same st)
dec – decrease (combine 2 sts)
Puff Stitch Instructions:
Puff Stitch (5-loop puff):
Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through (3 loops on hook).
Repeat 2 more times (7 loops total), yarn over and pull through all loops.
Ch 1 to close puff (counts as part of the stitch).
📐 Sizing Guide
| Size | Chest Circumference | Length | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 mos | 16 in (40.5 cm) | 9 in | 5.5 in |
| 3–6 mos | 17 in (43 cm) | 10 in | 6 in |
| 6–12 mos | 18 in (46 cm) | 11 in | 6.5 in |
| 12–18 mos | 19 in (48 cm) | 12 in | 7 in |
| 18–24 mos | 20 in (51 cm) | 13 in | 7.5 in |
🧥 Construction Notes
The “Puffy” Baby Pullover is worked top-down, starting with a circular yoke, which increases evenly to form the body and sleeves. Once the yoke is complete, you separate the body and sleeves, working the rest of the garment in rounds or rows.
The puff stitch pattern adds adorable texture and softness, making it an eye-catching and comfortable garment.
🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions
✨ Yoke (Top Part)
Using 4.0 mm hook, ch 60 (adjust based on size—see custom sizing tips below).
Join with sl st to form a circle or work flat if you’re adding a shoulder button.
Round 1 (Set-up): Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Round 2 (Increase Row):
Ch 2, (hdc in next 4 sts, inc) around.
Adjust stitch count to ensure even increases. Place stitch markers at 4 increase points (front, back, sleeves).
Round 3–8: Continue to work in hdc or alternate rounds with puff stitches for texture.
Example: 1 round hdc, 1 round puff stitch pattern repeat.
After Round 8 (or when yoke reaches armpit length), split for sleeves:
🧶 Split for Body and Sleeves
Count stitches to place markers:
- Front panel
- Back panel
- 2 sleeve sections
Body: Join yarn at front panel edge and work in the round across front, underarm chain, back panel, second underarm chain.
Sleeves: Place on hold or work later.
🧵 Body (Continue in the Round)
- Round 1: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st.
- Round 2–12 (or desired length):
Alternate rounds of hdc and puff stitch.
Optional: Add a band of puff stitches around the belly area for extra “puffiness.”
Hem:
Switch to smaller hook (3.5 mm).
Work 4–6 rounds of sc for a neat edge.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
🧤 Sleeves
- Reattach yarn to armhole.
- Round 1: Hdc evenly around sleeve, join.
- Rounds 2–10+: Alternate puff and hdc rounds.
- Taper sleeve slightly by decreasing 2 sts every 2–3 rounds.
Cuffs: Use smaller hook. Work 4 rounds of sc or hdc.
Repeat for second sleeve.
👕 Neckline
Option 1: Envelope Neckline
- When working yoke, leave gaps at shoulders (i.e., work back-and-forth for last 2 rows).
- Overlap panels and sew down with buttons for easy access.
Option 2: Button Shoulder
- Leave 3–5 stitches open at the shoulder.
- Add 3 sc button loops on one side.
- Sew on buttons across from loops.
✅ Finishing Touches
- Weave in all ends neatly with a tapestry needle.
- Add decorative details like pom-poms, embroidery, or edging.
- Block lightly if necessary to shape the pullover evenly.
🧼 Washing and Care
- Machine washable (if using acrylic or baby-safe yarn) on gentle cycle
- Use mild detergent
- Dry flat to maintain shape and softness
📝 Tips for Customization
- Want more texture? Use puff stitch for the whole body.
- Make it a two-tone pullover: use contrasting yarn for sleeves or cuffs.
- Add a hood for an extra snuggly version.
- Try a striped yoke using leftover yarns for a fun stash-busting option.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- Cozy and warm with lots of texture
- Baby-friendly yarns keep it soft and breathable
- Designed with stretch and ease for growing babies
- Looks professionally handmade—not “homemade”
- Great as a baby shower gift or keepsake
🧵 Conclusion
The “Puffy” Baby Pullover is a charming, warm, and practical garment that’s fun to make and rewarding to gift. The puff stitch adds a tactile texture perfect for babies, while the top-down seamless construction makes it a joy to crochet.
Whether you’re making it for your own little one or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this pullover will become a treasured piece in any baby’s wardrobe. Pair it with matching booties or a hat for a full cozy set!
Video tutorial:
