The Sunset Cardigan: A Classic Crochet Pattern for Newborns

Hello, fellow makers! Are you ready to create a truly special and cozy garment for a newborn baby? I’m excited to share this detailed pattern for the Sunset Cardigan, a classic top-down sweater that’s worked in one piece, so there’s no seaming the body together, and the final result is a beautiful and professional-looking cardigan perfect for a baby shower gift or a thoughtful keepsake.

The pattern is designed to be a great project for a variety of skill levels. We’ll start with a classic yoke, separate the armholes, and then work the body and sleeves in simple double crochet stitches. The final front post and back post stitches on the bottom and cuffs add a beautiful ribbed detail, and the buttonholes are built right into the front panel. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and get ready to create something beautiful!

Why You’ll Love Crocheting This Cardigan:

Seamless Design: The top-down construction means the body of the cardigan is worked in one piece, with no seaming required.
Classic Look: The design is timeless and perfect for any newborn.
Skill-Building: You’ll practice a variety of stitches, including double crochets, post stitches, and single crochets.
Customizable: Easily change the yarn color and buttons to personalize the cardigan.

What You’ll Need:

Yarn: Medium weight number 4 yarn.
Crochet Hook: A 3.5mm crochet hook.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in all those ends.
Scissors:
Small Buttons: For the front closure.

Essential Crochet Abbreviations:

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
FPdc: front post double crochet
BPdc: back post double crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
sk: skip
FO: fasten off

The Pattern: The Sunset Cardigan (3-6 months)

This cardigan is worked from the top down, starting with the yoke. The finished yoke is designed for a chest measurement of approximately 11 inches.

Part 1: The Yoke

Foundation Chain: Ch 46.
Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc in the next 5 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the next 10 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the next 12 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the next 10 ch. Ch 1. Dc in the last 6 ch. (Total: 44 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Row 2 (V-Stitches): Ch 3 (counts as a st), turn. Dc in each st. In each of the four ch 1 spaces, make a V-st (dc, ch 1, dc).
Rows 3-5 (V-Stitches): Repeat Row 2 for a total of three more rows, always making a V-st in the ch 1 space of each corner.
Rows 6-8 (Increasing Corners): Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st. In each of the four ch 1 corner spaces, make (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc). Repeat this for a total of three rows.

Part 2: Separating for Sleeves

Row 9: Ch 3 (counts as a st), turn. Dc in each of the first 15 sts (front panel). Dc in the next ch 1 sp. Ch 4 for the underarm. Sk the next 30 sts (sleeve). Dc in the next ch 1 sp. Dc in each of the next 30 sts (back panel). Dc in the next ch 1 sp. Ch 4 for the underarm. Sk the next 30 sts (sleeve). Dc in the next ch 1 sp. Dc in each of the last 16 sts (front panel).

Part 3: The Body

Row 10: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across the row, working 2 dc in each of the four ch under the armhole.
Rows 11-23: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across the row.

Part 4: Final Touches

Hem: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each st across the row. Then, ch 2, turn, and alternate between FPdc and BPdc for two rows to create a ribbed cuff.
Front Panels & Neckline: Ch 2, turn. Work a row of sc all along the front opening and neckline.
Buttonhole Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st. Ch 1, sk 1 st. Repeat this pattern for your buttonholes, spacing them out as desired.
Sleeves:
- Start: Join yarn in the center of the ch 4 under the armhole.
- Rows 1-15: Ch 3, dc in each of the 33 sts around. Join with a sl st.
- Cuff: Ch 2, turn. Alternate between FPdc and BPdc for three rows to create a ribbed cuff.
- FO and repeat for the second sleeve.