Textured Waffle Stitch Baby Cardigan: Free Crochet Pattern

Textured Waffle Stitch Baby Cardigan: Free Crochet Pattern

A cozy, professional-grade 12-month baby sweater pattern.

Looking for a free crochet baby cardigan pattern that combines classic style with modern texture? This Waffle Stitch Baby Cardigan is the perfect project for intermediate crocheters. Designed for a 1-year-old (12 months), this sweater features the squishy, warm texture of the waffle stitch, making it an ideal handmade gift for birthdays or baby showers.

The waffle stitch is highly sought after for baby clothing because it creates a thick, thermal-like fabric that stays breathable yet incredibly soft. This pattern uses a top-down construction, allowing you to try it on as you go and minimize messy seaming. We have paired the rich texture of the body with adorable mustard and beige puff flowers and natural wooden buttons for a rustic, boutique-inspired look.

Whether you are making this for your own little one or as a heirloom piece, this professional crochet pattern provides clear, step-by-step instructions. From the raglan increases in the yoke to the textured sleeves, every detail is crafted to ensure a high-quality finish. Grab your 3mm hook and some DK yarn, and let’s start stitching this cozy wardrobe staple!

Size: 12 Months Hook: 3.0 mm Skill: Intermediate

Materials Required

• Main Yarn: 250g Double Knit (DK) yarn.
• Contrast Yarn: Small amounts of Beige and Mustard for flowers.
• Hook: 3 mm crochet hook.
• Buttons: 5 Wooden buttons.
• Tools: Yarn needle, scissors, and 4 stitch markers.

Abbreviation Guide (US Terms)

• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double Crochet
• FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Corner: (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in same space.

The Pattern

 Video Tutorial.

1. The Yoke

Foundation: Chain 66.

Row 1: ch 2, Dc in 3rd ch from hook and across. Place markers in sts: 9, 20, 45, and 57. (64 sts)

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. *Waffle Pattern (1 FPDC, 2 DC) until marker. In marked st, work Corner. Repeat from * across.

Row 3: Ch 2, turn. Work FPDC on raised stitches and DC on recessed stitches. Work Corner (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in all ch-1 spaces.

Rows 4-16: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 sequentially.

Pattern Tip: Always work a Front Post Double Crochet on the first and last stitch of the previous row's corner to keep the waffle lines clean.

2. The Body

Row 17 (Joining): Work to 1st corner. Dc in corner, Ch 4, sk sleeve stitches, dc in 2nd corner. Work across back. Dc in 3rd corner, Ch 4, sk sleeve, dc in 4th corner. Work to end.

Row 18-19: Incorporate the underarm chains into the waffle pattern.

Final Body: Continue until the cardigan measures 13 inches from the shoulder.

3. The Sleeves

Join yarn at underarm. Work in rounds. Round 1: Dc around. Rounds 2, 3, 5: Work waffle pattern with a decrease at the start and end of the round. Round 4: Normal waffle pattern. Continue until sleeve is 20cm (full) or 10cm (half).

Puff Flower Embellishment (Make 8)

Center (Beige): Ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st.

Petals (Mustard): Join mustard. In each sc: *Ch 2, Puff Stitch (3 yarn overs), Ch 2, sl st*. Repeat 5 times.

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