Free Beginner-Friendly Crochet Baby Bolero Cardigan Pattern

Free Beginner-Friendly Crochet Baby Bolero Cardigan Pattern

Looking for the perfect, quick baby shower gift? This free beginner-friendly crochet bolero cardigan pattern is exactly what you need! Designed specifically for newborns and babies aged 0–3 months, this adorable mini cardigan combines comfort and style. We recommend using a lightweight, breathable 4-ply cotton-polyester mix yarn paired with a 3mm crochet hook to ensure a soft, durable finish that is gentle on delicate baby skin.

This step-by-step pattern features an easy-to-follow top-down raglan yoke construction, utilizing standard double crochet stitches and simple decreases for an elegant, tailored fit. With a total chest circumference of approximately 18 inches over 14 easy rows, this project is highly customizable—simply add stitches to scale it up for larger sizes! Complete with a charming loop-design border and delicate neckline details, this pattern is perfect for advanced beginners looking to master garment shaping. Grab your hook, follow our clear instructions below, and create a beautiful heirloom piece today!

Project Details & Materials

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
• Size: 0–3 Months (approx. 18-inch total chest circumference)
• Yarn: 4-ply cotton-polyester blend yarn
• Hook Size: 3mm crochet hook

Abbreviations Used:

• ch: chain
• dc: double crochet
• sc: single crochet
• V-stitch: (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) worked into the same space

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1. Foundation and Yoke

Video Tutorial for This Pattern:

• Foundation Chain: Start with 55 chains. (Note: For larger sizes, add 6 chains for each size increase).
• Row 1: Chain 2 (counts as first stitch). Make 1 double crochet (dc) in the 3rd chain from the hook, then 6 more dc (7 total for the front panel). Chain 2 for corner. Make 13 dc for the first sleeve. Chain 2 for corner. Make 15 dc for the back panel. Chain 2 for corner. Make 13 dc for the second sleeve. Chain 2 for corner. Make 7 dc for the final front panel. Turn.
• Row 2: Chain 2. Make 1 dc in each of the 7 stitches. In the chain-2 space, create a V-stitch (1 dc, chain 2, 1 dc). Make 1 dc in each of the next 13 stitches. In the next chain-2 space, make a V-stitch. Make 1 dc in each of the next 15 stitches. In the next chain-2 space, make a V-stitch. Make 1 dc in each of the next 13 stitches. In the final chain-2 space, make a V-stitch. Make 1 dc in each of the remaining 7 stitches. Turn.
• Row 3 (Shaping Starts): Chain 2. Make a decrease stitch (2 dc together) across the first two stitches. Make 1 dc in each stitch until you reach the corner. In the corner chain-2 space, make a V-stitch (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc). Continue with 1 dc in each stitch and V-stitches in the corners across the row. When you reach the final two stitches, make a decrease stitch. Turn.
• Rows 4–14: Repeat the Row 3 pattern, ensuring you decrease at the beginning and end of every row while placing V-stitches in the four corners. Continue until you reach the desired chest size; for a 0–3 month size, this is approximately 14 rows or 18 inches total chest circumference.

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2. Joining Round (Armholes)

Joining Row: Chain 2. Stop decreasing at the front edges. Make 1 dc in each stitch until you reach the first corner V-stitch. Make 1 dc in the corner space, chain 1, and skip all stitches of the first sleeve.

Make 1 dc in the second corner space to join. Continue making 1 dc in each stitch across the back until the third corner. Make 1 dc in the third corner space, chain 1, skip the second sleeve, and make 1 dc in the fourth corner space. Make 1 dc in each remaining stitch to the end of the row. Turn.

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3. Body and Border

Body Rows

Work 1 dc in each stitch around (including the chain-1 spaces under the arms) for several rows until the cardigan reaches your desired length. We recommend adding 4 rows for the body.

Neckline and Front Border

• Starting from the left side, chain 1 and make 1 single crochet (sc).
• In the next space, create a loop design: 1 sc, chain 2, 1 sc in the same stitch.
• Alternate: 1 sc in one stitch, then the loop design in the next.
• For the neckline area: 1 sc, skip two stitches, and make the loop design in the third stitch.

Bottom Border

Work 3 sc followed by the loop design (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc) in the fourth stitch. Repeat this sequence across the bottom edge.

Finishing Touches: Fasten off and weave in your ends. You may choose to add decorative ribbing to the bottom edge or accessorize the piece with a crochet flower, ribbon, or small beads!

Video Tutorial: