Lavender Butterfly Baby Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern

This Lavender Butterfly Baby Cardigan pattern is a delightful and sweet outerwear piece for infants. With its charming butterfly motif and soft lavender hue, it’s perfect for spring outfits. The lightweight design makes it cozy yet comfortable. You’ll learn basic crochet techniques like double crochet and how to join pieces together.

Why You'll Love This Baby Cardigan

• Adorable design – your little one will look extra cute in this cardigan.
• Quick project – make this cardigan in about 5 hours.
• Easy to adjust – includes sizes for 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.
• Simple stitches – perfect for honing your crochet skills with easy stitches.

Is This Pattern Good for Beginners?

Yes! This pattern is beginner-friendly, using simple stitches and clear instructions. If you’re new to crochet, you’ll find it a great way to practice and create a lovely piece for a special little one.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet
• st – stitch
• sk – skip
• sl st – slip stitch
• sp – space
• inc – increase (2 dc in same st)
• dec – decrease (2 dc together)

Size and Gauge

• Finished dimensions:
  • Chest circumference: 22 in (3 months), 24 in (6 months), 27 in (12 months)
  • Length from shoulder to hem: 10 in (3 months), 11 in (6 months), 12 in (12 months)
  • Sleeve length: 6 in for all sizes
• Gauge: 15 dc and 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm).
  To check your gauge, crochet a swatch of 20 dc for 10 rows. Adjust your hook size if needed.

How to Crochet a Lavender Butterfly Baby Cardigan (Step by Step)

Body of the Cardigan (Make 2 Pieces: Back and Front)

We’ll start with the back piece.

Back Piece

1. Ch 56 (66 for 12 months).
2. Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and across (53 dc for 6 months, 63 dc for 12 months).
3. Row 2: ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (53 dc).
4. Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 8 in from the starting chain (approx. 7 rows).

Front Pieces

(Make 2 - follow the same instructions, but for smaller width)

1. Ch 42 (52 for 12 months).
2. Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and across (39 dc for 6 months, 49 dc for 12 months).
3. Row 2: ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (39 dc).
4. Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 8 in from the starting chain (approx. 7 rows).

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Ch 30 (36 for 12 months).
2. Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and across (27 dc for 6 months, 33 dc for 12 months).
3. Row 2: ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (27 dc).
4. Repeat Row 2 until sleeve measures 6 in (approx. 6 rows).

Assembly & Finishing

1. Join the front pieces to the back at the shoulders with slip stitches, right sides together.
2. Attach the sleeves to the armholes, aligning the sleeve top with the shoulder seam.
3. Join the sleeves and sides of the cardigan by slip stitching from the edge of the sleeve down to the hem, ensuring to maintain a smooth seam.
4. Using white yarn, create the butterfly motif using an appliqué method in the middle of each front piece.
5. Add a border around the opening and bottom of the cardigan by crocheting 1 row of sc around the edges.
6. Fasten off and weave in any ends.

Beginner Tips for a Neat Baby Cardigan

• Use stitch markers to keep track of your stitches and rows.
• Count your stitches at the end of each row to catch any mistakes early.
• Maintain even tension for a smooth finish.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• "My project is uneven." – This usually happens from inconsistent tension. Try to keep your tension even as you work.
• "I can't fit the cardigan over the baby's head." – This might occur if you didn't follow the gauge. Check your stitch count and adjust as needed.
• "The sleeves feel too tight." – If this is the case, make sure you’re placing the sleeves correctly and not pulling them too tight during assembly.

How to Care for Your Baby Cardigan

Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. This will help maintain the shape and size of your lovely cardigan.

FAQ

How do I adjust the size for larger babies?

Follow the measurements provided for the 12-month size and increase your foundation chain and rows as needed for additional sizes.

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes! Just ensure you keep the same weight, but always check your gauge to adjust your hook size if using a different yarn.

How long will it take to crochet this cardigan?

It will take an estimated total of about 5 hours, with individual pieces taking 1 to 1.5 hours each.

Want to create a complete set? Check out our range of patterns or try the matching hat.

Image shown for inspiration — your finished result may vary slightly.