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Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern

Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern
4.5★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
✂️

Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

👕

Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern

This pattern creates a simple, top-down baby cardigan worked in one piece from the neck down, with sleeves joined and finished separately. Sizes span preemie through 3-4 years, with clear row-by-row counts for each size. Options include shell or ruffle edgings and guidance for button bands and buttonholes.

Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The cardigan uses DK (weight 3) yarn and a 4mm hook for a nice drape and soft texture. It includes helpful pictures and notes for dividing armholes and measuring sleeve length.

Why You'll Love This Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it is so versatile and quick to make for newborns and toddlers. I enjoy the simplicity of the single crochet fabric which makes it easy to focus on details like buttons and edging. The top-down construction means you can try it on as you go, so the fit is easy to adjust. I also appreciate that the pattern includes multiple sizes and finishing options so you can customize each cardigan to suit the recipient.

Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to personalize this cardigan — change the yarn color for a fresh look or make striped fronts for a playful effect.

I often substitute the DK yarn for a slightly lighter or heavier weight to create smaller or larger finished sizes; adjust the hook by 0.5-1mm to compensate.

You can add appliques like rainbows, bunnies, or initials using 2-4mm hooks and small amounts of contrast yarn to make each piece unique.

If you want a more modern look, choose wooden or matte buttons in different shapes and sew them slightly off-center for a whimsical touch.

Try the shell edging for a delicate finish or the ruffle edging for a sweeter, more decorative hem—both change the overall character of the cardigan.

I sometimes convert this to a pullover by omitting the button bands and adding a simple collar instead, keeping the same top-down shaping.

For a gender-neutral version, pick soft greys or creams and add subtle contrast at the cuffs or button band.

If you prefer a chunkier, cuddly cardigan, use a bulky yarn and a larger hook to make a cozy version that works as outerwear for cooler weather.

You can also embroider simple motifs like stars or hearts on the front after finishing the cardigan for a handmade gift that feels extra personal.

When making multiples as gifts, keep a list of button placements and sleeve lengths used so you can reproduce the same fit easily for subsequent cardigans.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction that the initial ch1 does not count as a stitch can throw off your counts; always treat ch1 as turning chain and begin the row in the first stitch as directed to keep stitch counts accurate. ✗ Not marking the armhole skips can lead to uneven armholes and incorrect sleeve placement; place removable stitch markers at the start and end of each armhole skip to keep alignment consistent. ✗ Using inconsistent tension across rows creates uneven widths and mismatched sleeves; maintain a consistent, relaxed tension and check your gauge before starting to match sizes. ✗ Placing buttonholes without marking or measuring spacing often results in unevenly spaced buttons; measure and mark button positions along the button band before making buttonhole rows to ensure even spacing and alignment.

Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern

Make a sweet, top-down baby cardigan worked in one piece for neat shoulders and easy sleeve joins. This pattern includes sizes from preemie to 3-4 years and options for shell or ruffle edging and button/buttonhole bands. You will enjoy a straightforward single crochet texture that is perfect for customizing with appliques or fun buttons. Clear row-by-row instructions make this a satisfying project for gift-making or everyday wear.

Beginner Friendly 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Simple Playdays Cardigan Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    DK weight (weight 3) yarn - quantities by size: Preemie 220 metres, Newborn 240 metres, 0-3 Months 260 metres, 3-6 Months 320 metres, 6-12 Months 380 metres, 1-2 Years 450 metres, 3-4 Years 550 metres

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4mm hook
  • 02
    2-4mm hooks for appliques
  • 03
    4-6 x 15mm buttons
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 06
    Stitch markers
  • 07
    Measuring tape

Progress Tracker

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— Pattern Notes and Pictures :

Info :

* Working in first stitch the ch1 does not count as a stitch, ch1 and sc in the first stitch*

Info :

Dividing for armholes: Sc the required amount of stitches for the front, skip required amount of stitches, (this will form the first armhole), work the required amount of stitches for the back, skip the required amount of stitches to form the second armhole, sc to the end.

Info :

How to measure the sleeves and length: Start in the first unworked stitch. Place extra stitches under the arm to get the right amount (this prevents a gap under the arm).

— Button/Buttonhole Bands All sizes :

Info :

Continuing from body, change to 3mm hook

Row 1 :

ch1, 1 sc in the same, sc 1 in each row up to the top. Turn

Row 2 :

Ch1, sc in the same, sc in each stitch back to bottom. Turn

Row 3 :

Ch1, sc in the same, sc in each stitch back to top.

Info :

Fasten off.

Item Name (P1) :

Buttonhole band Row 1: With the right side facing, join yarn to the top of the left hand side of the front edge, ch1, 1 sc in the same, 1 sc in each row. Turn

Info :

Mark out where you want the button holes, on the next row ch1 and skip the one where the markers are.

Row 2 :

Buttonhole row, Ch1, sc in the same, sc all but ch1 and skip where the markers are to create the buttonholes. Turn

Row 3 :

Ch1, sc in the same and sc in all, including the chains.

Info :

Fasten off and sew your buttons on to match the button holes and weave in all ends.

— Adding a shell Edging :

Info :

Complete the cardigan and button bands as normal. The Shell edging requires multiples of 6 stitches + 1. I included 3 stitches at the edging at each side, if you don't have this do a row of single crochet (double UK) first and add stitches to get the right amount.

Info :

With the right side facing, join yarn to the bottom right of the cardigan. Ch1, sc in the same, *skip 2, 5 dc in the next, skip 2, sc in the next* repeat to the end.

Info :

Ch1 and sc in the same, skip the rest of the button band and 5 dc in the first stitch of the cardigan bottom. At the end do the last shell in the last stitch of the cardigan and sc at the end of the button band.

— Adding a ruffle Edging :

Info :

You could also add a ruffle edging by completing the cardigan and button bands as normal. Then join yarn to the bottom right of the cardigan, ch1, dc in the same, 3 dc in each stitch to the last then dc in the last. Fasten off and sew in the ends.

— Preemie 4-6lb :

With a 4mm hook Ch39 :

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4, [3 sc] in the next, sc 6, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 6, [3 sc] in the next, sc 5. (46) Turn

Row 2 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (46) Turn

Row 3 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 5, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 6. (54) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (54) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 6, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 7. (62) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (62) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 7, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8. (70) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (70) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in next, sc 9. (78) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (78) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10. (86) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (86) Turn

Row 13 (Divide for arm holes) :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, skip 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, skip 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11. (58) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (58) Turn

Info :

Repeat Row 14 until work measures approx 7" from the shoulder, ending with an even row.

Info :

Continue to button band on page 4.

— Sleeves (Preemie) :

With a 4mm hook :

Row 1: With the wrong side facing join yarn to the first un-worked sc under the arm, ch1, sc in the same, sc 21, slst to first. (22) Turn

Rows 2-9 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (22) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (21) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (21) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (20) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (20) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (19) Turn

Row 15 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (19) Turn

Info :

Repeat row 15 until the sleeve measures 7" from the shoulder. Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.

— Newborn :

With a 4mm hook Ch43 :

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 5. (50) Turn

Row 2 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (50) Turn

Row 3 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 5, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 6. (58) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (58) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 6, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 7. (66) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (66) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 7, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8. (74) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (74) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9. (82) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (82) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10. (90) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (90) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11. (98) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (98) Turn

Row 15 (Divide for armholes) :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, skip 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 26, [3 sc] in the next, skip 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12. (62) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (62) Turn

Info :

Repeat Row 16 until work measures approx 8" from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Continue to button band on page 4.

— Sleeves (Newborn) :

With a 4mm hook :

Row 1: With the wrong side facing join yarn to the first un-worked sc under the arm, ch1, sc in the same, sc 25, slst to first. (26) Turn

Rows 2-9 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (26) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (25) Turn

Rows 11 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (25) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (24) Turn

Rows 13 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (24) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (23) Turn

Rows 15 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (23) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (22) Turn

Row 17 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (21) Turn

Row 18 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (21) Turn

Info :

Repeat row 18 until the sleeve measures 8" from the shoulder. Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.

— 0-3 months :

With a 4mm hook Ch47 :

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, 3 sc in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 6. (54) Turn

Row 2 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (54) Turn

Row 3 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 6, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, 3 sc in next, sc 7. (62) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (62) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 7, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8. (70) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (70) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9. (78) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (78) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10. (86) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (86) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11. (94) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (94) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 26, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12. (102) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (102) Turn

Row 15 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 28, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13. (110) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (110) Turn

Row 17 (Divide for Armholes) :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, skip 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 30, [3 sc] in the next, skip 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15. (122) Turn

Row 18 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (122) Turn

Info :

Repeat Row 18 until work measures approx 9" from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Continue to button band on page 4.

— Sleeves (0-3 months and variants) :

With a 4mm hook :

Row 1: With wrong side facing join yarn to the first un-worked sc under the arm, ch1, sc in the same, sc 27, slst to first. (28) Turn

Rows 2-7 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (28) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (27) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (27) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (26) Turn

Rows 11 :

ch1, sc in all, slst to first. (26) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (25) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (25) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (24) Turn

Row 15 :

ch1, sc in all, slst to first. (24) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (23) Turn

Row 17 :

ch1, dec, sc all, slst to first. (22) Turn

Row 18 :

ch1, sc in all, slst to first. (22) Turn

Info :

Repeat row 18 until the sleeve measures 9" from the shoulder. Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.

— Size 3-6 months :

With a 4mm hook Ch51 :

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 6, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 7. (58) Turn

Row 2 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (58) Turn

Row 3 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 7, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 8. (66) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (66) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9. (74) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (74) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10. (82) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (82) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11. (90) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (90) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12. (98) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (98) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 28, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13. (106) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (106) Turn

Row 15 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 30, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14. (114) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (114) Turn

Row 17 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 32, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15. (122) Turn

Row 18 (Divide for Armholes) :

ch1, sc in the same, sc in next 15, [3 sc] in the next, skip 26, [3 sc] in the next, sc 34, [3 sc] in the next, skip 26, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16. (78) Turn

Row 19 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (78) Turn

Info :

Repeat Row 19 until work measures approx 10" from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Continue to button band on page 4.

— Sleeves (3-6 months and larger sizes) :

With a 4mm hook :

Row 1: With right side facing, join yarn to the first un-worked sc under the arm, ch1, sc in the same, sc 28, slst to first. (30) Turn

Rows 2-10 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (30) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (29) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (29) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (28) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (28) Turn

Row 15 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (27) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, sc all slst to first. (27) Turn

Row 17 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (26) Turn

Row 18 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (25) Turn

Row 19 :

ch1, sc all, slst to first. (25) Turn

Rows 20-21 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (28) Turn

Row 22 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (27) Turn

Rows 23-24 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (27) Turn

Row 25 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (26) Turn

Row 26 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (26) Turn

Info :

Repeat row 26 until the sleeve measures 11.5 inches from the shoulder. Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.

— Size 1-2 Years :

Using a 4mm hook Ch61 :

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 8, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20, [3 sc] in next, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9. (68) Turn

Row 2 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (68) Turn

Row 3 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 22, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10. (76) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (76) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, sc 24, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13, [3 sc] in next, sc 11. (84) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (84) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15, [3 sc] in the next, sc 26, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12. (92) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (92) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 17, [3 sc] in the next, sc 28, [3 sc] in the next, sc 17, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13. (100) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (100) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, sc 19, [3 sc] in the next, sc 30, [3 sc] in the next, sc 19, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14. (108) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (108) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 21, [3 sc] in the next, sc 32, [3 sc] in the next, sc 21, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15. (116) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (116) Turn

Row 15 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 15, [3 sc] in the next, sc 23, [3 sc] in the next, sc 34, [3 sc] in the next, sc 23, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16. (124) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (124) Turn

Row 17 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 25, [3 sc] in the next, sc 36, [3 sc] in the next, sc 25, [3 sc] in the next, sc 17. (132) Turn

Row 18 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (132) Turn

Row 19 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 17, [3 sc] in the next, sc 27, [3 sc] in the next, sc 38, [3 sc] in the next, sc 27, [3 sc] in the next, sc 18. (140) Turn

Row 20 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (140) Turn

Row 21 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 18, [3 sc] in the next, sc 29, [3 sc] in the next, sc 40, [3 sc] in the next, sc 29, [3 sc] in the next, sc 19. Turn. (148) Turn

Row 22 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (148) Turn

Row 23 (Divide for Armholes) :

ch1, sc in the same, sc in next 19, [3 sc] in the next, skip 31, [3 sc] in the next, sc 42, [3 sc] in the next, skip 31, [3 sc] in the next, sc 20. (94) Turn

Row 24 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (94) Turn

Info :

Repeat Row 24 until work measures approximately 12.5" from the shoulder, ending with an even row. Continue to button band on page 4.

— Sleeves (Sizes up to 3-4 years) :

Using a 4mm hook :

Row 1: with the wrong side facing, join yarn to the first un-worked sc under the arm, ch1, sc in the same, sc 34, slst to first. (35) Turn

Rows 2-3 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (35) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (34) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (34) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (33) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (33) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (32) Turn

Rows 9-10 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (32) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (31) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (31) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (30) Turn

Rows 14-15 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (30) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (29) Turn

Rows 17-18 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (29) Turn

Row 19 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (28) Turn

Rows 20-21 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (28) Turn

Row 22 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (27) Turn

Rows 23-24 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (27) Turn

Row 25 :

ch1, dec, sc to end, slst to first. (26) Turn

Row 26 :

ch1, sc to end, slst to first. (26) Turn

Info :

Repeat row 26 until the sleeve measures 11.5 inches from the shoulder. Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.

— Size 3-4 Years :

Using a 4mm hook Ch64 :

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 21, [3 sc] in the next, sc 9, [3 sc] in the next, sc 10. (71) Turn

Row 2 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (71) Turn

Row 3 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 10, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 23, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 11. (79) Turn

Row 4 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (79) Turn

Row 5 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 11, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, sc 25, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, sc 12. (87) Turn

Row 6 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (87) Turn

Row 7 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 12, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15, [3 sc] in the next, sc 27, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15, [3 sc] in the next, sc 13. (95) Turn

Row 8 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (95) Turn

Row 9 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 13, [3 sc] in the next, sc 17, [3 sc] in the next, sc 29, [3 sc] in the next, sc 17, [3 sc] in the next, sc 14. (103) Turn

Row 10 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (103) Turn

Row 11 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 14, [3 sc] in the next, sc 19, [3 sc] in the next, sc 31, [3 sc] in the next, sc 19, [3 sc] in the next, sc 15. (111) Turn

Row 12 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (111) Turn

Row 13 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 15, [3 sc] in the next, sc 21, [3 sc] in the next, sc 33, [3 sc] in the next, sc 21, [3 sc] in the next, sc 16. (119) Turn

Row 14 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (119)

Row 15 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc 16, [3 sc] in the next, sc 23, [3 sc] in the next, sc 35, [3 sc] in the next, sc 23, [3 sc] in the next, sc 17. (127) Turn

Row 16 :

ch1, sc in the same, sc to end. (127) Turn

Assembly Instructions

  • Divide for armholes by working the front stitches, then skipping the required number of stitches to create the armhole openings, work the back stitches, skip again for the second armhole and sc to the end as directed in the size rows.
  • Join sleeves by starting in the first un-worked sc under the arm and work the sleeve rows, placing extra stitches under the arm if necessary to prevent a gap; repeat for the other sleeve.
  • Make the button bands after completing the body: change to a 3mm hook, work the button band rows (Row 1-3) and mark buttonhole positions before making the buttonhole row.
  • Sew buttons to match the buttonholes after finishing the button bands; weave in all ends securely and block lightly if desired to even the stitches.
  • Add shell or ruffle edging after button bands by joining yarn at the bottom right and working the shell repeat (*skip 2, 5 dc in next, skip 2, sc in next*) or ruffle (3 dc in each stitch) as described.

Important Notes

  • 💡Working in first stitch the ch1 does not count as a stitch, ch1 and sc in the first stitch.
  • 💡Change to a 3mm hook for the button/buttonhole bands as instructed to ensure correct band tension and neat buttonholes.
  • 💡The shell edging requires multiples of 6 stitches plus 1; add extra single crochet rows to adjust counts if needed before adding the shell.
  • 💡Place markers to map out the buttonhole positions on the band before working the buttonhole row to ensure even spacing and alignment.
  • 💡Measure sleeve length from the shoulder as you go to achieve the suggested finished sleeve lengths for each size.

This Simple Playdays Cardigan is a delightful make for little ones, available in sizes from preemie to 3-4 years. Customize with colorful buttons or appliques to add personality and charm to each cardigan. Whether you choose a shell or ruffle edging, this pattern gives you the freedom to craft something cozy and adorable. 🧶👶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished sizes vary by the size chosen in the pattern; measurements are provided at the start and the finished chest and lengths are indicated for each size so you can select the best fit for the baby.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but that will affect the finished size; check your gauge and adjust hook size to achieve the correct measurements for the size you want.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is beginner friendly and uses basic stitches like single crochet and simple increases; some experience with reading row counts and doing increases/decreases will be helpful.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours for smaller sizes, though time will vary based on size chosen, experience level, and any added embellishments.