If you're in need of a quick, easy make to give to a new baby, try the Lovechunk baby sweater. Not only is it made using aran weight yarn for a quicker project but it is available in sizes 6 months to 2 years. Every baby needs a simple, drop shoulder cardigan for cooler days and photo opportunities. I chose aran weight for this design because it has just the right amount of squish without being too stiff.
The Lovechunk baby sweater pattern PDF is available here.
This quick cardigan is worked in 5 pieces so it's the perfect small project to master your emerging crochet skills.
Mix it up with colour changing yarn or use 2 yarns to create a colour block effect. It is sure to be your go-to gifting sweater for many years to come.
Why is the Lovechunk baby sweater good for crochet beginners?
The Lovechunk baby sweater is an excellent cardigan for crochet beginners to make as it helps you learn the fundamentals of crochet garment making in a small, manageable project. Learn how to crochet a flat, even fabric, change colour, seam and apply ribbed edging and cuffs. For such a small thing, this cardigan can help you master a lot of skills and understand how a crochet garment is constructed.
Here's why the Lovechunk baby sweater is an excellent project even if you're not 100% confident on crochet garments:
- It requires no more than 200g (7oz) of aran weight yarn making it a budget-friendly project.
- It is worked in 5 flat pieces making each section bitesize and portable.
- You don't have to do a colour change if you don't want to.
- It takes much less time than a blanket or adult size garment.
- It only requires the knowledge of 2 crochet stitches- the half double (Hdc) and single crochet (Sc) making it really easy to remember.
- There is hardly any shaping required for the garment, so you can focus on making it.
- Each section is clear to follow and is separate so you can focus on what's best for you and when.
What crochet stitch knowledge do I need?
Below is the glossary of stitches from the pattern to help you understand what is required to make this crochet baby sweater.
Over on my beginners crochet playlist on Youtube you can learn to make both the Hdc stitch and the Sc stitch. Click here to go to my channel.
Other crochet stitches and terms that you'll need to know in order to make this simple baby cardigan.
Ch: Chain. This either means yarn over and pull through a loop or it refers to the chain at the top of the previous stitch.
Hdc: Half double crochet (UK half treble). Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Sc: Single crochet (UK double). Insert hook, yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook.
Sk: Skip stitches
St(s): Stitch(es)
Pattern uses US terms throughout.
It's important to know your US terms. Here is a handy chart to remind you of the differences between US and UK crochet terms.
I use US crochet terms in all of my patterns but I always recommend that beginners learn both terms as it will enable you to crochet absolutely everything.
