If you've been wanting a quick, useful little wearable with no garment seams to join, the Parquet Crochet Baby Cardigan is the inviting project you just found.
You'll shape the yoke with steady half double crochet increases, form both armholes in one row, and then settle into an easy two-row Parquet stitch repeat. It moves along pleasantly once those shaping rows are complete!
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What Makes This Pattern Work
- One-piece construction: I designed the body as one continuous piece, so you won't have separate fronts, backs, or shoulder seams waiting at the end.
- Two clearly marked sizes: You can make either the 0-2 years or 2-4 years size, with separate shaping instructions where the two versions differ.
- A manageable stitch rhythm: The lower section alternates chain spaces and single crochet with groups of double crochet. Once you've worked the pair of rows, the repeat is easy to recognize.
- Minimal finishing: The armholes receive two finishing rows, and the only sewing is attaching three buttons. There aren't multiple garment pieces to assemble.
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Finished Size: 0-2 years and 2-4 years
- Yarn Weight: DK / Light Worsted
- Time to Make: about 8-12 hours
Materials for This Cardigan
You'll need DK or light worsted yarn, a 4.0 mm hook, and a few basic finishing supplies for this cardigan.
- DK/light worsted weight yarn in white, identified as W: No yarn quantity or gauge is specified, so keep enough of both colors available and check the developing yoke against the intended wearer whenever possible.
- DK/light worsted weight yarn in pink, identified as P
- G/6 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- 3 buttons, approximately 1.5 cm: Test each button in the chain spaces before sewing it on. It should pass through securely without forcing the stitches wider.
Stitches & Abbreviations
- ch - chain
- chs - chains
- sc - single crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- dc - double crochet
- sl st - slip stitch
- sk - skip
- st - stitch
- sts - stitches
- ea - each
- rep - repeat
- W - white yarn
- P - pink yarn
Double crochet foundation stitch: A foundation technique required for Row 1. Work the specified number of double crochet foundation stitches.
Parquet stitch: The stitch pattern formed by alternating the written chain-and-single-crochet row with the written double-crochet-group row; previous knowledge of the stitch is not required.
How to Crochet the Parquet Baby Cardigan
Choose your size before you begin, then follow the shared yoke, the matching size section, and the pattern rows for all sizes.
Numbers read size 0-2 years (size 2-4 years). Parentheses also show the total stitch counts for the larger size. The ch 1 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch throughout. The cardigan is crocheted as one piece, so no garment seams are required. After Row 8, continue with the instructions for the chosen size before returning to the pattern rows for all sizes. Repeat both armhole finishing rows for the second armhole.
Cardigan
- Row 1: Using P and a G/6 4.0 mm crochet hook, ch 65 (75) double crochet foundation stitches. (65, 75 sts)
- Row 2: Join W with ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in 1st st and in ea st along. (65, 75 sts)
The beginning ch 1 does not count as a stitch here or throughout.
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * to end. (78, 90 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * to end. (91, 105 sts)
- Row 5: Ch 1, turn, *1 hdc in next 6 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * until last 7 sts, 1 hdc in next 5 sts, ch 1, sk 1, 2 hdc in last st. (104, 120 sts)
- Row 6: Ch 1, turn, *1 hdc in next 7 sts, 2 hdc in next st; rep from * to end. (117, 135 sts)
- Row 7: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 15 (17) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 6 (8) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 15 (17) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 6 (8) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 24 (26) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 6 (8) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 15 (17) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 6 (8) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 16 (18) sts. (125, 143 sts)
- Row 8: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 15 (17) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 7 (9) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 16 (18) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 7 (9) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 25 (27) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 7 (9) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 16 (18) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 7 (9) sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 17 (19) sts. (133, 151 sts)
Size 0-2 Years
Work this section only for size 0-2 years.
- Row 9: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 16 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 32 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 33 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 32 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 14 sts, ch 1, sk 1, 1 hdc in last st. (137)
- Rows 10-12: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in ea st along. (137)
- Row 13: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in ea st along until last 2 sts, ch 1, sk 1, 1 hdc in last st. (137)
- Rows 14-15: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in ea st along. (137)
- Row 16: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 20 sts, ch 11, sk 31, 1 hdc in next 35 sts, ch 11, sk 31, 1 hdc in last 20 sts. (97)
The skipped sections create the armholes.
Size 2-4 Years
Work this section only for size 2-4 years.
- Row 9: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 18 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 19 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 28 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 19 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 10 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 17 sts, ch 1, sk 1, 1 hdc in last st. (159)
- Row 10: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 18 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 20 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 29 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 20 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 11 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in last 20 sts. (167)
- Rows 11-12: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in ea st along. (167)
- Row 13: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in ea st along until last 2 sts, ch 1, sk 1, 1 hdc in last st. (167)
- Rows 14-16: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in ea st along. (167)
- Row 17: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc in next 28 sts, ch 15, sk 31, 1 hdc in next 24 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 24 sts, ch 15, sk 31, 1 hdc in last 28 sts. (136)
The skipped sections create the armholes.
Pattern Rows for All Sizes
The first row number applies to size 0-2 years and the number in parentheses applies to size 2-4 years.
- Row 17 (18): Ch 3, counting as sts, turn, sk 2, 1 sc in next st, *ch 2, sk 2, 1 sc in next st; rep from * to end. (97, 136 sts)
- Row 18 (19): Ch 3, counting as dc, turn, 1 dc in same st as chs, *sk 2 chs, 3 dc in next sc; rep from * until last 3 sts, sk 2 chs, 2 dc in 1st ch from previous row.
- Rows 19-33 (20-34): Rep Rows 17-18 (18-19), ending on Row 17 (18).
- Row 34 (35): Join P and rep Row 18 (19). Fasten off and tie in all tails.
Armhole Finishing
Begin in a corner of each armhole and work into the skipped body stitches first so the edging follows the opening in the intended direction. Work into the skipped stitches first and continue around the chain edge of the armhole.
- Row 1: Using P and a G/6 4.0 mm crochet hook, rejoin yarn in one corner of an armhole. Working into the skipped sts first, ch 1, *ch 2, sk 2, 1 sc in next st; rep from * 9 more times, work 2 sc neatly around corner, 1 sc in next st, *ch 2, sk 2, 1 sc in next st; rep from * 2 (3) more times, ch 1 (2), sk 1 (2), finish with 2 sc neatly around corner, sl st in ch 1 to join. (46, 50 sts)
- Row 2, Size 0-2 Years Only: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as chs, *sk 2, 3 dc in next sc; rep from * until 3 sts remain, sk 1, 3 dc in next st, sk 1, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. Fasten off and tie in all tails.
- Row 2, Size 2-4 Years Only: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as chs, *sk 2, 3 dc in next sc; rep from * until last st, sk last st, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. Fasten off and tie in all tails.
Assembly
- Step 1: Rep Armhole Finishing Rows 1 and 2 for the other armhole.
- Step 2: Sew on the 3 buttons.
My Best Tips
- Mark your size: Circle or note the first number for size 0-2 years and the parenthetical number for size 2-4 years before starting. This is especially helpful in Rows 7 and 8, where the shaping instructions are long.
- Count after the increase rows: Pause at the end of each yoke row and confirm the stated total. A missed increase early in the yoke changes the placement of the armholes later.
- Keep the buttonholes relaxed: Rows 5, 9, and 13 contain the chain spaces used for the three buttons. Work those chains at your usual tension rather than pulling them tight.
- Check both armhole edges: On Armhole Finishing Row 1, count each chain space and corner stitch carefully. Matching the written repeat for your size helps both openings finish consistently.
Ways to Adapt Your Parquet Cardigan
- Make it in one color: Use the same yarn wherever the instructions call for W or P. The construction and stitch counts won't change, and you'll have fewer yarn ends to secure.
- Change the two-color placement: Any two DK/light worsted colors can take the roles of W and P. Keep the joins on the specified rows so the written sequence remains intact.
- Try a different DK fiber: A smooth wool blend, acrylic, cotton blend, or other DK/light worsted yarn can work, but the fabric may stretch or drape differently. Since there's no stated gauge, check the yoke and armhole fit as you crochet.
- Adjust the button choice: Buttons close to 1.5 cm are the safest replacement. A larger button may strain the chain opening, while a much smaller one can slip through during wear.
- Add length cautiously: You can repeat the two-row Parquet sequence before the final P row if you want additional body length. Each added repeat uses more yarn, and you should finish after the chain-and-single-crochet row before working the final double-crochet-group row.
Keeping the Yoke and Armholes on Track
- The yoke count is off: Return to the most recent increase row and check every 2 hdc in next st. The early rows expand at regular intervals, while Rows 7 and 8 use individually written sections that are easiest to verify one segment at a time.
- The armhole chains feel tight: Rework the ch 11 or ch 15 sections with a relaxed hand. Those chains bridge the skipped stitches, so pulling them tighter than the surrounding half double crochet can make the opening draw inward.
- The edging doesn't meet cleanly: Check the two corner groups and the size-specific repeat near the end of Armhole Finishing Row 1. The final count should be 46 sts for the smaller size or 50 sts for the larger size before you work Row 2.
Caring for Your Cardigan
The fiber content isn't specified, so follow the washing and drying directions on your yarn label. Fasten the buttons before washing to reduce snagging, use gentle handling, and reshape the cardigan after cleaning. Dry it flat unless the yarn manufacturer recommends another method.
More Baby Crochet Accessories
- Bumblebee Baby Booties Crochet Pattern
- Baby Flipflop Sandals Crochet Pattern
- Baby Aviator Hat Crochet Pattern
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the three buttonholes made?
The buttonholes are formed in Rows 5, 9, and 13. Each one uses a chain space paired with a skipped stitch near the edge of the cardigan. Keeping those chains at normal tension matters because a tight chain can make the opening difficult to use, while an overly loose one may not hold the button securely.
How are the armholes created without sewing?
The armholes are formed in Row 16 for size 0-2 years and Row 17 for size 2-4 years. You chain across each opening and skip a section of 31 stitches, which separates the body areas without cutting the yarn or joining separate pieces. The skipped stitches and chain edge are finished later with two edging rows.
How do I read the paired row numbers in the pattern section?
Use Row 17 as the first pattern row for size 0-2 years and Row 18 for size 2-4 years. The parenthetical row numbers always belong to the larger size. Both versions work the same two-row stitch sequence; they simply reach it after different numbers of yoke and armhole-shaping rows.
Does the beginning chain count as a stitch?
The beginning ch 1 doesn't count as a stitch anywhere in the pattern. In the Parquet section, however, the beginning ch 3 does count as instructed. This distinction keeps the yoke edges from gaining stitches while allowing the double crochet groups and chain spaces in the lower pattern to align correctly.
Can I make the body longer?
Yes, add complete repeats of the two pattern rows before working the final row in P. Finish your extra length on the equivalent of Row 17 for the smaller size or Row 18 for the larger size, then work the double-crochet-group row in P. This preserves the established alternation and gives the lower edge the intended final sequence.
Parquet Crochet Baby Cardigan will be one of those satisfying one-piece projects you'll want to make again. Tell me in the comments which size and yarn combination you're planning.
