The Valentine Hearts Baby Cardigan is one of my favorites because it exudes cuteness! This baby cardigan crochet pattern is so adorable that even if you don’t have a baby, you’ll make it for a future one.
The pattern is a ragland style cardigan which means that it is made from the top down. I like this style because the cardigans are easy to make and maintain a structured shape.
The Valentine Hearts Baby Cardigan involves colorwork with a contrasting color to create the hearts in the pattern. The color combination lets you be creative – you can use contrasting colors, different hues of the same color, combine variegated yarn with a complementary solid color, or even use scrap yarn from your stash.
The colorwork section may seem intimidating but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easy. I will do a video of this pattern so that it’s easier to follow. In the meantime, the paid .pdf pattern includes a graphic that illustrates the stitches for this section and a more detailed description of the stitches.
The Valentine Hearts Baby Cardigan pattern is fun to make and works up quickly despite being made in single crochet so you can complete it in a weekend. This pattern is size 6-12 months but I’m working on making more sizes available so pin this post so that you’re notified when I update the page. Better yet, be sure to subscribe to keep up with all of my updates and new releases! And comment below to let me know what sizes I should include. Thanks!
Happy Crocheting!
Valentine’s Baby Hearts Cardigan
Materials:
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Aran) 100% Acrylic, 6oz / 315yds (288m) per ball:
1 ball each of Orchid (Color A) and Lavender Blue (Color B) or your selected colors
Weight: 141g / 4.9 oz
Hook: 5.0 mm (US H)
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, tape measure
Finished Size: Fits 6 – 12 months: Chest – 19”, Back to Waist Length – 9”, Shoulder to shoulder – 9”
Weight:
141g / 4.9 oz
Yarn Used:
CARON SIMPLY SOFT 100% Acrylic
Gauge: 15 sts x approx 21 rows = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
Stitches:
BEG – Beginning
BET – Between
CH – Chain
CNR – Corner
PREV – Previous
REM – Remaining
RND – Round
SC – Single Crochet
SC2TOG – Single Crochet Two Together
SL ST – Slip Stitch
SP – Space
Pattern Notes:
- This is a Raglan style sweater so it is worked from the neck down.
- For Rows 28-33, SC as guided in each row with a color change. Carry the other color yarn as you work with one in these rows
Pattern:
Using Color A, CH 57.
ROW 1: In the 2nd ch from hook, SC in each ST across the row, CH 1, turn.
ROW 2: SC in next 10 sts, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next ST, SC in each of the next 7 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next ST, SC in next 18 STS [SC, CH 2, SC] in the next ST, SC in next 7 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next ST, SC in each REM 10 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 3: SC in next 11 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 SP, SC in each of the next 9 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 20 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in the next CH-2 sp, SC in next 9 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in REM 11 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 4: SC in next 12 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 11 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next ST, SC in next 22 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in the next CH-2 sp, SC in next 11 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next ST, SC in REM 12 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 5: SC in next 13 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 13 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 24 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in the next CH-2 sp, SC in next 13 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 13 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 6: SC in next 14 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 15 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 26 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 15 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 14 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 7: SC in next 15 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 17 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 28 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 17 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 15 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 8: SC in next 16 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 19 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 30 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 19 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 16 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 9: SC in next 17 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 21 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 32 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 21 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 17 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 10: SC in next 18 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 23 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 34 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 23 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 18 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 11: SC in next 19 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 25 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 36 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in the next CH-2 sp, SC in next 25 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 19 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 12: SC in next 20 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 27 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in next 38 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in next CH-2 sp, SC in next 27 STS, [SC, CH 2, SC] in CH-2 sp, SC in REM 20 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 13: Join the armholes in this row – SC in next 21 STS, SC in the CH-2 sp, CH 2, SK next 29 STS to next CH-2 sp, SC in CH-2 sp,. (This will form an armhole). SC in next 40 STS, SC in CH-2 sp, CH 2, SK next 29 STS to next CH-2 sp, SC in CH-2 sp,. (This forms the second armhole.) SC in REM 21 STS, CH 1, turn.
ROW 14: SC in each ST across, including 2 SC in CH-2 SPS, CH 1, turn. (90)
ROWS 15-24: SC in each ST across, CH 1, turn. (90)
ROWS 25: SC in each ST across, change to Color B in last SC, CH 1, turn. (90)
ROWS 26-27: SC in each ST across, CH 1, turn. (90)
The next section involves colorworking. Continue using SC stitches with each individual color (Color A = Orchid or your main color, Color B = Blue Lavender or your contrasting color) as indicated. Example: 4B, 3A, 5B means using color B, sc in the next 4 stitches, using color A, sc in the next three stitches, using color B, sc in the next 5 stitches. Consider purchasing the paid pattern which includes a more detailed description of these rows as well as a stitch chart:
ROW 28: 8B,1A,3B,1A,18B,1A,3B,1A,6B,1A, 3B, 1A, 6B,1A, 3B, 1A, 19B, 1A, 3B, 1A, 8B
ROW 29: 7B, 3A, 1B, 3A, 17B, 3A ,1B, 3A,4B, 3A ,1B, 3A,4B, 3A ,1B, 3A, 16B, 3A ,1B, 3A,7B
ROW 30: 7B,7A,16B,7A,4B,7A4B,7A,17B,7A,7B
ROW 31: 8B, 5A, 19B, 5A, 6B, 5A, 6B, 5A, 18B, 5A, 8B [
ROW 32: 9B,3A, 20B, 3A, 8B, 3A,8B,3A,21B,3A,9B
ROW 33: 10B, 1A, 23B, 1A, 10B, 1A, 10B, 1A, 22B, 1A, 10B
ROWS 34-35: Using Color B, SC in each ST across, CH 1, turn. (90)
Row 36: SC in each ST across, change to Color A in last SC, CH 1, turn. (90)
ROWS 37-45: SC in each ST across, CH 1, turn. (90)
Row 46: SC in each ST across, CH 1, turn.
Finish off and weave in all ends before starting edging.
EDGING AROUND SWEATER:
Using Color B, insert hook in CNR, pull up a loop, CH 1, 3 SC in CNR, SC up left front edge, 3 SC in CNR, SC around neckline, 3 SC in CNR , SC down right front edge, 3 SC in CNR, SC across bottom edge, SL ST in BEG ST, fasten off.
SLEEVES:
RND 1: Using Color A, insert hook bet 2 SC under the arm, pull up a loop and CH 1, SC2TOG twice, SC in next 25 STS, SC2TOG across the next ST and two more SPS, the final leg will be in the starting CH-1 sp where a loop was pulled up. Join with SL ST to the first SC, CH 1, turn.
RNDS 2-12: SC in next 27 STS. Join with SL ST to starting SC, CH 1, turn. *For RND 12: change to Color A when completing SL ST to starting SC.
RNDS 13-20: SC in next 27 STS. Join with SL ST to starting SC, CH 1, turn. *For RND 20: change to Color A when completing SL ST to starting SC of PREV RND.
RNDS 21-22: SC2TOG , SC in next 25 STS, SC2TOG, the final leg will be in the BEG CH-1 sp where a loop was pulled up . Join with a SL ST to first SC. Weave in ends and fasten off.
Happy Crocheting!
For another Valentine’s Day pattern, check out the Chain of Hearts headband. It’s a great stash buster and makes a great gift to when you need something cute that works up quickly.
Other free patterns:
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The Sweaters are adorable! I like to try them for the next baby that comes along. I’m always looking for something new and different. I always made my own design for years but right now I am too busy so I don’t have the time to come up with something different then work on it until I have it just right. I am looking forward to when I can do it again but when you have multiple weddings and babies at the same time it’s too hard.