Looking for the perfect handmade gift for a new baby? This adorable textured baby cardigan combines a delicate lace yoke with a cozy bubble stitch body, creating something both beautiful and practical. The dusty blue color works wonderfully for any baby, and those little wooden buttons add the sweetest finishing touch.
This cardigan is worked from the top down in one piece, which means minimal seaming and a satisfying construction process. You will use a combination of fan stitches for the lacy yoke section and bubble stitches for that gorgeous textured body. The pattern includes four sizes from newborn through 18 months, making it perfect for baby showers when you might not know the exact size needed.
I love that this project hits the sweet spot between impressive and achievable. Yes, it requires some intermediate skills and attention to detail. But the repetitive nature of the bubble stitch section makes it almost meditative once you get going. Plan for about 8 to 14 hours of work depending on your size and speed.
About This Textured Baby Cardigan Pattern
This baby cardigan features a top-down seamless construction, which is one of my favorite ways to work garments. You start at the neckline and work your way down to the hem, then pick up the sleeves and work them in the round to the cuffs. The front opening is maintained throughout for the button band.
The construction order goes like this: neckline ribbing first, then the lace yoke worked flat, underarm separation, bubble stitch body worked flat, hem ribbing, sleeve pickup and bubble stitch rounds, cuff ribbing, button band pickup, buttonhole band, blocking, and finally button attachment.
The lace fan stitch creates that beautiful open pattern across the shoulders and upper chest. Below that, the bubble stitch takes over and creates all those wonderful raised bobbles you see covering the body and sleeves. The contrast between the two textures is what makes this cardigan so special.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated intermediate. You should be comfortable working lace fan stitches, bubble stitches (a variant of bobble or puff stitch worked as a cluster), joining yarn in new locations for sleeve pickup, and working ribbing.
The top-down construction requires understanding yoke shaping and underarm separation. If you are a beginner with experience in basic stitches, you will find the bubble stitch repetitive and manageable after a practice swatch. The lace yoke section requires more attention to repeat placement and stitch count maintenance.
Do not let that scare you though. Take it one row at a time, count carefully, and you will be fine.
Finished Sizes
The pattern is written for size 0-3 months with instructions in parentheses for 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months.
Chest circumference (buttoned): 16 in / 40.5 cm (18 in / 45.5 cm, 20 in / 51 cm, 22 in / 56 cm)
Total length from shoulder to hem: 9 in / 23 cm (10 in / 25.5 cm, 11 in / 28 cm, 12 in / 30.5 cm)
Sleeve length from underarm to cuff: 5 in / 12.5 cm (5.5 in / 14 cm, 6 in / 15 cm, 6.5 in / 16.5 cm)
Yoke depth from neckline to underarm: 3.5 in / 9 cm (4 in / 10 cm, 4.25 in / 11 cm, 4.5 in / 11.5 cm)
Materials Needed
Yarn: DK weight (CYCA weight 3), approximately 280 (340, 410, 490) yards / 256 (311, 375, 448) meters of a smooth, plied yarn in dusty blue. A smooth yarn with good stitch definition will best showcase the bubble texture and lace.
Hook: US size G-6 / 4.0 mm for main fabric. US size F-5 / 3.75 mm for ribbing sections.
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions
Option 1: Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (100% acrylic, 276 yards / 252 meters per 100 g skein). This yarn is budget-friendly, machine washable, and comes in a wide range of solid colors including shades closely matching the dusty blue shown. Recommended color: Misty Blue or Cornflower Blue. You will need 2 skeins for all sizes.
Option 2: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton, 273 yards / 250 meters per 100 g skein). Cotton gives a beautiful crisp stitch definition ideal for the lace yoke section and adds breathability for warmer months. It is slightly heavier in hand and will block beautifully. You will need 2 skeins.
Option 3: Drops Safran (100% cotton, 175 yards / 160 meters per 50 g skein). A finer cotton-type DK that gives a more delicate drape. Recommended for heirloom-quality garments. You will need 2 to 3 skeins depending on size.
Substitution note: Choose any smooth DK weight yarn that achieves the stated gauge. Avoid fuzzy or heavily textured yarns as they will obscure the bubble and lace stitch details. For a baby garment, prioritize machine-washable fibers or superwash wool blends for caregiver convenience. Always swatch before beginning.
Gauge
With larger hook (G-6 / 4.0 mm) in bubble stitch pattern:
16 stitches x 10 rows = 4 in / 10 cm (blocked)
With larger hook in lace fan stitch pattern:
One full fan repeat (12 stitches) = 3 in / 7.5 cm wide; 4 rows = 2 in / 5 cm tall
Gauge is essential for a fitted garment. An incorrect gauge will change finished measurements and the garment may not fit. Work a swatch of at least 6 in / 15 cm square, block it, allow it to dry completely, then measure.
If your swatch is too large (stitches too loose): go down one hook size.
If your swatch is too small (stitches too tight): go up one hook size.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Special Stitches for This Crochet Pattern
Bubble Stitch (BS)
The bubble stitch creates a raised rounded bobble on the right side of the fabric. It is always worked on right-side rows. Here is how to work it:
Step 1: Yarn over and insert hook into the indicated stitch.
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop to the height of a double crochet (3 loops on hook).
Step 3: Yarn over and insert hook into the SAME stitch again.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull up a loop to the height of a double crochet (5 loops on hook).
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 two more times (9 loops on hook total).
Step 6: Yarn over and draw through all 9 loops on hook at once (1 loop remains, bubble complete).
Step 7: Chain 1 to close and secure the bubble. This ch-1 counts as part of the bubble unit but does NOT count as a stitch for stitch count purposes.
The bubble stitch is worked in groups. Each BS unit occupies 1 stitch of the foundation and pushes forward on right-side rows, creating a puff on the RS. On wrong-side rows, you work single crochet into the tops of the bubbles and into the connecting single crochets, keeping the fabric flat.
Fan Stitch (FS)
The fan stitch forms the lace yoke. Each fan is a group of 5 double crochets worked into a single stitch or space, with chain spaces between fans and v-stitch connectors.
Step 1: Work 5 dc into the indicated stitch or space. This creates a fan shape opening outward.
V-Stitch (V-st)
Step 1: Work 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc all into the same stitch or space. Used at the top of the fan pattern as a connector and for yoke increases.
Ribbing
All ribbing is worked in rows with BLO single crochet.
Step 1: Chain a foundation equal to the desired ribbing width.
Step 2: Work sc in BLO across.
Step 3: Chain 1, turn, work sc in BLO across.
Repeat step 3 for the length of the ribbing strip.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
1. The cardigan is worked from the top down. The neckline ribbing is worked first as a horizontal strip, then stitches are picked up along the long edge of the ribbing to begin the yoke.
2. The yoke is worked flat in rows, creating the front opening for the button band. Right side rows are RS. The yoke is shaped with fan stitch increases worked at set intervals.
3. Stitch markers are placed at 4 yoke division points: both left front/back joins and both right front/back joins, plus both underarm points. Move markers up as you work.
4. At the underarm, sleeve stitches are placed on holders (scrap yarn) and the body is joined across the underarm with chain stitches to maintain circumference.
5. The bubble stitch body is worked flat in rows from underarm to hem, then ribbing is added.
6. Sleeves are picked up at the underarm in the round and worked downward to the cuff ribbing.
7. The button band and buttonhole band are worked by picking up along the front edges.
8. All turning chains count as follows: ch-1 turn does NOT count as a stitch; ch-3 turn DOES count as first dc.
9. Right side is the outside of the garment, where bubbles face outward.
10. For size variations, the number in the first position is always 0-3 months. Sizes in parentheses follow as (3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months). When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.
11. Check measurements frequently against finished size chart. Baby garments work up quickly and small errors compound fast.
12. Block the finished cardigan before attaching buttons. Blocking will open the lace yoke and even the bubble texture dramatically.
Step by Step Crochet Instructions
Neckline Ribbing
With smaller hook (F-5 / 3.75 mm), chain 7 (7, 8, 8).
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. [6 (6, 7, 7) sc]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in BLO of each st across. [6 (6, 7, 7) sc]
Repeat Row 2 until ribbing strip measures 14 (15.5, 17, 18.5) in / 35.5 (39.5, 43, 47) cm long.
Do not fasten off. Rotate the ribbing strip 90 degrees to work along the long edge.
Neckline pickup row (RS): Using the larger hook (G-6 / 4.0 mm), work 1 sc evenly into each row-end along the long edge of the ribbing strip.
The goal stitch count is 72 (80, 84, 96) sc across the neckline edge.
If you end up with more or fewer stitches, work a final adjustment row: ch 1, turn, and work sc across while evenly increasing or decreasing to reach the target count.
Neckline Pickup stitch count checkpoint: [72 (80, 84, 96) sc]
Yoke
The yoke is worked in rows, flat, with the front opening at center front. The right side is always facing you on RS rows. Increase rows within the lace fan sections expand the yoke circumference.
The yoke uses the Fan Stitch repeat. Each full fan repeat is: sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (fan made), sk 2 sts, sc in next st. This uses 6 stitches per repeat and produces 1 fan + 1 sc per repeat.
For the 72-stitch neckline (0-3 months): you have 12 fan repeats available (72 divided by 6 = 12 fans).
For 80 stitches (3-6 months): adjust to 13 full fan repeats with partial fans at edges.
For 84 stitches (6-12 months): 14 full fan repeats.
For 96 stitches (12-18 months): 16 full fan repeats.
Yoke Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc across all sts. [72 (80, 84, 96) sc]
Yoke Row 2 (RS) – Fan Row: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn. Work as follows:
For 72 (84, 96) sts: Sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, rep from to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in last st. [12 (14, 16) fans]
For 80 sts: Sc in first 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, rep from 13 times, sc in last 3 sts. [13 fans]
Yoke Row 3 (WS) – Chain Arch Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, ch 2, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc of fan (3rd dc), ch 2, sk 2 dc, sc in sc connector, rep from to end, finishing with sc in top of turning chain. [36 (40, 42, 48) sc + 36 (40, 42, 48) ch-2 sps]
Yoke Row 4 (RS) – Increase Fan Row: Ch 3, turn. Work 5 dc in ch-2 sp, sc in sc, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, sc in sc, rep from across, ending with 5 dc in last ch-2 sp, sc in last sc.
After Yoke Row 4: [132 (145, 154, 176) working sts approximately]
Yoke Row 5 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st and into each ch across. [132 (145, 154, 176) sc]
For size 3-6 months (145 sc), work a decrease of 1 st somewhere in this row to reach 144. For size 6-12 months (154), work a decrease of 2 sts to reach 156. Adjusted counts: [132 (144, 156, 176) sc]
Yoke Row 6 (RS) – Fan Row: Rep Yoke Row 2 pattern across the new stitch count.
For 132 sts: 22 fans. For 144 sts: 24 fans. For 156 sts: 26 fans. For 176 sts: 29 fans with 2 edge sc at each side.
[132 (144, 156, 176) sts]
Yoke Row 7 (WS): Rep Yoke Row 3.
Yoke Row 8 (RS) – Increase Fan Row: Rep Yoke Row 4 across ch-2 spaces.
After Yoke Row 8: approximately [242 (264, 286, 330) working dc and sc sts]
Yoke Row 9 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Adjust count to nearest multiple of 6.
Target adjusted counts: [240 (264, 288, 330) sc]
For 330 (12-18 months): adjust to 336 by working 6 evenly spaced increases across Row 9. [240 (264, 288, 336) sc]
Yoke Row 10 (RS) – Final Fan Row of Yoke: Ch 3, turn. Work fan pattern across. [40 (44, 48, 56) fans]
Yoke Row 11 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st and dc across. [240 (264, 288, 336) sc]
Checkpoint: After completing the yoke section, your piece should measure approximately 3.5 (4, 4.25, 4.5) in / 9 (10, 11, 11.5) cm from the neckline ribbing to the bottom of Yoke Row 11.
Underarm Separation
On Yoke Row 11 you have [240 (264, 288, 336) sc] spread across the front, sleeves, and back.
For 0-3 months (240 sts):
Right Front: 36 sts, Right Sleeve: 48 sts, Back: 72 sts, Left Sleeve: 48 sts, Left Front: 36 sts
For 264 sts (3-6 months):
Right Front: 40 sts, Right Sleeve: 52 sts, Back: 80 sts, Left Sleeve: 52 sts, Left Front: 40 sts
For 288 sts (6-12 months):
Right Front: 44 sts, Right Sleeve: 56 sts, Back: 88 sts, Left Sleeve: 56 sts, Left Front: 44 sts
For 336 sts (12-18 months):
Right Front: 52 sts, Right Sleeve: 64 sts, Back: 104 sts, Left Sleeve: 64 sts, Left Front: 52 sts
Separation Row (RS): With larger hook, work across as follows:
Sc across Right Front sts, place Right Sleeve sts on scrap yarn holder, ch 4 (4, 6, 6) for underarm bridge, sc across Back sts, place Left Sleeve sts on scrap yarn holder, ch 4 (4, 6, 6) for underarm bridge, sc across Left Front sts.
Body stitch counts after joining:
0-3 months: [152 sc]
3-6 months: [168 sc]
6-12 months: [188 sc]
12-18 months: [220 sc]
Body
The body is worked flat in rows from the underarm separation to the hem ribbing.
Body Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st and in each ch of underarm bridges across. [152 (168, 188, 220) sc]
Body Row 2 (RS) – Bubble Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, BS in next st, rep from across, ending sc in last st. [152 (168, 188, 220) sts]
Body Row 3 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. [152 (168, 188, 220) sc]
Body Row 4 (RS) – Offset Bubble Row: Ch 1, turn. BS in first st, sc in next st, BS in next st, rep from across, ending sc in last st. [152 (168, 188, 220) sts]
Body Row 5 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. [152 (168, 188, 220) sc]
Continue alternating Rows 2-5 until the body from underarm to current row measures:
0-3 months: 5 in / 12.5 cm
3-6 months: 5.5 in / 14 cm
6-12 months: 6 in / 15 cm
12-18 months: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm
End after a WS sc row.
Hem Ribbing
Switch to smaller hook (F-5 / 3.75 mm).
Hem Ribbing Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of each st across. [152 (168, 188, 220) sc]
Hem Ribbing Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of each st across. [152 (168, 188, 220) sc]
Work 4 (4, 6, 6) total rows of BLO sc ribbing for the hem (approximately 0.75 in / 2 cm).
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Sleeves
The sleeves are worked in joined rounds from the underarm down to the cuff.
Set-up: Place the held sleeve stitches back on the larger hook (G-6 / 4.0 mm). Rejoin yarn at the center of the underarm chain with a slip stitch.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc across the held sleeve sts, then sc evenly across the underarm chain sts, sl st to first sc to join. [52 (56, 62, 70) sc]
For size 6-12 months (62 sc) adjust to 60 by working 1 decrease at each end of the underarm pickup. [52 (56, 60, 70) sc]
Sleeve Round 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first st, BS in next st, rep from around, sl st to first sc. [52 (56, 60, 70) sts]
Sleeve Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. [52 (56, 60, 70) sc]
Sleeve Round 4 (Offset): Ch 1, BS in first st, sc in next st, rep from around, sl st to first BS. [52 (56, 60, 70) sts]
Sleeve Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. [52 (56, 60, 70) sc]
Continue alternating Rounds 2-5 until sleeve measures:
0-3 months: 4.5 in / 11.5 cm from underarm (before cuff)
3-6 months: 5 in / 12.5 cm
6-12 months: 5.5 in / 14 cm
12-18 months: 6 in / 15 cm
Optional Sleeve Decrease Shaping: Work 1 decrease (sc2tog) at the beginning and end of every 4th round twice across the sleeve length. This reduces the sleeve by 4 stitches total for a gentle taper.
Cuff Ribbing
Switch to smaller hook (F-5 / 3.75 mm).
Cuff Round 1: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, sl st to join. [48 (52, 56, 66) sc]
Work 4 (4, 6, 6) total rounds of BLO sc cuff ribbing.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Repeat for second sleeve.
Button Band
With smaller hook (F-5 / 3.75 mm), RS facing, beginning at the bottom hem of the right front edge:
Button Band Pickup Row: Join yarn at the bottom right corner. Work 1 sc for every 2 rows of body, 1 sc per fan row, and 1 sc per neckline ribbing row along the entire right front edge from hem to neckline.
Target pickup count: approximately 54 (60, 66, 72) sc.
Button Band Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO across. [54 (60, 66, 72) sc]
Button Band Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO across. [54 (60, 66, 72) sc]
Work 4 to 6 rows of BLO sc for the band.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for buttonhole band on opposite side, working buttonholes evenly spaced by working ch-2 and skipping 2 sts at 5 positions along the band.
Finishing Your Baby Cardigan
Block the finished cardigan before attaching buttons. Lay the garment flat on your blocking mat, pin to measurements, mist with water, and allow to dry completely. Blocking will open the lace yoke beautifully and even out the bubble texture.
Sew on your 5 coconut shell or wooden buttons opposite the buttonholes. Weave in any remaining ends.
Your beautiful textured baby cardigan is complete.
I hope you love making this dusty blue textured baby cardigan as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. If you found this crochet tutorial helpful, save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it easily when you are ready to start. And please leave a comment below if you make one. I would absolutely love to see your finished cardigans and hear which size you chose.
