Introducing the Cascade Children’s Cardigan Crochet Pattern, the adorable mini version of our popular adult cardigan!
This delightful cardigan features a unique side-to-side construction adorned with a beautiful cascade of granny squares that flow gracefully up the back. Designed with tapered sleeves, a ribbed band, and a charming button-up collar, this cardigan is perfect for adding a touch of style to any little one’s wardrobe.
Crocheted using Premier ColorFusion, a soft acrylic gradient yarn, this pattern enables you to create stunning, flattering vertical stripes without the hassle of changing colours. The yarn’s gorgeous colour transitions will make your finished cardigan truly eye-catching!
Table of Contents
This versatile pattern is available in sizes ranging from 3-6 months to child size 12, catering to a variety of age groups. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience, we’ve also included a helpful video tutorial on our YouTube channel.
Get ready to create a wonderful and cozy wardrobe staple for the little ones with the Children’s Cascade Cardigan Crochet Pattern! Happy crocheting!
Mountainscapes Collection Ebook
The Ebook includes 6 crochet patterns: the Wapta Falls Pullover, Cascade Cardigan, Retro Granny Dress, Children’s Cascade Cardigan, Children’s Granny Dress, and the Takakkaw Falls Toque. As a special bonus, you’ll also receive the Feathered Fall Shawl pattern, a Gauge Guide Ebook, and The Perfect Fit Ebook. There are also options for a children’s pattern-only Ebook and a separate adult bundle available. Sign up here to join the Crochet along from September 23 to October 11th, 2024!
Easy Child-Size Crochet Cardigan
This easy children’s crochet cardigan pattern is inspired by the beautiful adult version we recently published as part of our Mountainscapes Collection! Of course, I couldn’t resist creating a matching child-sized version for my granddaughter.
I know many of you love it when there’s a children’s option, too! I was excited to try Premier ColorFusion yarn and chose the Salt Water Taffy colorway. It turned out beautifully, and I hope you enjoy making this children’s cardigan as much as I did!
Check out the Beautiful Cascade Cardigan below!
Yarn Requirments
DK Weight #3
325yds/100g, 100% Acrylic Shown in Salt Water Taffy
See the size chart for yarn requirements
Size Chart For The Children’s Crochet Cardigan
Oversized Fit with 5.25-6.75″ inches of Positive Ease. For reference, the samples are 6- 12 months in size and modelled on an 18-month-old.
I would suggest you purchase an extra ball of yarn. It’s always better to have extra yarn on hand than to run out halfway through your project. Happy crocheting!
Measurements
3-6 (6-12, 18, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)
Chest: 10.75 (12.5, 12.5, 13.25, 14.25, 15, 16, 17, 17.75)”
Length Armpit to Hem: 6.75 (7.5, 9.25, 9.25, 10.25, 11, 11.75, 13.5, 13.5)”
Sleeve Width: 3.75 (4.25, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.25, 6.75, 7.25)” (half sleeve)
Sleeve Length: 7.75 (8.75, 9.5, 10.5, 11.25, 12.25, 13.25, 14.25, 15.25)” Includes 1.5 (1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.75, 1.75, 1.75)” cuff
Total Length: 12 (13.25, 15.5, 15.75, 17, 18.5, 20, 22, 22.5)” Includes 1.5 (1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.75, 1.75, 1.75)” band
Neck Opening (granny square): 3.5” all sizes
Skill Level
Gauge
Body: 5 3-dc clusters and 4 ch-sps (19 sts) & 9 rows equal to 4″ with 4.5mm crochet hook in pattern
Ribbing: 10 sts and 10 rows equal to 2″ with 4mm hook
Granny Square: 3.5″ square
Gauge Swatch Instructions:
Setup Row (RS):
Ch 28, 1 sc in the back bump of the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—27 sts.
Row 1 (WS):
Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), work 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, *ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn—7 clusters.
Row 2:
Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1 here and throughout), (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, end with 1 dc between 2nd dc and ch-3, turn—6 clusters, 2 dc.
Row 3:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—7 clusters.
Rows 4-13:
Rep rows 2 & 3. Once you have completed your swatch, measure to the inside of the swatch.
Suitable Yarn Substitutes ColorFusion
Suitable Substitutes Solid Colours
Mellowspun Yarn (CDN) – 284 yards/100g
Premier Anti-Pilling Yarn (CDN) – 590 yds/150g
Premier Basix DK (CDN) – 306 yds/100g
Brava Recycle– 309 yds/100g
Crochet Hooks Required
Buy Furls Crochet Hooks as seen in photos. Use coupon code MJS15.
Buy Dots Crochet Hooks from WeCrochet
Buy Wood Crochet Hooks from Mary Maxim
Abbreviations
Blo – Back Loop Only
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Flo – Front Loop Only
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sp(s) – Space(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
WS – Wrong Side
( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch
Special Stitches
Cluster: Work 3 dc in indicated space.
Construction
The Children’s Crochet Cardigan is crocheted in two pieces, beginning at the sleeves and working from one side across. It features Granny Squares at the center of the back. The number of granny squares used determines the cardigan’s length: 3-6 squares, depending on the size you are making.
Once all the pieces are completed, assemble the children’s cardigan into one flat piece. Fold it at the center shoulders and then seam the sides of the cardigan and sleeves using the mattress stitch. Complete the crochet cardigan by adding ribbing to the bottom and collar.
Video for the Children’s Crochet Cardigan
Join us for a comprehensive walkthrough of the Children’s Cascade Cardigan crochet pattern tutorial. This step-by-step video guides you through every stage of creating the 6-12mth Size Cardigan.
- Crocheting the Sleeve Cuff: We’ll demonstrate how to crochet the sleeve cuff in single crochet in the back loops.
- Increasing the Granny Stitch Pattern: Learn how to increase the granny stitch pattern to achieve a fashionable tapered sleeve that will enhance your overall design.
- Adding Chain Lengths: Learn how to add chain lengths to each side of the sleeve, allowing you to work seamlessly on both the front and back sections of your cardigan.
- Crocheting the Granny Squares: We’ll walk you through the process of crocheting individual granny squares, a crucial element of this unique cardigan design.
- Seaming Techniques: Master the mattress stitch for neatly seaming the sides of your cardigan, providing a clean and professional look.
- Join as You Go: Finally, we’ll show you how to add the join as you go band, completing your cardigan with a stylish finishing touch.
With clear instructions and helpful tips throughout the video, you’ll be able to follow along easily, no matter your skill level. Grab your yarn and hooks, and let’s get crocheting!
Children’s Crochet Cardigan Tutorial
Join me for this detailed tutorial on how to complete the Children’s Crochet Cardigan in sizes 6-12 months.
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The PDF includes the schematic
Children’s Cascade Mountain Cardigan
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Pattern Support
Pattern
3-6 (6-12, 18, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)
Notes
To begin the cardigan, work from one side across, starting at the sleeve cuff. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with the larger sizes in parentheses ( ). If there is only 1 number, it applies to all sizes—a step-by-step video tutorial is provided on YouTube for size 6-12mth.
Sleeve – make 2
Cuff
Colour match the start of each sleeve.
Row 1:
With smaller hook, ch 9 (9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 11, 11, 11), 1 sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10) sts.
Row 2:
Ch 1, 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10) sts.
Rows 3-21 (24, 24, 24, 27, 27, 30, 30, 33):
Rep Row 2. After the final row, turn.
Sleeve Increase
Setup Row:
Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—21 (24, 24, 24, 27, 27, 30, 30, 33) sts. Change to larger hook.
Row 1:
With larger hook, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), work 1 dc in each st across, turn—21 (24, 24, 24, 27, 27, 30, 30, 33) sts.
Row 2:
Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1 here and throughout), cluster in sp between third and fourth dc, ch 1, *sk 3 dc, (cluster, ch 1) between sts to last 3 dc, 1 dc in sp between 2nd dc and ch-3, turn—6 (7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10) clusters, 2 dc.
Row 3:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—7 (8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) clusters.
Row 4 (Incr.):
Ch 3, cluster in sp between first and second dc, ch 1, *(cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to last cluster, 3 dc in sp between 2nd dc and ch-3, turn—8 (9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) clusters.
Row 5:
Ch 3, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc between 2nd dc and ch-3, turn—7 (8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) clusters, 2 dc.
Row 6:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—8 (9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) clusters.
Rows 7-14 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30):
Rep [rows 4-6] 1 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5) times increasing to 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) clusters. Continue with a repeat of rows 5 & 6, ending repeat on row 5; work fewer or more rows to alter the length ending on row 5. Don’t fasten off.
Body
Notes: To work on the front and back of the cardigan, add a chain length to each side of the sleeve. The number of granny squares incorporated dictates the overall length of the cardigan. If you wish to adjust the cardigan length, you can do so by adding or subtracting 16 chains to both the front and back chains, which equals one granny square. When you change the length, please make sure to calculate the granny squares needed accordingly.
Setup:
Put a slip knot on larger hook, join to the top left edge with a sl st, ch 32 (36, 44, 44, 48, 52, 56, 64, 64) fasten off. With working yarn at the top right of the sleeve, ch 33 (37, 45, 45, 49, 53, 57, 65).
Row 1:
Work 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 dc in each of next 2 chs, *ch 1, sk next ch, 1 dc in each of next 3 chs*; rep from * to * across the body chain, ch 1, sk ch, at sleeve, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to next body chain, sk first ch, work 1 dc in each of next 3 chs, rep from * to * across, turn—25 (28, 33, 34, 37, 40, 43, 48, 49) clusters.
Row 2:
Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1 here and throughout), (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc between 2nd and 3rd dc (or ch-3), turn—24 (27, 32, 33, 36, 39, 42, 47, 48) clusters, 2 dc.
Row 3:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—25 (28, 33, 34, 37, 40, 43, 48, 49) clusters.
Rows 4-8 (10, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16):
Rep rows 2 & 3. Last row make the RS of work. This section is half the cardigan width. The 1/2 width will also include 1/2 of the granny square (half a granny square equal to 1.75″). Make sure to check your gauge for the correct width. Work more or fewer rows if needed to get the correct sizing. Fasten off and weave in tails.
Granny Square – make 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6)
Round 1:
With smaller hook, Magic Ring, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 1, *3 dc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, pull ring tight, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 2:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 3:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1 (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 4:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc) in next 2 ch-1 sps, * ch 1 (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 2 ch-1 sps; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp. Fasten off with a long tail approximately 4 times the length of the granny square. Weave in the starting tail.
Join Granny Squares
Notes: Join a panel of 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) squares. Utilize the tails to seam one edge of the squares together.
Seaming Directions:
Place two squares together RS facing. Use the tail and sl st the corners together. Ch 1, sl st through each square going through each st and ch-1 sp, work through the flo of the square to the front and the blo of the square to the back, for the ch-1 sp sl st through the sp of each square to join. Fasten off and weave in tails.
Assembly
To join the Granny Square panel, align the panel with the right sides facing each other, starting from the bottom. Slip stitch them together in the same manner as the squares were slip stitched. Slip stitch along each back side. As you progress, the cardigan will come together into one large piece.
Side Seams
The mattress stitch is used to seam the sides to hide the seaming yarn colour. The video tutorial provides a demonstration of how to do the mattress stitch.
To seam using the mattress stitch:
- Place the two pieces you want to join side by side, with the right sides facing out.
- Thread a tapestry needle with a matching yarn (2 times the length to seam).
- Insert the needle through the side of the stitch on one side, pulling the yarn through.
- Move to the other side and insert the needle through the side of the corresponding stitch.
- Repeat this process, working back and forth between the two sides, ensuring the tension matches the surrounding stitches.
- Continue seaming until the pieces are securely joined.
- Once complete, weave in the ends securely to finish.
Bottom Band
With smaller hook, put a slip knot on the hook, RS facing join yarn to the bottom left front panel.
Body Edge
Setup Row (RS):
Ch 1, working across the side of the rows, work *2 sc in next row, 1 sc in next row; rep from *across, at the granny square work 1 sc per st, sk ch-1 sps—60 (72, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108) sts.
Join-As-You-Go Band
The band is joined as you go to the body edge.
Row 1:
Ch 9 (9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 11, 11, 11), 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at the edge, sl st in next 2 sts (body edge), turn—8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10) sts.
Row 2:
Sk sl sts, 1 sc in blo of each st across, turn—8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10) sts.
Row 3:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo of each st across, sl st in next 2 sts (body edge), turn—8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10) sts.
Rows 4-60 (72, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108):
Rep Rows 2-3, sl st final row to edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Collar
Setup Row (RS):
With RS facing and smaller hook, put a slip knot on the hook, and join yarn to the bottom corner of the right front panel. Sc in each st across the band, 1 sc in each st and ch-1 sp, across the front right, granny square and the front left, fasten off.
Join-As-You-Go Band (no buttons)
The band is joined as you go to the collar edge. Put a slip knot on the hook and join yarn to the front right edge. Repeat the instructions for the bottom band
Mark Buttonholes
With RS facing at the front right side, count 3 sts from the bottom edge, pm in 4th st, *count 12 sts, pm in 13th st; rep from * making as many buttonholes as desired. The sample is made with 3 buttonholes.
Buttonhole Row:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) sts, ch 1, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in blo last 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) sts.
Next Row:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) sts, 2 sc in ch-1 sp, 1 sc in blo last 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) sts.
As you work the collar rows and come to a place marker, use these two rows in place to create the buttonhole. Repeat the instructions for the bottom band.
Finishing
Lightly steam the cardigan to finish.
Washing Instructions
Handwashing is highly recommended to clean your cardigan. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Gently immerse the garment and agitate it softly to cleanse. Avoid excessive squeezing or wringing to prevent stretching or misshaping. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Lay flat to dry.
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Thank you for joining our community, and happy crocheting!
I hope you love our Children’s Cascade cardigan crochet pattern. You might also love these crochet patterns!
Adult Cascade Crochet Cardigan
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