Looking for a beautiful free crochet baby cardigan pattern that is cozy, timeless, and perfect for little ones? The Mini Star Stitch Cardigan combines gorgeous texture, thoughtful construction, and an adorable optional hood to create a piece that will be treasured for years to come.

After designing the Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan for adults and the Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat for babies, I knew I wanted to create a matching children’s version. The Mini Star Stitch Cardigan completes the collection, allowing the whole family to enjoy the beautiful texture of the star stitch.

Designed with my Timeless Tones yarn line created in collaboration with Mary Maxim, this cardigan is soft, durable, and comfortable for everyday wear. Whether you are making a special handmade baby shower gift, a keepsake for your own child, or a cozy cardigan for growing kids, this pattern is designed to become a timeless favourite.

This free crochet baby cardigan pattern includes sizes from 0-3 months all the way up to 12 years, and it includes a full step-by-step YouTube tutorial for the 0-3-month size.

Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Baby Cardigan Pattern

• Sizes 0-3 months to 12 years
• Slightly oversized, comfortable fit for growing children
• Beautiful textured star stitch design
• Optional hood for extra warmth and style
• Worked flat in one piece with minimal seaming
• Sleeves built directly into the body construction
• Ribbed button bands and sleeve cuffs
• Perfect for babies, toddlers, and children
• Full step-by-step YouTube video tutorial included
• Made with soft anti-pilling DK weight Timeless Tones yarn

Is the Star Stitch Difficult to Crochet?

Don’t let the beautiful texture fool you. The star stitch is easier to learn than it looks. While this cardigan is rated as an intermediate crochet pattern, the included video tutorial walks you through every step of the process, making it easy to follow along.

The stitch pattern tends to work up a little tighter than standard crochet stitches, so be sure to maintain a relaxed tension and check your gauge for the best fit.

Join Our Timeless Tones Summer Crochet Along

The Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan is part of our Timeless Tones Summer Crochet Along starting June 15th, 2026, where you can crochet at your own pace alongside our wonderful community.

This pattern is also included in the Timeless Tones Star Stitch Collection Ebook, featuring four coordinating star stitch designs, and the Timeless Tones Signature Collection Ebook, which includes all seven patterns in the collection:

• MJ’s Signature Sweater
• MJ’s Signature Cardigan
• Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan
• Mini Star Stitch Cardigan
• Timeless Star Stitch Blanket
• Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat
• Sailboat Mosaic Baby Blanket

Whether you make one pattern or the entire collection, we’d love to have you crochet along with us!

Meet Timeless Tones DK Yarn

The Mini Star Stitch Cardigan was designed using Timeless Tones DK Weight #3 yarn.

Timeless Tones is our exclusive anti-pilling acrylic yarn created in partnership with Mary Maxim.

What makes it special?

• Soft and luxurious feel
• Beautiful stitch definition
• Lightweight but warm
• Excellent drape
• Machine washable
• Anti-pilling construction
• Perfect for garments, blankets, and baby projects
• Available in a carefully curated collection of timeless colours

Yarn Needed

MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Timeless Tones (CDN)

DK Weight #3, 100% Premium Acrylic

273 yds /100 g, Shown in Oat Milk and Toasted Almond

Sizes: 0-3mth (3-6mth, 6-12mth, 12-18mth, 2-3T, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) See size chart below for yarn requirements.

Size Chart

Size	0-3 mos	3-6 mos	6-12 mos	12-18 mos	2-3T	4	6	8	10	12
Chest Circumference	16″	17″	18″	19″	21″	23″	25″	26.5″	28″	30″
Finished Chest	18.75″	20.5″	22.25″	24″	25.75″	27.5″	29.5″	31.25″	33″	34.75″
Balls Required	2	2	3	3	4	4	5	6	6	7
Yardage	345	460	660	745	935	1045	1265	1405	1625	1900

Fit & Ease

Designed with a relaxed, slightly oversized fit. Sample shown with approx. 2 to 5″ of positive ease. For best fit, use the finished measurements and compare sleeve and body length to your child. Size up for a roomier fit or to allow for growth.

Yarn Quantity Note

Yardage is approximate. Amounts may vary depending on gauge, tension, and any modifications. It is recommended to purchase an extra ball to ensure sufficient yarn, especially for larger sizes or added length.

Crochet Hook

US H/8 (5 mm)

US I/9 (5.5 mm)

or the size needed to obtain the gauge

Hook Tray

Supplies

Yarn Needle

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Measuring Tape

4-6 Buttons 18-20mm or desired size

Gauge

Pattern: 18 sts (9 stars) and 10 rows equal to 4″ in star stitch pattern with 5.5 mm hook

Ribbing: 10 sts and 10 rows equal to 2″ in sc blo pattern with 5 mm hook

Checking your gauge before starting your crochet cardigan is essential, especially when making garments for babies and children. A proper gauge ensures your finished measurements match the intended size and fit.

Be sure to check out my complete guide to crochet gauge and how to make a gauge swatch before starting your project.

Construction

The cardigan is worked flat in one piece, beginning with the back band and back panel. Chains are added at each side to create the sleeves, which are built into the body. The first half of the sleeve width is worked, then the neckline is marked, and each front is completed separately, finishing the sleeves and front panels. A hood is added along the neckline, then the cardigan is folded and seamed at the sides. Cuffs and a ribbed button band are added to finish.

Abbrevations

Blo – Back loop Only

Ch – Chain

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

Lp – Loop

Pm – Place Marker

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

Yo – Yarn over

( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch

Special Stitches

Beg Star – Pull up a lp in the 2nd ch from hook, pull up a lp in each of the next 4 chs (or next ch and next 3 sts when working into a row), with 6 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1 (creates the eye of the star).

Star Stitch – Pull up a lp in the eye of the previous star, pull up a loop by going through the leg of the last loop of previous star, pull up a lp in the base st of the previous star, pull up a loop in the next 2 sts, with 6 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1.

End Star – Pull up a lp in the eye of the previous star, pull up a loop by going through the leg of the last loop of previous star, pull up a lp in the base st of the previous star, pull up a loop in the last st, with 5 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 5 loops, ch 1, turn.

Yarn Substitutions

This pattern was designed using Timeless Tones DK Weight #3 yarn

273 yds / 100 g = 2.73 yds per gram

When substituting yarn, look for a DK-weight yarn with a similar yards per gram ratio to achieve comparable results.

Suggested Substitutions

Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK (CDN) : 284 yds / 100 g = 2.84 yds per gram

Knit Picks Brava Baby: 273 yds / 100 g = 2.73 yds per gram

Premier Basix DK (CDN): 306 yds / 100 g = 3.06 yds per gram

Lion Brand Color Theory: 246 yds / 100 g = 2.46 yds per gram

Adjust hook size if needed to achieve the correct gauge and maintain a soft, flexible fabric suitable for baby wear.

Project Tips

• Place stitch markers at the neckline and sleeve joins to keep shaping accurate and balanced
• Keep your sleeve chains relaxed to prevent tight underarms
• Check the sleeve and body length before seaming if you would like to customize the size
• The star stitch can feel tight to work into, so adjust your hook size if needed to maintain a soft fabric
• Count your stitches regularly, especially when working the front panels separately
• Ensure your hood stitches are evenly placed along the neckline for a symmetrical finish
• Read through the entire pattern before beginning to understand the one-piece construction

Pattern

0-3mth (3-6mth, 6-12mth, 12-18mth, 2-3T, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)

The Mini Star Stitch Cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, beginning with the back panel. The body is worked using a 5.5 mm hook, while the bands and edging are completed with a 5 mm hook for added structure. Sleeves are created by chaining out from each side of the body, allowing the sleeves and body to be worked as one piece. The neckline is then marked, and each front panel is worked separately while the sleeves are continued. Work the sleeves to the desired width, then complete the front panels.

An optional hood can be added and shaped, followed by seaming the sleeves and hood.

Finish the cardigan with buttonhole edging and sleeve cuffs. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with larger sizes shown in parentheses ( ).

A step-by-step video tutorial is included and demonstrates the 0-3mth size. Watch the tutorial.

Back

Band

Row 1:

With the smaller hook, ch 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 11, 11), work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10) sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1 (not included as a st here and throughout), work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10) sts.

Rows 3-38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74):

Rep Row 2. After the final Row, turn.

Body

Setup Row(RS):

Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74) sts. Change to larger hook.

3-6mth Size Only

Row 7:

Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts across to the last st, end star, turn—x (21, 23, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 39, 42) stars.

Row 8:

Ch 1, work 1 hdc in the eye of the first star, 2 hdc in each eye across, hdc in the top of the last star, turn—x (42, 46, 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 78, 84) sts. 3-6mth fasten off and proceed to mark sleeve.

Rows – (-, 9, 9, 9, 11, 11, 11, 11) to row – (-, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14, 16, 18):

Work Rows 7-8 as written above for size 3-6 month.

Mark Sleeve

From sleeve edge count over 20 (22, 24, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50), place marker in the last st. Continue across the row with working yarn.

Front Left Panel

Row 1 (RS):

Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts across to the last st, end star, turn—9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17) stars.

Follow instructions for Front Right Panel to Band.

Hood (Optional)

Note: Hood stitches are worked from the right front row edge, across the neck stitches, and finish along the left front row edge.

Join:

Place a slip knot on the hook.

Join yarn to the right front row edge at the 2nd (3rd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th) row down from the neck edge. Work evenly across the neck stitches as described in Row 1.

Finish on the left front row edge at the 2nd (3rd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th) row down from the neck edge.

Row 1 (RS):

Ch 1, work sc sts evenly across row edges (2 sts per row), work 1 sc in each st across neck, work sc sts evenly across row edges (2 sts per row), turn—26 (30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 46, 50, 54, 58) sts.

Row 2 (Incr):

Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, * 1 sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * across to last 0(4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0, 4, 3, 2) sts, work 1 sc in each remaining st, for 6-12mth, 2-3T and 10 add 2 sc in last st, turn—32 (36, 42, 46, 52, 56, 56, 60, 66, 70) sts.

Row 3:

Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts across to the last st, end star, turn—16 (18, 21, 23, 26, 28, 28, 30, 33, 35) stars.

Row 4 (Incr):

Ch 1, work 1 hdc in the eye of the first star, 1 hdc top of star, 2 hdc in the eye of next star, 1 hdc top of star, 2 hdc in each eye across to last 2 stars, 1 hdc in the top of next star, 2 hdc in the eye of star, 2 hdc in the top of the last star, turn—36 (40, 46, 50, 56, 60, 60, 64, 70, 74) sts.

Row 5:

Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts across to the last st, end star, turn—18 (20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 30, 32, 35, 37) stars.

Row 6:

Ch 1, work 1 hdc in the eye of the first star, 2 hdc in each eye across, hdc in the top of the last star, turn—36 (40, 46, 50, 56, 60, 60, 64, 70, 74) sts.

Rows 7 – 11 (13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29):

Rep Rows 5 & 6 ending repeat on Row 5.

Hood Shaping

Note: The top of the hood is shaped to create a smooth, rounded finish.

Work the final 3 rows as follows:

Set-Up: Fold hood in half and place a marker at the centre to identify the middle stitches.

Row 1 (Decr):

Work in pattern to the centre, work 1 hdc in each of 2 center eyes instead of 2 hdc. Complete row in pattern to end.

Row 2 (Star Stitch Row):

Work in pattern across.

Row 3 (Decr):

Repeat Row 1.

Note: Each decrease row reduces the stitch count by 1 star stitch, creating a gentle curve at the top of the hood.

Hood Seam

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming. With the right side facing, fold the hood in half, aligning the top edges.

Using a whip stitch, sew across the top to close the hood.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sleeve and Side Seams

With right sides facing, fold the cardigan, aligning the sleeves and front and back panel edges. Cut a length of yarn approximately twice the length of the seam. Using a yarn needle, sew the sleeve and side seams together from the cuff to the underarm and down the side of the body.

Repeat on the opposite side.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Edging

With smaller hook, place a slip knot on the hook. Join yarn at the bottom of the right front band edge. Work single crochet evenly up the right front panel, placing approximately 3 sc per 2 rows, and 1 sc in each stitch across the band. Continue working evenly across the hood edge, placing approximately 3 sc per 2 rows. Work down the left front panel, placing approximately 3 sc per 2 rows, and 1 sc in each stitch across the band. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Mark Buttonholes:

Note: Buttonholes are evenly spaced along the front edge. For best results, use 4–6 buttons, depending on size and preference. Place stitch markers along the right front edge to indicate desired buttonhole placement, spacing them evenly from top to bottom.

Buttonhole Row

Work in collar pattern to marker.

Buttonhole Placement:

Work the buttonhole in the centre of the band width at the marked position.

Buttonhole:

• For small buttons: ch 1, skip 1 st
• For larger buttons: ch 2, skip 2 sts

Continue in pattern to next marker and repeat.

Next Row: Work in pattern, placing stitches into each chain space to maintain stitch count.

Collar

The collar is joined as you go to the edge. With smaller hook, place a slip knot on the hook. Join yarn at the bottom of the right front edge.

Row 1:

Ch 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 11, 11), 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at edge, sl st next 2 sts (edge), turn—5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10) sts.

Row 2:

Sk sl sts, 1 sc in blo of each st across, turn—5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10) sts.

Row 3:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo of each st across, sl st next 2 sts (edge), turn—5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10) sts.

Rep Rows 2 and 3, ending at the final edge stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes on the left collar edge.

Cuff

With RS facing, put a slip knot on smaller hook and join yarn to the sleeve seam, ch 1.

Round 1:

Ch 1, work 1 sc evenly around the sleeve edge: 18 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36) sts, sl st in first sc to join. Work ribbing as for collar, joining as you go along the sleeve edge. Fasten off, then seam the first and last rows of the ribbing together to join.

More Star Stitch Patterns

• Chunky Star Stitch Throw
• Little Star Baby Hat
• Sahara Stripes Afghan
• Star Stitch Dishcloth
• Star Stitch Towel Holder
• Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat
• Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan Pattern

I hope you love our Mini Star Stitch Cardigan Pattern. You might also love these crochet patterns:

• Waffle Stitch Cardigan
• Autumn’s Charm Mosaic Cardigan
• Everyday Ragg Cardigan
• Granny Stitch Cardigan
• Cabot Trail Cardigan

This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc., based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on June 17th, 2026.

Thank you for visiting MJ’s Off The Hook Designs! I hope you enjoyed this pattern and feel inspired to pick up your hook and start creating.

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