Rainbow Hugs Hoodie- Free Crochet Children’s Hooded Cardigan Pattern

Introducing the Rainbow Hugs Hoodie Crochet Pattern – a delightful and vibrant children’s hooded cardigan that’s both cheerful and cozy!

This pattern features a charming button-up design and is crafted with minimal seaming, as the entire piece is crocheted flat in one piece. The only seaming required is for the sides and sleeves, making it a relatively seamless project.

Whether you opt for the lively Prism gradient yarn or a solid colour, this pattern offers versatility and a playful aesthetic. The pattern includes a detailed schematic, a comprehensive size chart, measurement instructions, step-by-step video tutorial, and a list of yarn substitutes.

In terms of stitches, the pattern incorporates single and double crochet, as well as front and back post double crochet for the ribbing, creating a textured and visually appealing design. Let’s begin a colourful and cozy crochet journey with the Rainbow Hugs Hoodie!

Below, you will find everything you need to make this children’s crochet hoodie, including the yarn, hook, materials, free written pattern for blog subscribers, pictures and a video tutorial. If you love this free crochet sweater pattern, please share!

Crochet Hooded Cardigan For Children

Making a hooded button-up crochet sweater for a child or baby is a beautiful way to bestow a handmade token of love and care upon the little one. The thoughtful creation not only promises a unique and personalized garment but also a practical and stylish addition to the child’s wardrobe.

The hooded design ensures warmth and coziness, making it perfect for chilly weather, and the button-up feature offers convenience during dressing and undressing. Furthermore, the sweater will be a cherished heirloom that can hold sentimental value for years to come. Engaging in the creation of this sweater provides a delightful and rewarding project, allowing the maker to experience the joy of producing a meaningful and heartfelt gift for the little one.

Best Yarn for a Children’s Crochet Sweater

Mary Maxim Prism Yarn is ideal for crafting a children’s crochet sweater due to its exceptional qualities. With an array of more than ten captivating and vibrant colour schemes, this yarn offers a perfect blend of visual appeal and luxurious softness. Crafted from 100% acrylic, it is a lightweight yet snug DK yarn that provides the utmost comfort for little ones. Whether you opt for bright and lively hues or subtle and serene shades, Mary Maxim Prism Yarn caters to various styles and preferences. This yarn offers ample material for various creative projects, making it the perfect choice for bringing a touch of colour and delight into a child’s wardrobe through a charming crochet sweater.

Rainbow Hugs Hoodie Yarn Requirements

Mary Maxim Prism (CDN)

DK Weight #3

290yds/100g, 100% Acrylic Shown in Misty

See Yarn substitutes for alternatives.

0-6mth (6-12mth, 18-24mth, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)

2 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) balls. See the size chart for more details on sizing and yardage.

Sizes

0-6mth (6-12mth, 18-24mth, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)

Size Chart

Substituting Yarn

Yarn substitution is a valuable skill that allows crochet enthusiasts to adapt to pattern requirements when the original specified yarn is not readily accessible.

In the Rainbow Hugs Hoodie pattern, Mary Maxim Prism, a #3 DK weight yarn in the Misty colorway, is the recommended yarn choice.

For those considering a yarn substitution, a list of suitable alternatives has been thoughtfully provided below. It’s crucial to note that conducting a gauge swatch with the chosen substitute yarn is vital. This step enables you to make any necessary adjustments to your hook size, ensuring that the gauge matches the pattern’s specifications.

By prioritizing the correct gauge, you can confidently create a finished garment that aligns with the intended design and measurements.

Yarn Substitutes

Mellowspun (CDN) – 284 yards/100g

Lion Brand mandala or Baby – 590 yds/150g

Bernat Softee Baby (CDN) – 362 yds/140g

Brava Sport – 273 yds/100g

Crochet Hooks Needed

US G/6 (4mm)

US G+/7 (4.5mm)

Hook Tray

Use code MJS15 for 15% off Furls Crochet

Additional Supplies for the Children’s Hooded Cardigan

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Measuring Tape

Stitch Markers

25mm Wooden Buttons (4-10)

Children’s Hooded Cardigan Construction

The hoodie is worked flat in one piece, beginning at the back and concluding with the front panels. Following that, the hood is attached, working it to the neck opening and fronts, and finally, the ribbing is added. The sides and sleeves are then seamed together to complete the cardigan. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with larger sizes indicated in parentheses. If only one number is provided, it applies to all sizes. For a detailed guide, a step-by-step video tutorial is available on our YouTube channel specifically tailored for the 6-12 month size.

Children’s Hooded Cardigan Gauge

16 sts and 16 rows equal to 4″ in (sc, dc) stitch pattern

Ribbing: 9 sts and 6 rows equal to 2″

Abbreviations

Bpdc – Back Post Double Crochet

Ch – Chain

Fpdc – Front Post Double Crochet

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

( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch

[ ] – Work step in brackets number of times indicated

Special Stitches

Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Yo (Yarn Over), insert your hook from back to front to back around the post of the next stitch; yo, pull up a loop; yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook, yo, pull through remaining two loops on your hook.

Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yo, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch; yo, pull up a loop; yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook; yo, pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.

Video for the Children’s Hooded Cardigan

The video tutorial offers a detailed and visual guide to successfully crocheting the cardigan’s 6-12 month size. It takes you through each crucial step of the pattern, ensuring that you understand how to work the exact number of stitches and rows required for this particular size.

Not only does the tutorial explain the specific stitches involved, but it also provides a hands-on demonstration of how to start and finish a row, offering valuable visual cues for crocheters.

The video demonstrates how to check the pattern gauge to guarantee an accurate and comfortable fit for the finished garment.

It will guide you through the process of adding the ribbing and hood, demonstrate the creation of buttonholes, and how to seam the cardigan using the whip stitch.

Overall, this comprehensive tutorial is designed to support crocheters in successfully creating a beautifully finished cardigan.

Rainbow Hugs Hoodie

COPYRIGHT

This children’s hooded cardigan crochet pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc., and all rights are reserved. This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, printing, screenshots or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written consent of the author, except in the case of permitted sharing on social media platforms. Any unauthorized distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited and may result in civil or criminal penalties. This free crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing on the blog only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.

If you have any questions regarding this copyright notice or the use of the pattern outlined within, please contact MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc. in writing.

Thank you for respecting the author’s intellectual property and hard work!

Pattern Support

Additionally, please note that the only pattern support offered for this pattern is available on our Facebook community group and through the YouTube tutorial. The modifications given in the PDF are the only ones included, so if you choose to modify the pattern or use a different yarn weight, you will need to figure out the modifications on your own.

We appreciate your understanding and hope that you have a fantastic experience creating our pattern. Please feel free to lend support to fellow members of the community group as we work together to create beautiful crochet projects.

Left Sleeve / Front Panel

Centre Row (RS):

With the larger hook and RS facing sk over the neck opening. Put a slip knot on the hook, Ch 8 (10, 12, 12, 14, 16, 16, 18, 20). Starting in the first st to the left of marker, work (1 sc, 1 dc), sk st, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next st, sk st; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in the last st, turn—29 (33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61) sts plus 8 (10, 12, 12, 14, 16, 16, 18, 20) chs.

Row 1 (WS):

Ch 1, work (1 sc, 1 dc) in first st, sk st, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next st, sk st; rep from * across, working across ch, ending with 1 sc in the last ch, turn—37 (43, 49, 53, 59, 65, 69, 75, 81) sts.

Row 2 (RS):

Ch 1, work (1 sc, 1 dc) in first st, sk st, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next st, sk st; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in the last st, turn—37 (43, 49, 53, 59, 65, 69, 75, 81) sts.

Rows 3-14 (16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24):

Rep Row 2, ending on RS. Fasten off and weave in tails.

Mark Body

From sleeve edge count over 20 (24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts, pm in the last st (marks off the sleeve length).

Front Left Panel

Row 1 (WS):

With the larger hook and WS facing sk over the sleeve. Put a slip knot on the hook, in the first st to the left of the marker, work (1 sc, 1 dc), sk st, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next st, sk st; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in the last st, turn—17 (19, 21, 21, 23, 25, 25, 27, 29) sts.

Rows 2-20 (24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52):

Rep Row 1—17 (19, 21, 21, 23, 25, 25, 27, 29) sts.

Band

Work the same as the front right.

Back Band

Row 1 (WS):

With smaller hook, join yarn with a sl st to first st, ch 2, work 1 dc in each st across, turn—37 (41, 45, 47, 51, 55, 57, 61, 65) sts.

Row 2 (RS):

Ch 2, sk first st, *1 fpdc next st, 1 bpdc next st; rep from * across, ending with 1 dc in turning ch, turn—37 (41, 45, 47, 51, 55, 57, 61, 65) sts.

Rows 3-4 (4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 8):

Rep row 2. Fasten off and weave in tails.

Sleeve Cuff

Repeat for left and right sleeves.

Setup Row:

With RS facing and the smaller hook, join yarn to the edge of the sleeve, ch 1, work 23 (25, 27, 27, 29, 29, 31, 31, 33) sc evenly across the edge, turn—23 (25, 27, 27, 29, 29, 31, 31, 33) sts.

Row 1 (WS):

Ch 2, work 1 dc in each st across, turn—23 (25, 27, 27, 27, 29, 29, 31, 31, 33) sts.

Row 2 (RS):

Ch 2, 1 fpdc first st, 1 bpdc next st, *1 fpdc next st, 1 bpdc next st; rep from * across, ending with 1 dc in turning ch, turn—23 (25, 27, 27, 27, 29, 29, 31, 31, 33) sts.

Rows 3-4 (4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 8):

Rep row 2. Fasten off with a long tail for seaming the sleeves and body.

Hood

Setup Row:

With RS facing and larger hook, join yarn to the first st of front panel, work across front right, 8 (10, 12, 12, 14, 16, 16, 18, 20) sc, in corner work 1 sc, across back neck work 19 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 47) sc, corner 1 sc, front left 8 (10, 12, 12, 14, 16, 16, 18, 20) sc, turn—37 (45, 53, 55, 63, 71, 73, 81, 89) sts.

Row 1 (WS):

Ch 1, work (1 sc, 1 dc) in first st, sk st, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next st, sk st; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in the last st, turn—37 (45, 53, 55, 63, 71, 73, 81, 89) sts.

Rows 2-28 (30, 32, 32, 34, 36, 38, 38, 40):

Rep Row 1. Fasten off with a long tail for seaming the hood. With RS facing, Fold the hood in half. With a yarn needle, whip stitch the hood together. Weave and trim tails.

Seaming

Using the tail at the cuff, join the sleeves and sides together using your preferred seaming method.

#1 Fold with RS facing and whip stitch together. Then, weave in tails and trim.

#2 Alternatively, fold with WS facing and use the mattress stitch for a more discreet finish.

Collar/Hood Edge

Setup Row:

With RS facing and the smaller hook, join yarn to the front right bottom edge with a sl st, ch 1, work sc sts evenly along the front right, hood and front left, turn.

Row 1 (WS):

Ch 2, work 1 dc in each st across, turn.

Marking Buttonholes

With the RS facing on the front right side, count 2 post sts from the bottom edge, pm in the 3rd post, then *count 8 post sts, pm in the 9th post; rep from * to create as many buttonholes as desired.

Please note that as the sizes increase, the width of the collar varies. For each size, buttonhole rows are worked on the specified rows as follows: Size 0-6 (6-12, 18-24, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) row 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4. Place the markers in the row before the buttonhole row, each size as follows: row 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3). Watch the video for a visual demonstration.

Buttonhole Row:

At the marker, ch 1, sk 1 st, continue in fpdc, bpdc pattern.

Next Row:

Work 1 dc in the ch-1 sp, continue in fpdc, bpdc pattern.

Use these instructions to create the buttonhole as you work the collar rows and come to a place marker.

Row 2 (RS):

Ch 2, sk first st, *1 fpdc next st, 1 bpdc next st; rep from * across, ending with 1 dc in turning ch, turn.

Rows 3-4 (4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 8):

Rep row 2. Fasten off and weave in tails. Sew buttons to the left front opposite buttonholes.

Pockets (optional)

Make 2

Row 1 (RS):

With the larger hook, ch 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 20, 20, 22, 22), work (1 sc, 1 dc) in the back bump of the 2nd ch from hook, sk ch, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next ch, sk ch; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in last ch, turn—13 (13, 15, 15, 17, 19, 19, 21, 21) sts.

Row 2 (WS):

Ch 1, work (1 sc, 1 dc) in first st, sk st, *work (1 sc, 1 dc) in next st, sk st; rep from * across, ending with 1 sc in the last st, turn—13 (13, 15, 15, 17, 19, 19, 21, 21) sts.

Rows 3-9 (9, 11, 11, 13, 15, 15, 17, 17):

Rep Row 2.

Band

Row 1 (WS):

With smaller hook, ch 2, work 1 dc in each st across, turn—13 (13, 15, 15, 17, 19, 19, 21, 21) sts.

Row 2 (RS):

Ch 2, 1 fpdc first st, 1 bpdc next st, *1 fpdc next st, 1 bpdc next st; rep from * across, ending with 1 dc in turning ch, turn—13 (13, 15, 15, 17, 19, 19, 21, 21) sts.

Rows 3-4:

Rep row 2. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing.

With a yarn needle, sew pockets to the front panels. Sew approximately 1″ from the bottom band in the centre of the panel. Weave in tails.

Washing Instructions

Handwashing or gentle machine washing:

To clean your cardigan, handwashing is highly recommended. 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.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use a washing machine, place the garment inside a garment bag or pillowcase to protect it. Use a gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh spin cycles or high temperatures that can damage the fibres.

Drying: After washing, gently remove excess water without wringing the garment. Lay it flat on a clean, absorbent towel, arranging it into shape. Roll up the towel and gently press to remove more moisture. Then, let the garment air dry.

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