by Crocheting a baby cardigan is a heartwarming and rewarding project. When combined with the delicate beauty of fan stitches, the result is an elegant, breathable, and cozy garment—perfect for a baby shower gift or your own little one. In this guide, you’ll learn how to crochet a baby cardigan using fan stitch techniques, with detailed steps and customization options.
What is a Fan Stitch?
The fan stitch creates a decorative, lacy texture made by grouping multiple stitches into the same stitch or space, causing the fabric to flare like an open fan. It’s ideal for baby garments because it offers both beauty and breathability.
Common fan variations include:
- Double crochet fans
- Shell stitches (a form of fan)
- V-stitch fans
Materials Needed
Before you start crocheting your fan baby cardigan, gather the following supplies:
🧶 Yarn
- Type: Soft baby yarn (DK or light worsted weight recommended)
- Material: Cotton or acrylic (hypoallergenic and machine washable)
- Amount: Approx. 300–500 yards depending on size
🪝 Hook
- Size G (4.0 mm) or H (5.0 mm), depending on gauge and yarn
🧷 Other Tools
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Buttons (optional, 3–5 small)
Sizing
This guide covers a 0–6 months size with notes for adjusting to larger sizes.
Approximate Finished Measurements:
- Chest: 16–18 inches
- Length: 9–10 inches
- Sleeves: 6–7 inches
Basic Fan Stitch Pattern
This pattern uses a 5 double crochet fan, which goes as follows:
Fan stitch: Work 5 double crochets (dc) in the same stitch or space.
Pattern: Baby Fan Cardigan (0–6 Months)
✅ Abbreviations (U.S. Terms)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sk = skip
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- rep = repeat
- RS/WS = right/wrong side
Step 1: Yoke (Top Down Construction)
- Ch 58
- Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and each across (55 dc)
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in next 7, 2 dc in next — repeat across. (increases at regular intervals to form raglan)
- Continue for 4–6 rows, increasing at 4 raglan points (shoulders, underarm) each time.
Add Fan Stitches
- Begin fan row: Sc in next st, sk 2, 5 dc in next st (fan), sk 2 — rep across.
This forms the fan pattern body.
Step 2: Divide for Sleeves
After establishing the yoke:
- Place stitch markers to separate front left, sleeve, back, sleeve, and front right.
- Work body only in rows with fan stitch pattern, skipping over sleeve stitches.
- Optional: Chain underarms (ch 4–6) when skipping sleeves to maintain body width.
Step 3: Work the Body
- Continue working fan rows back and forth until the cardigan measures 9–10 inches from the neckline.
- End with a sc row to create a neat edge.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Step 4: Sleeves
- Rejoin yarn at the armhole.
- Work in rounds using the same fan stitch pattern or switch to plain dc for a tighter sleeve.
- Work until sleeves are 6–7 inches or desired length.
- Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.
Step 5: Neckline and Front Border
- Attach yarn at lower edge of the front.
- Work sc evenly up the front, around neckline, and down other side.
- On next row, create buttonholes by chaining 2 and skipping 2 stitches (space evenly).
- Optional: Add picot or shell edging for decoration.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Sew on buttons aligned with buttonholes.
- Weave in all loose ends.
- Block gently if needed to shape and soften the fabric.
Optional Customizations
- Add a hood by working in rows along the neckline and seaming the top.
- Use gradient or ombré yarn for a beautiful fade.
- Add lace trim at sleeves or hem.
- Make matching booties or hat using leftover yarn.
Tips for Success
- Gauge matters! Always make a small swatch to ensure proper sizing.
- Choose soft yarn — baby’s skin is delicate.
- Check fit as you go if possible.
- Use stitch markers to track raglan points and fan pattern repeats.
- Washable yarn is best for baby garments.
Video tutorial:
Conclusion
Crocheting a baby cardigan with fan stitches is a delightful project that combines elegance and practicality. The lacy fans give the cardigan a beautiful texture while keeping it light and breathable. Whether you’re making it as a gift or for your own baby, this charming garment is sure to become a treasured keepsake.
Would you like a printable PDF of this pattern with diagrams, or a visual chart of the fan stitch repeat? I’d be happy to create one for you.
