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Kids' Chunky Crochet Cardigan Free Pattern, Sizes 2 to 10

This cozy, chunky cardigan is perfect for kids aged 2 to 10. With an oversized fit and button-down front, it’s wonderful for layering. I’m excited to guide you through this beginner-friendly pattern!

Published October 5, 2026 · by Lina

Skill level
Beginner
Yarn weight
Bulky
Hook size
9 mm (M/N)
Time
Approximately 6-10 hours
Yardage
As listed above for each size.
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Kids' Chunky Crochet Cardigan Free Pattern, Sizes 2 to 10

This cozy, chunky cardigan is perfect for kids aged 2 to 10. With an oversized fit and button-down front, it’s wonderful for layering. I’m excited to guide you through this beginner-friendly pattern!

HERO IMAGE PLACEHOLDER

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS PATTERN

This chunky cardigan is not only stylish but also easy to make. You can whip it up within a few hours, making it a fun project for new crocheters. Plus, your child will love wearing this comfy sweater!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • What You'll Need
  • Stitches You'll Use in This Pattern
  • Pattern Details
  • Abbreviations
  • Special Stitches
  • Let’s Get Started: Full Pattern Instructions
  • Assembly / Putting It All Together
  • Finishing
  • Full Recipe-Card-Style Summary Box
  • What's Next?

What You'll Need

  • Yarn:
    • Bulky (5) — This thick yarn is great for beginners and keeps your stitches visible. You will need approximately:
      • Main Color: Light Blue (400, 450, 500, 550, 600 yards for sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
      • Contrast Color: White for the button band (100 yards for all sizes)
  • Crochet Hook:
    • 9 mm (M/N) US — This large hook works well with bulky yarn for quick projects.
  • Stitch Markers (optional but helpful):
    • These can help you keep track of your rounds and stitches, especially when starting new sections.
  • Scissors:
    • For cutting your yarn.
  • Yarn/Tapestry Needle:
    • Used for weaving in ends after finishing your project.
  • Measuring Tape:
    • To ensure your pieces are the correct sizes.
  • Pins (optional for assembly):
    • Can help keep pieces in place while you sew them together.
  • Buttons:
    • 3 buttons, 1" (25 mm) in diameter for the button band.

Stitches You'll Use in This Pattern

  • ch: (chain)
    • To start your work, yarn over (wrap yarn over the hook) and pull through the loop on your hook.
  • sc: (single crochet)
    • Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over again and pull through both loops.
  • dc: (double crochet)
    • Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops (2 loops remaining), yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops.
  • sl st: (slip stitch)
    • Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop and then pull that loop through the loop on your hook.
  • st(s): (stitch(es))
    • A general term for stitches.
  • sk: (skip)
    • To leave a stitch unworked.
  • inc: (increase)
    • Work 2 stitches into 1 stitch to make an extra stitch.

Pattern Details

  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Finished Size:
    • Sizes Included: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
    • Approximate Finished Measurements:
      • 2: Chest 24" (61 cm), Length 14" (36 cm)
      • 4: Chest 26" (66 cm), Length 16" (41 cm)
      • 6: Chest 28" (71 cm), Length 18" (46 cm)
      • 8: Chest 30" (76 cm), Length 20" (51 cm)
      • 10: Chest 32" (81 cm), Length 22" (56 cm)
  • Time to Complete: Approximately 6-10 hours
  • Yarn Amounts: As listed above for each size.
  • Terms: This pattern uses US crochet terms.

Abbreviations

  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • sk = skip
  • inc = increase (2 stitches in 1 stitch)

Special Stitches

There are no special stitches in this pattern that require extra explanation!

Let’s Get Started: Full Pattern Instructions

Body (Make 1 Piece)

  • Foundation Row:

    1. Ch 58 (for size 2; adjust accordingly for other sizes by adding or subtracting multiples of 2).

  • Row 1:

    1. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (57 sts).
    2. Ch 1, turn.

  • Row 2:

    1. Sc in each st across (57 sts).
    2. Ch 1, turn.

  • Rows 3-18:

    1. Repeat Row 2 for 16 more rows (57 sts).

  • Divide for Armholes:

    • Row 19:
      1. Sc in 24 (for size 2) (26 for size 4, 28 for size 6, 30 for size 8, 32 for size 10) sts,
      2. Ch 2,
      3. Sk next 9 (for size 2 and 4) (11 for size 6 and 8),
      4. Sc in remaining sts.
      5. Ch 1, turn.

  • Rows 20-22:

    1. Sc in each st across (57 sts).
    2. Ch 1, turn.

  • Row 23:

    1. Sc in 24 (for size 2) (26 for size 4, 28 for size 6, 30 for size 8, 32 for size 10) sts.
    2. Ch 2 and turn.

  • Join Body at the Top:

    • Row 24:
      1. With right side (RS) facing, sl st across to join armholes.

Sleeves (Make 2)

  • Foundation Row:

    1. Ch 22 (for size 2; adjust accordingly for other sizes).

  • Row 1:

    1. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (21 sts).
    2. Ch 1, turn.

  • Row 2:

    1. Sc in each st across (21 sts).
    2. Ch 1, turn.

  • Rows 3-12:

    1. Repeat Row 2 for 10 more rows (21 sts).

  • Shaping Sleeve:

    • Row 13:
      1. Sc in 6 (for size 2) (7 for size 4, 8 for size 6, 9 for size 8, 10 for size 10) sts,
      2. Inc (2 sc in next st),
      3. Sc in remaining 5 (for size 2) (6 for size 4, 7 for size 6, 8 for size 8, 9 for size 10) sts.
      4. Ch 1, turn.

  • Rows 14-20:

    1. Repeat Row 2 for 7 more rows.

  • Make Second Sleeve:

    1. Repeat all steps to create a second sleeve.

Assembly / Putting It All Together

  1. Attach Sleeves:

    • Align sleeves to armholes. Sew using slip stitch or whip stitch.

  2. Sew Sides Together:

    • Attach front and back sides at the sides using single crochet.

  3. Button Band:

    • Using contrast color yarn, pick up and sc evenly along the front edge.
    • Ch 1, turn.

  4. Create Buttonholes:

    • Row 1:
      1. Sc to 3 sts before edge,
      2. Ch 1,
      3. Sk 1 st,
      4. Sc in next.
      5. Repeat until you have enough buttonholes evenly spaced for your buttons.

  5. Seam Up Open Edges:

    • Weave in all ends and tidy up any open edges.

  6. Wash and Block:

    • Gently wash and block the cardigan to shape it nicely.

Finishing

  • Weave in Ends:

    • Using your yarn needle, thread the yarn tail and push it through several stitches on the inside of your project to secure it. Trim any excess yarn.

  • Blocking (optional):

    • This is a method of dampening and shaping your finished piece. Gently stretch and pin it to the desired size and shape to make it look nice.

FULL RECIPE-CARD-STYLE SUMMARY BOX

  • Title: Kids' Chunky Crochet Cardigan

  • Yield: 1

  • One-line description: A cozy, chunky cardigan for kids, perfect for layering!

  • Full materials list:

    • Bulky (5) yarn, 100% acrylic, Light Blue: 400-600 yards.
    • Contrast color yarn (White): 100 yards.
    • 3 buttons (1" / 25 mm in diameter).
    • Stitch markers, scissors, tapestry needle, measuring tape, pins (optional).

  • Full tools list:

    • 9 mm (M/N) crochet hook.

  • Full numbered instructions:

    • Body:

      • Ch 58, Row 1: Sc across (57 sts), turn. Rows 2-18: Repeat Row 2.
      • Row 19: Sc 24, ch 2, sk 9, sc across; turn.
      • Rows 20-22: Sc across.
      • Row 23: Sc 24, ch 2; turn.
      • Row 24: Sl st across to join armholes.

    • Sleeves:

      • Ch 22, Row 1: Sc across (21 sts), turn. Rows 2-12: Repeat Row 2.
      • Row 13: Sc 6, inc, sc remaining; turn.
      • Rows 14-20: Repeat Row 2.
      • Make second sleeve.

    • Assembly:

      1. Attach sleeves.
      2. Sew sides.
      3. Create button band.
      4. Make buttonholes.
      5. Seam open edges, weave in ends, wash and block.

  • Notes: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.

What's Next?

  • Save this for later: Be sure to save/pin this post to Pinterest so you can find it again!
  • Leave a comment: If you have any questions or get stuck, feel free to ask! All questions are welcome.
  • Share your finished project: I’d love to see your cardigan, so don’t hesitate to share your work! You’ve got this!

Kids' Chunky Crochet Cardigan Free Pattern, Sizes 2 to 10

Image shown for inspiration — your finished result may vary slightly.

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