This cute rainbow drops baby cardigan is worked from the top down in one piece, made using a round of dc stitch, then chains and sc for the next round. It's quick and easy to work up.

The full PDF pattern including picture with sizes Newborn to 4 Years can be purchased here

Materials

380 metres of dk / weight 3 yarn

3 and 4 mm crochet hooks

5-6 x 15-20mm buttons

Written in English US terms with abbreviations for UK 

sc = single crochet (double crochet UK)

hdc = half double crochet (half treble UK)

dc = double crochet (treble crochet UK)

ch = chain

dec = decrease (crochet two stitches together)

slst = slip stitch

corner = (3 dc, ch2, 3 dc in the same) (3 treble crochet, ch2, 3 treble crochet UK)

cluster = 3 dc (double crochet) (3 treble crochet UK)

[ ] = in the same stitch stitch

* * = repeat between

Gauge Square

With 4mm hook

Row 1: Ch12, dc in 4th ch from hook and each chain across. (9) Turn

Row 2-4: ch1, dc in the same, dc 8. (9) Turn

Square should measure 2 x 2”

If you have problems hitting the length this is not too important, as measurement will be given to follow.

Pattern notes

• The ch1 does not count as a stitch so always ch1 and sc / hdc or dc in the first stitch.

• The sc (even rows) are worked in a new colour so the yarn will have to be cut at each row, unless using a colour changing yarn.

Size 6-12 months

Ch 82 with 3mm hook then change to 4mm

Row 1: cluster in the 4th ch from hook, *skip 2 ch, cluster* x 3, skip 2 ch (corner) *skip 2 ch, cluster* x 4, skip 2 ch, (corner) *skip 2 ch, cluster* x 7, skip 2 ch (corner) *skip 2 ch, cluster* x 4, skip 2 ch (corner) *skip 2 ch, cluster* x 4. (31 clusters) Turn

Row 2: ch1, sc in the same, ch2, *sc between each cluster, ch2* repeat to end doing [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, sc in the last. Turn

Row 3: ch1, hdc in same, cluster in each ch2 space and corner at each corner, hdc in the last. (39 clusters) Turn

Row 4: ch1, sc in the same, ch2, *sc between each cluster, ch2* repeat to end doing [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, sc in the last. Turn

Row 5: ch1, hdc in same, cluster in each ch2 space and corner at each corner, hdc in the last. (47 clusters) Turn

Row 6: ch1, sc in the same, ch2, *sc between each cluster, ch2* repeat to end doing [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, sc in the last. Turn

Row 7: ch1, hdc in same, cluster in each ch2 space and corner at each corner, hdc in the last. (55 clusters) Turn

Row 8: ch1, sc in the same, ch2, *sc between each cluster, ch2* repeat to end doing [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, sc in the last. Turn

Row 9: ch1, hdc in same, cluster in each ch2 space and corner at each corner, hdc in the last. (63 clusters) Turn

Row 10: ch1, sc in the same, ch2, *sc between each cluster, ch2* repeat to end doing [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, sc in the last. Turn

Row 11: (divide for armholes) ch1, hdc in the same, work 10 clusters, skip 14 ch2 spaces, work 19 clusters, skip 14 ch2 spaces, work 10 clusters, hdc in the last. (39 clusters) Turn

Row 12: ch1, sc in the same, *ch2, sc in between each cluster* repeat to end, ch2, sc in the last. Turn

Row 13: ch1, hdc in same, cluster in each ch2 space, hdc in the last. (39 clusters) Turn

Repeat rows 12 and 13 until work measures approx 11.5 Inches from shoulder, ending with a row 13. 

Sleeves

Using 4mm hook

With the right side facing, join the main colour yarn to the first ch2 space under arm (the one with a cluster in from the body).

Row 1: ch1, cluster in each ch2 space, doing the last cluster in the sc on the row below, slst to first. (17 clusters) 

Row 2: ch1, sc in the same, *ch2, sc in between each cluster* repeat to end, ch2, slst to first. 

Row 3: ch1, cluster in each ch2 space, slst to first. (17 clusters) 

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until the sleeve measures 11.5 inches from the shoulder, ending with a row 3.

Cuff

Change to 3mm hook

Row 1: ch1, sc in same, dec, *sc 1, dec* x 16, slst to first. (34) Turn

Row 2: ch1, sc in the same, sc to end, slst to first. (34)

Fasten off and repeat for the other sleeve.

Collar

Using a 3mm hook

With the right side facing join yarn at the top right

Row 1: ch1, sc in same and each stitch across.

Continue to work the button band

Button band

Using a 4mm hook

Button band

Continuing from the collar

Row 1: ch1, 1 sc in the same, sc evenly down to the bottom. (I found 1 sc in each colour and 2 sc in each of the main colour worked) Turn

Row 2: Ch1, sc in the same and each back to the top. Turn

Row 3: Ch1, sc in the same and each back to the bottom. 

Buttonhole band

Join yarn at the bottom of the other side

Row 1: ch1, 1 sc in the same, sc evenly to the top. Turn

Mark out where you want the button holes, on the next row ch1 and skip the one where the markers are.

Row 2: Buttonhole row, Ch1, sc in the same, sc all but ch1 and skip where markers are to create the button holes. Turn

Row 3: Ch1, sc in the same and sc in all including chains. 

Fasten off.

Sew buttons to match the buttonholes.

Picot edging

With the cardigan upside down, join yarn to the bottom right button band of the cardigan.

Ch1, sc in same, sc 1, *ch2, sc into the front two loops of the sc below, sc 2* repeat across.

Fasten off.

I would love to see your makes feel free to share #rainbowdropscardigan @babycrochetdesigns Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. 

*COPYRIGHT 2023 This pattern is made for personal use only. You may not copy, share or sell this pattern, you may make and sell items made from my patterns but please credit me @BabyCrochetDesigns as the designer many thanks*