The Easiest Crochet Raglan Sweater Pattern For Kids

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This is a free raglan style crochet sweater for kids. The pattern comes in four sizes for 6, 12, 18 and 24 months old kids.

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Do your little ones like wearing your crochet creations? With my boys it is a bit of a hit and miss.

Sometimes they fall in love with an item, sometimes they could not care less…

However, this kids crochet sweater I made for my younger boy has been a hit! And by “hit” I mean he does not cry to take it off, lol.

I think one of the reasons he quite likes it is because it is easy to put on and take off. This is thanks to the neck split opening at the top of the neckline.

I have used the top down technique for this crochet sweater for kids. I have used foundation single crochet instead of a standard starting chain.

This allows for a lovely stretch of the neckline and does not pull.

The other thing is the neck split opening. I worked the start in rows which creates the opening.

The neck split opening makes the hole to push your head through much wider. Therefore easier to put on and take off.

I also think that those couple of little buttons really make this a lovely touch. Not just for the practicality, they also make a nice design element.

PIN THIS FREE CROCHET SWEATER FOR KIDS PATTERN FOR LATER

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Yarn I used For My Crochet Sweater For Kids

I absolutely loved working with this super soft yarn. It is the Audine Wools Bloom by Knitcrate I received in the monthly subscription box.

Here is what they say about the yarn: “The pale tones of the white Forget-Me-Not lends its name to this natural, sandy-taupe tone with the subtlest of blush undertones.”

I have graded this crochet sweater for kids in smaller sizes. Below you will find the free pattern for sizes 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

The reason I have done that is because you will definitely have enough yarn to complete any size if you have two skeins.

Stitches Used For My Crochet Sweater For Kids

Of course, I have used one of my favourite stitches – half double crochet! However, not just the plain stitch, I have mixed things up a little.

For the raglan yoke I have used herringbone half double crochet. This is a lovely stitch you can create by just a simple switch of pulling the yarn through.

If you are not familiar with this stitch, you can check out the VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE.

For the main body I have used half double crochet stitch worked in round. I worked the stitch through back loop only which looks really neat when worked in round.

Grab the ad free PDF version of this pattern from my shops below

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Materials

• Audine Wools Bloom by Knitcrate (DK yarn weight; 231 yards/211 m per 100g; 80% Alpaca Wool, 10% Silk, 10 % Camel) x 2 skeins in Forget-Me-Not
• stitch marker
• 5.5 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• 15 mm buttons x 2

Substitute Yarn Choice Ideas

1. Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK (75% Merino Wool 20% Silk 5% Cashmere) – Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK is a blend of pure silk, extra fine merino wool and the softest Himalayan cashmere, perfect for sophisticated garments.
2. Valley Yarns Hampden (50% Baby Alpaca 35% Superwash Merino Wool 15% Silk) – Deliciously soft and available in a collection of deep, resonant shades, Valley Yarns Hampden is a great DK-weight yarn to use on those extra-special projects. 
3. Alpaca Silk (70% Alpaca, 30% Mulberry Silk) – The silky-smooth silk adds a slightly shiny look to the yarn and combined with the long, warm alpaca-fibers, it makes the yarn extra durable. Check your gauge with this yarn as it can be thinner.
4. Rowan Alpaca Soft DK (70% Virgin Merino Wool, 30% Alpaca) – Rowan’s Alpaca Soft DK is spun in the softest premium blend of extra fine, super fine merino virgin wool, and baby alpaca into a timeless, durable, and warm classic. The yarn is the go-to choice for all soft garments and accessories.

Crochet sweater For Kids Finished Size

The sweater has 5 cm positive ease at chest. It comes in four different sizes from child size 6 months, 12-18 months and toddler size for 24 months.

Tension/ Gauge Swatch

16 sts x 9 rows measured over hdc = 10 x 10 cm

Stitches And Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

fsc – foundation single crochet

ch – chain stitch

ch-sp – chain space

sl st – slip stitch

ch-sp – chain space

rnd – round

rev sc – reverse single crochet also called crab stitch

st(s) – stitch(es)

hdc blo – half double crochet worked through back loop only

Hhdc – herringbone half double crochet

For abbreviations master list as set out by Craft Yarn Council, please CLICK HERE.

Crochet Sweater For Kids Easy Crochet Pattern Pattern Notes

• the classic crochet pullover is worked from the top of the sweater down in raglan style
• the pattern starts with creating a foundation single crochet row instead of a standard chain to allow for stretchiness of the neckline
• the child sweater has an opening on the side which is fastened with buttons to make dressing and undressing your little one easier
• the first rows are worked in rows rather than rounds to alllow for the neck opening
• after the first few rows the yoke is then joined into a continuous round
• you will need to turn after completing each round of the yoke to preserve the look of the stitches
• the yoke is worked in herringbone half double crochet stitch
• the raglan yoke is increased at 4 different points as in classic raglan sweaters
• the yoke is then split into main body and two arm holes for the sleeves
• both the main body and the sleeves are then worked in continuous rounds without turning with right sides facing
• the sleeves are not tapered, they are worked in straight tube, so the sleeve length is completely customisable
• main body and sleeves are finished off with a round of reverse single crochet stitch or the crab stitch worked backward in the opposite direction, place stitch marker in first sc to mark the beginning the children’s sweater pattern is suitable for a little girl too

Free Crochet Sweater Pattern For Kids Written Step-By-Step Instructions

Crochet Sweater Yoke

Start with creating 54 fsc with 5.5 mm hook size, turn.

Row 1: 2 ch (does not count as a stitch here and throughout), starting in the same st as beginning 2 ch work 2 Hhdc in first st, 11 Hhdc, 2 ch, 15 Hhdc, 2 ch, 12 Hhdc, 2 ch, 14 Hhdc, 2 Hhdc in last st, turn. [56 Hhdc, three 2 ch-sps]

Row 2: 2 ch, 2 Hhdc in first st, * 1 Hhdc in each st across to next 2 ch-sp, (1 Hhdc, 2 ch, 1 Hhdc) in next 2 ch-sp; repeat from * 3 times, 1 Hhdc in each st across to last st, 2 Hhdc in last st, turn. [64 Hhdc, three 2 ch-sps]

Row 3 – 5: repeat Row 2 [88 Hhdc, three 2 ch-sps]

Rnd 6: 2 ch, * 1 Hhdc in each st across to next 2 ch-sp, (1 Hhdc, 2 ch, 1 Hhdc) in next 2 ch-sp; repeat from * 3 times, 1 Hhdc in each st across to last, 2 ch, sl st into top of first Hhdc, turn.  [94 Hhdc, four 2 ch-sps]

Rnd 7: sl st into 1st 2 ch-sp, 4 ch (counts as 1st Hhdc + 2 ch), 1 Hhdc in same 2 ch-sp; * 1 Hhdc in each st across to next 2 ch-sp, (1 Hhdc, 2 ch, 1 Hhdc) in next 2 ch-sp; repeat from * 3 times, sl st to 2nd ch of beginning 4 ch, turn. [102 Hhdc, four 2 ch-sps]

Rnd 8: 2 ch, * 1 Hhdc in each st across to next 2 ch-sp, (1 Hhdc, 2 ch, 1 Hhdc) in next 2 ch-sp; repeat from * 4 times, sl st to top of first Hhdc, turn. [110 Hhdc, four 2 ch-sps]

Repeat Rnd 8 another 4 times. [142 Hhdc, four 2 ch-sps]

Fasten off.

Splitting The Sweater Yoke Detailed Instructions

With the yoke laid out in front of you, join yarn in the 2 ch-sp on the opposite side to the neckline split. See the graphic below.

Next Rnd: 2 ch, 1 hdc in same 2 ch-sp, 1 hdc blo across the front panel until next 2 ch-sp, 1 hdc into 2 ch-sp, chain 0 (1, 3, 5) sts, miss next 34 sts for the sleeve, 1 hdc into next 2 ch-sp,  1 hdc blo across the back panel until next 2 ch-sp, 1 hdc into 2 ch-sp, chain 0 (1, 3, 5) sts, sl st into top of first hdc. [78 hdc, 0 (2, 2, 2) ch-sps]

Main Body

Rnd 1 (6 mths size only): 2 ch, 1 hdc blo around, sl st to top of first hdc. [78 hdc]

Rnd one 12, 18, 24 mths only: 2 ch, * 1 hdc blo across until next ch-sp, 1 hdc into each ch st of the ch-sp (working through the loops rather than over the chain); repeat from * twice, sl st into top of first hdc. [80 (84, 88) hdc]

Rnd 2 (all sizes): 2 ch, 1 hdc blo around, sl st totop of first hdc. [78 (80, 84, 88) hdc]

Repeat Rnd another 13 (15, 16, 17) times or until you reach desired length.

Last Rnd: 1 ch (doesn’t count as a st), 1 rev sc around, sl st to first st. Fasten off.

Sleeve (repeat for noth sides)

Join yarn is the first missed stitch of the sleeve.

Row 1: 2 ch, 1 Hhdc across all stitches of the armhole opening, turn. [34 Hhdc]

Row 2: 2 ch, 1 Hhdc across, turn. [34 Hhdc]

Repeat Row 2 another 13 (15, 16, 17) times or until you reach desired length.

Last Rnd: 1 ch (doesn’t count as a st), 1 rev sc around, sl st to first st. Fasten off.

Neck Split Opening

Join yarn around the end Hhdc on the sleeve side of the opening. You will be working around the end sts of each row of the split opening. You will create button loops for the fastening on the front panel side.

Row 1: 1 ch (doesn’t count as a at), work 2 sc around each end st of one side until you reach the bottom of the V opening (10 sc), continue working up the other side as follows – 2 sc around first st, 1 sc around next st, 5 ch, 1 sc around the same st, 2 sc around the next st, 1 sc around next st, 5 ch, 1 sc around the same st, 2 sc around the last st.

Fasten off. Sew two small buttons on the opposite (sleeve) side in corresponding spaces to the button loops.

Crochet Sweater For Kids Neckline

Join yarn on the underside of the first fsc stitch to work around the neckline opening.

Row 1: 1 ch (doesn’t count as a st), work 1 rev sc across each fsc of the neckline.

Fasten off.

Finishing Instructions

Sew in all ends. Lightly block to dimesnions if necessary.

6 mths size only – fold the sleeves in half and wrong side out and sew them up.

12, 18, 24 mths sizes only – the sleeves on the larger sizes are slightly set in due to the extending chain used to increase the chest circumference stitch count.

First, lay the sweater out flat, line up the extra stitches of the extending chain of the chest with the sleeve.

Sew one side of the sleeve to the extending chain of the front of the chest first, then repeat on the the other side for the back. Then fold the sleeve in half and sew it up down to the cuff.

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Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this crochet sweater for kids pattern. I have more free crochet patterns that you might enjoy right here on the blog.

If you are looking for more makes for the little ones check out my Meadowside Baby Blanket.

I have also designed all in one no sew Theo Bunny Toy. And if you love cute bunnies, check out FREE Crochet Hooded Bunny Blanket Pattern For Kids.

And because you can never have too mane, here is Sea Ripple Baby Blanket.

Also take a look at 10 Free Baby Crochet Pattern Ideas or Practical Crochet Baby Vest For Premature Babies – Free Pattern if you are expecting or know someone who is! These patterns are super cute!

If you enjoyed this pattern, you might also like these:

1. Free Crochet Hooded Bear Sweater Pattern For Kids
2. Matilda Girls Crochet Dress – FREE crochet pattern
3. Free Crochet Cardigan For Girls – Frances Cardigan Pattern
4. Adorable Free Crochet Hat Pattern For Babies
5. Free Child Crochet Hooded Vest Pattern

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