When writing our Christmas in July extravaganza on “Nana’s favorite” site, I came across these cute little toddler cardigans for my cute little grandsons. Perfect for Christmas, I purchased my yarn and started to make the first of my Christmas list.
Problem was..no buttons or zipper. Question is..how to add them. Answer is….read this post!!
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The toddler cardigans pattern
Flipping through some old magazines, I found this awesome Branson cardigan pattern in Crochet Magazine Winter 2016 edition. A digital copy of this issue is still available for purchase HERE.
It would be perfect for both grandsons as the pattern comes in Sizes 2 to 8. I needed a Size 2 and 4.
The yarn
The cardigans are crocheted using a worsted weight (Size 4) yarn. To make the toddler cardigans as per the pattern, you will need 2 skeins of Dark Grey, 1 skein of Light Grey and 1 skein of blue.
Personally, I did not not like the blue so I made my cardigans in only two colors. I absolutely love Paintbox yarns and ordered 2 skeins of main color and 2 skeins of coordinating color (for stripes and trim) of Paintbox Yarn Simply Aran.
For the first cardigan, I used Slate Grey and Midnight Blue. The second was made with Slate Green and Granite Grey. Paintbox yarns come in 55 different shades so you can customize your cardigan as you wish. To read my review on this yarn, click here.
Crocheting the toddler cardigans
These cardigans were very easy to make and use a basic Half Double Crochet stitch, however, knowledge of how to change colors is necessary.
You may notice on the blue cardigan that I added an additional stripe of blue near the bottom of the cardigan. If you like the look and want to add a stripe to your cardigan, you can easily adapt the pattern. Here’s how. With 1-1/2″ remaining on your length, crochet two rows in your striped color. Then switch back to your main color for four more rows before starting edging.
When the cardigans were complete, I wanted a way for the cardigans to close. I could simply add buttons or a zipper but I did not care for the look of the unfinished edges at the center fronts. So I added a button and buttonhole band to match the trim on the bottom and cuffs.
ADDING A BUTTON AND BUTTONHOLE BAND
BUTTON BAND
ROW 1 – On the right side of the cardigan front (left for girls) attach yarn using a slip stitch at the bottom of the edging. Slip stitch again into first row, single crochet into next row, then half double crochet in each row of the front until you have 2 rows remaining. Single crochet in next row, then slip stitch in the top row. Turn.
ROW 2 – Slip stitch in first stitch, SC in next, HDC in next, then start your ribbing. Front post half double crochet (FPHDC) in next stitch followed by a Back post half double crochet (BPHDC) in following stitch. Continue until 3 stitches remain. HDC in next stitch, SC in next and slip stitch in last stitch. Turn.
ROW 3 – Slip stitch in first stitch, SC in next, HDC in next, then continue the ribbing. FPHDC over previous row BPHDC followed by a BPHDC in previous FPHDC. Continue until 3 stitches remain. HDC in next stitch, SC in next and slip stitch in last stitch. Finish off.
Sew on 3/4″ buttons, spacing them as desired.
BUTTONHOLE BAND
To create the buttonhole band, crochet ROW 1 as per the button band. Line up the two front sections and using stitch markers, mark where you would like the buttonholes placed.
ROW 2 – Start the same as row 2 of the button band, however, when you reach EACH stitch marker, Chain 2 (CH2), then skip 2 stitches, continue in ribbing ending with HDC, SC and slip stitch in last 3 stitches.
ROW 3 – Start the same as row 3 of the button band. When you reach a CH2 space, make 2 half double crochets into the space, then continue the ribbing. End with the HDC, SC and Slip stitch into last 3 stitches. Fasten off.
TA DA! You are done
ADDING A ZIPPER
To add a zipper to your cardigan, crochet a button band on BOTH front edges. Purchase an open-end zipper approximately 1″ shorter than the band. Sew one part of your zipper to the right band starting approximately 1/2″ from the top edge. I recommend basting before you sew to avoid stretching the edging. Lay out the cardigan and match the left zipper placement. Sew the remaining half of the zipper to the left band.
I hope my grandsons love their new toddler cardigans. I would love to see how you made yours at #whatsnanamaking2019 @whatsnanamaking2019. Tell me about it or ask me a question below. And don’t forget to share!!
