Crochet Henley Toddler Sweater

Stitch a classic, cozy wardrobe staple with this versatile crochet Henley sweater pattern, sized from newborn up to toddler.

Have you ever looked at those tiny, store-bought knit sweaters and thought, "I wish I could make that"? I certainly have. There is something incredibly magical about dressing a little one in a handmade garment that you poured your love into.

But let's be honest.

Crocheting children's garments can feel incredibly intimidating. Many makers worry about complicated sizing, fussy sleeve seams, or getting stuck on complex shaping. I used to avoid sweaters entirely because the thought of sewing pieces together made me break out in a sweat.

That is why raglan construction is an absolute game-changer.

By working from the top down, the armholes shape themselves naturally as you go. No sewing separate front and back panels, and no scary assembly at the end.

Today, we are tackling a classic Henley-style pullover featuring a gorgeous houndstooth texture. If you have been wanting to try your hand at garments, this project is the perfect stepping stone before diving into adult sizes like the Rune Oversized Pullover.

For this design, I chose a wonderfully soft worsted weight yarn that gives the fabric a beautiful, fluid drape. The combination of simple stitches creates a dense but flexible fabric that can keep up with active toddlers. Let's grab our hooks and get started!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Seamless Construction: Top-down raglan design means zero seaming for the main body.
• Easy Dressing: The classic Henley button neck makes it easy to slip over busy toddlers' heads.
• Stunning Texture: The houndstooth pattern looks intricate but uses basic stitches.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Medium / Size 4) yarn. Lion Brand Basic Stitch (185 yards per skein) is highly recommended. You will need a main color (referred to as brown in the instructions) and a contrasting color (referred to as cream).
• Hook: Size H (5mm) for the main body and size G (4mm) for the ribbed cuffs and hem.
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, and 3/4-inch (19mm) wooden buttons (2 buttons for sizes up to 6-12 months, 3 buttons for larger sizes).
• Yardage:
  • 0-3 months: 1.5 skeins of main color, 70 yards of contrasting color.
  • 3-6 months: 1.5 skeins of main color, 100 yards of contrasting color.
  • 6-12 months: 2 skeins of main color, 1 skein of contrasting color.
  • 12-24 months: 2 skeins of main color, 1 skein of contrasting color.
  • 2T: 3 skeins of main color, 1.5 skeins of contrasting color.
  • 3/4T: 3 skeins of main color, 1.5 skeins of contrasting color.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 13.5 double crochet stitches = 4 inches using the larger H (5mm) hook.
• Sizes included: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, 2T, and 3/4T.
• Finished measurements: Designed with 3 to 4 inches of positive ease.
  • 0-3 months: 9" chest width, 11" length.
  • 3-6 months: 9.5" chest width, 12" length.
  • 6-12 months: 10.5" chest width, 13" length.
  • 12-24 months: 11" chest width, 14" length.
  • 2T: 12" chest width, 14.5" length.
  • 3/4T: 13" chest width, 15" length.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• WS / RS: Wrong Side / Right Side.
• ch / sl st / sc / dc: Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet.
• cl (Cluster): Yarn over, insert hook in specified stitch/space and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over, insert hook in same stitch/space, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Yarn over, pull through all 3 remaining loops.
• hdc2tog (Half Double Crochet Decrease): Yarn over, insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
• sc2tog (Single Crochet Decrease): Insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in following stitch, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• fphdc / bphdc (Front Post / Back Post Half Double Crochet): Worked around the post of the stitch from the previous row rather than into the top loops.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The yoke is worked flat to create the front opening, while the body and sleeves are worked in the round.
• Tension Tip: Keep your slip stitches loose when finishing the collar and button bands to prevent the edges from puckering.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the length of the body or sleeves by adding or subtracting rounds before starting the ribbing sections.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes 0-3 Months and 3-6 Months

Yoke (Both Sizes)

Row 1: Ch 51 with main color. 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc). 1 dc in next 5 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 7 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 17 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 7 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in remaining 7 chs. Place a marker on this side to indicate RS. Turn. (45 dc + 8 cl + 8 chs)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc here and throughout yoke). 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 7 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 9 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 19 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 9 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 7 sts. 1 dc on top of beginning ch 3. Turn. (53 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 3: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 8 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 21 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 9 sts. Turn. (61 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 4: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 9 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 13 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 23 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 13 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 10 sts. Turn. (69 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 5: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 10 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 15 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 25 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 15 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 11 sts. Turn. (77 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 6: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 17 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 27 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 17 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 12 sts. Turn. (85 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Armhole Row (0-3 Months Only)

Row 7: Ch 1. 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in next 12 sts. 1 sc in ch-2 space between clusters. Skip next 19 sts up to next ch-2 loop. 1 sc in next ch-2 space. 1 sc in next 29 sts. 1 sc in next ch-2 space. Skip next 19 sts up to next ch-2 loop. 1 sc in ch-2 space. 1 sc in next 13 sts. Do not turn or fasten off. Proceed to Button Band.

Yoke Continued (3-6 Months Only)

Row 7: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 12 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 19 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 29 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 19 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 13 sts. Turn. (93 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 8 (Armhole): Ch 1. 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in next 13 sts. 1 sc in next ch-2 space. Skip next 21 sts up to next ch-2 loop. 1 sc in next ch-2 space. 1 sc in next 31 sts. 1 sc in next ch-2 space. Skip next 21 sts up to next ch-2 loop. 1 sc in ch-2 space. 1 sc in next 14 sts. Do not turn or fasten off.

Button Band (0-3 Months & 3-6 Months)

Ensure sweater is right side out. Button band is worked bottom-up along the left front opening.

Row 1: Ch 1 at corner, work sc sts evenly distributed up to the neck. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off.

Buttonhole Band (0-3 Months & 3-6 Months)

Worked top-down along the right front opening.

Row 1: Sl st to top right corner of neck opening. Work sc sts evenly distributed down to the bottom. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. Ch 1 for buttonhole, skip 1 st. 1 sc in each st until halfway down the band. Ch 1 for buttonhole, skip 1 st. 1 sc in remaining sts to end. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st and ch space across. Fasten off.

Sizes 6-12 Months and 12-24 Months

Yoke (Both Sizes)

Row 1: Ch 56 with main color. 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc). 1 dc in next 6 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 8 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 18 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 8 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in remaining 8 chs. Place marker on RS. Turn. (50 dc + 8 cl + 8 chs)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc). 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 8 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 10 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 20 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 10 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 8 sts. 1 dc on top of beginning ch 3. Turn. (58 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 3: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 9 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 12 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 22 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 12 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 10 sts. Turn. (66 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 4: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 10 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 14 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 24 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 14 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 11 sts. Turn. (74 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 5: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 16 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 26 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 16 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 12 sts. Turn. (82 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 6: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 12 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 18 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 28 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 18 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 13 sts. Turn. (90 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 7: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 13 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 20 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 30 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 20 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 14 sts. Turn. (98 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 8: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 14 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 22 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 32 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 22 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 15 sts. Turn. (106 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Armhole Row (6-12 Months Only)

Row 9: Ch 1. 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in next 15 sts. Bring next two ch-2 loops together and work 1 sc through both spaces to join (skipping 24 sts for armhole). 1 sc in next 34 sts. Bring next two ch-2 loops together and work 1 sc through both spaces at once. 1 sc in next 16 sts. Do not turn or fasten off.

Yoke Continued (12-24 Months Only)

Row 9: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 15 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 24 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 34 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 24 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in remaining 16 sts. Turn. (114 dc + 8 cl + 8 chs)

Row 10 (Armhole): Ch 1. 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in next 16 sts. Bring next two ch-2 loops together and work 1 sc through both spaces at once to join (skipping 26 sts for armhole). 1 sc in next 36 sts. Bring next two ch-2 loops together and work 1 sc through both spaces at once. 1 sc in next 17 sts. Fasten off. (72 sc)

Button Band (6-12 Months & 12-24 Months)

Ensure RS is facing. Worked bottom-up along left front opening.

Row 1: Sl st to left bottom corner. Work sc sts evenly distributed up to neck. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off.

Buttonhole Band (6-12 Months & 12-24 Months)

Worked top-down along right front opening.

Row 1: Sl st to top right corner of neck opening. Work sc sts evenly distributed down. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. Ch 1 for buttonhole, skip 1 st. 1 sc in each st until 1/4 inch before middle of band. Ch 1 for buttonhole, skip 1 st. 1 sc in each st to last 3 sts. Ch 1 for buttonhole, skip 1 st. 1 sc in last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st and ch space across. Fasten off.

Sizes 2T and 3/4T

Yoke (Both Sizes)

Row 1: Ch 59 with main color. 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc). 1 dc in next 6 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 9 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 19 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in next 9 chs. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch. 1 dc in remaining 8 chs. Place marker on RS. Turn. (53 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc). 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 8 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 21 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 8 sts. 1 dc on top of beginning ch 3. Turn. (61 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 3: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 9 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 13 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 23 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 13 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 10 sts. Turn. (69 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 4: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 10 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 15 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 25 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 15 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 11 sts. Turn. (77 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 5: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 11 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 17 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 27 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 17 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 12 sts. Turn. (85 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 6: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 12 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 19 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 29 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 19 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 13 sts. Turn. (93 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 7: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 13 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 21 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 31 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 21 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 14 sts. Turn. (101 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 8: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 14 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 23 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 33 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 23 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 15 sts. Turn. (109 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Row 9: Ch 2. 1 dc in same st as ch 2. 1 dc in next 15 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 25 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 35 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 25 sts. (cl, ch 2, cl) in next ch-2 sp. 1 dc in next 16 sts. Turn. (117 dc + 8 cl + 8 ch)

Armhole Row

Row 10: Ch 1. 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in next 16 sts. Bring next two ch-2 loops together and work 1 sc through both spaces at once to join (skipping 27 sts for armhole). 1 more sc in second ch space. 1 sc in next 37 sts. 1 sc in next ch-2 space. Bring next ch-2 loop close and work 1 sc through both spaces at once. 1 sc in next 17 sts. Fasten off. (75 sc)

Button Band & Buttonhole Band

Follow the same instructions as the 12-24 months size to work the button band and buttonhole band along the front opening.

Sleeves (All Sizes)

Note: Sleeve stitch counts are written as 0-3m (3-6m) [6-12m (12-24m)].

Round 1: Sl st to base of armhole. Ch 1 (does not count as st). Work 1 dc (or 1 cl for sizes 6-12m and 12-24m) in adjacent ch space or gap. 1 dc in next 19 (21) [24 (26)] sts. 1 dc (or 1 cl for sizes 6-12m and 12-24m) in next ch space or gap near base of armhole. 1 dc at base of armhole (for smaller sizes). Sl st to first st. Turn. Total: 23 (25) [26 (28)] sts.

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc). 1 dc in same st as beginning ch 2. 1 dc in each st across. Sl st to first dc. Turn.

Repeat Round 2 until sleeve measures 4.5 (5) [6 (6)] inches from armhole base.

Decrease Round: Ch 2 (does not count as hdc). 1 hdc in same st as beginning ch 2. 1 hdc in each st across to last 2 sts. hdc2tog across last 2 sts. Sl st to first hdc. Turn. Total: 22 (24) [26 (28)] sts. (Note: for 6-12m and 12-24m, work 1 hdc in each st across to end without decrease, total 26 (28) sts).

Ribbing Round 1: Switch to 4mm hook. Ch 2 (counts as bphdc). 1 fphdc in next st. *(1 bphdc in next st, 1 fphdc in next st). Repeat from * to end. Sl st to top of beginning ch 2.

Ribbing Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as bphdc). 1 fphdc in next fphdc. *(1 bphdc in next bphdc, 1 fphdc in next fphdc). Repeat from * to end. Sl st to top of beginning ch 2. Fasten off (for 0-3m, 3-6m, and 6-12m). For 12-24m, repeat Round 2 once more without turning, then fasten off.

Collar (All Sizes)

Row 1: Switch back to H (5mm) hook. Sl st to top of button band between 3rd and 4th rows (approx 3/4 inch from edge). 1 sc in same point. 1 sc on top of 4th row of band. Distribute sc sts evenly around neck edge. When reaching a ch space, sc2tog across space and next point. Stop at top of buttonhole band between 3rd and 4th rows (approx 3/4 inch from edge). Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st). 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each st across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until collar reaches desired height (5 rows total for smaller sizes, 6 rows total for larger sizes). Fasten off.

Finishing Collar: Sl st from bottom left corner of button band all the way up, along collar edge, and down right buttonhole band to the bottom. Fasten off.

Body of the Sweater (All Sizes)

Note: Change colors every round without fastening off. Simply drop the unused color to pick up on the next round.

Round 1: With main color (brown) and H (5mm) hook, sl st under left armhole on RS. Work toward front opening. 1 sc in same st as sl st. 1 sc in each st to button band. Overlap buttonhole band over button band and work 4 sc through both layers. 1 sc in junction of band and sweater. 1 sc in each st across to end (for larger sizes, work 2 sc in next st at midback to adjust count). Sl st to first sc. Pull contrasting color (cream) through loop, tug main color to disappear. Ch 1 with cream. Turn. Total: 64 (68) [74 (78)] sc.

Round 2 (Cream Round - worked on inside): 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 dc in next st. *(1 sc in next st, 1 dc in next st). Repeat from * to end. Bring main color inside. Sl st to first sc. Pull main color through loop, tug cream to disappear. Ch 1 with main color. Turn.

Round 3 (Main Color Round - worked on outside): 1 dc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in next st. *(1 dc in next st, 1 sc in next st). Repeat from * to end. Bring contrasting color inside. Sl st to first dc. Pull contrasting color through loop, tug main color to disappear. Ch 1 with contrasting color. Turn.

Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until sweater measures 10 (11) [11.5 (12.5)] inches long, ending with a main color round. Switch to 4mm hook.

Bottom Ribbing Round 1: With 4mm hook and main color (fasten off contrasting color), ch 2 (counts as bhdc). 1 fphdc in next st. *(1 bphdc in next st, 1 fphdc in next st). Repeat from * to end. Sl st to top of beginning ch 2. Do not turn.

Bottom Ribbing Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as bphdc). 1 fphdc in next fphdc. *(1 bphdc in next bphdc, 1 fphdc in next fphdc). Repeat from * to end. Sl st to top of beginning ch 2. Do not turn. (Repeat Round 2 once more for larger sizes). Fasten off.

Finishing: Weave in any remaining tails. Sew buttons onto the button band to align with the buttonholes.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Solid Color Classic: Skip the color changes in the body and work the entire sweater in a single solid shade for a minimalist, modern look.
• Striped Sleeves: Add sporty stripes to the sleeves by alternating colors every 4 rounds.
• Contrasting Ribbing: Use your contrasting color for all the ribbing sections (cuffs, collar, and bottom hem) to make them pop.
• Button Upgrades: Swap the wooden buttons for playful animal-shaped buttons or bright primary colors.
• Color Ideas: Try a classic navy and white combo for a nautical vibe, or forest green and mustard yellow for autumn.
• Yarn Substitutions: Any soft worsted weight acrylic or wool blend will work beautifully. Look for yarns with good spring and stitch definition.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The button bands are wavy or puckered.
  Fix: This usually happens if your single crochet stitches are too tight or too loose along the raw edge. Try adjusting your stitch count—if it's wavy, you have too many stitches; if it's pulling, you have too few.
• Problem: The collar doesn't lay flat.
  Fix: Make sure you are working the sc2tog decreases across the chain spaces at the neck edge. This helps pull the collar inward so it hugs the neck nicely.
• Problem: The houndstooth pattern looks misaligned.
  Fix: Double-check that you are working single crochets into the double crochets of the previous row, and double crochets into the single crochets. If you get off track, the pattern will look jumbled.
• Problem: The sleeves are too tight.
  Fix: Ensure your slip stitches at the end of each sleeve round aren't pulled too tight, as this can restrict the stretch of the fabric.

Care Instructions

To keep this handmade treasure looking its best, wash it by hand in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid hanging the sweater, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch out the shoulders and ruin the beautiful raglan shape.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like seeing a little one run around in a cozy sweater you made with your own two hands. Don't let the raglan shaping scare you—once you get past the yoke, it is smooth sailing! If you enjoy making garments for little ones, you might also love trying the Baby Boy Cardigan Pattern, Huckleberry Cardigan next. Happy crocheting, my friends!