Crocheted Short Sleeved Cardigans

I am so excited to be back blogging after a couple of months of many activities.  Traveling, celebrations, family dinners, and preparing for holiday fairs  were engaging, but distracting.  I did manage to to do quite a bit of crocheting and knitting, but these projects were not new or educational for my blog.  When my daughter asked me to crochet a few more short sleeved cardigans for my granddaughter, I thought I might have the right content.  Several months ago I had fashioned a couple of these sweaters, but alas my granddaughter had outgrown one of them, and the other was not to be found.  These short sleeved sweaters work so well for my little one.  They keep her core warm, but allow her the freedom that long sleeves don't.  My daughter even uses them for naps or at night since my granddaughter kicks off the covers and wakes up when she is cold.

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Several months ago, I crocheted 2 versions of a Chevron Spring Baby Cardigan in  solid blue as well as in a two colored dusty pink and white.  As my our little girl is growing up, I knew I had to made the sweater bigger.  The largest size for the pattern was in 24 month with a 20 inch chest and an 11 inch length.  To enlarge the sweater I went up a hook size from H to I and added a couple of rows to the length.  The sweater was crocheted in pink, her favorite color.  The link is https://www.crochetforyoublog.com/2018/03/crochevron-spring-baby-cardigan.

Sweet Abby's Baby Sweater, published by Red Heart was crocheted in  aqua with a white trim.  The top was stitched in double crochet and the bottom was done in a 3 double crochet shell.  White shells separated the bodice from the bottom. As i was running short of the aqua, I added a couple or rows of white to the bottom.  As with the pink sweater I used a larger hook so that my two year old would be able to wear the sweater beyond the 24 month size.  The sweater was created without any seams. I was delighted that she agreed to pose and waved to show that she was in the sync with me.  I located the pattern on Pinterest.  Red Heart suggests using the Baby Hugs LIght, but I prefer the worsted (#4, ) for warmth.The Red Heart pattern number is LW5022, and the free pattern is an easy download.

The third pattern that I tried out will probably be used next year as it is a size 4.The Easy Way Down Crochet Cardigan (Crochet) was created by Yarnspirations. As the authors suggested it was crocheted with a varigated yarn. The top yoke was crocheted in a double crochet with V stitches to provide increases. The one piece yoke is divded into front, sleeve, back, sleeve, and front sections.  Since I found the instructions for the lower body confusing, I substituted my own version of a shell stitch. The bottom is crocheted in one piece. I crocheted around the entire edge for the trim.  Three stitches were placed in each corner.  A placket was stitched the length of the bodice to provide button holes and opposite rows.The authors provide a diagram to show how the cardigan should be constructed. 

I found two additional short sleeve cardigans that I am tempted to try with our new granddaughter who is expected before the end of December.  The Crochet Girls Short Cardigan (http://justcrochetblog/crochet-girls-short-cardigan) is crocheted in #3 DK or Light Worsted.  It is a lacy piece designed for 6 to 12 months. The Crochet LiLDarlin Baby Cardigan Pattern in multiple sizes goes from newborn to 24 months.  This Granny Stitch creation can be crocheted in solid or two toned styles.(https://www.crochetforyoublog.com/2016/09/crochet-lil-darlin-baby-cardigan-in-multiple-sizes)

When I started these projects, I never dreamed that these sweaters would get so much use.  I hope that my readers enjoy these sweaters as much as I have crocheting them.