Four small granny squares form the yoke of this adorable tiny sweater! Fits preemie 2 size, and is quick to crochet up in a dk weight yarn. Use color changing yarn as I did here for extra visual punch!
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This sweater is part of the Preemie Crochet Challenge 2025 sponsored by Sunflower Cottage Crochet. There are 30 patterns total as part of the challenge, and each will offer a free PDF for at least 24 hours. Each download is a pledge by the crocheter to make an item to donate. I have participated in this challenge for several years and it is one of my favorites. Click the buttons below to check out the round-up post at Sunflower Cottage, or to download my free PDF via Ravelry.
Finished Size: Preemie 2, 14” chest, 6” length
Materials: Approximately 125 yds/40g DK weight yarn (CYCA 3, Light). Model shown in Herrschners Sweet Swirls (100% acrylic; 200g; 612 yds) in Little Lullaby #0002
Crochet hook size H/8/5.00mm or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry or yarn needle
Gauge: 7 sts x 6 rows (3 dc rows + 3 sc rows) = 2” in pattern st for Body
Notes:
Ch-3 counts as 1 dc.
Abbreviations:
Beg – beginning
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Rep – repeat
Rnd – round
Sc – single crochet
Sl st – slip stitch
Sp(s)- space(s)
Cardigan:
Granny Square: Make 4:
Ch 4, join withsl st in first ch to make a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times. Join rnd with sl st in top of beg-ch-3. 12 dc + 4 ch-2 sps
Rnd 2: Ch 3, [dc in each dc to corner ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp] 4 times, dc in each of next 2 dc. Join rnd with sl st in top of beg-ch-3. 28 dc + 4 ch-2 sps
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st as rnd join, (sc in each dc across to corner ch-2 sp, 3 sc in corner ch-2 sp) 4 times, sc in each of next 2 dc. Join rnd with sl st in top of first sc. End off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly:
Using remaining tails and a whip stitch, arrange four granny squares in a square formation. Stitch 2 together, side by side for the back yoke, (the remaining 2 granny squares are the fronts) stitch one front to each back square, beginning at the outer edged and working halfway across. Fold back each inner corner to the center opening of its square and tack down if desired. Weave in ends.
Body:
Working across the bottom edge of the assembled yoke, with RS facing join yarn with a standing dc on the center sc of the 3 in the corner.
Row 1: Dc in each sc across working all the way around to the center sc of the last corner, and making sure to work in the center scs at the center back seam (see video if you need to make modifications!). Ch 1, turn. 45 dc
Row 2: Sc in each dc across. Ch 3, turn.
Row 3: Dc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 4 – 8: Rep Rows 2 – 3 twice, then Row 2 once more. End off.
Sleeves: Make 2:
With RS facing you, join yarn with sl st in bottom most st of the granny square at the armhole opening. It will be the front granny square on the left sleeve and the back granny square on the right sleeve.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc in each st across both granny squares of the armhole opening. Join with sl st in top of beg-ch-3. Ch 1, turn. 22 sc
Rnd 2: Sc in each dc around. Join rnd with sl st in first sc. Ch 1, turn.
Rnd 3: Sl st in next sc, ch 3, dc in each sc around. Join with sl st in top of beg-ch-3. Ch 1, turn.
Rnds 4 – 8: Rep Rnds 2 – 3 twice then Rnd 2 once more. End off.
Finishing:
Using the yarn tail and tapestry needle, close up the underarm gap with a couple of tack stitches.
Work a sc edging between bottom corner of center front opening and start of granny square.
Check with the place you are donating about closures! You can leave as is, use a flat button, or perhaps a tie but different venues have different policies. You do not want to create a choking hazard or anything that could become tangled.
Weave in all ends.