purlJam

**Baby Sweater Pattern: Top Down Raglan**

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

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**Materials:**

- Yarn: Sport weight (approx. 200g)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Buttons (3-5 small)

**Tension:**

- 22 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4 in x 4 in) in treble crochet (tr) using a 4.0 mm hook.

**Abbreviations:**

- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet (US: sc)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- tr: treble crochet (US: dc)
- tr2tog: treble two stitches together
- inc: increase (2 tr in the same st)
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side

**Finished Measurements:**

Sizes are given in the following order: Newborn (0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months).

- Chest circumference: 38 (41, 44, 48, 52) cm [15 (16, 17, 19, 20) in]
- Body length from shoulder: 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) cm [8 (8.5, 9.5, 10, 11) in]
- Sleeve length from underarm: 12 (13, 15, 17, 19) cm [5 (5.5, 6, 6.5, 7.5) in]

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**Instructions:**

**Neckband:**

1. Ch 54 (58, 62, 66, 70), join with a sl st to form a ring being careful not to twist. (This counts as the neck circumference approximately).

**Yoke:**

1. Round 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), tr in each st around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. Place markers after every 13 (14, 15, 16, 17) sts to indicate raglan increases (4 markers total with equal spacing).

2. Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *tr to marker, (tr, ch 1, tr) in marked st; rep from * around, join with sl st.

3. Round 3: Ch 3, tr in each st to ch-1 sp, *(tr, ch 1, tr) in ch-1 sp, tr in each st to next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st.

4. Rep Round 3 until yoke measures 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) cm [3.5 (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5) in] from neckband.

**Divide for Body and Sleeves:**

1. Continue working in established pattern, transfer sts between raglan markers to holders for sleeves: Work to first marker, remove sts between first and second markers to holder, continue working back body, move sts from third marker to fourth marker to holder, continue to end.

**Body:**

1. Work in tr in established pattern until body measures 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) cm [8 (8.5, 9.5, 10, 11) in] from shoulder.
2. Fasten off.

**Sleeves (Work Two):**

1. Rejoin yarn to sts held for one sleeve.
2. Round 1: Ch 3, tr in each st around, join with sl st.
3. Round 2: Ch 3, tr around, reducing 1 st by working one tr2tog in the first row and then every 4 rows for shaping until sleeve measures 12 (13, 15, 17, 19) cm [5 (5.5, 6, 6.5, 7.5) in] or desired length.
4. Fasten off. 

**Finishing:**

1. Sew buttons evenly along the length of the front right opening, ensuring placement aligns with gap in tr for buttonholes.
2. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
3. Block gently to measurements.

**Helpful Tips:**

- Use stitch markers to track increases and decreases.
- Try the sweater on the baby as you go for the best fit.
- Keep the neckband moderately tight to avoid over-stretching.

This pattern provides a cosy yet flexible fit for an active baby and showcases a darling top-down raglan style suitable for any beginner's wardrobe. Enjoy your crafting, and may your creation keep little ones warm and stylish!