Dare to Make It: Holiday

Announcing the Dare to Make It! Baby Hoodie Crochet-Along

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Linda Permann, contributor

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Start by crocheting a gauge swatch. It should measure 4 inches square.

Linda Permann

Half double crochet across each row until it measures the indicated length.

Linda Permann

Begin shaping the armholes by slip-stitching in the first 4 chains of the indicated row.

Linda Permann

Start by crocheting a gauge swatch. It should measure 4 inches square.

Photo: Linda Permann

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If your swatch is much bigger, go down a hook size or two. If your swatch is much smaller, go up a hook size or two. You'll need to make a new swatch with the new hook size to ensure it's correct. If you work several swatches and just can't get it to measure up, you may need to switch yarns.

Once you're certain you've got the right gauge, go through and mark up the pattern to make the crocheting easy. Choose a size (6 months, 12 months, etc.) and read through the pattern. Circle all of the numbers that correspond to your pattern size. For instance, I am making the 6-month-sized hoodie, so on Back/Foundation Row, I circled 39. Do this for any number reference in the pattern.

Step 3: Begin the Back
Referencing the pattern, chain the appropriate number for your size and repeat rows of half double crochet.

Half double crochet across each row until the piece measures the indicated length.

Remember, a half double crochet is: yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops on the hook.

When your piece measures the indicated length from the beginning (6-1/2 inches, in my case), proceed to the "Shape Armholes" instructions.

Step 4: Shape Armholes

Begin shaping the armholes by slip-stitching in the first 4 chains of the indicated row.

To make a slipstitch, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop, then draw that loop through the yarn on your hook.

When you reach the fifth stitch of the row, ch 2 and hdc into the stitch. You will notice this creates a little stair-step on the piece. Later, the sleeves will be attached here.

Continue to hdc across the row, leaving the last 4 stitches unworked.

The row you just completed was the shaping row—not so bad, was it? Turn the work, and continue making rows of hdc until the shaped section measures the indicated length from the beginning of the section (4-1/2 inches for my 6-month-sized sweater).

Double-check the measurements against the pattern.

Step 5: Fasten off

Finally, you'll need to fasten off so the piece won't unravel.

To fasten off, cut an 8-inch tail, then yarn over and pull the tail completely through the last loop on your hook.

Next week, we'll move on to the Front pieces. Please comment if you're playing along, and post pics or links to your progress. Feel free to mention the Crochet-Along on forums or blogs, too—everyone is welcome!

Note: For easy reference for those of you just joining, here's the pattern we're using: Sweet Baby Hoodie. If you need to catch up, click over to: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, and Week 4, and Week 5.

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See more of my projects on my personal blog, and look for my new book, Crochet Adorned, in stores August 11, 2009.

View 4 member project galleries

Crochet-a-long Baby...
AZwanKenobi

Baby Hoodie Week 1...
cirone

CrochetAlong...
DIYMaven

Crochet adventure ...
cirone

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Comments (20)

MKathleen writes: Your crochet-along is wonderful! I am a beginner who never tried making any garments before. I was confused by the instructions and abbreviations in the Bernat pattern directions, but your step by step with photos saved me. Thanks so much!
Posted: 5:21 am on January 13th

Derasia writes: Hi Linda, I just finished making all pieces for the baby hoodie sweater. I'm in the process of putting all the pieces together. The hood was a little frustrating @ first. But know it is done. Your tutorials really really helped a lot. Thank you so much. God bless you.

Posted: 9:54 am on February 17th

cuca writes: This is wonderful!! I've never made anything that you had to check your stitches and size. I started this yesterday and I'm making it for a friends niece who is 2 years old. I chose the 24 month size and wanted to know if that would be the same size for a 2T. I chose the Caron Symply Soft and and a smaller needle and my gauge seems to be working. There is no way I can measure the child since it a surprise gift but she is petit in size. Can you tell me if the 24 mo. would be a good size for a petit child of 2yrs.??
Posted: 7:16 pm on October 22nd

MichaelaMurphy writes: Yay Grandmacrochet! Good luck and please post a picture of your hoodie once you've made it.
Posted: 10:51 am on March 27th

Grandmacrochet writes: I just found this site and will start over the weekend.
The baby hoodie looks great! Wish me luck.
Posted: 7:42 pm on March 26th

sweetnightmare writes: Oooh okay, thanks so much.
Posted: 2:08 am on November 22nd

LindaPermann writes: sweetnightmare-- You should choose something with the CYCA 3 on the label to be on the safe side (you will probably have an easier time making gauge that way). The term 'worsted' actually falls into both categories 3 and 4 so I should have specified "light worsted". Make sure to work up a gauge swatch and change your hook size if you need to so that the end product will end up the correct size.
Posted: 9:34 pm on November 17th

sweetnightmare writes: Hi, I'm fairly new to crocheting. I'm a little confused about picking my yarn. You said that I could use a worsted weight yarn, I like usinig simply soft but that is a 4 medium and the yarn you are using and the one recommended is a 3 light yarn... so I'm just a little bit confused about how it can translate to a worsted weight yarn. Please explain this to me, I'd love to pick a yarn and begin making this for my newborn daughter!
Posted: 3:24 am on November 17th

LindaPermann writes: Thanks Bernie- Just 2 more days and it will be up (Wednesday)!
Posted: 4:52 pm on November 3rd

Bernie123 writes: Hi Linda,

I will wait patiently as I am so glad I have found your assistance. Thank you so much.

Bernie
Posted: 1:12 pm on November 3rd

LindaPermann writes: Hi Bernie-
I am posting a step by step on the hood next week-- can you wait until then? I think/hope that it will help you along. The hood was a bit confusing (but sewing everything together was definitely the most challenging).

Or if you can tell me where you are stuck (what row, etc) I can try to help now.

Posted: 3:41 pm on October 29th

Bernie123 writes: Linda,love the color you are using, have made everything but the hood, cannot figure it out, can you help me? This is the first time I am crocheting anything other than an afhgan.
Posted: 3:18 pm on October 27th

LindaPermann writes: Glad to have all of you joining in!
Posted: 2:02 pm on October 27th

AZwanKenobi writes: I'm almost done with the back piece. I joined late, so I'm catching up!
Posted: 11:25 am on October 27th

belleepoque writes: ok, i haven't made anything over than a crocheted hat before, so I'm in! just need to get some yarn (love that you're using Red Heart!). i might be a little behind but i'll be following along!
Posted: 12:03 pm on October 17th

LindaPermann writes: Cirone, that is great! Luckily most clothing designs are really just a bunch of different rectangles put together--once you realize that there's nothing you can't make!
Posted: 12:47 pm on October 16th

cirone writes: okay...i started! i think this is the first time i've crocheted since my son was born, and it'll be the first time i try something that's not a rectangle of some sort =)

once i figure out this gallery thing, i'll post up pictures of my progress.
Posted: 2:27 am on October 16th

LindaPermann writes: Cirone- If you get started now, you can make the 12 months size which should be perfect for winter (he can always grow into it!).

DIY Maven- Thanks for posting and joining. It would be great if you could post to the gallery too, as we go!
Posted: 4:22 pm on October 15th

DIYMaven writes: Hi Linda! I mentioned the crochet-along over on my blog on weebaby.com and will be posting my progress over there. Looking forward to getting started! My best, DIY Maven.
Posted: 3:23 pm on October 15th

cirone writes: How exciting! I've always wanted to try and make something more than just baby blankets and scarves. This will be fun to try on my 7 month old son as the winter comes =)
Posted: 11:26 am on October 15th

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