Ice Cream Party Cardi, free children’s cardigan crochet pattern

This post includes:

◉ FREE Pattern: The entire written pattern for FREE.

◉ Video Tutorials: Helpful video tutorials going over special techniques needed for this pattern.

The Ice Cream Party Cardi is a simple and classic children’s cardigan. While the body uses a basic stitch, special care is given to the shoulder area for a good fit.

This cardigan is seamed, has a deep V-neck and a modified drop shoulder. Each piece is worked flat from the bottom up and mattress stitched together. After seaming, slip stitch ribbing is applied around the bottom, neckline, and sleeves of the cardigan.

Find a printer-friendly, PDF version of the Ice Cream Party Cardi at mandobug.com and on Ravelry.

The Cardi’s Construction

The Ice Cream Party Cardi is a seamed modified drop shoulder, deep V-neck cardigan. The cardigan consists of 5 pieces crocheted seperately and seamed together. Each piece is worked flat from the bottom up and mattress stitched together. You’ll create a back panel, a front left panel, a front right panel, and two sleeves. After seaming, slip stitch ribbing is applied around the bottom, neckline, and sleeves of the cardigan. I have created video tutorials going over how to assemble and mattress stitch the cardigan together. I also made tutorials for how to work the applied slip stitch ribbing and create the buttonholes along the front buttonband.

Choosing the Right Yarn

This project uses a category 4 medium worsted weight cotton acrylic blend. I used Lion Brand Ice Cream Cotton Blend which is now a discontinued yarn. The blend of cotton and acrylic adds an amazing drape to be desired for garments and the fiber content is an easy to care for blend that is machine washable. When looking for a substitute I recommend searching for an acrylic cotton blend such as theses yarns:

⊛ Mayflower Easy Care Classic Cotton Merino

⊛ Knit Picks Comfy Worsted

⊛ Caron Cotton Cakes

⊛ Plymouth Yarn Jeannee Worsted

And not to worry! If you’re not a fan of acrylic or cotton, this cardigan will work up wonderful in wool as well!

Ice Cream Party Cardi Details

Skill Level

Beginner (uses basic stitches and simple shaping)

Children’s Sizes

2, 4, 6 (8, 10, 12)

To Fit Bust Circumference

21, 22, 24 (27, 29, 30) inches

53.5, 56, 61 (69, 73.5, 76) centimeters

Finished Measurements

Designed to have 4” (10cm) of

positive ease.

A – Bust Circumference (closed)  

25, 26, 28 (31, 33, 34)”

63.5, 66, 71 (78.5, 83.5, 86.5) cm

B – Length (from center back)

15, 17.5, 19 (21, 21, 24)”

38, 44.5, 48.5 (53.5, 53.5, 61) cm

C – Upper Arm Circumference

10, 12, 14.5 (14.5, 14.5, 16.5)”

25.5, 30.5, 37 (37, 37, 42) cm

D – Wrist Circumference

7, 7, 7 (8, 8, 8)”

17.5, 17.5, 17.5 (20.5, 20.5, 20.5) cm

E – Sleeve Length

10.5, 12.5, 14.5 (15.5, 15.5, 17.5)”

26.7, 31.5, 37 (39.5, 39.5, 44.5) cm

Yarn Requirements

Worsted Weight (#4 Medium)

650, 845, 970 (1,210, 1,360, 1475) yards

595, 773, 887 (1,106, 1,244, 1,349) meters

Suggested Yarn

3, 4, 5 (6, 7, 7) skeins Lion Brand Ice Cream Cotton Blend, 53% Acrylic, 47% Cotton,  

225 yds (206 m) / 3.5 oz (100 g) (shown in color Strawberry)

Hooks

US size H-8 (5.0 mm) hook or size needed to obtain gauge for body.

US size J-10 (6.0 mm) hook for ribbing or hook 1.0 mm larger than hook used for body.

Notions

6 Size ¾” buttons

I used “You’re Sweet” buttons from Shelly’s Buttons and More

Sewing Needle

Coordinated Thread

Tapestry Needle

5 Sewing Pins or Stitch Markers 

Gauge

14.5 stitches, 11.5 rows = 4” in half double crochet.

Abbreviations  

ch(s) – chain(s)

hdc2tog – half double crochet two together

hdc – half double crochet

sp – space

sc – single crochet

sl st – slip stitch

st(s) – stitch(es)

Special Stitches

Half Double Crochet Two Together (hdc2tog)

[Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop] 2 times, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook.

Find a printer-friendly, PDF version of the Ice Cream Party Cardi at mandobug.com and on Ravelry.

Ice Cream Party Cardi Free Crochet Pattern

The Ice Cream Party Cardi is a seamed modified drop shoulder deep V-neck cardigan. Each piece is worked flat from the bottom up and mattress stitched together. After seaming, slip stitch ribbing is applied around the bottom, neckline, and sleeves of the cardigan.

Notes  

Pattern is written using US crochet terminology.

Ch-1 at the beginning of the row is not worked into and does not count as a stitch.

Work slip stitch ribbing loosely.

Back Panel

Using smaller hook,

Ch 48, 50, 54 (58, 62, 64)

Rows 1 – 24, 30, 30 (32, 32, 38): ch 1, does not count as a st, and is not worked into here and throughout, hdc across, turn. 

(48, 50, 54 (58, 62, 64) hdc)

You will now create a cut out for the armhole on both sides.

Row 25, 31, 31 (33, 33, 39): sl st in next 4 hdc, (sl st, ch 1, hdc) in next hdc, hdc across until last 4 hdc, leave those sts unworked, turn. (40, 42, 46 (50, 54, 56) hdc)

Row 26, 32, 32 (34, 34, 40): ch 1, hdc across, turn.

Repeat the last row 10, 12, 16 (16, 16, 18) times.

Shoulder and Back Neck Shaping

Row 37, 45, 49 (51, 51, 59): 

ch 1, hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), 

hdc in next 4, 4, 8 (10, 10, 10) hdc, 

hdc2tog 3, 3, 2 (3, 3, 3) times, turn.

(8, 8, 12 (14, 14, 14) hdc)

Row 38, 46, 50 (52, 52, 60): ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across until last 2, 2, 4 (2, 2, 2) hdc, hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), turn. 

(6, 6, 9 (12, 12, 12) hdc)

Row 39, 47, 51 (53, 53, 61): 

ch 1, hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), 

hdc until last 2 hdc, hdc2tog, turn. 

(4, 4, 6 (10, 10, 10) hdc)

Repeat the last two rows 

0, 0, 0 (1, 1, 1) time(s). 

4, 4, 6 (6, 6, 6) hdc remain.

Row 40, 48, 52 (56, 56, 64): ch 1, hdc2tog 2, 2, 3 (3, 3, 3) times. (2, 2, 3 (3, 3, 3) hdc) Fasten off yarn.

Using smaller hook, join to the first stitch on the opposite side of the back panel using a sl st, and repeat the Shoulder and Back Neck Shaping Rows.

Left Front Panel

Using smaller hook,

Ch 21, 23, 25 (27, 29, 31)

Rows 1 – 24, 30, 30 (32, 32, 38): ch 1, hdc across, turn. (21, 23, 25 (27, 29, 31) hdc)

You will now create a cut out for the armhole on one side and start decreases on the other side to shape the V-neck.

Row 25, 31, 31 (33, 33, 39): sl st in next 4 hdc, (sl st, ch 1, hdc) in next hdc, hdc across until last 2 hdc, hdc2tog, turn. 

(16, 18, 20 (22, 24, 26) hdc)

For sizes 2, 4, 8, 10, 12 only

Row 26, 32, – (34, 34, 40): ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across, turn. (15, 17, – (21, 23, 25) hdc)

Row 27, 33, – (35, 35, 41): ch 1, hdc across until last 2 hdc, hdc2tog, turn. 

(14, 16, – (20, 22, 24) hdc)

Repeat the last two rows 

2, 3, – (1, 3, 4) time(s). 

10, 10, – (18, 16, 16) hdc remain.

For all sizes

Row 32, 40, 32 (38, 42, 50): ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across, turn. (9, 9, 19 (17, 15, 15) hdc)

You will now slow the rate of decreases to continue shaping the V-neck.

Row 33, 41, 33 (39, 43, 51): ch 1, hdc across until last 2 hdc, hdc2tog, turn. (8, 8, 18 (16, 14, 14) hdc) 

Row 34, 42, 34 (40, 44, 52): ch 1, hdc across, turn.

Repeat the last two rows 

1, 1, 7 (5, 3, 3) times.

7, 7, 11 (11, 11, 11) hdc remain.

Shoulder Shaping

Row 37, 45, 49 (51, 51, 59): 

ch 1, hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), hdc across, turn. (6, 6, 9 (10, 10, 10) hdc)

Row 38, 46, 50 (52, 52, 60): ch 1, hdc across until last 2, 2, 4 (2, 2, 2) hdc,

 hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), turn.

(5, 5, 7 (9, 9, 9) hdc)

Repeat the last two rows 

0, 0, 0 (1, 1, 1) time(s). 

5, 5, 7 (7, 7, 7) hdc remain.

Row 39, 47, 51 (55, 55, 63): ch 1, hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), hdc across, turn. 

(4, 4, 6 (6, 6, 6) hdc) 

Row 40, 48, 52 (56, 56, 64): ch 1, hdc2tog 2, 2, 3 (3, 3, 3) times. (2, 2, 3 (3, 3, 3) hdc) Fasten off yarn.

Right Front Panel

The right front panel is a mirrored version of the left front panel.

Using smaller hook,

Ch 21, 23, 25 (27, 29, 31)

Rows 1 – 24 30, 30, (32, 32, 38): ch 1, hdc across, turn. (21, 23, 25 (27, 29, 31) hdc)

You will now create a cut out for the armhole on one side and start decreases on the other side to shape the V-neck.

Row 25, 31, 31 (33, 33, 39): ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across until last 4 hdc, leave those sts unworked, turn. (16, 18, 20 (22, 24, 26) hdc)

For sizes 2, 4, 8, 10, 12 only

Row 26, 32, – (34, 34, 40): ch 1, hdc across until last 2 hdc, hdc2tog, turn. 

(15, 17, – (21, 23, 25) hdc) 

Row 27, 33, – (35, 35, 41): ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across, turn. (14, 16, – (20, 22, 24) hdc)

Repeat the last two rows 

2, 3, – (1, 3, 4) time(s). 

10, 10, – (18, 16, 16) hdc remain.

For all sizes

Row 32, 40, 32 (38, 42, 50): ch 1, hdc across until last 2 hdc, hdc2tog, turn. 

(9, 9, 19 (17, 15, 15) hdc)

You will now slow the rate of decreases to continue shaping the V-neck.

Row 33, 41, 33 (39, 43, 51): ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across, turn. (8, 8, 18 (16, 14, 14) hdc)

Row 34, 42, 34 (40, 44, 52): ch 1, hdc across, turn.

Repeat the last two rows 

1, 1, 7 (5, 3, 3) times. 

7, 7, 11 (11, 11, 11) hdc remain.

Shoulder Shaping

Row 37, 45, 49 (51, 51, 59): ch 1, hdc across until last 2, 2, 4 (2, 2, 2) hdc, 

hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), turn. 

(6, 6, 9 (10, 10, 10) hdc)

Row 38, 46, 50 (52, 52, 60): 

ch 1, hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), hdc across, turn. (5, 5, 7 (9, 9, 9) hdc)

Repeat the last two rows 

0, 0, 0 (1, 1, 1) time(s). 

5, 5, 7 (7, 7, 7) hdc remain.

Row 39, 47, 51 (55, 55, 63): ch 1, hdc across until last 2, 2, 4 (2, 2, 2) hdc, 

hdc2tog 1, 1, 2 (1, 1, 1) time(s), turn. 

(4, 4, 6 (6, 6, 6) hdc)

Row 40, 48, 52 (56, 56, 64): ch 1, hdc2tog 2, 2, 3 (3, 3, 3) times. (2, 2, 3 (3, 3, 3) hdc) Fasten off yarn.

Sleeves (make 2)

Using smaller hook,

Ch 25, 25, 25 (29, 29, 29)

Rows 1-3: ch 1, hdc across, turn. 

(25, 25, 25 (29, 29, 29) hdc)

Row 4: ch 1, 2 hdc in first hdc, hdc until last hdc, 2 hdc in last hdc, turn. 

(27, 27, 27 (31, 31, 31) hdc)

[Repeat Row 1  3, 2, 2 (2, 2, 2) times,

repeat Row 4 once]. 

Repeat between brackets

1, 7, 2 (9, 9, 9) times. 

(31, 43, 33 (51, 51, 51) hdc)

Repeat Row 1  3, 2, 2 (2, 2, 2) times.

You will have worked a total of 

15, 30, 15 (36, 36, 36) rows.

For sizes 2, 6, 8, 10, 12 only

[Repeat Row 4 once, 

repeat Row 1  2, -, 1 (1, 1, 1) times]. 

Repeat between brackets

3, -, 10 (0, 0, 4) times. 

(37, -, 53 (53, 53, 59) hdc)

For all sizes

Repeat Row 1  3 times. Fasten off yarn. 

You will have worked a total of 

27, 33, 38 (41, 41, 47) rows.

Finishing

Weave in ends using a tapestry needle. Wet block pieces before assembly, laying flat to dry.

Assembly

Need help with assembly?

Watch the assembly and mattress stitch video tutorial.

Top Shoulder Seams

With wrong sides facing each other, mattress stitch the left front panel to the left side of the back panel along the shoulder shaping. 

With wrong sides facing each other, mattress stitch the right front panel to the right side of the back panel along the shoulder shaping. 

Top Sleeve Seams

Open the top shoulder seams just created, with right sides facing up, align sleeve in the arm hole cut out.  Secure with pins or stitch markers.  Mattress stitch the top of the sleeve into the front and back panels.

Side Body and Sleeve Seams

Fold the cardigan in half lengthwise along the top shoulder seam, with wrong sides facing each other, mattress stitch the front panel to the back panel along the side of the cardigan and down the folded sleeves.

Applied Slip Stitch Ribbing Borders

Note – Work all slip stitch ribbing loosely.

Need help with applied slip stitch ribbing?

Watch the applied slip stitch ribbing video tutorial.

Wrists

Using larger hook, with right side facing up, join to a stitch near sleeve seam at wrist using a sl st, 

Ch 6,

Row 1: ch 1, skip chain closest to hook, loosely sl st in back loop only of each st across, sl st in next 2 sts of wrist, turn.

Row 2: sk 2 sl sts, sl st in back loop only of each st across, turn.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 around wrist.

Join ribbing by slip stitching through back loops of first and last rows. Fasten off yarn.

Bottom Ribbing

Using larger hook, with right side facing up, join to bottom front edge of left front panel using a sl st, 

Ch 6,

Row 1: ch 1, skip chain closest to hook, loosely sl st in the back loop only of each st across, sl st in next 2 sts of bottom edge, turn.

Row 2: sk 2 sl sts, sl st in back loop only of each st across, turn.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 around bottom of cardigan. Fasten off yarn.

Button Band Ribbing

Note – You will work ribbing into the side of the bottom ribbing of the front panel, then you will work ribbing into the hdc row ends of the front panel. Evenly space slip stitches along the hdc row ends by working 3 rows of ribbing over 2 hdc row ends.

Using larger hook, with right side facing up, join to the edge of the bottom ribbing on the right front panel using a sl st, 

Ch 6,

Row 1: ch 1, skip chain closest to hook, loosely sl st in back loop only of each st across, sl st 2 into front panel edge, See Note above, turn.

Row 2: sk 2 sl sts, sl st in back loop only of each st across, turn.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 across the front left panel of the cardigan, across the back panel, and across the front right panel until you reach its straight edge. See Button Band Diagram.

Button Band Diagram

Buttonhole Spacing

Need help with the buttonholes?

Watch the buttonhole video tutorial.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2  2, 2, 2 (2, 2, 3) times.

Buttonhole Row: ch 1, skip chain closest to hook, loosely sl st in the back loop only of next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sl st in back loop only of next two sts, sl st in next 2 sts of front panel, turn.

Next Row: sk 2 sl sts, sl st in back loop only of next 2 sl sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sl st in back loop only of next 2 sl sts, turn.

Continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 along straight edge of front left panel evenly spacing out 5 more buttonhole rows. This will be approximately every 6, 8, 8 (8, 8, 10) rows. You can use stitch markers to mark where you’d like to place your button holes to ensure they are evenly spaced.

Fasten off yarn.

Buttons

Using a sewing needle and coordinating thread, sew each ¾” button centered on left front panel ribbing across from buttonholes.

Weave in any remaining ends using a tapestry needle.

Questions or Comments? 

Please email me at info@mandobug.com if you need additional pattern support.

Share your finished object on social media using @mandobug #icecreampartycardi

Thank You!

Thank you for supporting me as a designer! And a huge thank you to my tech editor Fiat Fiber Arts and pattern testers!