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Simple Newborn Sleeper: Free Crochet Pattern

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If you’re a beginner in crochet and looking for an easy crocheted baby project, this pattern is for you! This Simple Newborn Sleeper uses only one stitch, and works up super fast!

Simple Sleeper

My primary care physician just welcomed her third baby, a beautiful baby boy. To welcome him to the world, I created this beginner-friendly baby sleeper pattern. I wanted him to have something all his own, and for his parents to have easy access to diaper changes at any given time. 😛

Materials:

Caboo yarn (size 3/DK, cotton/bamboo blend)
-approx. 380 yards

Crochet hook in size G/4mm

⅛” elastic

Needle and thread

Gauge:

18 sts x 9 rows = 4” square

Pattern Notes:

Do not turn throughout the entire pattern.

Pattern written using US terms.

The chain at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.

Pattern:

Round 1: Fdc-48 (or ch-50, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each to end) Join to top of first dc with sl st. (48)

Round 2: Ch-2, * dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (60)

Round 3: Ch-2, * dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (72)

Round 4: Ch-2, * dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (84)

Round 5: Ch-2, * dc in next 6 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (96)

Round 6: Ch-2, * dc in next 7 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (108)

Round 7: Ch-2, * dc in next 8 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (120)

Round 8: Ch-2, * dc in next 9 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (132)

Armholes:

Round 9: Ch-2, dc in next 3 sts, sk-27 sts, dc in next 39 sts. Sk-27 sts, dc in remaining 36 sts. Join to first dc with sl st. (78)

Body:

Round 10: Ch-1, dc in each st around. Do not join, work in a spiral for remainder of pattern marking first st of the row with stitch marker. (78)

Round 11 – 39: Dc in each st around. (78)

Because we are working in a spiral and not turning, our stitches will migrate to the right. You should end in the middle of the “front”.

Round 40: Dc in next 15 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next st sl in next.

Finishing: Ch-1, lay elastic so that you are crocheting around it, sc in each st around.

When you get around, pull elastic so that the bottom of the body tapers. When pulled tight, the elastic should be about the same diameter of the sleep sack itself.

Overlap the elastic by about an inch and, using needle and thread, secure the two ends of elastic. Sew thoroughly. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Sleeves:

Attach yarn at first skipped stitch of armhole opening…

Row 1: Ch-2, Dc in each st around (27 sts so far), dc2tog 3X over remaining spaces. Join to top of first dc. (30)

Rows 2 – 10: Ch-2, do not turn, dc in each st around, join to top of first dc. (30)

Row 11: Ch-1, do not turn, sc in each st around, join using Invisible Join. (30)

That is it! I hope you love this super simple sleeper pattern!

Simple Sleeper Crochet Pattern for Newborns

More crochet patterns for babies:

Newborn On Point Poncho + Companion Video

Drawstring Sleep Sack Crochet Pattern for Newborns

Newborn Sleep Sack Free Crochet Pattern

Infant Hoodie Crochet Pattern (size 6 months)

Rockin’ Romper Free Crochet Pattern

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50 Comments

  1. making this right now, all i wanna say is thank you for posting this for free. im a little apprehensive with the headhole size haha but we'll see how it goes. now that i know this top is being worked top to bottom, i may actually leave the rounds open at the top so i can put some snaps on there instead. do that for about 8 rows, then attach and work in the round.
    Reply
  2. Thank you for this cute little pattern definitely gonna keep this in my folder! Worked up great too! I added elastic to the top also and contrasting colors for this little guy.
    Reply
    1. Loving this simple pattern so far but having trouble understanding Row 20 of the body. It you don't join with a slip stitch job to you continue? I am not sure what you mean by working in a spiral. Thank you
      Reply
  3. This pattern is great, but I did need to increase my chain to 74 to be able to make the head hole big enough for a newborn head.
    Reply
    1. did that increase the rest of the pattern as well or did you do something to make it go back to the original size? sorry not good at explaining.
      Reply
  4. Hey, do you have a video of this pattern? I never done anything like it and I'm having trouble understanding the armholes part.
    Reply
    1. Hi Bianca! Unfortunately, I do not have a video for this. But to create the armholes you are simply skipping 27 stitches and when you crochet into the next stitch, those skipped stitches will form the armhole. I hope this makes sense!
      Reply
  5. I'm new to garment making, is there a reason this is made in the round instead of sl st to the first of each round? (I'd like to add stripes lol)
    Reply
    1. Hi Heather! I don't see any reason you couldn't continue the join and ch 2 for the body portion. The reason I did continuous rounds was mainly because I didn't want the seam...but stripes would be ADORABLE so I say go for it!
      Reply
  6. I’m really confused on this pattern. Been crocheting for a long time. Pattern does not say “ch two and turn.” So if you’re not turning how do you complete the pattern? I do 50 chains not foundation row. And if you do 50 chains, there’s nowhere to join to the top. ‍♀️
    Reply
    1. You don't need to chain 2 and turn because you're working in the round. You just keep crocheting along the circle. Once you have your 50 chains, you would slip stitch the first chain to the last that you made. This creates a circle which is 48 chains long. After you join, you will chain two and start to double crochet. Due to not turning and just working around the circle your height stays the same, which negates the need to chain 2 at the beginning of the row/round.
      Reply
  7. Hi! I love this pattern! It’s made a beautiful gown for my baby on the way and I definitely plan on making more! I noticed concerns of people about the neck hole and over all size so I took some of that in to account in making the gown. The adjustments I made were- At the neckline I worked back and forth in a flat panel for a couple rows, joined at the end of row 3 and proceeded to work in the round. Created a bigger neck hole, but I added a button for closure, also added a row of single crochet around the whole neckline as it looked more finished with what I had done. I did a small decrease at the end of the body instead of adding the elastic and also decreased in the sleeves a few stitches (down to 24 stitches around). I used an F (3.75mm) hook and yarn bee bamboo-tiful (which is SO terrible to work with, it splits like crazy, I have tiny picks in it all over! But it’s very soft!) I matched the gauge and the size looks close to newborn gowns I’ve purchased at Carter’s, maybe slightly bigger. Thanks for sharing this great pattern!! Wish I could share a few pictures!
    Reply
  8. I Love this pattern! I made it with Caron Simply Soft and it came out great! Then I tried to make a bigger one using1mm bigger hook and it came out HUGE. Can you advise how to make this in 3-6 month, 6-9 month sizes and how number 4 yarn will affect sizing, please? I really Love the pattern and want to make more for my nephew's first baby. Thank you!
    Reply
  9. Hi! Super new to crocheting so this might be a silly question. When you say slip stitch into first DC.... Do I slip stitch and then chain 2 and DC into that same stitch? My seam is turning out really weird. Thanks!
    Reply
    1. Hi Alexis! Yes, you will DC into the same stitch that you joined (slip stitched) into the previous round. Hope this helps!
      Reply
    1. Hi liz, I used 100% cotton with the same size yarn and needle. Mine came out big? Definitely nice and roomy for a baby but I think a hdc would be better and less airy!
      Reply
  12. I can not get past row 2. Stitches are not counting up. After joining I always end up with 57. not 60. What am I doing wrong? I really want to make this item. I have tried 4 times . This is what I am doing. I chained 50, dc in 3rd ch from hook, continued dc to end. joined (48) Chained 2, *Dc in next 3, 2dc next*, continued around, joined ( now have 57 not 60) So when I try row 3 I dont have enough stitches.
    Reply
  13. This pattern is my go-to every time someone I know has a baby. It works up quickly and easily, looks fantastic as-is, looks even better embellished (I like to add appliqués and ruffles sometimes), fits like a dream, and looks like I spent a bundle on it. Definitely a personal fave! Thanks for sharing it!
    Reply
  14. I found the sizing to be way off - I used a smaller hook and decreased the number of rounds I increased, ripped it out twice, and still ended up with something that would fit a 3-6 month old vs newborn.
    Reply
    1. Same! I’m using the right size yarn and the hook they say and it’s looking more like 6 to 9 or even 12 months! It’s cute and I can adjust but I’m confused as to why everyone else’s seems to be small enough that have commented but mine is coming out huge
      Reply
      2. Me too! But I used 100% cotton. I like the size, because big is good, but its airy. I think hdc would maybe fix that?
        Reply
  15. Hi, all of my rounds came out great and matched the numbers, however by row 39 I did not migrate as the to the middle front? I guess my stitch markers were pretty uniform throughout. Should I just ignore the mark and back up to the middle to proceed with row 40? Also, do you have a recommended brand of corded elastic? Thanks
    Reply
    1. Hi Amber mine also did not migrate to the middle front. What did you end up doing? I just don't understand row 40: Dc in next 15 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next st sl in next. SO DOES THAT MEAN we only work into the next 19 sts. Can you perhaps help me understand that? Thank you.
      Reply
  16. I want to make this for a friend but she has big babies. 10 to 12 pound babies. Do you think this will fit this size? Can I do something special for the bigger babies? Thank you for your help.
    Reply
    1. Hi Sherry! I would try going up a hook size...that should make it a bit larger. Hope this helps!
      Reply
  17. Is the neck hole too small for a baby head? I haven’t passed that step because it looks too small to me
    Reply
    1. Hi! I had no trouble slipping over a newborns head...the neck hole should be approximately 11". Hope this helps!
      Reply
      1. Ok, maybe I’m using the wrong yarn or hook then. I’m new to crocheting so I’m still figuring this all out! Thank you!
        Reply
      2. I am frustrated by this pattern. I have done it and undone it several times. Following exact gauge, thread and hook, I too had an 11” head. Looked up average head circumference which is 13”. I have wasted so much time on this. The sleeper is so cute but the measurements are off and the sleeper is unusable. Both babies I am making this for have 14+“ heads.
        Reply
  18. Im not understanding the body and i get 78 stitches. Do I skip the 27 stitches and continue my DC in the next dc stitch?
    Reply
  19. I matched the gauge but it looks really small. Can you tell me the measurements? How long and the width. Thank you for the pattern!
    Reply
    1. Hi Ane! When laid flat, the body of the piece should measure approximately 9-10" wide and the total length around 18". Hope this helps!
      Reply
      1. It did! Thank you so much! I made mine a little longer but it looks great and it’s so easy to make. Thank you again! Your site is beautiful!
        Reply
  20. I am working on the pattern.. but I have a doubt.. isn't the neck small to pass on the baby head?
    Reply
    1. I am having the same doubt! It looks so small, like a baby head won’t fit through! And I’m scared to move on now and have it be too small
      Reply
  21. I’m having trouble with the second round. I either come out with 68 stitches or 48! Any suggestions? I might be having trouble with the 2dc. How exactly do you do it? Could you send me a YouTube video which explains how you do it? The ones I looked at gave me the wrong results. I’m missing something!
    Reply
    1. I’m having trouble with the second row as well! I end up with like 5 extra stitches on the row. Is there a video tutorial on this I can watch to help me?
      Reply
  23. My FAVORITE newborn essential! So excited to have a crochet pattern for it. I wonder how many I can whip up before my due date in August!!!???
    Reply