Oatmeal Patch-Pocket Hoodie: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Oatmeal Patch-Pocket Hoodie is a cozy little layering piece for babies 0–3 months, and it's a wonderful project for anyone who loves clean, modern baby clothes. It's built almost entirely from simple half-double-crochet rectangles, so there's no complicated shaping to worry about, yet the oatmeal-and-charcoal color block gives it a stylish, streetwear-inspired look. The fabric is soft, warm, and slightly structured, perfect for cooler days. Whether you're crocheting your first baby garment or your fiftieth, this hoodie comes together quickly and looks far more intricate than it is.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight (category 3), acrylic or cotton blend. Main color (MC) oatmeal: 200 yards. Contrast color (CC) charcoal: 100 yards.
- Hook: 3.25 mm (US D/3)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape
- Finished size: 0–3 months — chest 16", length 9", sleeve 5.5", hood height 6"
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn over the hook and pull it through.
- hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- MC — main color (oatmeal)
- CC — contrast color (charcoal)
- sts — stitches
Gauge
6 hdc x 4 rows = 1 inch. To check, crochet a small swatch in hdc and measure a 1-inch section; if your stitches are larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.
Tips Before You Start
- All pieces are flat rectangles, so keep your tension even — this is what makes the seams line up neatly.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row; the body and hood should stay at 47 sts throughout.
- Block your rectangles lightly before assembly so the edges lie flat and the seams are easy to sew.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the 4" armhole opening on each side seam before you start sewing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (MC)
Row 1: Ch 49, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across (47 sts).
Rows 2–24: Ch 2, turn, hdc across (47 sts).
Fasten off.
Hood (CC)
Row 1: Ch 49, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across (47 sts).
Rows 2–12: Ch 2, turn, hdc across (47 sts).
Fasten off.
Sleeves (MC) — make 2
Row 1: Ch 25, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across (23 sts).
Rows 2–12: Ch 2, turn, hdc across (23 sts).
Fasten off. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Pockets (CC) — make 2
Row 1: Ch 11, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across (9 sts).
Rows 2–6: Ch 2, turn, hdc across (9 sts).
Fasten off. Repeat for the second pocket.
Edging (CC)
Join CC at the bottom right front corner. Work sc evenly around the entire outer edge — both fronts, the hood opening, and the bottom hem — working 2 sc in each corner to turn smoothly. Then work sc evenly around each sleeve cuff. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the body in half widthwise so the two short ends meet; this forms the back and the two fronts. Sew the side seams from the bottom up, leaving the top 4" open on each side for the armholes. Sew each sleeve into a tube along its short edges, then attach the sleeves to the armholes. Fold the hood in half and sew the top seam, then attach the hood to the neckline, aligning its center with the center back. Sew the pockets to the front panels, 2" from the bottom and 1" from the side edges. Work the edging as described above. Weave in all ends and block lightly to smooth the seams and even out the fabric.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the charcoal for a soft sage or dusty blue for a different color-block look.
- Add a simple sc button loop and a small button at the neckline for a little extra closure.
- Work the pockets in MC and the edging in CC only for a subtler, tone-on-tone finish.
