Working on made to measure child's jacket

This week end I began working on a made to measurements, crocheted child's cardigan, jacket. This could also be a vest. After some experimenting I chose to use a size I crochet hook and half double crochet stitches for the main fabric.

I am using Red Heart Super Saver 'Sugar & Spice' ; which is one of my favorites for children and toddlers as it goes well with denim clothing and is suitable for either a boy or a girl.

Crochet fabric is often thicker and sturdier making it perfect for outer wear when a close stitch patten such as half double or single crochet is used.

You are welcome to make use of my working notes:
( Now that I have a lap top computer it can be used to jot down notes and measurments in either Note Pad or Word Pad. These can then be saved in a document folder. A tape recorder can also be used to take notes. Perhaps I will also see if there is a way to take verbal notes using the pc microphone?)

WORKING NOTES FOR HDC JACKET / VEST:
1-8-1-5-1-16-1-5-1-8

To make raglan increase: hdc-dc-hdc; and then one next increase row work increase in the DC in each increase group.

Chain 47
sc in 8, inc, sc 5, inc, sc 16, inc, sc 5, inc, sc in last 8
chain 2 ( not worked into as a stitch ); hdc in ea sc and inc in each DC ( 4 increases)
repeat above row until needed sleeve opening circumference is reached...less about one inch
form sleeve openings/armholes:
hdc in each stitch to first DC work 2 DC in the DC; skip shoulder stitches; work 2 DC in next Dc; hdc across back to nest DC; work 2 DC in the Dc; skip shoulder stitches; work 2 DC in Dc and hdc in each remaining stitch.
work body of jacket in rows of hadc until desired length

NOTES:
Work sleeves onto sleeve openings in the round; turning each round; shape by changing to size smaller hook 3 rounds from cuff; work sc cuff; or work sc in blo and made cuff that can be turned up.



THE JACKET I AM PRESENTLY MAKING:
This is a heavier cardigan/jacket; hdc is used for warmth and to create a more solid fabric.
8 hdc rows (sleeve section measures 8-inches)
on row 9 I made a hdc increase before each hdc- Dc - hdc increase.

I may not have enough of the sugar and spice yarn on hand to complete the jacket. Will know when it comes time to do the sleeves.

Also need to decide whether to do a zip up front or button up?

(When this is finished I will write out a complete recipe and share a photo)

Child or Infant Crocheted Hat or Cap

This is my own crochet recipe and I have used it many times. The hats can be made plain following the instructions exactly - or you may add your own details and make any changes your heart desires. However, it will help to first make one or more plain vanilla hats ( which are very nice on thier own). Using different types of yarn or wool will create different looks. The instructions are meant for 4 ply worsted wieght yarn such as the Red Heart Classic or any yarn with a similiar thickeness. These practical hats work up fairly quick and look cute on the little ones.

Simple Double Crochet Cold Weather Caps
(Infant and Child's Sizes)

I hook and 4 ply worsted weight yarn

Last 3 or 4 or so DC rounds are turned up to form a ear warmer cuff.

Starting at crown of hat:

*Form ring by wrapping yarn twice around index finger and then pulling a loop of the working yran through with your crochet hook. **Chain 2 and then work 18 DC in the ring. Join in the top of the first Dc with a slip stitch and then chain 2 to begin the second round. Pull yarn tail to tighten circle. The ch 2 is not used or counted as a stitch.

(*Or chain 4 or 5, join to form a ring , chain 2 and work 18 DC in the ring.)

(**If you prefer you have my permission to chain 3 for the first DC rather than 2.)

Second Round: DC in same place as the ch 2 and then increase by making 2 DC in the next stitch; Dc in next and inc in next around. Join as before and chain 2. (=26 Dc)

Third Round: DC in two and increase in next stitch around. Join as before. Chain 2. (=36 DC)

Fourth Round: DC in 3 and increase in next around. Join and chain 2.
(=45 stitches )

Stop here for infant's cap (15 inch circumference). Continue to work even for ten more rounds (or until desired length).

Fifth Round: DC in 4 and increase in next stitch around. (=55 stitches)

Stop here for toddler's size ( 18 inch circumference) cap. Continue to work even for 10 or 11 more rounds on 55 stitches.

Edging: sc in 3, increase in next around.