Steff Infant Tunic

Steff Infant Tunic by Sincerely Pam

What is Being Made

The Steff Infant Tunic is a crochet garment designed for infants ranging from 3 to 24 months old. This tunic-style sweater is worked in the round and features a simple, comfortable fit suitable for babies and toddlers. The pattern includes five size options with varying chest measurements and lengths to accommodate growth from newborn through two-year-old stages.

Sizes and Measurements

• 3 months: 18" tunic chest (16" child's chest), 12.5" length
• 6 months: 19" tunic chest (17" child's chest), 13.5" length
• 12 months: 20" tunic chest (18" child's chest), 14" length
• 18 months: 21" tunic chest (19" child's chest), 14.5" length
• 24 months: 22" tunic chest (20" child's chest), 15" length

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Steff Infant Tunic employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners. The garment is constructed using foundation single crochet to establish the base, creating a stable foundation without requiring a separate chain foundation. The piece is worked in the round, which means stitches are joined in circular rows rather than worked back and forth in rows.

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is the herringbone half double crochet (hhdc), a textured variation of the standard half double crochet stitch. This special stitch creates a distinctive woven appearance and adds visual interest to the finished garment. Additional stitches employed include:

• Chain stitch (ch): Used for foundation and shaping increases
• Single crochet (sc): Used in foundation techniques
• Half double crochet (hdc): Standard construction stitch
• Slip stitch (slst): Used to join rounds

The pattern incorporates increases (worked as multiple stitches in the same stitch or space) to shape the garment and create shaping at strategic points. The tunic is designed with a straightforward construction method, making it ideal for crocheters new to garment making.

Materials Required

The Steff Infant Tunic requires minimal materials, making it an accessible project for most crafters. The yarn requirement varies by size, ranging from 170 to 340 yards of Worsted weight #4 yarn. The sample garment shown in the pattern was created using Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, a popular worsted-weight yarn known for its softness and availability.

Additional materials needed include a J (6.0 mm) crochet hook, appropriately sized for worsted-weight yarn and the herringbone half double crochet stitch. A tapestry needle is necessary for weaving in yarn ends after completion, and a measuring tape is essential for checking gauge and ensuring proper fit throughout construction.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 herringbone half double crochet stitches and 11 rows measured over 4 inches. Achieving proper gauge is important for ensuring the finished tunic fits correctly across the intended size range. The pattern includes 2 inches of ease built into the chest measurements, providing comfortable room for movement and layering.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginner crocheters. The straightforward construction, use of basic stitches, and simple shaping techniques make the Steff Infant Tunic an excellent introductory garment project for those learning to crochet wearables.