🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern

Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern
3.9★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🏡

Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a charming baby cradle with matching mattress, a colorful rainbow pillow, and a blanket star. It uses HIMALAYA Dolphin Baby yarn and clear round-by-round instructions for shaping and color changes. Perfect for gifting or nursery display, the pattern includes finishing notes to hide tails and create neat edges.

Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The cradle is worked in a continuous spiral for the base and finished with a sunshade and handles crocheted along the basic part. Detailed steps cover mattress, pillow and blanket star construction so you can complete the full set.

Why You'll Love This Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple shaping techniques with playful colorwork to make a complete nursery set. I enjoy how the continuous spiral base grows into a stable oval without seams, giving a professional look. The sunshade and handles add a delightful, realistic touch that makes the piece feel truly special. I also appreciate that the pillow and blanket star are fast to make and allow for creative color choices to personalize the set.

Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different color palettes on this cradle; try pastel tones for a soft nursery look or bold contrasting colors for a modern statement.

I often make a bigger version by using a thicker yarn and a larger hook to turn this into a doll cradle or decorative basket.

I sometimes swap the rainbow pillow for a simple round cushion by continuing rounds without folding, which gives a plump round pillow instead.

For a textured finish, change the stitch on the outside rounds to hdc or a bobble stitch to add visual interest to the sides.

I like to embroider small initials or tiny stars on the blanket star before fastening off to personalize it as a gift.

You can replace the chain handles with short crocheted straps or even leather handles for a mixed-material look and added durability.

To make the set baby-safe for play, use tightly wound stuffing and securely weave in all ends, and opt out of small embellishments that could detach.

If you want a reversible mattress, make two identical oval pieces and sew them together leaving an opening to insert thinner padding, then close with an invisible stitch.

I sometimes add a delicate picot or crab stitch edging around the sunshade for a decorative finished look that frames the cradle nicely.

Want a matching mobile or toy? Use leftover yarn to crochet small stars or hearts and hang them above the cradle for coordinated nursery decor.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the second stitch when starting the base can change your stitch count and shape; always start from the 2nd stitch from the hook as instructed to keep the correct foundation. ✗ Not changing yarn color cleanly will create loose ends and messy edges; cut and fasten off yarn as directed and draw remained yarn tails through the gaps to hide them. ✗ Crocheting full rounds instead of working back loops only on round 11 will alter the top edge texture; remember to work 112 sc into back loops only for that round. ✗ Failing to stuff the pillow as you go can make closing and shaping difficult; fold and stuff the pillow gradually while crocheting the closing rounds for even stuffing. ✗ Not using stitch markers during increases can lead to miscounts in elongated oval shaping; place markers at corners or transition points to track increases accurately.

Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern

Make a sweet handmade baby cradle complete with a mattress, rainbow pillow and a blanket star. This pattern gives you clear step-by-step instructions so you can crochet a cozy miniature cradle for nursery decor or as a thoughtful gift. With color-change guidance and finishing tips, you will create a polished, photo-ready piece you can be proud of.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Baby Cradle Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    HIMALAYA Dolphin Baby yarn, gauge 120m/100gr
  • 02
    Pink yarn - color code 346 - 1 yarn ball for cradle upper part
  • 03
    Light blue yarn - color code 347 - 1 yarn ball for cradle lower part and sunshade
  • 04
    Yellow yarn - color code 313 - small amount for blanket star
  • 05
    Various small amounts of yarn in different colors for rainbow pillow (change colors every two rounds)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.75mm or 3mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Materials and Tools :

Info :

Yarn HIMALAYA Dolphin Baby, gauge: 120m/100gr. For the baby cradle I choose pink yarn color code 346, light blue yarn color code 347 - 1 yarn ball for each color. Some yellow yarn color for the blanket star - color code 313 and some different yarn colors for the rainbow pillow. Size 2.75 or 3mm crochet hook. Final size of the cradle 22x13cm, 8cm height. Scissors. Stitch markers.

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

ch1 - a chain stitch. ch2, ch3 - 2 or 3 chain stitches. sc - single crochet. hdc - half double crochet. dc - double crochet. increase - work 2 sc into one stitch. increase dc - work 2 dc into one stitch. decrease - close 2 stitches together grabbing front loops only. decrease dc - close 2 stitches together grabbing front loops only. sl st - slip stitch.

— A baby cradle :

Info :

Work in a continuous spiral along the chain. Lower part is light blue, upper part is pink, and the sunshade is light blue again.

Round 1 :

Make ch19, start working from the 2nd stitch from hook: increase, 16sc, 4sc into one stitch, 16sc, increase=40sc.

Round 2 :

2 increases, 16sc, 4 increases, 16sc, 2 increases=48sc.

Round 3 :

(1sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (1sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (1sc, increase)-2 times=56sc.

Round 4 :

(2sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (2sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (2sc, increase)-2 times=64sc.

Round 5 :

(3sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (3sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (3sc, increase)-2 times=72sc.

Round 6 :

(4sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (4sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (4sc, increase)-2 times=80sc.

Round 7 :

(5sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (5sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (5sc, increase)-2 times=88sc.

Round 8 :

(6sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (6sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (6sc, increase)-2 times=96sc.

Round 9 :

(7sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (7sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (7sc, increase)-2 times=104sc.

Round 10 :

(8sc, increase)-2 times, 16sc, (8sc, increase)-4 times, 16sc, (8sc, increase)-2 times=112sc.

Info :

Change yarn color.

Round 11 :

112sc into back loops only=112sc.

Round 12-22 :

112sc (11 rounds)=112sc.

Info :

Cut and fasten off the yarn.

— Sunshade :

Info :

Change yarn color.

Round 23 :

Step 13 stitches to the right from last stitch, attach the yarn and crochet 34sc=34sc.

Info :

Continue working in flat rows.

Round 24 :

without any chain stitches! Skip 1 stitch, crochet 33sc from next stitch, 2sc grabbing basic part of the cradle=35sc.

Info :

Continue working the same way, without any chain stitches, starting from the 2nd stitch and finishing each round make 2sc grabbing basic part of the cradle.

Round 25 :

skip 1 stitch, 34sc, 2sc grabbing basic part=36sc.

Round 26 :

skip 1 stitch, 35sc, 2sc grabbing basic part =37sc.

Round 27 :

skip 1 stitch, 36sc, 2sc grabbing basic part =38sc.

Round 28 :

skip 1 stitch, 37sc, 2sc grabbing basic part =39sc.

Round 29 :

skip 1 stitch, 38sc, 2sc grabbing basic part =40sc.

Round 30 :

skip 1 stitch, 39sc, 2sc grabbing basic part =41sc.

Round 31 :

skip 1 stitch, 40sc, 2sc grabbing basic part =42sc.

— Handles and Joining :

Info :

Now crochet in the round along the basic part:

Round 32 :

Make ch18, skip 10 stitches, 40sc, make ch18 again, skip 10 stitches, 2sc=78sc (I do not count stitches of the sunshade).

Round 33 :

42sl st, along ch18 crochet 22sc (do not grab stitches, work around the chain), 40sl st, around ch18 crochet 22sc, 2sl st=128sc.

Info :

Cut and fasten off the yarn. Draw remained yarn tails through the gaps between stitches from wrong side to hide.

Info :

Crochet slip stitches into front loops of the 10th round.

Info :

Cut and fasten off the yarn. Draw remained yarn tails through the gaps between stitches from wrong side to hide.

— Mattress :

Info :

Work in light blue yarn color.

Round 1-10 :

Repeat first 10 rounds of the cradle.

Info :

Now crochet slip stitches in the round.

Info :

Cut and fasten off the yarn.

Info :

Draw remained yarn tails through the gaps between stitches from the opposite side to hide.

— Rainbow pillow :

Info :

Work in a continuous spiral. Work in different yarn colors, changing yarn after each two rounds.

Round 1 :

Make ch8, start working from the 2nd stitch from hook: increase, 5sc, 4sc into one stitch, 5sc, increase=18sc.

Round 2 :

2 increases, 5sc, 4 increases, 5sc, 2 increases=26sc.

Round 3 :

(1sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (1sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (1sc, increase)-2 times=34sc.

Round 4 :

(2sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (2sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (2sc, increase)-2 times=42sc.

Round 5 :

(3sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (3sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (3sc, increase)-2 times=50sc.

Round 6 :

(4sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (4sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (4sc, increase)-2 times=58sc.

Round 7 :

(5sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (5sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (5sc, increase)-2 times=66sc.

Round 8 :

(6sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (6sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (6sc, increase)-2 times=74sc.

Round 9 :

(7sc, increase)-2 times, 5sc, (7sc, increase)-4 times, 5sc, (7sc, increase)-2 times=82sc.

Round 10 :

Crochet 21sc right to the middle of the pillow, fold the work in half and crochet 41sc through the stitches of both sides. Stuff the pillow as you go.

— Blanket star :

Info :

Work in the round, making chain stitches and crochet sl st at the end of each round.

Round 1 :

Make ch6 and connect the ring, ch3, 15dc into ch6, sl st=15dc.

Round 2 :

ch3, 15 increases dc, sl st=30dc.

Round 3 :

ch3, (1dc, increase dc)-15 times, sl st=45dc.

Round 4 :

ch3, (3dc, 1 treble crochet, 5 treble crochet into one stitch, 1 treble crochet, 3dc)-5 times=65dc.

Info :

Crochet slip stitches in the round.

Info :

Cut and fasten off the yarn. Draw remained yarn tails through the gaps between stitches from the opposite side to hide.

— Finishing :

Info :

Congrats! You have just finished the pattern!

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the sunshade to the cradle by crocheting the sunshade rows without chain stitches and finishing each round with 2 sc grabbing the basic part of the cradle to secure it in place.
  • Create handles by making ch18 loops and crocheting 22 sc along each ch18 without grabbing chain stitches; join these into the round as instructed to integrate handles into the cradle.
  • Make the mattress by repeating the first 10 rounds of the cradle in light blue, then crochet slip stitches around and hide yarn tails by drawing them through the gaps from the opposite side.
  • Fold the rainbow pillow in half and crochet 41 sc through stitches of both sides, stuffing the pillow as you go to create an even, plush shape.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the start of rounds and corner transition points to keep your stitch count accurate during increases.
  • 💡When instructed, work 112 sc into back loops only (round 11) to create the textured edge between base and sides.
  • 💡Cut and fasten off yarn when directed and draw remained yarn tails through gaps between stitches from the wrong side to hide ends neatly.
  • 💡Stuff the pillow gradually while crocheting the closing rounds to ensure even distribution and a neat finished look.
  • 💡Work the sunshade in flat rows and do not use chain stitches when directed; follow the skip and 2sc grabbing basic part instructions exactly.

This charming baby cradle set includes a cozy mattress, a colorful rainbow pillow, and a sweet blanket star to complete the look. 🧶 The pattern uses HIMALAYA Dolphin Baby yarn and is perfect for personalized color combinations to match any nursery. ✨ Enjoy creating this tiny, handmade nursery accent — it makes a heartfelt gift or a delightful decor piece. 🧵

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished cradle be?

The final size of the cradle is approximately 22 x 13 cm with an 8 cm height when using the recommended HIMALAYA Dolphin Baby yarn and the suggested hook size.

What hook size should I use for this pattern?

Use a crochet hook size 2.75mm or 3mm as recommended to achieve the correct gauge and structure for the cradle and accessories.

Can I change the yarn colors and make variations?

Yes, you can customize the cradle and accessories with any colors you like; the pattern indicates where to change colors for the upper part, sunshade and rainbow pillow.

Do I need special finishing techniques?

Finish by cutting and fastening off yarn when instructed, and draw the remaining yarn tails through stitch gaps from the wrong side to hide them for a neat result.