Handmade Crochet Minnie Mouse Sweater for Children

This pattern is for a children's sweater, size approx. 2-4 years. You can adjust for larger or smaller sizes by adding or subtracting stitches and rows accordingly.

 Materials:

- Worsted weight yarn in white/cream, red, black, beige/peach, and small amounts of yellow and pink.

- Crochet hook (4mm or 5mm, depending on your yarn weight).

- Tapestry needle.

- Buttons for closure (optional for the back opening).

- Stitch markers.

- Scissors.

Abbreviations:

- ch: chain

- sc: single crochet

- dc: double crochet

- inc: increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)

- dec: decrease (crochet two stitches together)

- sl st: slip stitch

- st(s): stitch(es)

- sk: skip

- RS: right side

- WS: wrong side

1. Front and Back Panels (Make 2)

Foundation:

1. Using white/cream yarn, ch 54 (adjust the chain to your desired width, multiples of 2).

Rows 1-3 (Solid DC rows):

1. Row 1: Starting in the 4th ch from the hook, dc across (52 dc). Turn.

2. Row 2-3: ch 2, dc in each st across (52 dc). Turn.

Rows 4-12 (Lace Rows):

1. Row 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc), *dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts*, repeat across, ending with a dc in the last 2 sts. Turn.

2. Row 5: ch 2, dc in first dc, *dc in ch-2 space, ch 2*, repeat across, ending with a dc in the last 2 sts. Turn.

3. Rows 6-12: Repeat Row 5.

Rows 13-16 (Solid DC rows for top section):

1. Row 13: ch 2, dc across in each st and ch-2 spaces (52 dc). Turn.

2. Row 14-16: Repeat Row 13. Fasten off.

Back Panel Adjustment:

- For the back panel, add a 2-3 inch opening at the top for a button closure. After completing Row 12, divide the panel in half and work two sides separately for 4 more rows (26 dc per side).

2. Sleeves (Make 2)

Foundation:

1. Using white/cream yarn, ch 32 (adjust for sleeve width).

Rows 1-3 (Solid DC rows):

1. Row 1: Starting in the 4th ch from the hook, dc across (30 dc). Turn.

2. Row 2-3: ch 2, dc in each st across (30 dc). Turn.

Rows 4-10 (Lace Rows):

1. Row 4: ch 3, *dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts*, repeat across, ending with a dc in the last st. Turn.

2. Rows 5-10: Repeat Row 4.

Rows 11-13 (Solid DC rows):

1. Row 11: ch 2, dc across (30 dc). Turn.

2. Rows 12-13: Repeat Row 11. Fasten off.

Sleeve Assembly:

- Fold the sleeves in half, matching the rows, and sew the side seam together with a tapestry needle.

3. Minnie Mouse Appliqué

Minnie Mouse Head (in Black Yarn):

1. Round 1: MR, 8 sc into the ring. (8)

2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16)

3. Round 3: *sc, inc* around. (24)

4. Round 4: *2 sc, inc* around. (32)

5. Round 5: *3 sc, inc* around. (40)

6. Round 6: *4 sc, inc* around. (48)

7. Round 7: *5 sc, inc* around. (56)

8. Round 8: *6 sc, inc* around. (64)

9. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2, in Black Yarn):

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring. (6)

2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)

3. Round 3: *sc, inc* around. (18)

4. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Face (in Peach Yarn):

1. Round 1:MR, 6 sc into the ring. (6)

2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)

3. Round 3: *sc, inc* around. (18)

4. Round 4:*2 sc, inc* around. (24)

5. Round 5:*3 sc, inc* around. (30)

6. Round 6:*4 sc, inc* around. (36)

7. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Bow (in Red Yarn):

1. Foundation: ch 12.

2. Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc across (10 dc). Turn.

3. Rows 2-4: ch 2, dc across (10 dc). Turn.

4. Edging: sc around the entire rectangle, adding small sc clusters to simulate polka dots or flowers in white yarn.

4. Assembly

1. Sew the front and back panels together: Align the shoulder seams and sew across the top. Then, sew the sides, leaving armholes for the sleeves.

2. Attach the sleeves: Sew the top gathered edge of the sleeves into the armholes of the sweater.

3. Sew the Minnie Mouse appliqué: Attach the head first to the front panel, followed by the ears and face. Add the bow on top, sewing securely.

4. Embroider face details: Using black and white yarn, embroider the eyes, mouth, and nose onto the face appliqué.

5. Finishing touches: Add a button closure at the back opening if you created one. Optionally, crochet a scalloped border around the bottom edge and neckline for a more finished look.