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Ocean Wave Baby Hooded Cape Free Crochet Pattern

Ocean Wave Baby Hooded Cape Free Crochet Pattern

This is a hooded baby cape worked top-down in the round using a shell wave stitch pattern. You need DK weight yarn in three colors, a 4.0 mm hook, and intermediate crochet skills. The finished piece fits babies 12 to 18 months old.

The construction is straightforward once you understand the repeat. You start at the neckline, work outward with regular increases to create the flared cape shape, then make a separate hood panel and seam it to the back of the neck. The whole thing comes together in about 12 to 18 hours.

The stripe sequence creates those gorgeous rolling wave bands you see in the finished piece. Deep teal, soft sage green, and warm sand colors cycle throughout both the body and hood. A single wooden button closes the front at the neck.

Why This Cape Pattern Works So Well

The shell wave stitch creates a naturally scalloped texture that looks far more complex than it actually is. Each stripe band consists of just two rounds in one color before you switch. The increases happen in simple single crochet rounds between the wave bands, which means you never have to worry about shaping within the decorative stitch itself.

I love how the construction eliminates most finishing work. Because the body is worked seamlessly in the round, you only have one seam to deal with: the top of the hood. The hood attachment and button loop are worked as part of the finishing border.

The color blocking does most of the visual heavy lifting here. Even if your tension varies slightly, the bold horizontal stripes disguise any inconsistencies beautifully.

Materials You Will Need

Yarn: DK weight yarn (also called CYCA 3 or Light weight) in three colors

  • Color A: Deep Teal, approximately 130 to 150 yards
  • Color B: Soft Sage Green, approximately 130 to 150 yards
  • Color C: Sand or Warm Cream, approximately 130 to 150 yards
  • Total yardage: approximately 400 to 450 yards

    • Hook: US size G-6 / 4.0 mm crochet hook. Adjust if needed to match gauge.

    Notions:

  • One wooden button, approximately 3/4 inch or 20 mm diameter
  • Yarn needle for weaving ends and seaming
  • 4 to 6 removable stitch markers
  • Scissors

    • Yarn Suggestions: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, or Cascade 220 Superwash Sport all work beautifully. Choose any smooth DK weight yarn. Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns because they will hide the fan stitch detail.

    Gauge

    18 stitches and 10 rows equal 4 inches / 10 cm in the fan wave stitch pattern after blocking.

    One full 6-stitch fan repeat measures approximately 1.33 inches wide. One 2-row stripe band measures approximately 0.8 inches tall.

    To check your gauge, chain 32 and work the fan wave stitch for 12 rows. Block the swatch before measuring. Getting gauge right matters here because this is a wearable garment for a specific size range.

    Finished Measurements

  • To fit: 12 to 18 months
  • Neck circumference: approximately 11 inches / 28 cm
  • Chest circumference: approximately 22 inches / 56 cm
  • Length from neck to hem: approximately 11 inches / 28 cm
  • Hood height: approximately 8 inches / 20 cm
  • Hood depth: approximately 6 inches / 15 cm

    • Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions

    Before we dive into the pattern, let me explain every stitch and term you will encounter.

    beg = beginning

    ch = chain. Wrap yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook. This creates one chain stitch.

    ch-sp = chain space. The gap created by a chain in a previous row or round.

    dc = double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. One dc completed.

    hdc = half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops at once.

    rem = remaining

    rep = repeat

    rnd = round

    RS = right side. The public-facing side of your work.

    sc = single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

    sk = skip. Pass over the indicated number of stitches without working into them.

    sl st = slip stitch. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion.

    sp = space

    st/sts = stitch/stitches

    t-ch = turning chain

    WS = wrong side. The inside or back of your work.

    yo = yarn over. Wrap yarn over your hook from back to front.

    Special Stitches

    Fan Shell

    Work 5 double crochet stitches all into the same stitch or space. This creates one fan shell unit. You will see this written as “Fan Shell” or “5 dc Fan Shell” throughout the pattern.

    Shell Wave Pattern Worked in the Round

    This pattern uses a multiple of 6 stitches.

    Round A (new color): Chain 1, single crochet in the joining slip stitch, skip 2 stitches, Fan Shell of 5 dc in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch repeat around, end with slip stitch to first single crochet to join.

    Round B (same color): Chain 3, 2 dc in same stitch as join (this creates a half shell at the edge), skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of fan, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next single crochet repeat around to last single crochet, end with single crochet in center of last fan, slip stitch to top of chain 3 to join.

    Scallop Edging

    Slip stitch into stitch, chain 1, single crochet in next stitch, half double crochet in next stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, half double crochet in next stitch, single crochet in next stitch, slip stitch in next stitch repeat around.

    Pattern Notes

    1. The cape body is worked top-down in the round starting at the neckline. Stitch count increases at regular intervals to create the flared shape.

    2. The stripe color sequence for the body is: 2 rounds Color A (teal), 2 rounds Color B (sage), 2 rounds Color C (sand), repeat.

    3. When changing colors, drop the old color and pick up the new color on the final yarn over of the last stitch. Carry colors loosely up the inside or cut and rejoin if you prefer.

    4. The Increase Rounds are worked in single crochet only using Color C. These create the lighter sand-colored dividing lines visible between the wave bands.

    5. Place a stitch marker in the first single crochet of each Round A to prevent twisting.

    6. Block aggressively. The fan wave stitch opens dramatically with wet blocking.

    Cape Body Instructions

    The cape is worked from the neckline downward in the round.

    Foundation

    Using Color A, chain 67. Being careful not to twist, slip stitch to first chain to form a ring. (66 working chains)

    Setup Round (Color A): Chain 1, single crochet in each chain around. Slip stitch to first single crochet to join. (66 sc)

    After this round, the neckline should measure approximately 11 inches around.

    Color A Stripe 1

    Round 1 (Round A, Color A): Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch as join, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell of 5 dc in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, single crochet in next single crochet repeat 10 times, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, slip stitch to first single crochet to join. (11 fan shells, 11 sc = 66 sts)

    Round 2 (Round B, Color A): Chain 3, 2 dc in same stitch, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center (3rd) dc of fan, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next single crochet repeat 10 times, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of last fan, skip 2 dc, slip stitch to top of chain 3. (66 sts)

    Increase Round 1 (Color C)

    This round adds 12 stitches evenly.

    Round 3: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, single crochet in next 4 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat 11 times, single crochet in last stitch, slip stitch to first single crochet. (78 sc)

    Color B Stripe 2

    Round 4 (Round A, Color B): Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, single crochet in next single crochet repeat 12 times, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, slip stitch to first single crochet. (78 sts)

    Round 5 (Round B, Color B): Chain 3, 2 dc in same stitch, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of fan, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next single crochet repeat 12 times, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of last fan, skip 2 dc, slip stitch to top of chain 3. (78 sts)

    Increase Round 2 (Color C)

    Round 6: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, single crochet in next 5 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat 12 times, single crochet in last 6 stitches, slip stitch to first single crochet. (90 sc)

    Color A Stripe 3

    Round 7 (Round A, Color A): Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, single crochet in next single crochet repeat 14 times, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, slip stitch to first single crochet. (90 sts)

    Round 8 (Round B, Color A): Chain 3, 2 dc in same stitch, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of fan, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next single crochet repeat 14 times, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of last fan, skip 2 dc, slip stitch to top of chain 3. (90 sts)

    Increase Round 3 (Color C)

    Round 9: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, single crochet in next 6 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat 12 times, single crochet in last 6 stitches, slip stitch to first single crochet. (102 sc)

    Color B Stripe 4

    Round 10 (Round A, Color B): Work as Round A with 17 fans. (102 sts)

    Round 11 (Round B, Color B): Work as Round B. (102 sts)

    Increase Round 4 (Color C)

    Round 12: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, single crochet in next 7 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat 12 times, single crochet in last 6 stitches, slip stitch to first single crochet. (114 sc)

    Color A Stripe 5

    Round 13 (Round A, Color A): Work as Round A with 19 fans. (114 sts)

    Round 14 (Round B, Color A): Work as Round B. (114 sts)

    Increase Round 5 (Color C)

    Round 15: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, single crochet in next 8 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat 12 times, single crochet in last 6 stitches, slip stitch to first single crochet. (126 sc)

    Color B Stripe 6

    Round 16 (Round A, Color B): Work as Round A with 21 fans. (126 sts)

    Round 17 (Round B, Color B): Work as Round B. (126 sts)

    Increase Round 6 (Color C)

    Round 18: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, single crochet in next 9 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch repeat 12 times, single crochet in last 6 stitches, slip stitch to first single crochet. (138 sc)

    Color A Stripe 7 (Final Body Stripe)

    Round 19 (Round A, Color A): Work as Round A with 23 fans. (138 sts)

    Round 20 (Round B, Color A): Work as Round B. (138 sts)

    Hem Edging (Color C)

    Round 21 (Transition Round): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch to first single crochet. (138 sc)

    Round 22 (Scallop Edging): Slip stitch in first single crochet, chain 1, single crochet in next stitch, half double crochet in next stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, half double crochet in next stitch, single crochet in next stitch, slip stitch in next stitch repeat 23 times. Slip stitch to join. Fasten off.

    The cape body is complete. Set aside.

    Hood Instructions

    The hood is worked flat in rows, then folded and seamed.

    Foundation

    Using Color A, chain 55. (54 working stitches)

    Hood Row 1 (RS, Color A): Chain 1, single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Turn. (54 sc)

    Hood Row 2 (Color A, Row A): Chain 1, single crochet in first stitch, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, single crochet in next single crochet repeat 8 times, skip 2 single crochet, Fan Shell in next single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, single crochet in last single crochet. Turn. (54 sts)

    Hood Row 3 (Color A, Row B): Chain 3, 2 dc in first single crochet, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of fan, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next single crochet repeat 8 times, skip 2 dc, single crochet in center dc of last fan, skip 2 dc, 3 dc in last single crochet. Turn. (54 sts)

    Hood Row 4 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (54 sc)

    Hood Rows 5-6 (Color B): Work as Rows 2-3. (54 sts)

    Hood Row 7 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (54 sc)

    Hood Rows 8-9 (Color A): Work as Rows 2-3. (54 sts)

    Hood Row 10 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (54 sc)

    Hood Rows 11-12 (Color B): Work as Rows 2-3. (54 sts)

    Hood Row 13 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Turn. (54 sc)

    Hood Rows 14-15 (Color A): Work as Rows 2-3. (54 sts)

    Hood Row 16 (Color C): Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across. Do not turn. Do not fasten off. (54 sc)

    Assembly

    Step 1: Fold the hood panel in half lengthwise. Using Color A and a yarn needle, whipstitch the top seam closed. This creates the curved hood shape.

    Step 2: Block both pieces before final assembly.

    Step 3: Pin the hood to the back 44 stitches of the cape neckline, leaving 11 stitches free on each front side. Whipstitch in place.

    Step 4: Join Color C to the right front neckline edge. Work single crochet evenly around the front opening and hood border. At the top of the right front edge, work button loop: chain 5, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch. Fasten off.

    Step 5: Work scallop edging along the hood face opening using the same scallop pattern as the hem.

    Step 6: Sew the wooden button to the left front edge.

    Blocking and Finishing

    Wet blocking is essential. The fan stitch will not open properly without it.

    Soak the finished cape in cool water for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water by rolling in a towel. Lay flat on a blocking mat and pin the fan shells open to their full width. Pin the scallop points. Allow to dry completely, which takes 24 to 48 hours.

    Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working through stitches in two directions to secure.

    Care Instructions

    Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Do not agitate or twist. Roll in a towel to remove moisture. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry or iron directly.

    Ocean Wave Baby Hooded Cape Free Crochet Pattern

    Size Customization

    Smaller (3 to 12 months): Start with 60 stitches (10 fan repeats). Stop at Increase Round 5.

    Larger (2T to 3T): Start with 72 stitches (12 fan repeats). Work 8 increase rounds total. Make hood foundation chain 61 stitches.

    I hope you love making this ocean wave baby hooded cape crochet pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it. The combination of the shell wave texture and the bold stripe sequence creates such a stunning heirloom piece. It works up faster than you might expect once you get the rhythm of the repeat down.

    If you found this crochet tutorial helpful, I would love for you to save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again later. And please leave a comment below if you make one. I genuinely love seeing your finished projects and hearing which color combinations you chose!

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