Sleeper sack - crochet version

Recently Linda put out a request for sleeper sack patterns written for crocheters.  I’m not much of a crocheter, but my knit sleeper sack pattern is pretty simple and so I attempted to convert it to crochet pattern.  This is a VERY rough draft, I’ve never written a crochet pattern before, and my technique is pretty basic.  I’m sure more experienced crocheters will have more elegant construction methods. If you try this pattern I would very much appreciate feedback to make the pattern easier to follow and to suggest any improvements in the design.  Here it is:

CROCHET SLEEPER SACK

Materials:
Baby Yarn (I used Baby Bee Sweet Delight Baby)
4.25 mm hook (US size G)

Size:  Chest is approx 8 to 8-1/2 inches around so should fit a 1-3 lb baby. (I’ll work on other sizes, but you should be able to adapt this pattern pretty readily on your own.)

Abbreviations:
dc= double crochet
hdc= half double crochet
sc= single crochet
ch= chain
sl= slip stitch
st/sts= stitch/stitches
inc= hdc twice in st
pm= place marker (I use a short length of scrap yarn and just lay it
between stitches, but you can use stitch markers or safety pins)

Notes:  I envision these sleepers being used with the buttons in the back for ease in dressing the baby, but most people see the button side as the front, so the sleeper is designed to be reversible to allow the person dressing the baby to use whichever side is easiest.

Gauge is not critical, whatever size it turns out to be will fit some baby.  Because these sleepers are intended to dress the tiniest, most fragile babies, please choose a gauge that results in a loose, supple fabric, but does not leave holes for the baby’s hands and feet to get caught on, or to be seen through.  Families prefer that the baby looks “warm” in the garment, so there should be no open holes.  This sleeper is crocheted using half double crochet throughout, but obviously other stitch patterns could be used, especially for the body of the gown—just make sure it’s not too lacy.

Starting from neck, form bodice:
Chain 27
Row 1:  hdc in second chain from hook and each remaining chain, placing markers after 5, 4, 7, and 4 sts (25 sts); ch 2, turn.
Row 2:  hdc across, increasing in st before and after each marker (moving markers to current row as you go); ch 2, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until garment measures about 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches from neck edge.

Next row:  hdc to first marker, join with first stitch after second marker (skipping stitches in between markers), hdc to next marker, join with stitch after fourth marker (again skipping stitches in between markers), hdc to end; ch 2, turn.  (Skipped stitches form sleeve caps and will be picked up later to form sleeves).

Body:
Row 1:  Hdc across; ch 2, turn.
Repeat row 1 until body measures about 10” from neck edge.  On last row ch 3 instead of 2, turn.

Eyelet row:  *dc, ch 1 (skip hdc); repeat from * to end of row.  Fasten off.

Sleeve:
Row 1:  Hdc in each stitch around, picking up one or two sts under arm to avoid holes; sl into first stitch of round, ch 2, turn.
Row 2:  Hdc in each stitch around; sl into first stitch of round, ch 2, turn.
Repeat row 2 until sleeve measures approx 3-1/2 inches.  Fasten off.

Repeat for second sleeve.

Single crochet evenly around all edges (except sleeves), ending with buttonhole band edge (right front); ch 1, turn.
sc back along buttonhole band edge, placing button holes at even intervals along band (ch 1, skip sc to make button hole).  Fasten off.

Sew buttons on opposite front edge to match buttonhole placement.  Insert ribbon or crocheted tie in eyelet row at bottom.