Two simple crochet hexagons transform into a lightweight, on-trend cardigan, complete with cozy pockets and roomy bishop sleeves. Try it as you crochet, and avoid most of the shaping and seaming that comes with typical sweaters.
Get the free Day Date hexagon crochet cardigan pattern below, or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF.
This easy crochet hexagon sweater pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.
Jump to:
- Intro to the Day Date Cardigan Pattern
- Meditative Crochet Cruise Control
- Crochet Skills You'll Practice
- The Magical Sweater You Can Wear Year Round
- Much Easier Than It Looks
- Lightweight, Breathable Sweater Yarn
- All-in-One Crochet Kit
- How Print this Hexagon Cardi Pattern
- Learn This Pattern By Video Tutorial
- Day Date Cardigan - Free Pattern Part 1
- Head to Part 2 of Day Date Cardigan
- Invitation to our Facebook group
Intro to the Day Date Cardigan Pattern
The Day Date Cardigan pattern is the second in my series of crochet sweaters made from large two large hexagons. The Campfire Hexagon Granny Cardigan was my original experiment with this simple way of constructing a sweater, and I've been obsessed with geometry magic ever since.
The Day Date cardigan pattern is written in six adult sizes, so the text is quite long. For this reason, I've divided the free pattern into two parts. Part 1 is below. Find Part 2 of the free pattern here and watch the video tutorial here.
Complete beginner? Check out our guide on How to Crochet for Beginners
Meditative Crochet Cruise Control
Boy I loved working on this project. It was one of those WIPs (works in progress) I just didn't want to end!
Here's what I think you'll love most about crocheting this easy hexagon sweater pattern:
• It's made with meditative rounds that strike just the right balance of excitment and mindlessness.
• You can try on your sweater as you crochet and easily modify the sizing if necessary. It's so inspiring to watch it grow!
• The whole pattern only includes three seams. Can I get a heck yeah?!
Crochet Skills You'll Practice
I love designing crochet sweaters made from hexagons because they can be made with basic crochet stitches, yet look and feel really magical. Here are the techniques you'll want to be familiar with to crochet the Day Date Cardigan.
- Chain spaces (ch)
- Double crochet
- Working in the round
- Decreasing
- Adding crochet ribbing
- Weaving in ends
New to making cardigans? Don't miss How to Crochet a Sweater for our best beginner tips.
The Magical Sweater You Can Wear Year Round
Many of you on Instagram encouraged me to create an adult version of our kids' XO hexagon cardigan pattern. You might actually notice that today's Day Date Cardigan uses the same stitch as the XO Cardigan to create subtle rows of little open "windows" around the sweater.
For this sweater though, I felt inspired to create an equally easy cardigan that felt a little more adult-like and stylish.
Loose, Loveable Poofy Sleeves
I didn't know this until my sister informed me a couple of days ago, but these poofy sleeves are called "bishop sleeves," and they add such a deliberate, statement-y (and comfortable!) effect to this easy crochet sweater pattern.
Much Easier Than It Looks
If you've never crocheted a sweater, some of the most intimidating parts can be:
• Knowing if it will fit when you're finished.
• Seaming all the pieces together.
• Trying to translate the written pattern into visual concepts.
This easy crochet sweater pattern really simplifies all of the above. It's rare that you can just try on a project as you crochet and easily add more rows/rounds as you need to. But in this case, checking the fit as you work is as simple as pinning your hexagons in a few places.
You can try it on your hexagon cardigan as many times as you'd like as it grows.
click to pin this pattern for later ⇨
An Almost Seamless Sweater Pattern
Because the Day Date Cardigan is made from two hexagons, much of the typical seaming involved with crocheting a sweater is removed. Three simple seams, and you'll have this puppy all put together.
And if you feel intimidated by flying solo with a written crochet pattern, keep reading because this pattern includes lots of support for visual learners.
Related: We love making garments so much, we even designed a crochet dog sweater for large, medium and small dogs!
Lightweight, Breathable Sweater Yarn
To design a lightweight cardigan that felt easy and breezy enough to wear in the spring and summer, I knew that some chain space windows would not be enough. The yarn needed to feel airy and the color needed to make you want to get outside and celebrate life.
Lion Brand Vanna's Style turned out to be the perfect choice! It's a lightweight category 3 yarn that is easily washable and the stitch definition is beautiful. If you've ever used Lion Brand Woolspun, you can expect Vanna's Style to have a similar multi-ply look, but just without the wool.
And this reddish-pinkish color! It's even more stunning in person. I'd describe it as a gentle pink-ish red. I'm not always into super bright colors, and this beautiful shade is just desaturated enough to be eye catching, while still retaining a bit of sophistication.
Substituting Yarn
Since publishing this hexagon crochet cardi, Vanna's Style has sadly been discontinued. Luckily, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a replacement yarn you're happy with.
Touch of Linen Yarn
We used Lion Brand's Touch of Linen Yarn for the mustard-yellow-green sample pictured here. While, the nature of linen makes this yarn feel more substantial and weighted than Vanna's Style, I love this version of the Day Date Cardigan even more.
Lion Brand Jeans Yarn
Alternatively, Lion Brand Jeans is quite close in structure and fiber composition (and is incredibly soft and drapey!), but you might want to decrease your hook size when swatching this yarn. Jeans is slightly thicker than Vanna's Style.
If neither of these substitutes are available near you, I highly recommend checking out YarnSub.com for other suggestions for yarns that will suite this pattern well.
All-in-One Crochet Kit
If you don't live near amazing yarn stores or if you just like to get fun packages in the mail, the all-in-one kit is a perfect way to make your Day Date Cardigan. This bundle from Lion Brand includes all the Touch of Linen yarn you'll need, plus a bonus printable PDF of the pattern (delivered digitally).
How Print this Hexagon Cardi Pattern
In addition to making this cardigan construction as easy as possible, I wanted to add a few bonuses to the ad-free, printable PDF that will be an extra help to more beginner-level crocheters and anyone who learns visually.
The printable PDF contains the entire pattern and tutorial pictures, but I've also included a schematic and a stitch chart for crocheting the main hexagons. I find stitch charts to be by far the easiest way to learn and in the case of this hexagon, I think it's particularly helpful.
Learn more about reading crochet stitch charts and diagrams in our beginner's guide.
Learn This Pattern By Video Tutorial
If you're new to pattern reading or just prefer a crochet concierge as you work, definitely check out the step-by-step hexagon cardigan video tutorial for this pattern. I walk you through making this easy crochet sweater pattern step-by-step.
When you're ready, you can find Part 2 of the Day Date Hexagon Cardigan here. (Or if you like everything in one tidy place, purchase the complete pattern and tutorial in the ad-free, printable PDF.)
More Free Crochet Hexagon Sweaters
Crochet sweater patterns don't need to be difficult. In fact, most of ours are made with very simple shapes. Dive into the wonderful world of making sweaters from hexagons with these free crochet patterns.
See more free hexagon sweater patterns →
Day Date Cardigan - Free Pattern Part 1
Supplies + Materials
Order an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand.
• Lion Brand Touch of Linen (Weight: 4/medium - 197 yds, 3.5 oz)
- Dijon (682/170H) – 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11) skeins [(approx. 800 (860, 890, 940, 1000, 1080) g)]
• Size J (6.00 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Garment Sizes
The oversized nature of this sweater fits a variety of body types, but to achieve the fit of the sample pictured, choose the size that corresponds with your actual bust measurements.
If in doubt, size down, as the silhouette is quite loose and forgiving. See the schematic in printable pattern PDF for more detailed pattern measurements.
| Size | Bust Measurement | Back Width |
|---|---|---|
| XS/S | 30”-34” | 23.5” |
| M/L | 36”-40” | 27.75” |
| L/XL | 42”-46” | 29.75” |
| 2X/3X | 48”-52” | 32” |
| 4X/5X | 56”-60” | 34.25” |
| 6X/7X | 62”-66” | 38.5” |
Sample pictured is a M/L on a 5’9” model with a 38” bust.
Gauge
16 dc x 7.5 rows = 4”
Please check your gauge by following the instructions after Round 7 to ensure your sweater fits!
Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
dc3tog – double crochet three together (see photo tutorial below)
PM – place marker
rep – rep
RS – right side
sl st – slip stitch
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch – turning chain
WS – wrong side
Skill Level
Confident Advanced Beginner - This sweater pattern is perfect for less experienced crocheters looking to make a super wearable first garment or more advanced makers who want an easy, satisfying project that’s different from the same old cardigan pattern.
Permissions + Copyright:
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back this post. Do NOT use our photos as your own sales photos.
Overall Pattern Notes
- Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parentheses.
- Sweater is constructed by crocheting two hexagons, folding them and then seaming them together at the back and top of arms. Each hexagon begins the same, but then undergoes some adjustments to make two hexagons that mirror each other.
- Pattern refers to different sides of the hexagon by number, which is illustrated in the chart above. Think of these side numbers as fixed to the orientation of looking at the right side of the hexagon.
For example, Side 3 is always Side 3, whether you flip the hexagon over or not.
Side 3 does not become Side 5, just because the hexagon is flipped to the wrong side.
When you measure gauge after Round 7, please pin name tags as shown at end of pattern to each hexagon side. This will ensure you can easily identify hexagon locations as described in the pattern.
- In order to make the sleeve side of the hexagon (Side 1) more fitted than the other sides, a dc3tog decrease is worked on the even rounds after Round 2. See photo below for an illustration of how to decrease.
- Ch 3 at the beginning of a row/round always counts as a dc.
- Ch 4 at the beginning of a row/round always counts as a dc and a ch-1 sp.
Print This Pattern: purchase the ad-free, printable PDF
How to Decrease (Dc3tog)
Follow the instructions below to decrease three double crochet stitches into one.
Step 1: Yarn over and insert hook in next ch-1 sp
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook (2 loops on hook)
Step 4: Yarn over and insert hook in next double crochet
Step 5: Yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
Step 6: Yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook (3 loops on hook)
Repeat steps 1-3. (4 Loops on hook)
Final step: Yarn over and pull through all four loops on hook. Decrease complete. (1 loop on hook)
Main Hexagons
Notes:
- See stitch chart on at end of pattern PDF for extra visual instruction.
- Because of the dc3tog decrease on rounds 4, 6, 8, 10, etc, Side 1 will always have fewer total stitches/spaces than the other sides. This is intentional.
- Hexagon will be wavy and is not intended to lay flat. This is what provides the extra fabric to fold into a sleeve and cardigan body.
Make 2.
Foundation Round: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to join.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 1, [3 dc in ring, ch 1] 5 times, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. (3 dc per side)
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc to ch-1 sp, [(2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp corner, dc in each dc to next ch-1 sp corner] 5 times, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp corner, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. (7 dc per side)
Round 3: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch-1 sp here and throughout), sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to corner, * [ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1] in corner sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to corner; rep from * 4 more times, [ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1] in corner sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last st, ch 1, sk last st, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. (5 ch-1 sp per side)
Round 4: Ch 3, dc3tog over next [ch-1 sp, dc, ch-1 sp], dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp corner, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to corner] 5 times, (2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp corner, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join (15 dc for sides 2-6, 13 dc for side 1)
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All Sizes:
Rep Rounds 3 and 4 nine more times to create a total of 20 rounds. Stitch counts should be as follows:
Round 5: Rep Round 3 (9 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 8 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 6: Rep Round 4 (23 dc for sides 2-6, 19 dc for side 1)
Round 7: Rep Round 3 (13 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 11 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Want some company while you crochet?
Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group.
!! Gauge Check !!
Please stop and take a minute to measure your hexagon. This will ensure your
sweater is the size you expect it to be.
Measure from the center of the hexagon to the edge of one side (radius). This should measure just under 4”. Measure several sides of the hexagon. Each side, except Side 1, should measure approx 7.”
If your hexagon radius or each side length is too large, decrease your hook size and rework hexagon. If your hexagon radius is too small or each side length is too small, increase your hook size and rework hexagon.
Once correct gauge is established, lay hexagon flat with RS facing up. Use stitch markers to pin side-number name tags to each side according to the chart above.
Continuing with Hexagon Rounds
Round 8: Rep Round 4 (31 dc for sides 2-6, 25 dc for side 1)
Round 9: Rep Round 3 (17 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 14 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 10: Rep Round 4 (39 dc for sides 2-6, 31 dc for side 1)
Round 11: Rep Round 3 (21 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 17 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 12: Rep Round 4 (47 dc for sides 2-6, 37 dc for side 1)
Round 13: Rep Round 3 (25 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 20 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 14: Rep Round 4 (55 dc for sides 2-6, 43 dc for side 1)
Round 15: Rep Round 3 (29 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 23 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 16: Rep Round 4 (63 dc for sides 2-6, 49 dc for side 1)
Round 17: Rep Round 3 (33 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 26 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 18: Rep Round 4 (71 dc for sides 2-6, 55 dc for side 1)
Round 19: Rep Round 3 (37 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 29 ch-1 sps for side 1)
Round 20: Rep Round 4 (79 dc for sides 2-6, 61 dc for side 1)
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Size XS/S:
Fasten off. Move on to Extensions section.
Sizes (M/L, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X, 6X/7X) only:
Rep Rounds 3 & 4 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) more times.
After the last round worked, there are 87 (95, 103, 111, 119, 127) dc for sides 2-6, and 67 (73, 79, 85, 91, 97) dc for side 1.
Fasten off. Move on to Extensions section.
Head to Part 2 of Day Date Cardigan
Congrats for making it this far! Head to Part 2 of the Day Date Hexagon Cardigan pattern where we'll work the sleeve extensions, seam the hexagons and add pockets. Or grab the ad-free, printable PDF that contains the complete pattern and tutorials!
More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns
Crochet sweater patterns don't need to be difficult. In fact, most of ours are made with very simple shapes. Dive into the wonderful world of crochet garments with cardigans, pullovers, ponchos, shrugs and more!
See more free crochet sweater patterns →
More Free Cardigan Patterns
We have lots more free crochet cardigan patterns for you to sink your hook into.
Learn a New Skill
When you're ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.
- How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners - with video tutorials to get you started
- How to Crochet a Beginner Hat - make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
- How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners - the ultimate guide to making your own toys and plushies
- How to Tunisian Crochet - learn with this video and a standard hook
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting hexagon cardigans and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Join us!
Sharon says
Hello. I am trying to gather my supplies for this cardigan. I am making the L/Xl. The pattern states I need 670 yards of yarn for my selected size. However, the Vanna skeins contain 254 yards . This does not equal the 7 x 254 = 1778. Can you please tell me what is correct? I am waiting for your response before I purchase my yarn. To sum up my problem 670 yards stated for my size vs. 1778 yards computed (7 x 254).
Thank you. Sharon
Kelly Cofield says
Where are the videos?? Your site is just too confusing I've tried to download patterns from your site but can't find them
Jackie says
Thank you so much for correcting the stitch count on the extentsion. As I am so anxious to get this done for my friend. She has been through so much this last year.. She is an older lady and I had already showed her the picture of it and she just loved it. I am doing it in a Seafoam Green by Yarn Zee, Soft Secret. I will post when done. I am going to get started back up so I can try a few of the others, I almost gave up competely. Lol. At 72 yrs old, I am set in my way and just hated to not finish it.
Thank you again so much!
Phyllis Bovair says
Hi Jess,
I am enjoying making the Hexagon cardigan but am also coming up with the wrong stitch count on the extensions. I have redone the extension several times & tried adding stitches but I still come up with the wrong stitch count. Should I just follow what the pattern says to do & not count the stitches. I purchased the pattern & it matches the one on the website so I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.
Thank you
Rachel Scott says
Hi, Jess. Just started this pattern. Happy with how you’ve done the sleeves. I made two campfire cardigans, one Aran, one DK, for myself and my eldest daughter, and I made the smaller size and then added more rows to the bottom, front, and back. So I kind of did the same, but a different way! I quite fancy making this one in Aran for a thicker autumn cardi. Think it might be nice and warm. Love your patterns, keep up the good work!
Nicola says
Hi can someone please help me I am only getting 100 dc s non row 2 of left extension. For size medium. It says 103 and I can't see what am doing wrong? Thank you
Jackie says
OK, I have put in to comments and still haven’t received any reply. Can anyone please help me? On the extension for the small it says I should have 95 sts and I keep coming up with 93. Am I supposed to have two stitches in the corners and not one like the pattern implies. I haven’t had any problems up until now. I have watched the video, paid for the pattern and I am still for some reason not getting it.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jackie,
I will go take a closer look now, but I think you have uncovered a mistake in the stitch count. I'm sorry about that! If you're following the video and everything is looking good in your sweater, I wouldn't worry about the 2 stitches. I will update the pattern here if necessary (as well as the PDF) as soon as I've gotten it sorted out.
Thank you!
Jess
Nicola says
Ok ignore me I just 're read the pattern !,