Two simple crochet hexagons transform into a lightweight, on-trend cardigan complete with cozy pockets and roomy bishop sleeves. Get Part 1 of this free easy crochet sweater pattern below or purchase the ad-free PDF of the complete pattern with a stitch chart for $2.99 here. Find Part 2 of the free pattern here and watch the video tutorial here.
This easy crochet sweater pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.
Lately a couple of secret projects have been creating quite a hefty crochet to-do list for me. Yet, despite all these exciting evolutions for Make & Do Crew, I kept finding myself being drawn back to the same WIP (work in progress).
Perhaps it was because of the meditative rounds that seem to strike just the right balance of mindlessness and slight challenge. Maybe it was because I’m a total sucker for a good cardigan and I was hopeful this would be one I could wear every.single.day. Either way, today I’m so excited to share this easy crochet sweater pattern with you as I love wearing it even more than I thought it would and I hope you do too! (You can find all my free crochet sweater patterns here.)
Easy Crochet Sweater Patterns Made From Hexagons
If we’ve been crochet friends for a while, you know that I have quite a thing for hexagons. Last year, I designed the Campfire Cardigan, which is a super fun exploration of granny hexagons that magically turn into a hooded cardigan. Then a few months ago, I use a similar concept but different stitch to design the hooded XO Cardigan for children (sizes newborn – 14) because my 5-year-old politely pointed out kids patterns are sorely underrepresented in my arsenal.
The XO Cardigan // The Campfire Cardigan
A Drapey, Oversized Crochet Cardigan You Can Wear Year Round
Many of you on Instagram encouraged me to create an adult version of the kids XO Cardigan. 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.
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.
The Yarn
To make a sweater 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 lightweight 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 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. I just adore it!
And now you can grab a kit with all the yarn you’ll need plus a printed copy of the pattern from LionBrand.com. This affordable yarn is so lovely and not readily available in stores, so snag your kit here or choose from any of the 18 gorgeous colors sold individually here!
Get All the Yarn You’ll Need In One Kit
To keep things convenient, Lion Brand has put together a kit for us. This kit includes all the yarn you’ll need, plus a printed copy of the pattern. You can even order a different color of Vanna’s Style if pink-ish red isn’t your thing. See all the color options here!
Crocheters of All Levels Can Make This Hexagon Sweater
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 PDF contains the entire pattern, plus all the tutorial pictures, but I’ve also included a stitch chart for the hexagon as well as a schematic that lists all the measurements you can expect in each pattern size. 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. You can grab the pattern PDF for $2.99 here.
I’ve also been thinking that this cardigan could be a great candidate for a video tutorial. If that’s something you’d be interested in, please let me know in the comments below. Thanks! UPDATE: Thanks for your positive response! You can find the full step-by-step video tutorial here!
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 here.)
The Day Date Hexagon Cardigan
Free, Easy Crochet Sweater Pattern – Part 1
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart and schematic here.
Save this to your Ravelry favorites and queue here.
Pin it for later here.
Watch the video tutorial here.
Explanation:
This oversized, lightweight cardigan comes together almost like a magic trick. Two simple hexagons transform into an on-trend sweater complete with cozy pockets and roomy bishop sleeves. Because it’s built from two large hexagons, you can try on the sweater as you work, plus avoid most of the shaping and seaming that comes typical sweaters. This pattern is perfect for less experienced crocheters looking to make a super wearable first garment or more advanced crocheters who want an easy, satisfying project that’s different from the same old cardigan pattern.
Skills required include double crochet, working in the round, double crochet decreases and seaming (tutorial photos included in the pattern below).
Supplies:
Buy a kit with all the yarn you’ll need, plus a printed copy of the pattern here.
This pattern contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Lion Brand Vanna’s Style (Grab your kit here!)
(Weight: 3/light – 254 yds, 3.5 oz)
– Tomato (#867-143) – 6 (7, 7, 8, 8)) skeins [(approx. 580 (625, 670, 715, 760) g)]
• Tapestry needle
• Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers or safety pins
Sizes:
XS/S (M/L, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X)
Finished Measurements:
Back Width: 26.25 (28.25, 30.25, 32.25, 34.25)”
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 below:
Bust Measurement: 30-34 (36-40, 42-46, 48-52, 56-60)”
Choose Size: XS/S (M/L, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X)
See schematic in printable pattern PDF for more detailed pattern measurements.
Sample pictured is a M/L on a 5’9” model with a 36” bust.
Gauge:
16 dc = 4”
9 rows = 4.125”
PLEASE CHECK YOUR GAUGE and adjust your hook size accordingly to ensure your sweater fits!
Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
dc3tog – double crochet three together (see photo below)
PM – place marker
rep – repeat
RS – right side
sl st – slip stitch
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch – turning chain
WS – wrong side
Overall Pattern + Sizing Notes:
• Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parenthesis.
• Sweater is constructed by creating 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.
• 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 details on this stitch.
• 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.
MAIN HEXAGONS
Notes:
• If you’re a visual learner, you might find the stitch chart at end of printable pattern PDF very helpful. You can purchase the PDF for $2.99 here.
• 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. (See photo above for instructions on dc3tog.)
Make 2.
Foundation: 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)
All Sizes:
Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 (10) times total to create a total of 22 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 for sides 2-6, 11 ch-1 sps for side 1)
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-1sps for side 1)
Round 20: Rep Round 4 (79 dc for sides 2-6, 61 dc for side 1)
Round 21: Rep Round 3 (41 ch-1 sps for sides 2-6, 32 ch-1 spcs for side 1)
Round 22: Rep Round 4 (87 dc for sides 2-6, 67 dc for side 1)
Size XS/S:
Fasten off. Move on to Extensions section.
Sizes (M/L, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X) only:
Repeat Rounds 3 & 4, (1, 2, 3, 4) more times. After the last round worked, there are 95 (103, 111, 119) dc for sides 2-6, and 73 (79, 85, 91) dc for side 1.
Fasten off. Move on to Extensions section.
HEXAGON EXTENSIONS
Notes:
• Extra length is added to certain hexagon sides to extend the back, bottom and sleeves of the sweater. Right and left sides are worked differently, so please follow separate instructions for both.
• Pattern refers to different sides of the hexagon by number, which is illustrated in the chart on p. 12. 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. If you’re feeling confused, lay hexagon out with RS facing and safety pin a paper “name tag” to each side so that you can easily identify them when you turn your hexagon over to the WS to begin attach yarn.
• Each extension is worked back and forth in rows.
• When working Row 1, check to make sure ch-1 sps line up with ch-1 spaces from last ch-1 sp row of hexagon.
BACK and BOTTOM EXTENSIONS
Right Half of Sweater:
Notes:
• Back extension is worked along Side 3. Bottom extension is worked along Side 4. See chart above for more details.
With WS facing, attach yarn in ch-2 corner sp at beginning of Side 4. (Lefties: With WS facing, attach yarn in ch-2 corner sp at beginning of Side 3.)
UPDATE: There was an error in the stitch counts in the extensions and it has now been adjusted both here on the blog as well as in the printable PDF. (7.24.18)
Important: Begin Row 1 with WS facing.
Row 1: Ch 4, dc in first dc of side, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side, [ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1] in corner sp; continue onto next side to work: dc in first dc of side, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side, ch 1, dc in corner sp; turn. (45 (49, 53, 57, 61) ch-1 sps per side)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to end of side, [(2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp corner, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to end of second side; turn. 93 (101, 109, 117, 125) dc per side)
Row 3: Ch 4, sk 2 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side, [ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1] in corner sp; continue onto next side to work: dc in first dc of side, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side; turn. 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) ch-1 sps per side)
Row 4: Rep Row 2. 99 (107, 115, 123, 131) dc per side)
Fasten off.
Left Half of Sweater:
Notes:
• Back extension is worked along Side 5. Bottom extension is worked along Side 4. See chart at end of pattern for more details.
With WS facing, attach yarn in ch-2 corner sp at beginning of Side 5. (Lefties: With WS facing, attach yarn in ch-2 corner sp at beginning of Side 4.)
Important: Begin Row 1 with WS facing.
Row 1: Ch 4, dc in first dc of side, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side, [ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1] in corner sp; continue onto next side to work: dc in first dc of side, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side, ch 1, dc in corner sp; turn. (45 (49, 53, 57, 61) ch-1 sps per side)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to end of side, [(2 dc , ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp corner, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to end of second side; turn. 93 (101, 109, 117, 125) dc per side)
Row 3: Ch 4, sk 2 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side, [ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1] in corner sp; continue onto next side to work: dc in first dc of side, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc] to last dc of side; turn. (48 (52, 56, 60, 64) ch-1 sps per side)
Row 4: Rep Row 2. 99 (107, 115, 123, 131) dc per side)
Fasten off.
Now 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 for $2.99 here!
You might also enjoy these easy crochet sweater patterns. They’re all FREE!
1. Staycation Cardigan – free oversized crochet cardigan pattern
2. The Habitat Cardigan – beginner crochet sweater made from a rectangle + video tutorial
3. Dwell Sweater – easy chunky crochet cardigan made from a rectangle + video tutorial
4. The Stonewash Shrug – very simple shrug with sleeves made from a crochet rectangle
WANT MORE FREE SIMPLE SWEATER PATTERNS?
I'd love to send you more fashion-forward free crochet patterns that will make you feel like a goddess of DIY! You in?
Thanks Jess! I love it so much. I started the campfire cardigan but never finished it. Seeing this reminded me to go back and finish! I am going to start this one first though. I guess I am just a work in progress lol.
I made one of your sweaters – the Habitat Cardigan – and want to upload a picture to you. It’s beautiful, and THANK YOU for an easy-to-follow lovely pattern. How do I get a picture to you, and should I upload to Ravelry also?
Yay! I love hearing that! And I’d also love to see a pic! You can share it on Instagram and tag me (@makeanddocrew) if you’re active there, or email me at jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com. Uploading it to Ravelry would be wonderful so other people can admire your hard work too!
Jess
I’m working on the Day Date Easy Hexagon Cardigan using Caron Simply Soft (coffee latte brown) and an H hook, and surprisingly, my gauge matches the pattern’s J hook.
Is there a measurement chart that correlates to stitch and row count?
This is so cute! I love the oversized sleeves with the cuff at the wrist. I made the little girls version so might have to make me one, too!!
Yes! You def deserve one too! 🙂
Yes for video tutorial!! Love the sweater it is so pretty.
Thanks for letting me know, Jamie!
Would love a video tutorial of the hexagon sweater. Have made 2 of your Habitat cardigan, one for me and one for a niece. The video made it so easy. Can’t wait to try this one!
Thanks for letting me know you’d like a video, Cathy! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the Habitat Cardigan pattern!
Jess
I would love a video. I finally finished the Habitat Cardigan as a gift. My next project will be this awesome sweater for me 🙂 Thank you for sharing your awesome patterns
I’d love to see a video of this cardigan..it’s gorgeous
Love what I see!! I really would love to do this sweater. I live in Puerto Rico and the weather here is warm to hot, I really do not like to use acrylic yarn. Can I do this in a cotton yarn, if so which do you recommend?
Yeah, you def could use cotton! You’ll want something that is DK weight, so I’d check out YarnSub.com and see if there are any that you have readily available that come close to matching the gauge of the Vanna’s Style. I bet cotton would be really lovely. 🙂
Jess
Love the look of this sweater! I can’t wait to try this. It seem easy to make by following your steps. Thanks for the pattern.
Lovely — but 21 pages of instructions? I like to print mine out but that many pages makes me shudder! LOL. I love this and can’t wait to get started on it.
Hey Bev,
Are you referring to printing this blog post or the PDF of the pattern? This blog post is not formatted for printing, but the PDFs I sell I specifically format you can just print the parts you find helpful. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Hola es hermoso!!!
podrias compartir el esquema que no se ve bien??
gracias
Isa
Help on left side extension my stitches are not adding up. I have 49 chain 1 sp and 97 dc. But I am medium so should I not be 45 ch 1 and 95 in rows 1 and 2? As the small size does not have extension so the first number is for medium. Am I correct here?
Ok ignore me I just ‘re read the pattern !,
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
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.
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
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!
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
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!
Where are the videos?? Your site is just too confusing I’ve tried to download patterns from your site but can’t find them