Get the free easy crochet sweater pattern below or purchase the ad-free PDF of the complete pattern with a stitch chart here. Watch the video tutorial here.
This easy crochet sweater pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.
Two simple crochet hexagons transform into a lightweight, on-trend cardigan complete with cozy pockets and roomy bishop sleeves. Read on for all the yarn and inspiration details or scroll down for Part 1 of the free pattern.
Find Part 2 of the free pattern here and watch the video tutorial here.
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 sweater pattern:
• It’s made with meditative rounds that strike just the right balance of interesting 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?!
The Magical Sweater 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.
Much Easier Than It Looks
Some of the most intimidating parts of crocheting a sweater if you’ve never done it before are:
• Figuring out 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 as many times as you’d like as it grows.
Related: The Brunch Hexagon Cardigan
Because it’s 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 sweater pattern includes lots of support the visual learners out there.
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!
Substituting Yarn
Sadly, since publishing this easy crochet cardi, Vanna’s Style has been discontinued. I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble finding a replacement yarn you’re happy with luckily.
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.
Hand Dyed Heaven by Lion Brand is another comfortable, lightweight yarn that would substitute beautifully. While it’s made from nylon, the feel is cool and comfortable, kind of like a very soft cotton.
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.
A Hexagon Cardi For Crocheters of All Levels
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 on LoveCrafts.com here and on Etsy here.
Learn This Pattern By Video
If you’re new to pattern reading or just prefer a crochet concierge as you work, definitely check out the step-by-step 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 here.)
click to pin this pattern for later ⇨
More Crochet Sweater Patterns Made From Hexagons
If you are a super-fan of crochet hexagon sweaters like me, then you will love these free modern cardigan patterns. They are all made from two simple hexagons and are perfect for layering throughout all four seasons.
1. Brunch Cardigan // 2. XO Children’s Cardigan // 3. Campfire Cardigan
The Day Date Hexagon Cardigan
Free, Easy Crochet Sweater Pattern – Part 1
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart and schematic on LoveCrafts.com here and on Etsy here.
Save this to your Ravelry 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:
• Lion Brand Vanna’s Style*
(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
*See notes about substituting yarn in blog post above.
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 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.)
• Your hexagons will be wavy and they will not lay flat. This is correct and allows for the slack to fold them into the sleeves and sweater body.
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 below. 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.
TIP: 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.)
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 here!
More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns With Video Tutorials
If you found it helpful to crochet the Day Date Cardigan along with a step-by-step video tutorial, you may want to check out these other free crochet sweater patterns. They all include detailed video tutorials to make your crochet journey clear and stress-free.
1. Dwell Sweater – Creatively constructed from a simple rectangle, this flattering chunky crochet sweater comes together easily with zero shaping, increasing or decreasing.
2. Alchemy Cardigan – This lightweight sweater is perfect to toss on for some summer stargazing or layer with a long-sleeve shirt in the colder months.
3. The Habitat Cardigan – No one will guess you created this figure-flattering cardigan from a simple rectangle. Made with extremely soft yarn for a cozy-but-not-too-bulky look, you’ll find yourself reaching for this beginner crochet sweater over and over again.
4. Up North Cardigan – This easy, cotton crochet cardigan pattern for beginners uses a very simple construction to create a show-stopping look with entry level skills.
WANT MORE FREE SIMPLE SWEATER PATTERNS?
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28 Comments
Tracy King
April 23, 2018 at 2:42 amThanks 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.
Laura Pattillo
April 23, 2018 at 8:35 amI 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?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 24, 2018 at 11:01 amYay! 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
Martha Patterson
June 21, 2018 at 3:38 pmI’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?
Christina
April 23, 2018 at 9:12 amThis 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!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 24, 2018 at 11:00 amYes! You def deserve one too! 🙂
Jamie D.
April 23, 2018 at 11:48 amYes for video tutorial!! Love the sweater it is so pretty.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 24, 2018 at 10:59 amThanks for letting me know, Jamie!
Cathy
April 24, 2018 at 2:10 amWould 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!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
April 24, 2018 at 10:56 amThanks for letting me know you’d like a video, Cathy! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the Habitat Cardigan pattern!
Jess
Chloe
April 25, 2018 at 11:49 amI 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
Sharon benson
May 3, 2018 at 7:45 amI’d love to see a video of this cardigan..it’s gorgeous
Ida Luz
May 7, 2018 at 1:45 pmLove 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?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
May 7, 2018 at 8:25 pmYeah, 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
Amanda
May 16, 2018 at 11:19 pmLove 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.
Bev Matheson
June 3, 2018 at 1:37 pmLovely — 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.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew
June 6, 2018 at 8:27 pmHey 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
Isabel Nemet
June 10, 2018 at 4:27 pmHola es hermoso!!!
podrias compartir el esquema que no se ve bien??
gracias
Isa
Nicola
June 20, 2018 at 3:06 amHelp 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?
Nicola
June 20, 2018 at 3:08 amOk ignore me I just ‘re read the pattern !,
Nicola
June 20, 2018 at 6:08 amHi 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
June 26, 2018 at 1:47 pmOK, 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
June 27, 2018 at 9:59 pmHey 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
Rachel Scott
June 22, 2018 at 9:44 amHi, 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!
Phyllis Bovair
July 24, 2018 at 11:28 amHi 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
Jackie
July 26, 2018 at 1:58 pmThank 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!
Kelly Cofield
March 2, 2019 at 7:59 amWhere are the videos?? Your site is just too confusing I’ve tried to download patterns from your site but can’t find them
Sharon
December 13, 2019 at 1:16 pmHello. 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