Day Date Easy Crochet Sweater Pattern - Free!

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.

RELATED: We love making garments so much, we even designed a crochet dog sweater for large, medium and small dogs!

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 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 →

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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. 95 (103, 111, 119, 127) 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. 47 (51, 55, 59, 63) ch-1 sps per side)

Row 4: Rep Row 2. 97 (105, 113, 121, 129) 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. 47 (51, 55, 59, 63) ch-1 sps per side)

Row 4: Rep Row 2. 97 (105, 113, 121, 129) 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!

Find Your Next Sweater Project

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• Poncho With Pockets - slim cut + kangaroo pocket
• The Dwell Sweater - with plus sizes + video tutorials
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• Pullover Yoke Sweater - nearly seamless
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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.