59 Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns [Surprisingly Easy]

Can I Crochet a Sweater as a Beginner?

Absolutely! Learning how to make a sweater is really no different from another crochet project. The first step is choosing an easy pattern that uses straightforward construction and techniques.

You’re in luck because many of the pullover and cardigan patterns below are made using basic stitches and very simple shapes, like rectangles!

Important Skills and Techniques

When making wearables, skills like knowing how to check your gauge and take body measurements are critical.

If you’re new to making garments, you’ll definitely want to check out our comprehensive sweater guide for beginners. Learn how to crochet a sweater, including my favorite tips and tricks that will guarantee sweater success.

Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns

Many of the free patterns below require minimal shaping and include video tutorials, making them perfect beginner projects.

If you already know the style of sweater you’re looking for, click the link below to jump to that section.

• Easy Sweater Patterns for Beginners
• Cardigans
• Seamless Sweaters
• Pullover Sweaters + Sweatshirts
• Ponchos
• Shrugs
• Vests
• Kids sweater patterns

The Easiest Cardigans for Beginners

If you can make a washcloth or scarf, you already have most of the skills you need to complete these patterns. They have quick-to-memorize stitch patterns, minimal increasing and decreasing, little to no seaming, and simple shapes like rectangles.

Advanced-Beginner Sweaters

Ready to level up? Are you willing to take on a bit more seaming or shaping for the perfect sweater? You may be looking for an advanced-beginner pattern.

This kind of pattern may include some increasing or decreasing in the sleeves, as well as basic seaming. However, it’ll still be based on simple shapes like rectangles and hexagons and feature easy-to-memorize stitch patterns.

Crochet Hexagon Cardigans

It’s hard to believe two humble hexagons can serve as the foundation for a gorgeous cardigan pattern. Using some creative geometry, these patterns come together with minimal seaming and loads of fun.

One thing I love about hexagon cardigans is that they allow you to try on the sweater as you go. This can be really helpful in adjusting the fit if you’re crocheting a cardigan for the first time.

My Favorite Cardigan Patterns

Cardigans can be the perfect layering garment for many seasons. If you’re looking for a sweater you can wear most of the year, a cardigan is the way to go. Cardigans also happen to be my favorite type of garment to design because the styles can vary so much.

From dolman sleeves and bobble stitches to granny squares, you’ll find a little of everything here.

Seamless Sweaters

For anyone who despises weaving in ends, I always recommend these seamless patterns. They are perfect examples of cardigans that are no more difficult than any other type of project.

RELATED: Don’t leave out your furry friends – make them their very own dog sweater (available in nine sizes!)

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Colorful Cardigan with Hood

Learn how to remix Mandala yarn cakes to create a stunning gradient effect in this muted rainbow sweater pattern. Such a fun project for your inner artist! Video tutorials included.

Get the Pattern

RELATED: 40+ Free Crochet Patterns to Make With Lion Brand Mandala Yarn

Intermediate Sweater Patterns

You’ve finished a few sweaters and you’re ready for your next challenge.

Intermediate-level patterns can include individual pieces or motifs like granny squares. They also might require some joining, either using crochet stitches or sewing. Ready to learn some new crochet skills?!

Pullovers, Jumpers, and Sweatshirts

Crochet pullovers are fun because they can be designed as hoodies, ponchos, or tunics. I’ve tried them all and learned that for the simplest version, all you really need is two big rectangles and two smaller ones.

The jumper patterns below include a variety of necklines like v-necks, cowl necks, and boat necklines. You’ll also find different methods used to create the design, including top-down raglan and seamless yoke patterns.

Poncho Patterns

Ponchos can be a great sweater choice for beginners because they are often made from very simple shapes. Some patterns even include sleeves, making them a hybrid pullover sweater mixed with poncho, or “swancho” for short!

Shrug Patterns

Crochet shrugs are typically easy, even for beginners, because they’re made from a simple rectangle or square. You’ll also love shrugs for their versatility throughout different seasons.

See all our crochet shrug patterns →

Vests

Alright, while vests are not technically sweater patterns, they are essentially cardigans without sleeves. Layer a boho vest on top of your outfit for instant style points.

See all our crochet vest patterns →

Patterns for Kids

A kid’s sweater can often be a perfect first garment for beginners. Why? Because kids are smaller of course! Whether you’re new to crocheting garments or you’re an old pro, these sweaters for children will come together quickly using simple techniques.

See all our wearable patterns for babies, toddlers + kids →

Supplies for Crochet Cardigans + Sweaters

Choosing the right supplies is critical to sweater success. Does this mean you need to break the bank on really expensive yarns and notions? Thankfully, no. Here are some things to keep in mind when gathering your supplies.

Crochet Hook(s)

When you see the hook size in a pattern, remember this: The pattern designer is telling you how they achieved the right gauge, not how you must. 

We all crochet a little more tightly or loosely than the next person. It’s very personal. Changing your hook size to achieve the pattern gauge is ALWAYS okay. (See more on how to check your gauge below.)

Notions

Other than a hook and yarn, what do you need for crocheting a sweater? Just determination, an adventurous spirit, and a few notions.

Measuring tape

Use this to ensure you’ve achieved the right gauge. You might also want to measure the length of a sleeve, a hem, or something similar. You’ll use this to take your own measurements to choose the right sweater size as well.

Stitch markers

Stitch markers usually look like little plastic safety pins. They are important for helping you keep your place in the stitches and knowing when to repeat decreases. 

PRO TIP: In a particularly long row, you can mark every 10-20 stitches, for example. This way, you can more easily count your stitches if you get lost.

Tapestry needle

Yarn needles are essential for weaving the yarn tails into the sweater and sometimes, for joining pieces together.

Scissors

For fastening off yarn at the end of a pattern section.

Highlighter or pen

This is the easiest way to keep track of your one size within a crochet pattern with many size options. I always like to highlight all numbers and stitch counts for my size in the pattern before I get started.

Blocking Tools

If you’ve never made a sweater, you may not know what blocking is. (No judgement here – I avoided it for 27 years before finally adding this step to my garment-making process!) It just means steaming out your garment or its final pieces at the end to even out stitches and ensure the final size is correct.

Ideally you will use a blocking board or large piece of stiff foam, and t-pins to secure the pieces. You can use an actual steamer to create the moisture for blocking, or an iron with steam function can work too. NEVER touch the steamer or iron to the actual yarn. When using acrylic yarn, direct contact with the heat source can burn or melt the yarn.

If you can’t steam, you can just pin the sweater pieces down and wet them well with a simple spray bottle.

That was so fun! Now what?

Invitation to our Facebook group

Come discuss crocheting sweaters and lots of other yarn-y 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!