55 Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns [Surprisingly Easy]

Free Crochet Sweater Patterns for All Levels

Learning how to crochet a sweater can be every bit as do-able as other smaller projects. Even if you’ve only crocheted flat things or "simpler" projects like hats and scarves, you can absolutely learn how to crochet sweaters that you actually want to wear.

This beginner’s guide will show you how and provide easy, modern patterns to get you started.

But 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 though because many of the free patterns below are made using basic stitches and very simple shapes, like rectangles!

Important Skills and Techniques

When making garments, 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 all the tips and tricks that will guarantee sweater success. Don't start a pattern without these!

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.

It means you need the right supplies for the specific crochet sweater pattern you’ve picked and the particular way you want it to come out. 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 to learn how to crochet 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. 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.

PRO TIP: Always consider the fiber type when choosing a sweater blocking method. Some yarn fibers respond better to wet blocking, steam blocking or other techniques. If in doubt, do a simple google search to determine the best blocking method for your fiber type.

Alright, are you ready to roll up your, ahem, sweater sleeves and dive into my favorite crocheted sweaters?!

Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns

You'll find a variety of different modern crochet cardigans and sweater in this collection. Or if you'd like, skip straight to how to crochet a sweater to get a primer on all the basic skills you'll need for these patterns.

Many of the free patterns below require minimal shaping and include video tutorials, making them perfect beginner projects to learn how to crochet a sweater. If you already know the style of free sweater pattern 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

Beginner Crochet Sweater Patterns

Just the basics! We’ve got the simplest crochet sweater patterns for beginners. These are stylish sweaters that use simple techniques. They have quick-to-memorize stitch patterns, minimal increasing and decreasing, little to no seaming, and simple shapes like rectangles.

The Easiest Cardigan Patterns for Beginners

If you can make a washcloth or scarf, you already have most of the skills you need to complete these patterns. These beginner crochet sweater patterns will show you the magic of a few basic rectangles.

Advanced-Beginner Sweaters

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

This kind of pattern may include some increasing or decreasing in the sleeves, and 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.

Following a hexagon cardigan pattern also allows you to try on the sweater as you go. This can be really helpful in adjusting the fit if you're learning how to crochet a cardigan for the first time.

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 in our cardigan patterns.

See all our cardigan crochet patterns →

Seamless Sweaters

If you despise weaving in ends, you're going to love these seamless patterns. These are all perfect examples of crochet cardigans that are not any more difficult than any other type of project.

RELATED: Don't leave out your furry friends - easy crochet dog sweater pattern for large dogs (and small dogs too!)

makeanddocrew.com

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 pattern 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. It’s time to learn some new crochet skills and make a stunning sweater.

Intermediate-level patterns can include individual pieces or motifs like granny squares. They also might require some joining, either using crochet stitches or sewing.

Pullover Sweaters and Sweatshirts

Crochet pullovers are fun because they can be designed in the style of hoodies, ponchos or tunics. All you really need for the simplest pullover is two big rectangles and two smaller ones.

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

See all our pullover sweater patterns →

Poncho Patterns

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

See all our crochet poncho patterns →

Shrug Patterns

Crochet shrugs are typically easy first sweaters for beginners 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 a top your outfit for instant style points.

See all our crochet vest patterns →

Patterns for Kids

A crochet sweater pattern for kids 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 →

Final Thoughts on Crocheting Sweaters

Welcome to the world of slow fashion! Making your own clothing can be so satisfying. Whether you gravitate toward cardigans, pullovers, or ponchos, I really hope one of these patterns inspires you to dive into a new crochet sweater project!

Learn a New Skill

And 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 making easy crochet sweater patterns 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. Come join us!