Hexagon Crochet Cardigan Sweater – Free Pattern

This incredibly comfortable crochet cardigan sweater is simpler than it looks. Made from two basic hexagons, you’ll love watching your new favorite cardigan take shape! Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart here.

This free crochet cardigan sweater pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.

Want a crochet cardigan sweater looks on-trend, stylish and (dare I say it?) store bought–but feels like a luxury hotel bathrobe? A project you can try on as you go? Stitch charts to help you along the way? Well, you’re going to LOVE the Brunch Cardigan then, my friends!

Keep reading for all the details and to watch a video overview or scroll down for the complete free pattern.

The Birth of the Brunch Cardigan

I started designing this crochet cardigan sweater way back in February before our little babe was even born. As a soon-to-be 42 week pregnant mom, I wanted something soft and effortless in my hands while I wondered why my baby was still, still, still on the inside.

Then, with so much joy and serenity, he was coaxed out into the world and we started to get to know and love him. I carried along with the Brunch Cardigan when I had a spare minute (which wasn’t often!), but because I was usually buried under a baby while crocheting, I rarely stood up and properly measured it.

This resulted in way more frogging than was necessary, but I’ll always look at this sweater and think of the sweet swirl that was those newborn days.

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

Not My First Crochet Hexagon Sweater Rodeo

If you poke around the free pattern archives a bit, you’ll see that I’ve got a thing for making crochet cardigans out of hexagons. It’s just such a magical, effortless way of creating sleeves and a body that it still tickles my geometry bone every time I see a sweater come together.

If you’re new to the whole hexagon crochet cardigan game, let me explain: You’ll work in the round to make two hexagons. Then you’ll extend a couple of the sides of each hexagon to make it the perfect size to fit over your bust, shoulders and arms.

Next, you’ll fold the hexagons into “L” shapes, seam two sides and add some additional length to the bottom of the sweater. All while feeling like a legit crochet magician!

New to making cardigans? Don’t miss How to Crochet a Sweater for our best beginner tips

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 →

Extra Help For Visual Learners

Crochet is funny because sometimes a really basic sequence can look like a bunch of gobbly-goop when written in crochet pattern language. If you learn better visually, I highly recommend grabbing the PDF version of this pattern because it includes a super clear stitch chart that will help you understand the written pattern even more easily.

Plus, the ad-free PDF is formatted for printing, so you can crochet on the go (or on your couch!) without looking at your phone or computer every three seconds.

A Yarn You’ll Want to Live In

Ok, if I’m being honest, I’ve never been much of a velour person. Even in the 90’s when everyone was wearing crushed velvet homecoming dresses and track suits, I felt like it just had a weird texture I couldn’t jump on board with.

Consider me the captain of the velour train now! Ha. What changed my mind? Making this crochet cardigan sweater out of Lion Brand Vel-Lux yarn! This sweater is by far the most comfortable thing I’ve ever made. In fact, I’m wearing it as I type this! YOU ARE GOING TO WANT THIS ONE IN YOUR CLOSET. I promise you.

Vel-Lux yarn is technically a category 4 yarn, but it’s on the chunkier side, so it works up pretty quickly. There are some really beautiful greys in this line of yarn that make me want to start another Brunch Cardigan ASAP!

UPDATE: Lion Brand created a kit from this pattern that includes all the yarn you’ll need to make your Brunch Cardigan, plus a printed copy of the pattern. You can grab your kit here!

Related: 30+ Free Crochet Poncho Patterns – for all seasons

Watch a Video Preview of the Brunch Cardigan

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth a million, right? I wanted you to be able to see just how beautifully drapey and soft this hexagon cardigan is, so I put together a little video. I hope it inspires you to give this pattern a try!

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The Brunch Cardigan
Free Crochet Cardigan Sweater Pattern

Explanation:
This silky soft sweater is so much simpler than it looks. Made from two basic hexagons, you’ll love watching your cardigan take shape before your very eyes! And because of how it’s constructed, you can try it on and adjust as you crochet, making this the perfect pattern for garment-making newbies. 

Supplies:
Purchase a kit with all the yarn you’ll need, plus a printed copy of the pattern here.
• Lion Brand Vel-Luxe (Weight: 4/medium – 246 yds, 5.3 oz)
– Dusty Pink (#536-140) – 5 (5, 6, 7, 8) skeins [(approx. 620 (710, 900, 1000, 1110) g)]
• Tapestry needle
• Size L (8.0 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers or safety pins
• (Optional) Stitch chart in printable PDF

Sizes:

Size		Fits Bust		Length
S/M……………..		28-34”…………..		27”
M/L…………….		34-40”…………..		29”
L/1X……………		40-46”…………..		31”
1X/2X………….		46-52”…………..		33”
2X/3X………….		52-58”…………..		37”

Fit is intended to be oversized. For a tighter fit, size down. Sample pictured is a M/L on a 5’9” model with a 41” bust.

Gauge:
12 dc x 6.5 rows = 4”

Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
bpdc – back post double crochet
ch – chain
ch-1 sp – space created by 1 chain
ch-2 sp – space created by 2 chains
dc – double crochet
dc2tog – double crochet two together (decrease)
dec – decrease
fpdc – front post double crochet 
inc – increase
PM – place marker
rep – repeat
RS – right side
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
sp(s) – space(s)
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 dc2tog decrease is worked on the dc rounds after Round 3. 

• 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-1sp.

Main Hexagons

Notes:
• If extra visual help is desired, see stitch chart on p. 12 of printable PDF for visual instruction.

• Because of the dc2tog decrease on rounds 4, 6, 8, 10, etc, Side 1 will always have fewer total stitches/spaces than the other sides. This is intentional. 

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 corner ch-1 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-1 sp, dc in each dc to next corner ch-1 sp] 5 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last corner ch-1 sp, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. (7 dc per side)

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in each dc to corner ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next corner ch-2 sp] 5 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last corner ch-2 sp, dc in each remaining dc, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. (11 dc per side)

Round 4: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in each dc to corner ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next corner ch-2 sp] 5 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last corner ch-2 sp, dc in each remaining dc, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. (14 dc for Side 1, 15 dc for all other sides)

Rounds 5-7 (7, 9, 9, 11): Rep Round 4. [23 (23, 29, 29, 35) dc for Side 1; 27 (27, 35, 35, 43) dc for all other sides]

Round 8 (8, 10, 10, 12): Ch 4, sk dc2tog, dc in next dc, [*ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc; rep from * to corner, [(ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1) in corner sp, dc in first dc of next side] 6 times, **dc in next dc of Side 1, ch 1, sk 1 dc; rep from ** to end of round, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. [13 (13, 16, 16, 19) ch-1 sps for Side 1; 15 (15, 19, 19, 23) ch-1 sps for all other sides]

Round 9 (9, 11, 11, 13): Ch 4, dc in next dc, *ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from * to corner, (ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1) in corner sp, dc in first dc of next side; rep from * 5 times, **ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from ** to beginning of round, ch 1, sl st to 3rd dc from beginning of round to join. [15 (15, 18, 18, 21) ch-1 sps for Side 1; 17 (17, 21, 21, 25) ch-1 sps for all other sides]

Round 10 (10, 12, 12, 14): Rep Round 9. [17 (17, 20, 20, 23) ch-1 sps for Side 1; 19 (19, 23, 23, 27) ch-1 sps for all other sides]

Size 2X/3X Only:
Round 15: Rep Round 9 once more. (25 ch-1 sps for Side 1; 29 ch-1 sps for all other sides)

All Sizes:
Round 11 (11, 13, 13, 16): Ch 3, dc2tog over first ch-1sp and next dc, dc in each dc and ch-1sp to corner ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to next corner ch-2 sp] 5 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last corner ch-2 sp, dc in each remaining dc, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. [38 (38, 44, 44, 54) dc for Side 1; 43 (43, 51, 51, 63) dc for all other sides]

Last 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) Rounds: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in each dc to corner ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next corner ch-2 sp] 5 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last corner ch-2 sp, dc in each remaining dc, sl st to 3rd ch from beginning of round to join. 

At completion of Round 15 (16, 18, 19, 22), there should be: 50 (53, 59, 62, 72) dc for Side 1; 59 (63, 71, 75, 87) dc for all other sides.

Fasten off. Move on to Hexagon 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. 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 with attaching 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 corner ch-2 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 (WS): 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; rep from * to next corner ch-2 sp**, (ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1) in corner ch-2 sp] twice ending at **, ch 1, dc in next corner ch-2 sp; turn. [31 (33, 37, 39, 45) ch-1 sps per side] 

Row 2 (RS): Ch 4, dc in first dc, *ch 1, dc in next dc**; rep from * to corner ch-2 sp, (ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1) in corner ch-2 sp, dc in first dc of next side; rep from * to ** to tch, ch-1, dc in 3rd ch of tch; turn. [33 (35, 39, 41, 47) ch-1 sps per side]

Fasten off for size S/M only.

Sizes M/L, L/1X, 1X/2X, 2X/3X Only
Row 3 (WS): Rep Row 2. [- (37, 41, 43, 49) ch-1 sps per side]

Fasten off sizes M/L, L/1X only.

Sizes 1X/2X, 2X/3X Only
Row 4 (RS): Rep Row 2. [- (-, -, -, 45, 51) ch-1 sps 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 above for more details.

With WS facing, attach yarn in corner ch-2 sp at beginning of Side 5. (Lefties: With WS facing, attach yarn in corner ch-2 sp at beginning of Side 4.)

Important: Begin Row 1 with WS facing. 

Rows 1-2 (3, 3, 4, 4): Rep all rows of Right Half of Sweater.

Sleeve Extensions

Notes: 
• Sleeve extensions are identical on both hexagons and are worked along Side 1. 

• As with main hexagon, a dc2tog dec will eliminate one st from each dc row. The dc2tog is worked just as it was previously. 

• Cuff will add approximately 2” to the sleeve.

With WS facing, attach yarn in corner ch-2 sp at beginning of Side 1. (Lefties: Also attach yarn in ch-2 corner sp at beginning of Side 1, which will be opposite of where Righties attach.) See chart above for more details on where to attach yarn.

Place marker in top of dc2tog stitch from previous round. The exact placement of the dc2tog dec is not critical, but it’s helpful to move this marker to the new dc as each row is worked to keep the dec in about the same spot.

Row 1 (WS): Ch 4, dc in second (first, first, second, second) dc of side, *ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc; rep from * to corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in corner ch-2 sp; turn. [26 (28, 31, 32, 37)] ch-1 sps]

Rows 2-3: Ch 4, dc in next dc, *ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from * to tch, ch-1, dc in 3rd ch of tch; turn. [26 (28, 31, 32, 37)] ch-1 sps]

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in first ch-1 sp, dc in each dc and ch-1sp to marker, dc2tog over marked st and next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, dc in each ch-1sp and dc to tch, dc in 4th and 3rd ch of tch; turn. [52 (56, 62, 64, 74) dc]

Rows 5-8 (8, 8, 8, 6): Rep Row 4. 

At completion of Last Row, there should be 48 (52, 58, 60, 72) dc.

Joining Pieces

• See photo below for visual explanation of seaming technique.

To pin each hexagon’s sleeve: 
With RS facing out, bring both corners of side 1 together to form the wrist. Pin sides 2 and 6 together to form sleeve. Take care to keep stitches lined up. You may find it easiest to visually align the ch-1 sp “windows” on either side of the seam. Hexagons should now look like two mirrored “L” shapes. See photo within blog post above.

To pin back seam: 
With RS facing out, line up both “L” shapes and pin so that once again, stitches are aligned.

Seaming:
Using a tapestry needle and single strand of MC yarn, begin seaming at the bottom of the back seam and work toward the neck using a zig zag seam or preferred seaming technique. Fasten off and weave in ends. (See photo above.)

Next, seam each sleeve, beginning at the wrist and working toward the neck. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Wrist Cuff:
Turn cardigan so RS is facing out. Join yarn in ch-3 from beginning of last sleeve row, which is now located at the sleeve seam. Do not work a dc into this ch-3 st, instead, begin Round 1 in the next dc.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 2, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc (counts as dc2tog), dc2tog around sleeve, sl st to dc2tog from beginning of round to join; do not turn. [24 (26, 29, 30, 35) dc]

Round 2 (RS): Ch 3, sk first dc, dc in next 9 (10, 12, 12, 15) dc, dc2tog, dc in next 10 (11, 11, 13, 14) dc, dc2tog (dc2tog, dc3tog, dc2tog, dc3tog), sl st to beginning ch-3 to join; do not turn. [22 (24, 26, 28, 32) dc]

Rounds 3-4: Ch 3, sk first dc, *fpdc around next dc, bpdc around next dc; rep from * until 1 dc remains, fpdc around last dc, sl st to beginning ch-3 to join. [22 (24, 26, 28, 32) dc]

Fasten off.

Extra Bottom Extension

Notes: 
• Final extension is worked in rows along bottom of cardigan only. To make cardigan longer, work additional repeats of Row 5.

• When working Row 1, back seam counts as 1 dc. 

Sizes M/L, L/XL:
With WS of sweater facing, attach yarn in farthest-right dc at cardigan bottom. (Lefties: Attach yarn in farthest-left dc at cardigan bottom.)

Sizes S/M, 1X/2X, 2X/3X:
With WS of sweater facing, attach yarn in farthest-right tch at cardigan bottom. (Lefties: Attach yarn in farthest-left tch at cardigan bottom.)

Row 1 (WS): Ch 4, dc in next dc, *ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from * to end of side; turn.

Rows 2-3: Rep Row 1.

Row 4 (RS): Ch 3, dc in first ch-1 sp, dc in each dc and ch-1 sp to tch, dc in 4th and 3rd ch of tch; turn.

Rows 5-6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, dc in each dc to end of row; turn. 

For a longer cardigan, repeat Row 5 until desired length is reached.

Rows 7-8: Ch 3, sk first dc, *fpdc around next dc, bpdc around next dc; rep from * until tch remains, dc in tch sp; turn.

Row 9: Ch 3, sk first dc, *fpdc around next dc, bpdc around next dc; rep from * until tch remains, dc in tch sp; do not turn, do not fasten off. Move on to Collar.

Collar

• With yarn still attached and RS of sweater facing, collar is worked along front edge, neck and down the second front edge. 

• In Row 1, getting stitches in exactly the right place matters less than ensuring the row lays smoothly (no waves, no puckers).

• In Row 2, the repeat can end with either a fpdc or a bpdc. It will depend on how many sts were made in Row 1.

Row 1 (RS): Dc in same sp, dc evenly around front edge, neck and down second front edge by placing stitches at the approximate frequency listed below; turn. 
2 dc in each row end
2 dc in each corner sp
1 dc in each dc

Row 2: Ch 3, sk first dc, *fpdc around next dc, bpdc around next dc; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc; turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, sk first dc, fpdc around each front post and bpdc around each back post to tch, dc in tch; turn.

Fasten off. Weave in remaining ends. 

Find Your Next Sweater Project

• Granny Square Cardigan – modern take on a classic motif
• Seamless Crochet Poncho – a great first garment for beginners
• Basic V-Neck Pattern – classic styling
• High Low Jumper Pattern – finish in one weekend
• Rectangle Crochet Poncho – made from two simple pieces
• Oversized Cardi – with fur collar
• Sherpa Fleece Sweater Jacket – extremely cozy cardi
• Raglan Baby Sweater – cute for Christmas

More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns

Now that you’re on a roll, I think you’re going to love these other crochet cardigan sweater patterns. They’re all free AND they all include step-by-step video tutorials! You can always find all our free crochet patterns here.