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    Home » Crochet Sweater Patterns

    Updated: Jan 27, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    How to Crochet a Sweater for Beginners

    Learning how to crochet a sweater is easier than you might think. There are a few specific skills you need to pay attention to for sweater success.

    Learn exactly what you need to know in order to make a garment you're proud to wear, even if you're a beginner!

    In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know for success with a beginner crochet sweater pattern.

    • How to make ensure you don’t use the wrong yarn
    • How to choose a pattern that’s hard to screw up
    • What sweater size you should make
    • Technical details like gauge, drape, and ease
    • How make finishing details like joining pieces and weaving in ends easier
    A blond woman with a large smile wearing a partially finished crochet patchwork sweater.
    You can absolutely learn how to crochet a sweater and you'll feel so proud when you do.

    Make a Crochet Sweater

    Learning how to crochet a sweater can be extremely motivating. It allows you to practice different stitches and techniques while creating a functional and stylish piece of clothing.

    Crochet sweater designs can range from simple and classic to more complex and trendy designs, so you're sure to find a pattern that suits your personal style.

    How To Crochet a Sweater Step By Step

    While each pattern will vary in the details, these are the concepts you'll want to understand when you're learning how to crochet a sweater.

    Step 1: Choosing The Right Easy Pattern

    What kinds of things should you look for in an easy crochet sweater pattern? Here are some ideas:

    Follow your Typical Taste

    The first thing to do is go to your own closet, Instagram feed, or Pinterest board. What inspires you? What kinds of styles and fits do you like? Cardigans? Pullovers? Granny squares? Keep this in mind as you look.

    Easy Crochet Cardigans With Video Tutorials

    Look for a pattern with a video tutorial. When you’re learning how to crochet a sweater, it can be easy to get lost in written directions. Plus, each designer writes their patterns a little differently, so it helps to literally “see” how to crochet the sweater step-by-step.

    Here are few of our most popular crochet sweater video tutorials for beginners:

    • The Habitat Cardigan - Beginner Crochet Sweater Video Tutorial
    • How To Crochet a Bobble Cardigan - Video Tutorial
    • Turtleneck Crochet Poncho - Video Tutorial For Beginners
    • Dwell Easy Crochet Cardigan - Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
    Woman wearing a mustard colored jumpsuit and an in progress crochet cardigan, which still has yarn hanging from it.
    The Mezzo Cardigan is a free crochet sweater pattern you can try on as you go.

    Choose Sweaters You Can Try on As You Go

    Most easy crochet sweater patterns will be pretty straightforward to modify things like the sleeve length if you want.

    When you're just learning how to crochet a sweater though, it's particularly helpful to look for patterns you can try on as you go. Checking the fit of your sweater as you progress is one of the best ways to ensure you're happy with the finished piece.

    • Classic crochet raglans you crochet in the round work like this, for example. This top down technique allows you to adjust the length until it’s just the right size for your particular body.
    • Hexagon crochet sweaters are my personal favorite type of pattern to try on as you go. Using this unique technique, you can crochet two hexagons that becomes the sleeves fronts and back of your sweater. This allows you to try on your in-progress cardigan and make adjustments to the sizing as necessary.
    • The Day Date Cardigan is a perfect opportunity to crochet a hexagon sweater with the helpf of a step-by-step video tutorial.

    More Tips for Choosing Beginner Crochet Sweaters

    Keep it basic

    Patterns that use simple stitches will save you a lot of frustration as a beginner. The Up North Cardigan, for example, is crocheted entirely with half double crochet stitches and the result is fantastic.

    Make it quick

    Patterns that call for chunkier yarns and bigger hooks allow you to make fast progress as a beginner—and give you a boost of confidence!

    Go for minimal seaming

    Even those of us who crochet garments frequently often prefer to avoid seaming lots of pieces together. As a sweater newbie, it’s easier to eliminate the variable of lots of seams. 

    Look for simple construction

    Don't overlook crochet sweaters made with the most basic shapes. You might be surprised at how few crochet rectangles can make a killer sweater. A design like the Habitat Cardigan is a perfect first sweater to crochet because it's made entirely from rectangles.

    PRO TIP: Easy crochet poncho patterns can be some of the easiest first garments to try. Ponchos are usually crocheted out of simple shapes like rectangles and often don't require any shaping and or much counting.

    Step 2: Select Your Sweater Size

    When you read a new crochet cardigan or sweater pattern, first look at the measurements. Be careful to check twice—they could be in inches or centimeters.

    Take your body measurements with a tape measure, over clothes if you’ll be wearing the sweater that way. Then compare your measurements to the pattern.

    If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider how you want the sweater to feel and drape on your body. It can also be helpful to notice how the garment fits on the model in the photos.

    If it’s already oversized in style, you may be able to size down. If it’s a more fitted pattern to begin with, consider sizing up so you’re sure to crochet a sweater than fits.

    Remember, you’ll always want to check your gauge to ensure your sweater turns out the size you’re expecting and you get the perfect fit you’re planning on.

    What Is Ease in Crochet?

    Let's discuss some terms you might see mentioned about the sizing of handmade sweaters.

    Positive Ease

    This means that the finished project measurements are intended to be larger than your own body measurements. This creates a looser, comfy cardigan or sweater.

    Negative Ease

    This means the finished sweater measurements are intended to be smaller than your own body measurements (at least in some areas, like often the bust). This creates a more form-fitting look.

    Woman wearing casual crochet pullover pattern with stylish exposed seams.
    You'll find a fair amount of positive ease in most sweater patterns from Make & Do Crew. We like things comfy!

    Step 3: Review the Entire Pattern

    I know! That yarn is to die for and you just want to get going. I don't have much patience at this stage either. But trust me, at least once before you start, read the pattern instructions all the way through.

    What are you looking for when you read a sweater or cardigan pattern? You’re making sure you have the supplies you need, of course. You’re confirming that you understand the order in which you’ll complete each step and each piece.

    You’re verifying that you don’t just get the general idea—but that you really know how to crochet the sweater step-by-step.

    How to Read a Sweater Pattern

    Most patterns have multiple sizes in them and they're always listed from smallest to largest. You want to make sure you’re following the stitch counts for your size only.

    Print the pattern and highlight all the numbers and stitch counts pertaining to your size. This makes it much easier to follow along with the pattern as you crochet.

    For Example:
    If a pattern was written in sizes S, M and L, the stitch counts would be written like this: 20 (22, 24). If you were following the instructions for size medium, you would highlight and follow the second number in the series throughout the pattern.

    Step 4: Crochet a Gauge Swatch

    Meeting the given sweater pattern gauge is important. Why? Because it ensures your stitches are the same size as the designer's. Especially in crochet sweaters, all of the measurements listed in the pattern are based on the given gauge.

    If your stitches are too large or too small, you run the risk of your sweater also being too large or too small. Gauge is super important to ensuring your project fits!

    Blonde woman wearing a colorful crochet patchwork sweater with crochet ribbing. Her left hand is in the cardigan pocket.
    The gauge swatch doubles as a pocket in the Patchwork Party Cardi pattern.

    PRO TIP: Look to see if the pattern you're following has instructions to crochet pockets. Often you can follow those instructions to crochet your gauge swatch. Then you'll already have one pocket finished just by checking your gauge!

    How to Check Gauge in a Crochet Pattern

    Luckily, checking your gauge against a crochet sweater pattern is not hard at all and is 100000% worth it. Here is what you do.

    1. Crochet a swatch that's about 7x7".
    2. Use the stitch pattern you’ll be using for most of your pattern.
    3. Block the swatch following the same blocking instructions you’ll use for the finished garment.
    4. Measure only the nicely-worked middle 4 inches to check how many stitches are there.
    5. Compare the number of stitches and rows in four inches of your swatch to the pattern gauge.

    What to Do If Your Gauge is Off

    If you met the gauge requirements, great! If your measurements differ from the pattern, you'll need to make a new swatch with different sized hook.

    Remember, changing hook size is totally acceptable!

    Correcting Your Crochet Sweater Gauge

    • If there are too many stitches in 4” horizontally, increase your hook size and re-swatch. 
    • If there aren’t enough stitches in 4” horizontally, decrease your hook size and re-swatch.
    • If swatch is measuring too small vertically, make a deliberate effort to pull loops up a bit higher before completing each single crochet. 
    • If swatch is measuring too large vertically, make an effort to work the loops of each single crochet a little tighter.

    This video is incredibly helpful if you’re having trouble achieving the correct vertical gauge.

    Step 5: Begin Crocheting the Sweater

    Most often you will either be chaining the base of the sweater’s front or back panel when you’re crocheting a garment made of multiple pieces. If the sweater is a raglan, yoke or any other in-the-round style, you’ll still begin with a foundation chain.

    In any case, the number of chains (or foundation crochet stitches) will depend on the size.

    PRO TIP: Many designers have a Facebook group you can join to ask questions of other crocheters who have already made the pattern. Use these groups to get clarity on parts of the pattern you might feel intimidated by. There are no stupid questions. I'd love for you to join the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group here.

    Step 6: Join the Pieces of Your Sweater

    Depending on the type of sweater you’re crocheting, there may be more or less seaming to do.

    A classic raglan sweater worked in the round is usually completed in one magical piece. This means there is very little seaming to do at the end, if any.

    A basic crochet pullover pattern likely has a front panel, a back panel and two sleeves. The front and back panels are typically joined first at the shoulders, and then seamed down the side, leaving room for the sleeves. 

    Choosing a seamless crochet sweater pattern like this long, fringed cardigan or this easy duster cardigan sweater means you get to avoid joining pieces all together!

    How do you join a sweater together? 

    There are many ways to join the pieces of your sweater together. Three basic techniques are:

    • Whip stitch with a tapestry needle
    • Mattress stitch with a tapestry needle
    • Slip stitching with a crochet hook
    A grid showing a join with crochet and join with seaming crochet technique.

    Step 7: Finishing Touches

    Good news - you’re so close!

    Now, carefully weave in the ends of your yarn tails using a tapestry needle. This is important because you don’t want the yarn ends unraveling as you wear and launder your new crochet sweater. 

    Depending on your pattern, maybe you’ll add a hood, buttons or pockets. Want some ribbing on the hems? Make it your own!

    PRO TIP: If the sweater pattern you’re following has a hashtag on Instagram or page on Ravelry, it can be helpful to look at other crocheters’ finished projects. This will give you ideas for how to customize your own sweater or cardigan.

    Common Stitch Abbreviations for Sweaters

    You can run into almost any crochet stitch in a sweater pattern. There are certain stitch abbreviations that you will come across most commonly though. Typically a pattern will describe how to crochet any unusual stitches. When it doubt, search the stitch on Youtube to see if you can find a video tutorial.

    PRO TIP: The abbreviations in the US are slightly different than in the UK. A pattern should specify whether US or UK terms are used.

    Crochet StitchUS AbbreviationUK Abbreviation
    Chainchch
    Single crochet scdc
    Half-double crochet hdchtr
    Double-crochetdctr
    Yarn over yoyoh
    Skipsksk
    Space spsp
    Front loop onlyfloflo
    Back loop only bloblo
    Repeatreprep
    Wrong sidewsws
    Right sidersrs

    Final Thoughts on Crocheting Your First Sweater

    You just made something that no one else has in their closet. This is a big deal! You are going to remember this first crochet sweater, even if years later you have forgotten many of your other projects.

    Welcome to the world of slow fashion! And while you’re here, start looking for your next easy crochet sweater pattern.

    Grid of women wearing modern crochet cardigans and sweaters in muted colors.
    5 from 1 vote
    Pin For Later

    How to Crochet a Sweater for Beginners - A Summary

    Learning how to crochet a sweater is far easier than you might expect. You need to find the right easy pattern, choose an appropriate yarn and check your gauge. Here are the basic steps of crocheting a cardigan, pullover, hoodie or poncho.
    Measurements/Sizes: see specific pattern for given measurements
    Approx Time (varies by skill level): 21 d
    Yarn Cost: 25-85
    Author: Jess Coppom

    Materials

    • Yarn based on pattern instructions - worsted weight is a good sweater weight yarn for beginners

    Additional Crochet Sweater Supplies

    • Hook
    • Measuring Tape
    • Stitch Marker
    • Tapestry Needle
    • Scissors
    • Highlighter or Pen
    • Blocking Board

    Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)

    • Chain - ch
    • Single crochet - sc
    • Half-double crochet - hdc
    • Double-crochet - dc
    • Yarn over - yo
    • Skip - sk
    • Space - sp
    • Front loop only - flo
    • Back loop only - blo
    • Repeat - rep
    • Wrong side - ws
    • Right side - rs
    Want some company while you crochet?

    Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.

    Permissions + Copyright

    Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.

    Instructions

    How to Crochet a Sweater or Cardigan - Overview

    • 1. Choose an easy pattern that requires minimal seaming and counting. Cardigans made from rectangles and hexagons make ideal beginner sweater projects.
    • 2. Compare the measurements of your body to the measurements of the garment given in the pattern to choose your sweater size.
    • 3. Read through the entire pattern and highlight all the numbers and stitch counts related to your specific size.
    • 4. Crochet a gauge swatch using the main sweater stitch pattern. Measure center four inches of swatch. If necessary, increase or decrease hook size and reswatch. This step is really important to ensure your sweater is the size you expect.
    • 5. Crochet the pieces of the sweater.
      Image of a crochet patchwork cardigan in progress.
    • 6. Join the pieces as instructed in the pattern using either crochet or sewing stitches.
      A grid showing a join with crochet and join with seaming crochet technique.
    • 7. Use a tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn tails.
    • 8. Consider adding optional details like buttons and pockets to personalize your project.
      Lion Brand Scarfie yarn, crochet hooks, wooden buttons and the bottom of a crochet cardigan made with the Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.
    • Give yourself a big high five! You just learned how to crochet a sweater!

    Overall Pattern Notes

    With crocheted sweaters, it's essential to check your gauge before starting on the pattern. Meeting the gauge of the pattern is what will ensure your garment turns out the size you expect. It's always okay to adjust your hook size to meet the gauge.
    Get detailed free patterns up above on page to learn how to make your first sweater! 👆
     
     

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      Stylish Crochet Crew Neck Sweater - Free Pattern
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      Easy Crochet Dog Sweater - Free Pattern in 9 Sizes
    • Grid of women wearing modern crochet cardigans and sweaters in muted colors.
      55 Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns [Surprisingly Easy]
    • A woman on a dirt road in the mountains wearing a crochet sweater jacket made with Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca yarn in the color "Olive You."
      Free Crochet Jacket Pattern With Belt

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    Hi, I'm Jess! My mom taught me to crochet when I was 8-years-old. Now I work alongside my mom and sisters to bring you free patterns + tutorials that make crochet modern, approachable and fun!

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