Below you’ll find cardigan crochet patterns that seamlessly mix fashion and craft. From lightweight, lacy shrugs to chunky cocoon cardis, these projects use basic stitches and simple, beginner-friendly shapes.
Plus, most of the easy crochet cardigan patterns include a photo or video tutorial, making them ideal if you’re just learning how to crochet a cardigan.
This collection of crochet cardigans contains affiliate links.
Jump to:
- How to Crochet a Cardigan for Beginners
- How Not to Screw Up: Essential Beginner Tips
- Inclusive Patterns With Plus Sizes
- Easy, Modern Crochet Cardigan Patterns
- How to Customize a Cardigan
- Cardigan Sizing Chart
- Supplies and Materials
- That was so fun! Now what?
- Ready For More Crochet Inspiration?
- Invitation to our Facebook group
How to Crochet a Cardigan for Beginners
Learning how to make a crochet cardigan couldn’t be easier. I know the designs look complicated, but they’re really not! Many of these cards are made from simple rectangles.
Simple Step-by-Step Cardigan Construction
You might have heard crochet sweater terms like raglan, drop shoulder, and set-it sleeves, which can all sound a little intimidating.
Don’t give up, though! Here is one of the easiest methods to crochet a cardigan for beginners:
Step 1: Back Panel
Crochet a large rectangle for the back, making it as short or long as desired.
Step 2: Front Panels
Make two thinner rectangles for the front panels. These should include the same number of rows as the back panel. In my experience, leaving a 6-7” space for the neck opening works well in adult cardigans.
Step 3: Join Pieces Together
Seam the three pieces together along the sides and at the shoulders. Leave an unseamed section on each side of the cardigan for the armholes.
Step 4: Making the Sleeves
There are two methods for making the sleeves. You can crochet directly into the armhole, working in joined rounds to create a tube for each sleeve. Or, make the sleeves separately by creating two rectangles, then join them into the shoulder and seam them into tubes.
More Detailed Resources
If you’re new to clothing patterns, explore our detailed guide on how to crochet a sweater for beginners. It covers essential techniques like obtaining the correct gauge and offers tips and tricks to ensure sweater success!
How Not to Screw Up: Essential Beginner Tips
There are a few factors to consider before beginning your new project:
- Choose a pattern at the right skill level – consider difficulty, speed, and aesthetic taste. Selecting the right pattern often boils down to personal preference. Some crafters want a quick, easy project, whereas others are looking for more of a challenge.
- Pick the right yarn – each pattern will include yarn recommendations. It’s always okay to use a different yarn but you should stick to the same weight category to achieve the expected shape and size.
- Take your body measurements – these numbers determine the size of your cardigan. Each pattern will guide you in what size to make.
- Make a gauge swatch – use a crochet hook that meets the recommended gauge, as this will ensure your cardigan has the correct measurements.
Inclusive Patterns With Plus Sizes
It’s important to me that anyone can make our designs. That’s why most of the crochet cardigan patterns below include plus sizes up to 3X or 5X. Most of our designs have a lot of positive ease (looseness), making them quite accommodating of many types of bodies.
(Make and Do Crew aims to size up to 5X on all patterns. Thanks for your patience while we expand the sizing of our earliest patterns.)
Easy, Modern Crochet Cardigan Patterns
Discover our favorite cardigan designs below, from sleeveless vests to button-up sweaters. You’re sure to find a pattern that matches your skill level and cardi goals.
If you already know what you’re looking for, jump to the appropriate section by clicking the link below:
Trendy Crochet Cardigan Patterns
These contemporary sweater designs feature unique stitch patterns and polished details like ribbed collars and cuffs.
Habitat Cocoon Cardigan
Make and Do Crew Original Crochet Hexagon Cardigan
Related: 30 Best Crochet Crop Top and Tank Top Patterns
Make and Do Crew Long Duster Cardigan
Patchwork Cardigan with Pockets
Easy Boho Rectangle Shrug
You can find the free pattern in sizes S to 3XL and there are instructions to easily adjust the design for larger plus sizes.
Make and Do Crew All-Season Cardigan
Cardigans Made From Hexagons
A hexagon cardigan is so fun to watch come together. One minute, you have two amoeba-shaped “blobs” and the next, you have an actual sweater you can try on to check the fit.
The Mezzo Hexagon Cardigan
Easy Hexagon Cardigan Pattern with Video Tutorial
Easy Hexagon Cardigan
Easy Crochet Cardigans for Beginners
These beginner-friendly patterns feature basic stitches and easy construction using simple shapes. This makes them ideal for newbies learning how to make their own clothing.
Very Easy Crochet Cardigan for Beginners
Corner-to-Corner (C2C) Crochet Kimono
Nearly Seamless Shrug
Blanket Shrug with Hood
Related: 30 Poncho Patterns for All Seasons
Super Simple Jacket
Easy V-Stitch Crochet Cardi
Chunky Patterns for Winter
Craft warm and cozy winter cardigans using bulky yarn. Fuse function and style with practical elements like hoods and pockets to keep you snug.
Chunky Crochet Sweater
Chunky Crochet Cardigan with Collar
Oversized Crochet Sweater
Oversized Cardigan with Faux Fur Collar
Button-Up Beginner Cardigan
Related: Modern Patchwork Blanket
Long Sleeved Shrug with Ribbed Collar
Related: How to Crochet the Griddle Stitch
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Lightweight Layers
Explore airy and breathable cardigan patterns for summer, spring, or fall. Perfect for layering over outfits in both warmer and cooler months.
Adjustable and Seamless Cropped Cardigan
Make and Do Crew Crochet Hooded Cardigan
Long Fringed Cardigan
Related: 30 Crochet Dress Patterns
Color Block Spring Cardigan
Related: Braided Southwestern Crochet Poncho
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Modern Fitted Cardi with Ribbed Cuffs
Short Sleeve Summer Jacket
Long Sweater Vest
There are also matching styles for a crochet top and market bag as part of the Northwest series from Mickyla at Created Makers.
Draped Crochet Cardi Vest
Boho Crochet Cardigan with Fringe
Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian patterns offer unique stitch patterns that create a sophisticated, knit-like texture. Expand your crochet skills with this fun technique and craft a handmade cardigan that resembles knitting.
Tunisian Crochet Sherpa Sweater
Related: How to Tunisian Crochet Video Tutorial
Reversible Tunisian Cardigan
Related: 35 Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Granny Squares
Combine the traditional charm of granny squares with simple construction. Create a classic cardigan that’s both nostalgic and beautiful.
Contemporary Granny Square Cardigan
Related: How to Crochet a Pullover Vest From two Granny Squares
Bohemian Granny Square Vest
Related: 43 Granny Square Projects
Obsessed with finding the best free crochet patterns?
Check out these collections of handpicked patterns to find your next project.
You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.Shrugs Made From Rectangles
Don’t write off the rectangle! Sometimes a few simple shapes can make the most comfy and stylish cardigan.
Modern Shrug Pattern
Navajo Blanket Shrug
Simple Cocoon Shrug
Chunky Bolero Pattern
Children’s Cardigans
Our crochet cardigan patterns for kids feature fun, grown-up designs in soft pastel hues. Spread the crafty love to your kiddos and create a fashionable cardi they’ll cherish for years to come.
Mini Mezzo Hexagon Sweater for Kids
Child’s Cute Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Related: Idlewild Children’s Dress
Drapey Shrug Pattern for Children
How to Customize a Cardigan
Crochet cardigans are a great opportunity to add creative design adjustments. Here are a few ways to customize the look or fit of your cardigan.
Adjusting Sleeve Length
Typically, making the sleeves longer or shorter is as simple as adding or eliminating rows/rounds near the wrist. Adding a longer wrist ribbing is another way to easily lengthen a sweater sleeve.
Adjusting Sweater Length
Customizing the length of your sweater is also usually quite easy. When crocheting a cardigan specifically, it’s important to ensure you add/eliminate the same number of rows from the front panels and back panels.
Ribbing
Modify the ribbing around the cardigan’s collar, wrists, and bottom. If you don’t like the ribbing design used in a pattern, swapping it for a different one is easy. Learn how to add ribbing to any crochet project with these step-by-step instructions.
Pockets
The easiest way to add pockets to a cardigan is to sew a crocheted square or rectangle to the front sweater panels. This method is called an “afterthought pocket,” because you can decide to add it after the rest of the pattern is complete.
If you plan ahead, you also have the option to leave a pocket opening on each of the front panels and seam backing squares to complete the “envelope” afterward.
Buttons
Create ribbed edging and add button holes for a functional design. Choose shiny, wooden, or fabric buttons to suit your style.
Hood
Attach a hood for a cozy, casual look. The hood can also be lined with a contrasting fabric or faux fur for extra flair.
Edging, Fringe, or Tassels
Add fringe or tassels along the hem, cuffs, or front edges for a bohemian vibe. Plenty of blanket borders and edging would be great detailing on your cardigan.
Cardigan Sizing Chart
Most patterns include multiple sizing options. Don’t make the mistake of automatically choosing the size you’d buy at a store, though. Each pattern will guide you in choosing the right size for your measurements.
Usually, bust measurements determine the appropriate size and best fit. Check out the Craft Yarn Council Standards for more information on body measurements and sizing for crochet clothing.
You can use this women’s cardigan sizing chart as a starting place.
| Size | Bust Measurement (inches) | Length (inches) | Sleeve Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 28-30 | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| S | 32-34 | 17 | 17 |
| M | 36-38 | 17.25 | 17 |
| L | 40-42 | 17.5 | 17.5 |
| XL | 44-46 | 17.75 | 17.5 |
| 2XL | 48-50 | 18 | 18 |
| 3XL | 52-54 | 18 | 18 |
| 4XL | 56-58 | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| 5XL | 60-62 | 18.5 | 18.5 |
Related: Don’t leave your fur baby out of the cardigan club! Crochet a dog sweater in small, medium, or large.
Supplies and Materials
These are the supplies you’ll need to start your next cardigan or jacket project:
- Crochet hook – in the recommended size on your chosen pattern
- Tapestry needle – yarn needles are essential for weaving in tail ends and connecting pieces
- Stitch markers – to mark your place (helpful when working through a tricky pattern)
- Scissors
Yarn (The Fun Part!)
The best yarn for a crochet cardigan is washable, drapey, and breathable. When making garments, using the same weight yarn that your pattern recommends is essential. This is what helps ensure your project turns out the expected size.
Also, consider what color and texture complement the pattern. For example, I don’t recommend variegated yarns for cardigans with more detailed stitch patterns. The delicate stitches get lost in the visual busyness of the yarn.
What is the best material for crochet cardigans?
Here are some yarns I like to use for crocheting cardigans:
- Superwash Merino (category 3) – Merino wool is breathable, holds its shape well, and is machine washable. It’s a super-soft, luxurious yarn.
- Lion Brand Color Theory (category 4) – This is a 100% acrylic, worsted-weight yarn. Its modern and mix-and-match color palette makes it a go-to option for garments.
- Made with Love The Cottony One (category 4) – A cotton and acrylic blend that’s soft and durable. This yarn is machine washable, has a sophisticated color palette, and is brilliant for creating adult and children’s cardigans.
- Lion Brand Hue + Me (category 5) – A bulky acrylic and wool blend yarn. This budget-friendly, easy-care yarn is warm and soft, ideal for chunky winter cardigans. It has an extensive 29-color selection to choose from.
Blocking Tools
You may be unfamiliar with blocking if you’ve never made a sweater. The process involves steaming your garment to smooth out stitches. By doing this, you’ll ensure accurate sizing and shape.
To block a crochet garment, you’ll need:
- Blocking board or large, rigid foam piece
- Rust resistant T-pins
- Steamer or iron with steam functionality (alternative: Use a spray bottle)
That was so fun! Now what?
Ready For More Crochet Inspiration?
Now that you’re a master in making cardigans, we’ve collected our best free modern crochet patterns and tutorials into simple collections so you can find what you need.
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting cardigan patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us!
Irma Merced says
Hi’ I would like to Thank you for this pattern; I did it and I Love it ?
Cristina Palma says
GRATIDÃO Jess por tudo! ???
Ann Busico says
Dear Jess,
I rarely comment on blogs. Mostly I am not that organized with my time to do so….and I don’t follow that many blogs on a regular basis. But I have to say that I LOVE your Blog. I love your personal story (and your Mom’s!)
I love your patterns and you do such a great job on your videos! I have made the summer shoes and a cardigan.
I can’t get to projects as fast as I would like. I have tried to create patterns of my own. If they work, I can’t seem
to repeat them (didn’t record them accurately or something). And often it just doesn’t match my vision. You are clever and gifted. I think patterns are not easy to figure. I learned to crochet from my Grandmother (I am now 65 in body, 23 in mind 😉 . ) . I learned Tunisian crochet first and thought that was just standard crochet. I have been wanting to get back to it for years. I Love your pattern and yarn used in the Tunisian ‘woven’ scarf. If you ever have time on your hands to design another cardigan…..I would love to see a cardigan made just like the Tunisian scarf (I envision big blocks of Tunisian pieced together somehow. I am sure you are more clever. I just think it would be a beautiful looking garment as if it were a woven piece. Also, I have been wanting a pattern for a simple french beret type hat. The patterns I have tried come out looking slouchy. I would like to find a pattern that is
soft stiff with a band that holds it’s shape. (Make any sense?) . Anyway, Just know that your Blog makes me happy Just your photo shots alone look serene. Thank you for your vision and inspiration! Keep it up! Best Wishes to you
Thanks, Ann Busico (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Diane Martin says
Hello
I was looking at Grandma”s Garden Afghan and there was an insert about halfway through the pattern and I saw a white (or cream) poncho with a black stripe running through every 3-4 rows. I tried to open the pic of it, but it didn’t open. My next step was to open a new window for Make & Do Crew and I typed in: black and white poncho, but with no luck. Could you advise me where this beautiful poncho pattern might be found? I do love everything you make and share with us, and have made many items using your free patterns. Thank you so very much!!
Linda says
Jess happy new year to you and yours. Also for all the sweater patterns. I don’t know which I want to do first. I can’t wait to see the fur collar cardigan. Looks so stylish and warm. You always have such cute patterns. I have made several already. Thanks again for all you do and wishing you a most wonderful year in 2020.
Michelle Dalton says
thank you so much for emailing me . I use to crochet a lot but my life got crazy and i didn’t have the time it took to dedicate to myself for it . but lately that has changed and i’ve been looking for a new project .. loving # 9 and i’m very interested . i just have to get my yarn and get started . i’m okay with patterns but tutorials really bring it to life when i can see what its suppost to look like or exactly where the stitch goes . Hope you had the best of hollidays and thank you for all that you do .
Clista O'Dell says
Jess, I love your designs, and am so appreciative that you choose to share so many for free. Thank you for doing that. This past Christmas I made half a dozen sweaters for some of my daughters and granddaughters (and a couple for myself). I do have a question about the Staycation Cardigan. I personally am not a fan of offset fronts and backs. I’m really looking forward to making this pattern, but would like to know how many additional rows I need to add to the front panels so they are the same length as the back. Thanks to you, I have become a fanatic about crocheting sweaters/cardigans, and my hands are just itching to start the latest one on my “gotta have” list! lol I’m teaching an 8-year-old girl at church to crochet, and her mom is already wondering if she’ll be able to make the “cocoon” type sweater soon because she (the mom) fell in love with that style after I wore one a couple of weeks ago! Love that the next generation is carrying on the art. I’ve taught several grandkids to crochet, as well. Have a blessed day.
Donna Myers says
Love love love ? all your sweater patterns! I only use your patterns for sweaters. My best seller so far has been the Habitat cardigan shrug…but I bet that changes when uour fur trimmed shrug pattern comes out. Can’t wait. Thanks so much for what you do for us. We do appreciate you so much! God’s continued blessings for you and yours in this new year and decade!?
Susan Siminski says
Thank you so much for putting the Pinterest link with these patterns. I use Pinetrest to save all my crochet patterns.