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    Home » Cardigans

    Updated: Feb 4, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    Crochet Patchwork Cardigan Free Pattern + Tutorial

    19.6K shares

    Whether you love a true patchwork crochet cardigan or prefer a simple project where the yarn does all the work, these patchwork sweater patterns have you covered.

    Choose either version of the premium PDF pattern to download or scroll down for the free patterns.

    This image has two photos. The first photo shows a blonde woman standing in a snowy field. She is wearing a long, gray and white crochet cardigan, black leggings and snow boots. The other photo shows a blonde woman wearing a colorful patchwork crochet cardigan, light ripped blue jeans and a brown hat. She is standing on a sidewalk in front of a building.

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

    Patchwork in Pop Culture

    All things quilted are having a real moment. Have you seen Harry Styles' infamous cardigan!? Wow!

    Let's apply the popular patchwork aesthetic to our favorite medium--crochet patterns! This set of patchwork sweater patterns translates the nostalgic charm of quilting into modern, wearable crochet garments.

    Keep reading for more yarn, patchwork pattern and tutorial details.

    Jump to:
    • Patchwork in Pop Culture
    • Crochet Patchwork Cardigan Free Pattern
    • Two Sweater Options
    • The Original Pattern Option
    • The Lite Pattern Option
    • More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns
    • Patchwork Cardigan Pattern Video Overview
    • How to Print the Pattern
    • How to Use the Free Pattern
    • Best Yarn for a Patchwork Sweater
    • ORIGINAL Pattern - Yarn + Hook Requirements
    • LITE Pattern - Yarn + Hook Requirements
    • Tips for Choosing Colors
    • Seaming Your Sweater
    • Get Started On Your Patchwork Cardigan
    • Invitation to our Facebook group
    • Find Your Next Sweater Project
    • More Free Patterns + Tutorials
    • Invitation to our Facebook group

    Crochet Patchwork Cardigan Free Pattern

    If you're already in the know about all things crochet patchwork, here are the quick links to the pattern stages:

    Free Pattern - Part 1 – ORIGINAL // LITE
    Free Pattern - Part 2 // ORIGINAL // LITE
    Free Pattern - Part 3 // ORIGINAL // LITE
    Free Pattern - Part 4 // ORIGINAL // LITE

    Complete Pattern + Tutorial // Available now in the premium PDF

    Two Sweater Options

    If you're down to create a multi-color patchwork masterpiece or instead want a simple project where the yarn does all the work, the Patchwork Party Cardi pattern set has you covered. You can choose either version of the pattern!

    Below you'll find more details about each pattern so you can choose which one is right for you.

    Grid of images of a blonde woman wearing a colorful patchwork crochet cardigan, light ripped blue jeans and a brown hat. The grid of images also shows in-progress photos of how to make the cardigan.

    The Original Pattern Option

    • A true patchwork sweater look with differentiated squares.
    • Made in rectangular strips to decrease the need for joining. (Optional: follow the upcoming tutorial to learn how to use a felting pen to greatly reduce the need to weave in ends!)
    • Lion Brand Scarfie yarn provides plenty of color variety within the skeins to mix and match your ideal color palette. (Also a great opportunity to use up category 5 scrap yarn!)
    • Includes sizes XS, S/M, L/1X, 2X/3X, 4X/5X to fit busts approximately 28-62".
    • More seaming required than the LITE version of the pattern.
    • Easy to lengthen or shorten sweater and add optional buttons to suit your style.
    • Advanced beginner skills you'll practice: extended half double crochet stitch, creating join-as-you-go ribbing with single crochet, seaming strips together and creating buttonholes (optional).
    • Detailed written pattern, step-by-step video tutorial and photo tutorial.
    • Complete printable PDF with full pattern + photo tutorials available in one easy document on Etsy or LoveCrafts.
    This photo is a grid of four images. The images are showing a blonde woman standing in a grassy, snowy field. She is wearing a gray and white ombré button up crochet cardigan with black leggings, snow boots and a brown hat. There is one tutorial photo showing how the crochet cardigan is made from simple rectangles.

    The Lite Pattern Option

    • A more subtle approach to a patchwork crochet cardigan. The ombre yarn creates a painterly checkerboard effect.
    • Made with rectangles, although it requires fewer total pieces than the ORIGINAL version. This means there is about 60% less seaming involved in the LITE pattern.
    • Lion Brand Scarfie yarn does all the work of transitioning colors between "patches." Patchwork sweaters made with the LITE pattern have less color variety because one colorway is used throughout.
    • Includes sizes XS, S/M, L/1X, 2X/3X, 4X/5X to fit busts approximately 28-62".
    • Very easy to lengthen or shorten sweater and add optional buttons to suit your style.
    • Advanced beginner skills you'll practice are the same as the ORIGINAL: extended half double crochet stitch, creating join-as-you-go ribbing with single crochet, seaming strips together and creating buttonholes (optional).
    • Detailed written cardigan pattern and photo tutorial. Since both patterns require the same skills, following along with the ORIGINAL video tutorial will be very helpful, although it doesn't demonstrate how to make this particular LITE version step-by-step. (The photo tutorials and instructions do though!)
    • Complete printable PDF with full pattern + photo tutorials available in one easy document on Etsy or LoveCrafts.
    This image displays options to purchase an ad-free, printable PDF crochet cardigan pattern.

    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!

    • This image shows a blonde woman standing in front of a gate and a white wall. She is wearing a brownish grayish crochet cardigan with pockets, light blue jeans, a white shirt and a tan hat. Her hands are in her pockets and she is looking at the camera.
      Chunky Crochet Cocoon Cardigan - Free Pattern
    • Beautiful! This casual bat-sleeved crochet sweater is made from a simple rectangle. Free beginner crochet sweater pattern and tutorial from Make and Do Crew.
      Rectangle Cardigan - Free Beginner Crochet Sweater Pattern
    • A blonde woman wearing a floral dress and a crochet hexagon cardigan made with Lion Brand Coboo in the color "Mauve."
      Drapey Crochet Cardigan Made From Hexagons
    • The back of a vintage-looking crochet granny stitch cardigan sweater with a hood.
      Modern Granny Square Cardigan - free pattern + videos

    See more free crochet sweater patterns →

    Patchwork Cardigan Pattern Video Overview

    See the Patchwork Party Cardi patterns in action in the brief video below. Watch how the pattern comes together as you prepare to crochet your own!

    (If you have an ad-blocker running, you'll need to disable it to view the video.)

    This image shows a grid of photos of a woman wearing a patchwork crochet cardigan. One version is colorful, quilt inspired patchwork style sweater. The other version is a neutral colored oversized cardigan with pockets.

    How to Print the Pattern

    If you just can't wait to get started on your own patchwork crochet cardigan, you can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF patterns. Each PDF includes the full written pattern and detailed photo tutorials. The PDFs include all four sections of the pattern and tutorials in one large type, easily printable place.

    Purchase the printable PDF - ORIGINAL: On Etsy ⇨ On LoveCrafts ⇨

    Purchase the printable PDF - LITE: On Etsy ⇨ On LoveCrafts ⇨

    How to Use the Free Pattern

    If you'd prefer to use the free version of the patchwork sweater patterns, you'll enjoy them right here on MakeAndDoCrew.com.

    Here's how the free patterns + video tutorial are divided up:
    • WEEK 1:
    Crocheting + joining Sweater Back pieces.
    • WEEK 2: Crocheting + joining Sweater Front pieces.
    • WEEK 3: Crocheting + joining Sleeves.
    • WEEK 4: Crocheting join-as-you-go ribbing + adding buttons (if desired).

    Best Yarn for a Patchwork Sweater

    Both of these patchwork crochet cardigan patterns employ two different yarns–one for the main sweater body and one for the ribbing–to create a sophisticated, polished crochet quilted look. Read on for the exact amounts of each yarn you'll need.

    This image shows a basket of Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.

    Main Sweater Body Yarn Details:

    Both of these crochet patchwork cardigans absolutely shine in Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. As a category 5 wool-acrylic blend, Scarfie works up quickly without being heavy thanks to its billowy halo.

    Scarfie is so fun because as you crochet, you’ll see a unique self-striping ombré effect emerge, with gradual shading from one color to the next. Each colorway has a gentle blending of a couple of colors which means you can let the yarn do it's thing to create a painterly patchwork effect as in the Patchwork Party Cardi LITE pattern or deliberately separate the colors as in the ORIGINAL pattern. See all the stunning new colors of Lion Brand Scarfie here.

    If you have a lot of category 5 yarn in your stash, you can likely use it to crochet a scrappy patchwork masterpiece. Just be sure to follow the gauge swatch instructions in the pattern and adjust your hook size as necessary.

    If Lion Brand Scarfie is not available near you, you can check YarnSub.com for similar suggestions.

    This image shows a row of Lion Brand Scarfie yarn in neutral colors, a brown color and a dark gray color.
    Wool-Ease in Linen, Wheat, Antler, Canyon Sunset, Thrush, Umber and Black.

    Ribbing Yarn Details:

    Each pattern also uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease, a fan-favorite category 4 yarn, to add ribbing around your sweater. By using a solid color, we essentially "frame" the crochet patchwork and allow it to really shine in all it's beautiful, vintage-y glory!

    For your ribbing, you'll want to choose a neutral that compliments the colors of the main sweater body. Luckily, Wool-Ease is available in a wide range of really nice neutrals. In addition, the Lion Brand Basic Stitch line of yarn offers even more color variety and is a great ribbing substitute if you don't find what you need in Wool-Ease.

    Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty of the yarn requirements for each version of the pattern.

    A woman with her back to the camera wearing a patchwork crochet cardigan made with many muted colors of Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.

    Crochet Kit

    If you'd rather not go through the hassle of sourcing the yarn yourself, gift yourself an all-in-one Patchwork Party Cardi kit from Lion Brand! You'll receive the digital pattern and all the yarn you need to crochet your own patchwork sweater! (Get the ORIGINAL kit here. Get the LITE kit here.)

    ORIGINAL Pattern - Yarn + Hook Requirements

    Main Crochet Patchwork Sweater Body:
    • Lion Brand Scarfie (Weight: 5/bulky -  312 yds, 5.3 oz) - 5 (6, 6, 8, 8) total skeins*
    Scarfie Colors Pictured in Sample:
    - Seafoam/Clay [826-237]
    - Rust/Cameo [826-235]
    - Ice/Gold [826-232]
    - Mushroom/Blush [826-231]
    - Mustard/Ice Pink [826-236]
    - Steel Blue/Slate [826-234]

    Ribbing:
    • Lion Brand Wool-Ease (Weight: 4/medium -  197 yds, 3 oz) - 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) skeins
    Color Pictured in Sample: Antler [620-021]

    Additional Materials:
    • Tapestry needle
    • Size L (8.00 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain main body gauge
    • Size J (6.00 mm) crochet hook for ribbing
    • Stitch markers
    • Needle felting tool (optional, but very helpful to avoid weaving in ends)
    • (4-5) 1” buttons (optional)

    Deliver it! Order a kit with all the yarn you'll need ⇨

    SizeFits Actual BustSweater Length# of Skeins of Scarfie for
    Main Body*
    # of Skeins of Wool-Ease for Ribbing*
    XS28-30”22”52
    S/M34-38”26”62
    L/1X42-46”32”62
    ⅔X50-54”32”83
    ⅘X58-62”32”83
    Sample pictured is a S/M on a model with a 38” bust. For a looser fit, don’t be afraid to size up.

    * Yarn amounts listed will result in leftover yarn at the end of the project. This is intentional to allow for flexible color planning. Should you want to purchase only enough yarn to crochet the sweater without manipulating the colors, you’ll need approximately 3 (4, 5, 6, 6) skeins [(approx. 433 (583, 750, 851, 900) g)].

    LITE Pattern - Yarn + Hook Requirements

    Main Sweater Body:
    • Lion Brand Scarfie (Weight: 5/bulky -  312 yds, 5.3 oz) - 5 (6, 7, 8, 9) total skeins [(approx. 602 (753, 903, 1068, 1212) g)]
    Color Pictured in Sample: Cream/Silver [826-216]

    Ribbing:
    • Lion Brand Wool-Ease (Weight: 4/medium -  197 yds, 3 oz) - 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) skeins
    Color Pictured in Sample: Fisherman [620-099]

    Additional Materials:
    • Tapestry needle
    • Size L (8.00 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain main body gauge
    • Size J (6.00 mm) crochet hook for ribbing
    • Stitch markers
    • Needle felting tool (optional, but very helpful to avoid weaving in ends)
    • (4-5) 1” buttons (optional)

    Deliver it! Order a kit with all the yarn you'll need ⇨

    SizeFits Actual BustSweater Length# of Skeins of Scarfie for
    Main Body
    # of Skeins of Wool-Ease
    for Ribbing
    XS28-30”28.5”52
    S/M34-38”31”62
    L/1X42-46”32”72
    ⅔X50-54”34.5”83
    ⅘X58-62”36”93
    Sample pictured is a L/1X on a model with a 38” bust. (Intentionally sized up for a looser fit.)

    Tips for Choosing Colors

    When choosing a variety of colors for your crochet patchwork cardigan, it can be helpful to mentally separate your yarn into “light” and “dark” categories, noting that many colorways of Scarfie include both a light and dark color with a span of midtones mixed in.

    In the ORIGINAL pattern, generally alternating between squares of lighter and darker colors in a checkerboard pattern will give your sweater a balanced look. 

    TIP: Not sure if a color is a light or a dark? Snap a photo on your photo of your chosen yarns. Use your phone’s basic editing features to make the photo black and white. This allows you to see the relative value of each color and decide where to place them to create enough contrast

    Tutorial photo of how to combine colors of yarn by taking a photo and turning it to black and white to assess the relative value of each color.

    Seaming Your Sweater

    There's no reason to hide it. Both the ORIGINAL and LITE crochet patchwork cardigans require some seaming. In my opinion, the seaming is completely worth it to achieve the crochet patchwork aesthetic though!

    In the ORIGINAL pattern, seaming is minimized by working in strips instead of individual squares. The strips are then seamed together. I kept track of the total time I spent seaming the sample at it was right about two hours. In the crochet along, the seaming is broken up into smaller sections each week though so you'll never spend more than about a half hour seaming at a time.

    How to Reduce the Sewing

    If crochet seaming is completely not your jam, you may choose the LITE pattern as it requires about sixty percent less seaming than the ORIGINAL. In both cases, the joining is quite straightforward and the video tutorial covers the easy technique.

    A woman standing in a field of tall grass wearing a neutral toned crochet cardigan with pockets made from Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.

    Get Started On Your Patchwork Cardigan

    I’m so excited to have you joining us on this low-key pursuit of #crochetastherapy. Here’s what you can do right now:

    1. Purchase one of the ad-free PDFs HERE or jump to the free pattern links.
    2. Join our Crochet Crew Facebook group HERE for help and camaraderie.
    3. Use the hashtag #patchworkpartycardi when you share your progress on Instagram so that we can all admire it too. (Not following along with M&DC on Instagram yet? You can do so right here!)

    That was so fun! Now what?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin'!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss crocheting patchwork 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 here.

    Find Your Next Sweater Project

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    • Poncho With Pockets - slim cut + kangaroo pocket
    • The Dwell Sweater - with plus sizes + video tutorials
    • Beginner Cardigan - made from rectangles
    • Pullover Yoke Sweater - nearly seamless
    • Long Boho Cardigan Pattern - with fringe!
    • Summer Crochet Cardigan Pattern - short sleeved topper
    • Lightweight Cardigan - made from hexagons

    More Free Patterns + Tutorials

    Obsessed with finding the best free crochet patterns? We are too!

    Check out these collections of handpicked patterns to find your next project.

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    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?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin'!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss crocheting heart pillows and lots of other 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!

    More Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns + Tutorials

    • Grid of women wearing modern crochet cardigans and sweaters in muted colors.
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    • 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."
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    • A close up of a crochet sweater made with Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. The sweater is buttoned down the front and the woman wearing it has her hands in her pockets.
      Part 4: Patchwork Party Cardi - LITE
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    Jess Coppom of the crochet blog, Make & Do Crew, wearing the Cleo Fedora crochet sun hat.

    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!

    More about me →

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