• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Browse Patterns
    • View ALL Patterns
    • Home Decor
    • Babies + Kids Wearables
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Technique Tutorials
  • Cardigans
  • Pullovers
  • Ponchos
  • Shirts + Tops
  • Baby Blankets
  • C2C patterns
  • Throw Blankets
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Christmas
  • Valentine's Day
  • Easter
  • Mother's Day
  • Father's Day

Make & Do Crew

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Mother's Day
  • Patterns
  • Tutorials
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Mother's Day
    • Patterns
    • Tutorials
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Cardigans

    Updated: Apr 30, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    Short Sleeve Summer Crochet Cardigan

    19.0K shares

    This summer crochet cardigan pattern uses cotton yarn and easy stitches to make the perfect topper for sundresses, tank tops and even swim suits. Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.

    A woman wearing a sun hat and a simple grey crochet cardigan with short sleeves. She's standing in a field of wild grass.

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

    Welcome back to the Make & Do Crew guest designer series where talented designers from across the internet share their free patterns with you, right here on Make & Do Crew.

    Today Grace from For The Frills is here with her free summer crochet cardigan pattern! You can see lots of of Grace's crochet patterns her blog, For The Frills, and on Etsy. And be sure to check her out on social media too: Instagram and Pinterest. Grace, take it away!

    Easy, Breezy Summer Crochet Cardigan

    Hi Make and Do Crew makers! I’m Grace from For the Frills where I love to create modern, contemporary crochet patterns and video tutorials. Today I’ll be sharing the Willow summer crochet cardigan with you!

    The Willow Cardigan instantly elevates any outfit with its breezy, open lace details and relaxed fit. The majority of this easy crochet cardigan is made up of a 4 row repeat using double and treble crochet.

    Related: see more easy crochet cardigan patterns

    The use of chains, double crochet and treble crochet stitches create lovely lace details throughout the cardigan without the need to learn complicated techniques! Three panels are crocheted, seamed together and then finished off with simple single crochet edging.

    Women in a field facing away from the camera. She is wearing a tan and black sun hat, a white dress and a gray crochet cardigan. Her hand is holding one side of the cardigan spread out.

    What Yarn is Best for Summer Crochet Projects?

    Lion Brand’s Mako Cotton was the inspiration behind creating this design. This yarn is unlike any other cotton I’ve used. Mako Cotton has a silky-smooth feel with a fluffy, light texture and comes in a variety of pastels and brights. See all the colors of Mako Cotton here.

    Free crochet cardigan pattern using Lion Brand Mako Cotton yarn.

    It’s a thicker worsted weight yarn but due to the extremely light nature of mako cotton you get great yardage per skein and despite the long length of the cardigan, you feel like you’re wearing a cloud!

    I’d highly recommend Mako Cotton for any warm weather designs as it drapes beautifully and has the downy fluffiness of candy floss.

    Related: 30+ Modern Crochet Tops + Tanks

    How do I Crochet a Short Sleeve Cardigan?

    The Willow Cardigan is an easy level pattern with detailed instructions and progress photos.

    This design is made from three panels seamed together (with no decreasing or increasing!) With the very forgiving fit, it’s a great pattern for beginner crochet garment makers.

    You can purchase the printable pdf pattern along with a stitch chart available on Etsy here!

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

    click to pin this pattern for later ⇨

    A grid of photos of a short sleeved crochet cardigan made from very easy lace crochet stitches.

    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!

    • Woman wearing a drapey open front lace crochet cardigan.
      Lacy Crochet Cardigan - Free Seamless Pattern
    • 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

    See more free crochet sweater patterns →


    Willow Crochet Summer Cardigan Free Pattern

    Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart here.

    Pin this pattern for later here.

    Explanation: Light and airy with easy mesh details, the Willow Cardigan is the perfect spring and summer layering piece. The relaxed body and open design create a wonderfully versatile cardigan that pairs well over dresses or jeans and you can even wear it as a cover up on the beach!

    Skills required for this easy crochet cardigan include single crochet, double crochet and treble crochet. (Tutorial included below).

    Supplies:

    • Lion Brand LB Collection Mako Cotton (Weight: 4/medium – 125yds, 1.75 oz)
    - Light Grey (#462-149) - 7 (9, 11) balls
    • U.S K (6.5 mm) crochet hook
    • Yarn needle
    • Stitch markers

    Sizes/Measurements:

    • Measurements in inches:
    – To fit Bust: 30-34 (38-42, 45.5-49.5)
    – Back Panel Width: 21.5 (27.5, 33.5)
    – Front Panel Width: 9.5 (13.5,16)
    – Length: 29 (32, 34.5)

    • Measurements in cm:
    - To fit Bust: 76-86 (96-106, 116-126)
    - Back Panel Width: 55 (70, 85)
    - Front Panel Width: 24 (34, 40)
    - Length: 74 (81, 88)

    Sweater Gauge:

    • 10cm / 4” square = 12 stitches wide x 4 rows tall in treble crochet

    Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):

    Ch - Chain
    Sl st - Slip Stitch
    SC - Single Crochet
    DC - Double Crochet
    TR - Treble Crochet
    Ch-sp - Chain Space
    St(s) - Stitch(es)
    Rep - Repeat
    Sk - Skip

    Overall Pattern Notes:

    • The sizing guide follows size XS/S (M/L, XL/2XL). E.g. “Ch 68 (86, 104) means ch 68 for XS/S, ch 86 for M/L and ch 104 for XL/2XL.

    • ”DC 10” means DC into the next 10 stitches.

    • ”2DC” means place 2 DC into the same stitch.

    • Turning chain of Ch 1, Ch 2 and Ch 3 do NOT count as a stitch.

    • Otherwise Ch 1 does count as a stitch.

    • Total stitches are indicated between < >.

    • Sample shown is XS/S on a 5’2” model with a 32” bust.

    Find Your Next Crochet Cardigan Pattern

    • 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
    • Long Crochet Duster Cardigan - Free Pattern
    • 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

    See more free crochet cardigan patterns →

    Summer Cardigan Back Panel

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 68(86, 104).

    ROW 1: TR into the 4th ch from the hook, TR in each ch until end, turn.
    <65(83, 101)>

    ROW 2: Ch 2, DC 2, *ch 1, sk 1 st, DC 2; rep from * until end, turn.
    <65(83, 101)>

    ROW 3: Ch 3, TR in 1st st, *3TR into ch-sp; rep from st until last ch-sp, TR in last st, turn.
    <65(83, 101)>

    ROW 4: Ch 2, DC, *ch 1, sk 1 st, DC; rep from * until end, turn.
    <65(83, 101)>

    ROW 5: Ch 3, TR in each st until end, turn.
    <65(83, 101)>

    Close up photo of an easy lace crochet stitch.

    Repeat ROWS 2 – 5 until ROW 37(41, 45).

    *You can add/remove rows to make your cardigan longer/shorter. Just make sure your last row is a repeat of ROW 5.

    Fasten off.

    Photo of the back panel of free crochet cardigan pattern made from three panels seamed together.

    Find Your Next Crochet Pullover Sweater

    • Woman wearing blue jeans and a crochet crew neck sweater.
      Stylish Crochet Crew Neck Sweater - Free Pattern
    • A dog wearing a crochet dog coat for all sizes.
      Easy Crochet Dog Sweater - Free Pattern in 9 Sizes
    • Sherpa Free Crochet Hoodie Pattern
    • Woman standing in the mountains wearing a crochet yoke sweater pullover.
      Easy Crochet Yoke Sweater - Free Pattern

    See more free crochet pullovers patterns →

    Front Panels

    Make 2.

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 32(44, 50)..

    ROW 1: TR into the 4th ch from the hook, TR in each ch until end, turn.
    <29(41, 47)>

    ROW 2: Ch 2, DC 2, *ch 1, sk 1 st, DC 2; rep from * until end, turn.
    <29(41, 47)>

    ROW 3: Ch 3, TR in 1st st, *3TR into ch-sp; rep from st until last ch-sp, TR in last st, turn. <29(41, 47)>

    ROW 4: Ch 2, DC, *ch 1, DC; rep from * until end, turn. <29(41, 47)>

    ROW 5: Ch 3, TR in each st until end, turn.
    <29(41, 47)>

    Repeat ROWS 2 – 5 until ROW 37(41, 45).

    *If you altered the number of rows for your back panel, make sure you have the same number of rows for your front panels as the back panel.

    Fasten off.

    Repeat for 2nd front panel.

    More Free Crochet Shirts + Tops Patterns

    • crochet butterfly tops
      15 Best Easy Butterfly Crochet Top Patterns
    • A grid of women and kids' crochet dresses.
      30 Free Crochet Dress Patterns - Easy to Advanced
    • A collage of women crochet tops.
      30 Best Crochet Crop Top and Tank Patterns
    • This image shows a woman standing with her arms crossed in front of a white brick wall. Her body is facing the camera and she is looking over her shoulder. She is wearing a mauve colored crochet tunic, white pants and a tan hat.
      Springtide Crochet Tunic Pattern - Free!

    See more free crochet shirts + tops patterns →

    Sweater Assembly

    With the wrong side facing you, sew the shoulder seam of front panels to the back panel. Make sure that the 3TR clusters are pointing towards the shoulder seam (e.g. the foundation chains will be at the bottom of the cardigan).

    Tutorial photo of the shoulder seam of an easy crochet short sleeved cardigan pattern.

    Lay the front panels on top of the back panel and sew down the sides of the cardigan, leaving a 24cm/9.5” gap at the top of the cardigan to create your armholes.

    Tutorial photo of side seam for a free crochet cardigan pattern

    Making the Short Sleeves

    With the right side facing you, insert your hook along the edge of the armhole, secure your yarn and pull up a loop.

    ROUND 1: Ch 1, SC evenly along the edge of the armhole.
    *Exact number of stitches depends on your tension. Too many stitches will cause the armhole to ruffle, too few stitches will cause the armhole to pucker.

    Sl st into the 1st st to join.

    Repeat ROUND 1 until ROUND 3. Fasten off.

    Repeat steps for 2nd armhole.

    Photo of the sleeve of a short sleeve crochet cardigan. The photo is focusing on the crochet stitch used.

    Find Your Next Crochet Poncho Pattern

    • Grid of free crochet poncho patterns.
      30 Easy and Free Crochet Poncho Patterns for All Seasons
    • A simple combination of extended half double crochet and slip stitches make for a knit-looking “braided” texture in this free women's crochet poncho pattern featuring Lion Brand Scarfie Yarn.
      Braided Women's Crochet Poncho - Free Pattern + Tutorial
    • A close up of a woman wearing a crochet poncho made from a rectangle.
      Crochet Rectangle Poncho - Free Pattern by Stitch & Hound
    • Woman with medium length brown hair standing on sidewalk on a sunny day in front of a brick wall and tree. She is wearing jeans, a long sleeve white shit, and a long gray crochet poncho with a cowl neck. She has a brown belt cinched around her waist.
      Seamless Crochet Poncho - Free Pattern by Stitchberry

    See more free crochet poncho patterns →

    Finishing

    Tutorial photo of a crochet cardigan neckline

    If you don't love sewing, you're in luck. We're going to assemble our summer cardigans with crochet stitches instead of sewing stitches.

    With the right side facing you, insert hook into the corner of the right front panel if you’re a right handed crocheter or the corner of the left front panel is you’re a left handed crocheter.

    SC crochet evenly along the neckline. When you reach the 2nd corner, fasten off.

    Weave in all of your ends! Steam and block your cardigan.

    Voilà you’ve finished your summer crochet cardigan.

    Thanks again to Grace of For The Frills for sharing this free summer crochet cardigan pattern! Be sure to check out Grace's blog for lots more free modern crochet patterns to level up your handmade wardrobe!

    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 cardigans for summer 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. Come join us here.

    Find Your Next Sweater Project

    • Beginner Cardigan with Video - uses only half double crochet stitches
    • Mandala Cardigan with Hood - crochet your own rainbow
    • 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!
    • Lightweight Cardigan - made from hexagons

    More Free Patterns + Tutorials

    Can't get enough free crochet patterns!? Me either. You'll definitely want to breeze through these collections to find your next project.

    • 55+ Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns - our most popular garments
    • 40+ Free Crochet Blanket Patterns - baby blankets, throws + c2c graphgans
    • 36+ Granny Square Patterns + tips for the perfect square
    • 30+ Crochet Animal Patterns - adorable amigurumi stuffed animals
    • Crochet Gift Ideas - easy patterns to make for others
    • Fast Crochet Projects - start to finish in less than a day

    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

    More Free Crochet Patterns

    Ready for your next project? We've got you covered with lots more modern free crochet patterns. Check out all our M&DC crochet patterns here!

    free crochet patterns from Jess Coppom of Make and Do Crew. Grid of photos.

    More Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns + Tutorials

    • Part 2: Patchwork Party Cardi - ORIGINAL
    • Part 1: Patchwork Party Cardi - LITE
    • Part 1: Patchwork Party Cardi - ORIGINAL
    • Crochet Patchwork Cardigan Free Pattern + Tutorial
    19.0K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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 →

    Popular Crochet Guides

    • How to Crochet a Hat for Beginners
    • Best Easy Crochet Sweater Patterns
    • How to C2C Crochet for Beginners
    • Best Easy, Unique Blanket Patterns
    • Most Loved Crochet Animal Patterns

    Trending Patterns

    • Free Crochet Bunny Hat Pattern (Newborn-Child)
    • Boho love! This free boho crochet purse pattern is fun to put together and loaded with bohemian charm. Made with Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton in "Vanilla."
      Urban Nomad Boho Bag - Free Crochet Pattern
    • Three realistic crochet bunnies made from rectangles. Made with Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick yarn.
      Free Crochet Bunny Pattern for Beginners
    • Summer crochet top free pattern made from two rectangles. Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo in "Magnolia."
      Poncho-Style Summer Crochet Top - Free Pattern

    As Seen In

    A collage of greyscale company logos showing where the crochet blog, MakeAndDoCrew.com has been featured, including: Forbes, Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    Free Email Courses

    • 5 Must-Know Tricks for Crocheting Your First Sweater
    • Shop Your Stash: the Best Free Crochet Patterns for Using the Yarn You Have

    Social

    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook Group
    • TikTok
    • Youtube
    • Sign Up for free patterns by email

    This site is reader supported and contains affiliate links.
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Jess Coppom, Make & Do Crew