A cardigan is the most forgiving garment in crochet, because the open front means the fit does not have to be exact. Many cardigans are nothing more than simple rectangles seamed at the shoulders, with sleeves added or left as a vest. Others join granny squares or hexagons into a relaxed, drapey shape that needs almost no shaping math.
Expect to use roughly 1,200 to 1,800 yards of worsted weight yarn for an adult cardigan, more for a long or oversized one. Because the front hangs open, you have room to adjust length and sleeve width without ruining the fit, which is why a cardigan is often recommended as a first garment over a pullover.
Finishing is where a cardigan earns its polish. A neat front band worked in single crochet, with or without buttons, frames the whole piece. Block the finished cardigan so the fronts hang straight and the seams lie flat.
What you need
- Yarn
- Worsted (CYC 4) or DK (CYC 3).
- Hook
- 4.5 to 5.5 mm.
- Skill
- easy, intermediate
Stitches you will use
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: chThe chain stitch is the foundational crochet stitch that creates a series of interlocked loops used to start almost every pattern and to form turning chains at the start of a row.
- Double CrochetUS: dc / UK: trThe double crochet (dc) is the most widely used crochet stitch, producing an open, drapey fabric by working yarn over twice to create a stitch roughly twice the height of single crochet.
- Granny StitchUS: 3-dc cluster / UK: 3-tr clusterThe granny stitch is the building block of the classic granny square, made from small clusters of three double crochets separated by chain spaces, worked here in straight rows.
- Half Double CrochetUS: hdc / UK: htrThe half double crochet (hdc) is a medium-height stitch that produces a slightly taller, softer fabric than single crochet, with a characteristic third loop on the back that can be used for texture.
Curated free patterns
We are curating a hand-picked list of free cardigans patterns from trusted designers. Each pick will include skill level, yarn requirements, and a short note on what makes it worth your time. Check back soon, or use the CrochetZen app to save and organize patterns you find anywhere on the web.