A cardigan can be the whole reason you reach for an outfit. Maybe it is a bright checkerboard over a plain tee, a soft long layer with jeans, or an airy mesh piece that lets the colour underneath show through.
These 12 free crochet cardigan patterns give you several ways to get there. Every design has its own free PDF download, plus a quick look at the yarn, hook and sizing before you commit. The collection includes one pattern labelled beginner, easy projects with simple shapes, and intermediate designs with more involved stitches or shaping.
Start with the shape you want to wear, then check how it is made. Two rectangles, two hexagons and a cuff-to-cuff cardigan can look quite different from a garment assembled from a back, fronts and sleeves. The comparison below helps narrow the choice.
Find your next project
| Pattern | Technique | Choose it for | Sizing notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Checkered Cardigan | Crochet | Bold colourwork | XS/S–4/5XL; to fit chest 28–62 inches across the listed size bands. |
| 2. Slounge Cardigan | Crochet | Long gradient layers | XS/S–4/5XL; finished chest 44–66 inches. |
| 3. Granny Stripes Cardigan | Crochet | A circular back | XS/S–4/5XL; to fit bust 28–62 inches across the size bands. |
| 4. Open Front Comfy Cardigan | Crochet | Everyday openwork | XS/S–4/5XL; this PDF lists to-fit chest bands spanning 28–56 inches. |
| 5. Around-Town Cardigan | Crochet | A longer textured shape | XS–4X/5X; finished bust 32–66 inches and length 26½–29 inches. |
| 6. Retro Stripe Hexagon Cardigan | Crochet | Two-hexagon construction | S–2XL; finished chest 36, 43, 45, 48 and 50 inches. |
| 7. Slouchy Cardigan | Crochet | A cable-trimmed front | XS/S–4/5XL; finished bust 41–64 inches. |
| 8. Two-Rectangle Cardigan | Crochet | Simple panel shapes | S–3X; finished chest 48–68 inches and length 25–33 inches. |
| 9. Scallop-Edged Cardigan | Crochet | Short sleeves and scallops | XS/S–4/5XL; listed finished bust 38–66 inches. |
| 10. Mesh Cardigan | Crochet | Airy statement texture | XS/S–4/5XL; finished chest 38–64 inches. |
| 11. Building Blocks Cardigan | Crochet | Photo-supported construction | XS/S, M/L, XL, 2/3XL and 4/5XL; verify finished measurements as noted below. |
| 12. Cuff to Cuff Cardigan | Crochet | Sideways stripes | XS/S–4/5XL; finished bust 38–64 inches. |
1. Checkered Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Intermediate
Small checks make this cardigan feel lively without needing a complicated outfit underneath. The PDF shows a blue-and-green version with contrasting blue edges and a red-and-pink alternative. Both use the same cardigan shape, so choose the palette that belongs in your wardrobe.
This is an intermediate project with colour changes and post stitches in the edging. Read the yarn table for your chosen version rather than treating the two colour schemes as interchangeable shopping lists. The number of shades and their quantities differ.
Swatch the main fabric before starting the garment. The PDF’s square-size note pairs 1½ inches with 3 cm, which are not equivalent; use the stitch-and-row gauge as your starting reference and confirm any ambiguous measurement before relying on it.
- Yarn in the PDF: Caron Simply Soft; two- and three-colour versions, with separate quantities for each size.
- Tools: 4.5 mm hook; four buttons; stitch markers and yarn needle.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; to fit chest 28–62 inches across the listed size bands.
2. Crochet Slounge Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
A long front band and gradual colour changes give Slounge its relaxed look. It is the kind of layer that works over a simple top when you want the crochet fabric to take up more of the outfit.
The pattern is labelled easy, but the colour planning deserves attention. It asks you to match the shade when joining a new ball and to begin the sleeves with new balls. That is what helps the gradient read as a considered part of the garment.
Compare the finished chest measurements with a cardigan you already like. This design has room built into it; selecting a larger label automatically may give you more fabric than you wanted.
- Yarn in the PDF: Caron Colorama Halo Perfect Phasing; 4–6 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 6 mm hook; stitch markers and yarn needle.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; finished chest 44–66 inches.
3. Granny Stripes Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
Turn this cardigan around and the circular centre of the back becomes the main feature. The granny groups radiate outward, while the front falls in soft folds. It is a good choice if you enjoy watching self-striping yarn change as you work.
Construction begins at the centre back, with joined rounds rather than a conventional rectangular back panel. The PDF includes a diagram, so keep it open beside the written instructions when checking the shape.
The supplied photographs show the front and back laid flat as well as the cardigan being worn. Those extra views are useful here: the circular shape explains the drape better than a front photograph alone.
- Yarn in the PDF: Caron Cakes; 4–6 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 5 mm hook.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; to fit bust 28–62 inches across the size bands.
4. Open Front Comfy Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
Repeating rows of openwork keep this cardigan from looking too heavy. The straight open front is easy to layer, and the PDF shows how the same design reads in a brushed purple yarn and a smoother pink version.
Two-double-crochet clusters and V-stitches provide the pattern detail. If those are new to you, use the stitch definitions and chart to make a small sample before working a full back panel.
Check this design’s measurements separately from the others in the list. Its larger to-fit chest bands differ from the 28–62-inch span used in several of the other PDFs, even though the size labels look similar.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver Brushed or Red Heart Soft; 5–7 balls for the listed versions.
- Tools: 5.5 mm hook and yarn needle.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; this PDF lists to-fit chest bands spanning 28–56 inches.
5. Around-Town Cardigan
Crochet · Intermediate
Around-Town combines a longer silhouette with narrow bands of texture. The muted colour changes let the stitch pattern stay visible, making this a different choice from a cardigan whose main feature is a bold stripe.
It is worked in five pieces: a back, two fronts and two sleeves. Foundation double crochet, post stitches and crossed front-post trebles make this a project for someone ready to follow more detailed row instructions.
Do not judge the width of an unfinished front too early. The pattern adds about two inches of edging to each front during finishing. Read through that stage before deciding the pieces are too narrow.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Unforgettable; 5–11 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 5.5 mm hook; four locking stitch markers and yarn needle.
- Sizing: XS–4X/5X; finished bust 32–66 inches and length 26½–29 inches.
6. Retro Stripe Crochet Hexagon Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
Two hexagons turn into this bright, short cardigan. The stripes follow the shape around the corners, creating a look that is quite different from ordinary horizontal rows.
The pattern uses double crochet in joined rounds, then seams the pieces into the garment. It is labelled easy, and the construction sketch is worth checking before sewing so the sleeve tops and centre back meet in the intended places.
This pattern stops at 2XL, unlike several others in the roundup. Compare both the to-fit and finished chest figures before choosing it, especially if you want a roomy layer over another top.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes; 3–6 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 6 mm hook and yarn needle.
- Sizing: S–2XL; finished chest 36, 43, 45, 48 and 50 inches.
7. Slouchy Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
The cable panels along the front make this neutral cardigan stand out. They frame the opening while the rest of the garment uses a smaller all-over texture, giving you detail without adding contrasting colours.
The cable bands are made separately and sewn along the fronts toward the centre back neck. That extra construction step is part of the appeal if you like working on a focused strip of texture after the larger pieces are finished.
Read the cable instructions and diagram before buying yarn. Front-post trebles and back-post stitches are involved, so this is a more demanding option than the simple silhouette might suggest.
- Yarn in the PDF: Patons Alpaca Blend; 9–16 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 6 mm hook and stitch markers.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; finished bust 41–64 inches.
8. Two-Rectangle Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
If garment shaping puts you off, start by looking at the Two-Rectangle Cardigan. Two long panels are folded at the shoulders, joined at the back and sides, then finished with borders. The roomy shape comes from that arrangement.
The PDF gives both a foundation-single-crochet start and a conventional chain start. You can choose the method you know without changing the project into a different pattern.
Pay particular attention to the finished measurements. Even the smallest size has a 48-inch finished chest, so the size name alone will not tell you how much room the cardigan has. A tape measure is more useful here than your usual clothing label.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Unforgettable; 4–8 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 6 mm hook; locking stitch markers and yarn needle.
- Sizing: S–3X; finished chest 48–68 inches and length 25–33 inches.
9. Scallop-Edged Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Intermediate
Scallops around the opening and short sleeves give this cardigan a neat, dressier shape. The deep ribbed hem balances the shell-stitch fabric, and covered buttons finish the front.
This is an intermediate cotton-yarn project with armhole and neck shaping. The PDF includes stitch diagrams for the fabric and edging, plus instructions for covering the buttons.
Before starting, resolve the PDF’s measurement and stitch-count discrepancies. Its largest armhole depth pairs 10½ inches with 51.5 cm, the schematic differs from some written depths, and the medium front’s starting stitch count does not match its stated shell count. Ask pattern support to confirm those details rather than guessing through the shaping.
- Yarn in the PDF: Patons Grace; 10–14 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 3.75 mm hook; yarn needle and four 1-inch buttons.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; listed finished bust 38–66 inches.
10. Crochet Mesh Cardigan
Crochet · Intermediate
The open X-stitch fabric makes this pink cardigan a useful option for layering over a contrasting top. The holes are part of the design, so think about what you will wear underneath as well as the cardigan colour itself.
Two hook sizes and two gauges are listed. The smaller hook is used for the single-crochet gauge and the larger one for the patterned fabric; checking only one sample could change how the edges and body sit together.
The PDF includes detailed X-stitch definitions, a stitch key and shaping diagrams. This is an intermediate project with enough structure to reward a careful read before you begin.
- Yarn in the PDF: Bernat Softee Cotton; 4–8 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 3.5 mm and 4 mm hooks; yarn needle.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; finished chest 38–64 inches.
11. Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Beginner
Building Blocks is the pattern labelled beginner in this collection. Its cream tweed fabric and wide collar make a substantial layer, with single crochet and chain spaces forming the main stitch pattern.
The nine-page PDF is especially useful if you like visual references. It includes a gauge photograph, close-ups of the stitches, shaped pieces and assembly. These are real making-stage photographs for this design, not just extra views of a finished garment.
Check the measurement table before choosing a size: several finished-chest inch and centimetre figures do not agree. For example, 50 inches is paired with 101.5 cm. Confirm the intended finished dimensions with pattern support; do not mix the two unit columns when deciding on fit.
- Yarn in the PDF: Bernat Forever Fleece Tweeds; 6–10 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 10 mm hook; stitch markers, yarn needle and tape measure.
- Sizing: XS/S, M/L, XL, 2/3XL and 4/5XL; verify finished measurements as noted below.
12. Cuff to Cuff Crochet Cardigan
Crochet · Easy
Working sideways gives this cardigan its changing stripe direction. The blue-and-green example has long lines through the body and a soft folded front, making the construction visible in the finished piece.
The cardigan is worked from side to side in one piece. Its half-double-crochet pattern is worked into the spaces between stitches, with the exceptions explained in the notes. That small detail is worth practising in the swatch.
The pattern also explains how to match a new ball to the previous colour change. Keep those instructions in mind if you want the stripes to feel continuous across the garment, and save the unused sections for the cuffs as suggested.
- Yarn in the PDF: Caron Latte Cakes; 3–6 balls depending on size.
- Tools: 6.5 mm hook and stitch markers.
- Sizing: XS/S–4/5XL; finished bust 38–64 inches.
How to choose your crochet cardigan pattern
Start with the construction
For a clearly defined assembly plan, compare Two-Rectangle and Retro Stripe Hexagon. Building Blocks offers the most extensive photo support in this set. If cables, shaping or colour changes are what you enjoy, look at Slouchy, Around-Town or Checkered instead.
Compare finished measurements
A to-fit chest or bust figure describes the intended wearer; the finished measurement describes the garment. Their difference is ease. Measure a cardigan you like and compare it with the pattern, allowing for the top you plan to wear underneath.
Make the stated gauge swatch
Use the stitch pattern and hook specified for gauge, not just a square of whichever stitch you know best. A change in stitch or row gauge can affect width, length and armhole placement. Follow the yarn care instructions when preparing a swatch and measuring it.
Plan yarn before you start
The yarn names above are those in the supplied PDFs, not a live stock list. If you substitute, compare fibre, thickness, yardage and the fabric made by your swatch. A matching ball weight alone does not mean two yarns will produce the same cardigan.
Questions before you download
Which pattern is best for a beginner?
Building Blocks is explicitly rated beginner and includes close-up photo help. Easy-rated patterns such as Two-Rectangle and Retro Stripe Hexagon offer approachable shapes, but still require measuring, seaming and following a garment pattern. Read the complete PDF before choosing.
Are all twelve patterns crochet?
Yes. Every pattern in this collection uses crochet. They range from open mesh and granny groups to dense texture and cable panels.
Does each cardigan have a free PDF?
Yes. Use the download button under the cardigan you want to open its individual free PDF. Keep that full file nearby for the size-specific instructions, diagrams and finishing details.
Which one should I save first?
Save the design whose shape you would actually wear, then check the yarn and measurements. A striking picture is a good starting point; a suitable fit and a construction method you enjoy are what make it worth starting.
