A crochet cardigan is one of the most rewarding things you can make to wear. Start with a sleeveless version and you skip shaped sleeves and a curved neckline, and you can still finish it in a few evenings. Below you'll find which yarn and construction suit you, plus a simple pattern made from three rectangles that works even if you have never crocheted a garment before.
Which cardigan suits you?
- Do you want a light layer for spring and autumn, or a thick, warm one for winter?
- Do you like a loose, drapey fit, or a cardigan that sits closer to the body?
- Are you going for one calm color, or a patchwork look made from granny squares?
- Is this your first garment, or have you already crocheted something with shaping?
Three ways to crochet a cardigan
| Construction | Level | Best season |
|---|---|---|
| Granny square cardigan (squares joined together) | Beginner, but it takes patience | Spring and autumn |
| Rectangle cardigan (one back panel, two front panels) | Beginner | Autumn and winter |
| Textured cardigan (cables, waves or post stitches) | Intermediate | Winter, extra warm |
For a first cardigan, the rectangle method gives the most predictable result. You crochet three flat pieces and sew them together, with no increasing or decreasing along the way.
Choosing yarn weight and hook size
For a cardigan you wear as a light layer, a cotton yarn such as Durable Coral (100% cotton, 125 m / 137 yd per 50 g, hook 2.5-3.5 mm) works well: it has a clear stitch definition and holds its shape after washing. If you want something softer and cozier to wear at home, a soft acrylic or wool blend is the better pick. Start with the hook size on the yarn label. A hook that is too big gives a loose, see-through fabric; one that is too small makes the cardigan stiff and heavy. Most crocheters go up half a size to a full size for garments, because the fabric drapes better.
Working out your size
Measure your bust at the widest point, and decide how long you want the cardigan to be, from the shoulder to where the hem should end. Then crochet a gauge swatch of about 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) in the stitch you'll use and count how many stitches and rows fit in it. With those two numbers you can calculate how many chains you need for each panel, instead of guessing and ripping back halfway.
Example: if your swatch has 16 stitches per 10 cm and the back panel needs to be 50 cm (about 20 in) wide, you need 80 stitches.
Step by step: a simple rectangle cardigan
This basic pattern makes a sleeveless cardigan (a crochet vest) from one back panel and two front panels.
- Back panel: make a chain as wide as half your bust measurement plus 3-5 cm (1-2 in) of ease. Work rows of double crochet (dc; UK treble) or half double crochet (hdc; UK half treble) until the panel reaches the length you want from shoulder to hem. Keep the edges straight by starting and ending every row with the same number of stitches.
- Two front panels: crochet two pieces that are each half the width of the back, minus 2-3 cm (about 1 in) so the front edges don't overlap. Make them the same length as the back.
- Side seams: lay the front panels on top of the back, right sides together. Sew the side seams from the hem up, and stop 18-22 cm (7-8½ in) below the shoulder to leave room for the armholes.
- Shoulder seams: sew the shoulders from the outer edge inwards, about 8-10 cm (3-4 in) on each side. The open part at the back of the neck and the gap between the front panels form the neckline.
- Border: work a round of single crochet (sc; UK double crochet) along the front edges, the neckline and the hem, and around both armholes. That keeps the edges from stretching or rolling.
Want sleeves later on? Crochet two rectangles as wide as the armhole circumference, sew each one into a tube and attach it to the armhole. It's the easiest way to add sleeves without shaping.
Prefer granny squares? Use the basic pattern from our granny square guide, and lay the squares out on the floor in the shape of your cardigan before you join them.
Finishing: borders, buttons and blocking
A simple single crochet border along the edges is what makes a cardigan look finished. If you want to close it, crochet a few buttonholes into one front border (chain 2, skip 2 stitches, and work into the chain space on the next row) and sew buttons on the other side. Once it's done, dampen the cardigan lightly and lay it flat to dry at the right measurements. Our guide on how to wash wool and other handmade pieces explains how to treat each fiber.
Tips for a good fit
Make the cardigan a few centimeters (about an inch) roomier rather than exact, especially if it will go over a sweater. Check the fit while you work by holding the panels against your body, instead of finding out at the end that it doesn't fit. Not sure about the length? A few extra rows at the hem are better than too few, and you can always add a border afterwards.
Crochet cardigan FAQ
How much yarn do I need for a women's cardigan?
It depends on your size, the stitch and the yarn. For a sleeveless cardigan in a medium size with a light cotton, plan on roughly 300-500 g; with sleeves, more like 500-800 g. Your gauge swatch tells you more: weigh it and multiply by the area of your panels.
Which stitch gives the best drape for a cardigan?
Double crochet gives a looser, softer fabric than single crochet, which is more comfortable to wear. You can see the difference between the basic stitches in our basic crochet stitches guide.
Can I crochet a cardigan if I've never made a garment?
Yes, with the rectangle method. You are really making three flat rectangles and sewing them together. If you're new to crochet altogether, start with crochet for beginners first.
Why do the edges of my cardigan roll?
Usually because the foundation chain or the first row is tighter than the rest of the fabric. Use a hook one size larger for the foundation chain, and add a single crochet border around the hem and armholes.
Can I turn a shawl pattern into a cardigan?
Sometimes, if the shape is a rectangle. A long rectangle folded in half and seamed at the sides (leaving armholes) is a well-known "cocoon" cardigan. See our guide on how to crochet a shawl for drapey yarns and shapes.
Start your own cardigan
A sleeveless cardigan is one of the few garments where a small measuring mistake hardly shows, because it hangs loosely over your clothes. Make a swatch, do the math for your panels and pick a yarn that fits the way you want to wear it. Then all that's left is three rectangles and a few seams.
