Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for All Levels: 23 Top Picks

Handmade clothes are in this season, and crocheting is the hottest crafting trend. If you’re a fashion-forward crafter, you’ll love crocheting a cardigan. To help you get started easily, I’ve compiled a list of 23 free crochet cardigan patterns and tutorials.

Cardigans fall under the sweater category. But they’re not merely winter staples. You can rock a crochet cardigan in summer, too. They also make stylish layers during fall or spring. When it comes to their designs and patterns, the possibilities are endless.

Go sleeveless or buttonless for a breezy look or make a cardigan that pairs well even with formals. So indulge in the crochet cardi craze and make round-the-year style statements!

What are you waiting for, then? Keep reading to find the step–by–step guides.

Table of Contents

1 How to Crochet a Cardigan
2 23 Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns
3 Crochet Cardigan Patterns: FAQs
4 Make A Style Statement with DIY Crochet Cardigans

How to Crochet a Cardigan

With crochet cardigans, you can break fashion rules and make your own. All you need is the right design and pattern for your skill level and time. Crocheting a cardigan requires intermediate-level skills.

But as you practice the basics, it can become easy. So don’t be nervous about your project not looking amateurish.

Just follow a few simple tips:

Maintain a consistent stitch placement and gauge or stitch size.
Also, always turn your project in the same direction at the edges.

I promise you’ll soon be ready to show off your creation to the world or try more challenging projects.

Here’s a video of a simple DIY crochet cardigan to help you get started on the trail to fashion stardom!

How Many Skeins Do I Need to Crochet a Cardigan?

To crochet a cardigan, you may need 3-9 skeins of yarn. The number depends on the cardigan’s size, pattern, and gauge.

It also depends on the yarn type and each skein’s weight. The total yarn weight can vary from 300 g to 1 kg for sizes S-XXXL.

What Size Yarn Do I Need for a Crochet Cardigan?

For crochet cardigans, worsted-weight yarn is ideal. This medium-size no. 3 and no. 4 yarns are versatile enough for all projects.

You can also try no. 5 bulky yarn for warm sweaters, while no. 1 fingering weight yarn and no. 2 sport weight yarn are for light and breezy garments.

Which Crochet Stitch Is Best for a Cardigan?

The most popular stitches are single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and slip stitches. Once you’ve mastered these, try the fancier treble stitches or granny squares.

Single crochet stitch is also great for seams, and so are mattress, whip, and running stitches.

23 Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns

I have walked you through the basics of crocheting. I’m sure you’re now wondering, where are those free crochet cardigan patterns and tutorials?

Below is the list of 23 crochet cardigans – one for every skill level, style, and season.

Take a look!

1. Beginner-Friendly Crochet Cardigan

This baggy cardigan is so simple that it doesn’t need you to exert your brain! It needs basic single crochet stitches. Pair it with casual outfits like jeans and tanks.

Here is the pattern for this crochet cardigan.

2. Pocket Crochet Cardigan

Add magic to your wardrobe with this beautiful DIY crochet cardigan.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about crocheting pockets, use stitch markers and aim to position them evenly.

Take a look at the steps to make this cardigan here.

3. Button-Down Crochet Cardigan

There’s something classic about cardigans with buttons. And this boxy cardigan with large buttons can jazz up your look.

Use thick and heavy yarn and loose stitches.

Here are the detailed instructions to make this cardigan.

4. Winter Crochet Cardigan

Check out this DIY winter wonder! You can button up when it’s cold or layer it on a blouse. And don’t miss the pockets to keep your hands warm if you forget your mittens.

Here is the step-by-step guide for this cardigan.

5. Summer Crochet Cardigan

Jazz up your look this summer with this light and airy DIY crochet cardigan. The large stitches give it a gauzy look that can make it look great on a cami, tank, or bralette.

Check out the DIY cardigan’s instructions here.

6. Fall Crochet Cardigan

Check out this crochet cardigan that’s perfect for the fall to beat the slight nip in the air. It’s a front-open sweater that you can customize with a waist buckle for a formal look.

Here are the instructions to make this cardigan.

7. Spring Crochet Cardigan

This is for you if you’re looking for a light cardigan as you transition into summer. Its see-through back panel adds an elegant and feminine touch to your simple spring outfit.

Take a look at the step-by-step guide for this cardigan here.

8. Zipper Crochet Cardigan

This cardi with a zipper on the front looks like it’s straight out of an urban fashion store! It’s ideal for not-so-cold winter days and during the transition seasons.

Take a look at the pattern here.

9. Granny-Square Crochet Cardigan

Thanks to the granny squares, this cardi is an amazing example of boho-chic. For a spring vibe, you can try vibrant colors like red, orange, and yellow against a pastel base.

Find the instructions for this cardigan here.

10. V-Neck Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan’s V-shaped neckline can make your torso and neck look longer. And since it’s wide, it can show off your collarbones. Once buttoned up, it’s a cool top on its own.

Check out the instructions here.

11. Crop Crochet Cardigan

You can style this cropped cardigan with a tunic or high skirt while its long sleeves cover shoulders and hands. And the ruffled cuffs add a classic touch.

Here are the steps for this DIY crochet cardigan.

12. Long Crochet Cardigan

This cozy cardigan offers a soft and flowy silhouette. You can pick any color- vivid orange, pleasing blue, or earthy gray or one in every shade for every season.

Find the free pattern for this cardigan here.

13. Oversized Crochet Cardigan

It’s long, it’s cozy and has large and heavy sleeves. What could be better than this?

It’s like a wearable soft toy when you use chunky yarn and double crochet stitches.

Take a look here to find the patterns.

14. Rectangle Crochet Cardigan

This rectangle cardi is easy enough even for newbies; an easy crochet project that looks like a pro makes it. And it sports a simple yet classic and oh-so-versatile design.

Take a look at the instructions here.

15. Wrap Crochet Cardigan

Wear this cardi in the wrap style tied around the waist. Or, leave it open for the typical front-open cardi look. The long flaps gather in the front and create an asymmetric look.

Here is the step-by-step guide to making this cardigan.

16. Kimono Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan is a modern and casual take on kimonos, thanks to the short but wide sleeves and the deep V-neck. You can wrap it in the front or leave it open for a layered look.

Check out the design details here.

17. Cocoon Crochet Cardigan

This cardi oozes coziness, thanks to its curved hem and drapey design. It falls gently from the shoulders and over the hips and wraps your body like a sophisticated shrug.

Check out the pattern for this cardigan here.

18. Hooded Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan has a zipper front and a hood, which means it can double as a hoodie jacket. The beautiful design, along with the wide sleeves, adds a fresh and youthful vibe to it.

You can find the pattern for this cardigan here.

19. Asymmetric Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan is easy to crochet because you have to make it as a single piece from side to side, thus minimizing seaming. The asymmetric hem adds a youthful touch, too.

You can find the free pattern here.

20. Blanket Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan’s lacy pattern takes the standard blanket sweater design to a new level of versatility. You can throw it on top of a cami or full-sleeve blouse in any season!

Find the instructions here.

21. Boho Crochet Cardigan

When you hear “crochet,” do you think of a thin, sheer lace with detailed patterns? Then, you’re going to love making this cardi that captures the classic feel of this craft.

Here is the detailed guide to make this cardigan.

22. Chunky Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan feels like a sweater version of a warm hug! It’s soft and thick – without being too heavy. Here’s the secret: its ribbed neckline, borders, and pockets do the trick!

Find the pattern for this DIY cardigan here.

23. Harry Styles’ Crochet Cardigan

Crochet cardigans are so stylish that even Harry Styles loves them! This color-block cardi from JW Anderson’s Spring 2020 collection is easy to recreate for a blast of colors.

Here is the pattern for this cardigan.

More Crochet Patterns & Tutorials

Crochet Cardigan Patterns: FAQs

Q: Can a beginner crocheter make a cardigan?

A: Making a crochet cardigan with perfection requires intermediate-level skills. As an absolute beginner, crocheting a cardigan might seem slightly challenging or time-consuming.

But once you practice the basics, you’ll manage to make one effortlessly.

Q: What is the best yarn for crochet cardigans?

A: Worsted-weight yarn is a popular choice for crochet cardigans, as it’s versatile and suits all skill levels.

Most regular crocheters prefer synthetic fibers like nylon, acrylic, polyester, or specialty yarn, as these are pocket-friendly options for large garment projects.

Q: How many days does it take to crochet a cardigan?

A: The time needed to crochet a cardigan depends on the skill and speed of the crocheter, as well as the complexity of stitches and patterns.

A seasoned crafter may finish a cardi in merely 20-30 hours, while others may need a few weeks or even months for the same project.

Q: Is it faster to knit or crochet a cardigan?

A: Though the time needed to crochet or knit a cardigan may depend on your speed and expertise, crochet is usually the faster of the two crafts.

So, each crochet stitch covers more of the cardigan’s length.

Make A Style Statement with DIY Crochet Cardigans

If you’re a DIYer at heart bursting with creative energy, it’s time to pick up a crochet hook. With crochet cardigans, you can personalize your outfits and tell the world about your love for classics or boho fashion choices.

From simple but versatile wardrobe staples you can wear all year round to customized buttoned sweaters for each season, cardis can turn into any design for you. So pick your favorites from the free crochet cardigan patterns list and start weaving magic!

23 Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns & Tutorials

How to Crochet a Cardigan

How Many Skeins Do I Need to Crochet a Cardigan?

What Size Yarn Do I Need for a Crochet Cardigan?

Which Crochet Stitch Is Best for a Cardigan?