Simple Crochet Cardigan Pattern

The sweater crochet pattern is worked in two pieces sideways from center back and outwards. You’ll make 2 identical pieces.

First you’ll work 7 rows to create back panel rectangle, that will end up behind your neck. Then on the same piece you’ll increase stitches. From here you will continue to work outwards, working both front and back panel at the same time in one piece.

Sleeves are then worked directly onto the main part. Repeat to make the second identical piece.

When you have finished crocheting the two parts, you will seam them together at back using the whip stitch. Finally you will crochet the ribbing around the front of the crochet cardigan.

For this cardigan you will not need to know a lot of complex stitches. However this cardigan may be a little difficult for crochet beginners.

The main lightweight part of this crochet cardigan uses chains and half double crochet stitches.

The sleeves are made up of half double crochet stitches.

Finally you will create crochet ribbing using back loop half double crochet stitches.

The yarn used for this crochet cardigan is called Airy & is a chained yarn, that makes anything you crochet with it light while still offering density. 

The yarn used is our own Joy of Motion Yarn. The color pictured is “Dongeri”, unfortunately we decided to not dye yarn anymore and the yarn is discontinued.

We have researched alternatives, and the best alternative we’ve found is Lion Brand Yarn – Chainette.

“How Can I use a different yarn?”

If you do want to substitute yarn, I recommend for this specific case to substitute to either a different chained yarn or to consider going up in yarn thickness. If possible test gauge before you buy a lot of yarn.

Learn more about substituting yarn here.

The Simple Crochet Cardigan Pattern is a great crochet garment for any season. The stitch pattern used is so airy and lightweight, which makes it breathable and great for warmer weather.
At the same time, with the yarns suggested being merino wool, it’s also a great cardigan for cold weather.

Wear this easy crochet sweater pattern with jeans & a t-shirt. But it could also look amazing more dressed up, if you prefer.

How long it takes to crochet something varies depending on your skill & how fast you crochet. But that isn’t a helpful answer is it?

Well, I’ve developed a yarn calculator to help you get the answer to this question.

It will help you calculate exactly how much time you’ll spend crocheting a project.

All you need to know is how much yarn you will use on the project in either meters, yards or skeins. Then crochet your test square & time it.

Calculate how long it takes to crochet that. 

Not ready to crochet it yet?

1. Share about this crochet pattern on Facebook & Instagram using #joyofmotioncrochet.
2. Save on Pinterest to make it later.

Easy Skill Level

Crochet Hook

Size 8 mm / US: L-11 / UK: 0

Hook I used: Symphonie Rose Crochet Hooks from Knitpro

Yarn

Yarn used:

Joy of Motion Yarn – Airy DK in color Dongeri (Discontinued).

Learn How to Substitute Yarn.

How much yarn needed for the simple crochet cardigan: 

2 skeins / 14 oz

• Size XS: 4 skeins / 315 g / 790 m / 865 yards
• Size S: 4 skeins / 345 g / 855 m / 935 yards
• Size M: 4 skeins / 370 g / 925 m / 1015 yards
• Size L: 4 skeins / 395 g / 990 m / 1080 yards
• Size XL: 5 skeins / 425 g / 1060 m / 1160 yards
• Size 2XL: 5 skeins / 460 g / 1155 m / 1260 yards
• Size 3XL: 5 skeins / 505 g / 1255 m / 1375 yards
• Size 4XL: 6 skeins / 530 g / 1320 m / 1445 yards
• Size 5XL: 6 skeins / 555 g / 1390 m / 1520 yards

Yarn characteristics:

• 3 light yarn, DK yarn.
• 100 % Superwash Merino
• Chained ply

Other Materials Needed

• Tapestry Needle, find one here
• Scissors
• Tape Measure

Gauge

Measured with *1 half double stitches, 3 ch* repeating, crocheted in rows:

14 stitches & 10 rows per 10 cm / 4”.

Crochet Pattern Notes

• This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
• All measurements given are unblocked.
• Note that measurements are given as exact as possible. But crochet tension & technique might give variations in the result, that changes from person to person.

• Read pattern instructions carefully before beginning to make sure you understand everything. It might save you hours frogging your work & crocheting it again!
• Make a swatch that measure at least 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches using the stitch the gauge is given for. If your swatch matches the gauge, you’re good to go. If the gauge is wrong, you might need to change your hook. Go up in crochet hook size if your stitches are smaller & go down in crochet hook size if your stitches are bigger. Learn more about testing gauge.
• Check yarn info if you want to find an alternative or test your yarn against the gauge. Learn more about substituting yarn.

• This pattern is written for 9 sizes, where the different sizes is given in parenthesis like this: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL. If just one number is given, it applies to all sizes. I recommend that you highlight or circle the size you’re making before you begin to make the pattern easier to follow. Size adjustments are added under the heading “Size & Measurements”.
• At the end of each row, the stitch count is given in parenthesis.

Size Notes

• Cardigan might stretch in length and widen when used.
• This pattern is written to have a normal to loose fit, that means normal positive ease. Learn more about mastering ease in crochet garments.
• Take measurements to find the size that fits the best.

Size Adjustments

Sleeves:

• For all sizes: Best place to adjust length by adding or reducing rows before you start the ribbing.
• For all sizes: Start with fewer/more stitches, added/reduced by 2 stitches at a time to adjust fit. Make sure it’s still centered on the middle.

Body:

• For all sizes: Adjust length by adding or reducing stitch count when starting the cardigan.
• For all sizes: Adjust width by adding or reducing rows after row 20 (23) 25 (28) 30 (33) 35 (38) 40.

Foundation Single Crochet (FSC)

Written description:

Step 1: Ch 2 st.

Step 2: Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Yo and pull through first loop (making “chain”). Yo and pull through both loops on hook.

Step 3: Insert hook into previous “chain” you made (It should look like you go through a resemblance of a “normal” st, with 2 strands of yarn), pull up a loop, yo and pull through first loop (making “chain”). Yo and pull through both loops on hook.

Repeat step 3 until you’ve made enough stitches. *2nd ch in step 1 makes 1 st, step 2 makes 1 st & every time step 3 is repeated you make 1 st.

Crocheting In The Front And Back Loop

This means that you will not crochet through the whole stitch as usual. A typical stitch contains two loops. One in the front, nearest you, and another stitch in the back, furthest away from you. One is called the front loop (the one nearest you), the other one the back loop, the one furthest away from you. For this pattern you will crochet half double crochet stitches through the back loop.

Chain Spaces

You will need to know how to crochet in chain spaces. Chain spaces are formed when you chain one or more stitches, then skip one or more stitches, & finally you crochet in the next stitch.

In this pattern you will make chain spaces with 3 chains on one row, and crochet 1 half double crochet stitches into the chain space on the next row.