Home » Crochet » Long Sleeve Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Long Sleeve Crochet Cardigan Pattern

With two length options to choose from, you can customize this long-sleeve crochet cardigan pattern to suit your personal style and preference.  Choose a single colour or a vibrant palette of hues to make this cardigan uniquely yours.

A crochet cardigan in orange, yellow, purple, green and blue is styled on a mannequin

Jera’s Jamboree receives payments for affiliate advertising. This is at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Cratejoy affiliate I earn if you click on a link and shop from my link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

I enjoyed working the granny stitch in my seamless cardigan and wanted to work with it in another garment.  This time however, I’ve created a totally different design and added in another stitch.  This cardigan isn’t seamless, it has V-neck shaping and I’ve used a simple crocheted closure instead of a button band.

Instructions are written in UK and US crochet terms for sizes S to 3X and include two different lengths – 18 inch and 24.5 inch.

Keep scrolling for the free pattern or you can upgrade to a PDF in my Ravelry or Etsy stores.

Two images show a v-neck crochet cardigan laid flat overlaid by a close up of the v-neck and closure

Why you’ll Love Crocheting this Cardigan

Summer Versatility: Despite being a long-sleeved garment, my cardigan is designed with a lightweight, breathable crochet stitch pattern, making it ideal for summer wear. It provides just the right amount of coverage for cooler evenings without feeling too heavy or cumbersome.
Stylish Design: My cardigan features a trendy V-neckline and a tied closure. If you appreciate fashionable yet practical clothing, you’ll be drawn to this stylish garment.
Customization: My pattern offers flexibility in terms of size, colour, and length, allowing you to tailor the cardigan to your specific preferences and measurements. This customization ensures a garment that fits perfectly and reflects your individual unique style.

How the long sleeve summer cardigan pattern is worked

My cardigan uses a blend of V-stitch and granny stitch which is worked in alternating rows throughout.

The granny stitch is used to begin the separate pieces giving a decorative edge to the hem and sleeve cuffs.  No ribbing needed!  I wanted a less structure feel to this cardi as in flowing and less restricted so this works perfectly, especially for the sleeve cuffs.  Wrists are not enclosed and the open stitches give skin space to breath – perfect for the warmer months!

I have used stacked stitches to begin the rows (instead of a turning chain).  This gives a really neat and tidy finish to the edges.  No edging is needed. 

A length of chains is worked in one row and folded over to slip stitch to give ‘tubing’ for the closure which is tied through the stitches at the start of the V-neck shaping.

My long-sleeved cardigan is worked in 5 separate simple shapes with minimal shaping and then seamed together.

6 images showing the process of crocheting and assembling a cardigan.  1) back is crocheted first 2) followed by right and left fronts 3) sleeves are crocheted 4) shoulder seams are sewn 5) sleeves are set in, sewn, side seam sewn.  Final image is of the cardigan styled on a mannequin
Process photo for crocheting and assembling the cardigan

The numbers below correspond to the numbers in the process images above.

  1. The back of the cardigan is crocheted first.  There is no shaping for the back piece.  It is worked flat and turned to work in rows.
  2. Right Front and Left front are worked next.  I have decreased for the V-neck shaping by skipping stitches and leaving stitches unworked. These pieces are also worked flat and turned to work in rows.
  3. The sleeves are worked from the shoulder edge to the cuff, worked flat and turned to work in rows.  Decreases are made by working two stitches together at the beginning and ending of a row. 
  4. Assembly begins with the sewing of the shoulder seams.  Working on the wrong side, the left and right front are lined up with the back and sewn into place.
  5. This is followed by setting the sleeves in place by lining up the shoulder edge of the sleeve with the shoulder edge, pinning into place and sewing along the shoulder. The sleeve is then folded in half and the seaming continues to the cuff.  Finally, the seam is sewn from the underarm down the side of the garment to the hem.  The image below shows how to lay out your cardigan for setting the sleeve in place and sewing the sleeve seam.
How to set the sleeve and sew the seam on my crochet cardigan pattern.  1) sew sleeve to shoulder edge 2) fold sleeve edge and sew sleeve seam.  Arrows point to where 1 and 2 are and the front and back of the cardigan have text on to identify which is the front and which is the back

The crocheted tubing is worked last and threaded through the stitches at the start of the decreases on the right and left front.

Related Crochet Cardigan Patterns

Yarn Choices

I used Elements Panoramic DK in the colourway Prism from my yarn stash for this cardigan.  The blend of 40% cotton and 60% acrylic gives a softness that was great to work with.  It’s perfect for adding breathability to summer garments!  I love the way the colour changes in the yarn work on this garment. Sadly, this yarn has since been discontinued.

You can substitute any DK yarn that meets gauge.  My recommendation would be to substitute with a similar mix of fibres if you are wanting to achieve a similar drape and finish. 

Elements Colours Cotton Blend is 55% cotton and 45% acrylic and you could change colour every few rows.  Drops and King Cole have cotton/acrylic blends that would be suitable too.  Have a browse through Wool Warehouse for some ideas, or you might have a suitable yarn in your stash.

Montage of 3 photos showing a colourful crochet cardigan laid flat, and front and side view styled on a mannequin

Cardigan Pattern Notes

  • Sizes are written for S to 3X and instructions are written thus S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)
  • This pattern uses a stacked UK treble, US double to begin rows (see stitches section)
  • Repeating instructions are noted * [   ]  ie; *[sk 2 sts, 3tr in next ch] * rep to last 3 sts
  • Two lengths are available – 18inches and 24.5inches
  • Make sure you follow the instructions to match front and back for your length preference
  • Weave in ends as you go

Skill Level

Easy

Supplies and Materials

  • 4.5mm Crochet Hook
  • DK (60% acrylic, 40% cotton) see Measurements table for amounts for the different sizes and the two different lengths
  • Stitch markers/scrap yarn
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle

Stitches and Abbreviations

UK Treble Crochet (tr)  /  US Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert your hook into stitch or space, yarn over, pull through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 remaining loops. 1 treble stitch completed.

UK Treble 2 Together (tr2tog) / US Double 2 Together (dc2tog) : Yarn over hook, draw up a loop in the next stitch, yarn over hook and pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over hook, draw up a loop in the next stitch, yarn over hook and pull through all 3 loops on hook

Special Stitches

Stacked UK treble crochet (stacked treble) / US double crochet (stacked double)

Do not chain any stitches.  Insert your hook into the very first stitch in the row.  Yarn over, pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through to complete what is a UK double/ US single crochet stitch.  Insert hook in second loop of the two loops that are under your hook, yarn over, pull up a loop so that there are two loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through to complete.

Image below shows the two loops under my hook.

The two loops under the crochet hook to work the stacked treble/double crochet stitch
stacked stitch to begin rows

V-Stitch (V-St):

UK [treble, ch1, treble] in same stitch/space

US [double, ch1, double] in same stitch/space

Granny Stitch

UK 3 treble in same stitch/space

US 3 double in same stitch/space

  • Slip Stitch – sl st
  • Chain – ch
  • Skip – sk
  • Rep – repeat
  • Stitch/es – st/s
  • Space – sp
  • Decrease – decr
  • Continue – cont
  • Remaining – rem
  • Opposite – opp
  • Right Side – RS
  • Wrong Side – WS
Montage of 3 images showing a crochet long sleeve cardigan styled on a mannequin showing front and side view and a close up of the stitches and v-neck

Gauge

16 stitches and 9 rows on a 4.5mm hook = 10cm X 10cm

Measurements

Size in PatternTo Fit Size (inches)Finished Width (inches)Amount of Yarn (yards) 18“ LengthAmount of Yarn (yards) 24.5” Length
S32 – 34389141120
M36 – 384210001227
L40 – 424610961346
XL44 – 465011681439
2X48 – 505412451538
3X52 – 545813451660
Pattern instructions are written for two lengths: 18 inches OR 24.5 inches   ‘To fit size’ follows the standard measurements as recommended in the Yarn Craft Council

Purchase the easy-to-read print-friendly PDF (ad free)

Included in the crochet cardigan pattern is:

  • how the pattern is worked
  • pattern notes
  • clear written instructions

Long Sleeve Summer Cardigan Instructions UK Crochet Terms

Back

With a 4.5mm hook

Ch 79, (85, 94, 103, 109, 115, 127, 135)

Row 1: tr in 4th ch from hook, *[sk 2 sts, 3tr in next ch], * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2 tr in last st, turn

Row 2: stacked tr in first st, tr in same st, *[sk 2 sts, V-St in next st], * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2 tr in last st, turn

Row 3: stacked tr in first st, tr in same st, *[sk 2 sts, 3tr in ch1-sp], * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2tr in last st, turn

Row 2 and 3 form st pattern

46cm Length

Row 4 – 41 rep rows 2 and 3

61cm Length

Row 4 – 55 rep rows 2 and 3

Fasten off

Right Front

With a 4.5mm hook

Ch 40, (43, 49, 52, 55, 58)

46cm Length

Rep back from rows 1 – 26, (26, 24, 22, 22, 20)

61cm Length

Rep back from rows 1 – 38, (38, 36, 34, 34, 32)

Decreasing both lengths

Next row: *3tr in ch1-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2tr in last st, turn

Next row: stacked tr, tr in same st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, * rep to last 4 sts, sk 2 sts, tr in next st, turn (leave last st unworked)

Rep above 2 decr rows for a total of 10 rows

Cont in pattern rep rows 2 and 3 of back until front matches back piece (46cm = 41 rows / 61cm = 55 rows)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing shoulder seam

Left Front

With a 4.5mm hook

Rep right front instructions to decreasing

Next row: stacked tr, tr in same st, *3tr in ch1-sp, * rep to last ch-sp, sk last ch-sp, tr in last st, turn

Next row: sk 2 sts, *V-st in next st, sk 2 sts, * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2tr in last st, turn

Rep above 2 decr rows for a total of 10 rows

Cont in pattern rep rows 2 and 3 of back until front matches back piece (46cm = 41 rows / 61cm = 55 rows)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing shoulder seam

Sleeves (make 2)

With a 4.5mm hook

Ch 61, (61, 70, 79, 79, 88)

Rep rows 1 – 16 from back piece

Row 17: * 3tr in ch1-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, turn (leave rem sts unworked)

Row 18: sk 1 st, V-st in next st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, *rep to last 4 sts, tr in next st, ch1, sk 1 st, tr2tog, turn

Row 19: tr in ch1-sp, *sk 2 sts, 3tr in ch1-sp, * rep to last st, tr in last st, turn

Row 20: stacked tr, tr in same st, sk 1 st, tr in next st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, *rep to last 4 sts, sk 2 sts, tr in next st, 2tr in last st, turn

Row 21: stacked tr, tr in same st, tr in next st, *sk 2 sts, 3tr in ch-sp, *rep to last 4 sts, sk 2 sts, tr in last 2 sts, turn

Row 22: stacked tr, tr in same st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, *rep to last 4 sts, sk 3 sts, 2 tr in last, turn

Row 23: stacked tr, tr in same st, * sk 2 sts, 3tr in ch-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2tr in last st, turn

Row 24: stacked tr, tr in same st, *sk 2 sts, 3tr in ch-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2tr in last st, turn

Row 25: rep row 22

Row 26: rep row 23

Row 27: rep row 22

Row 28: rep row 23

Row 29: rep row 22

Row 30: rep row 23

Row 31: rep row 22

Row 32: rep row 23

Row 33: rep row 23

Sizes S, M fasten off

Row 34: rep row 22

Row 35: rep row 23

Sizes L, XL fasten off

Row 36: rep row 22

Row 37: rep row 23

Sizes 2X, 3X fasten off

Crocheting tubing to fasten cardigan

Ch 112

Tr in 3rd ch from hook, tr in ea  ch to end, ch1, turn

Working into opp side of ch by folding row of sts in half, sl st through top of st and bottom of st.

Fasten off

Assembly

Shoulder Seams

With RS facing inwards, line up right front and left front with back and seam the shoulders.

Setting sleeves and seams

Working on the WS, lay the cardigan out (see image in how the pattern is worked) and mark the centre stitch of the top of the sleeve.

Line centre st of the sleeve with shoulder seam along the shoulder edge.  Pin in place.  Sew seam.  Fold sleeve over (still working on WS) and sew sleeve seam from shoulder to cuff.

Side Seam

Sew side seam from underarm to hem.

Fasten off

Closure

Thread crocheted tubing through the beginning of the V-neck decrease on right and left fronts

Congratulations!  Your cardigan is now ready to wear.

four images show a crochet cardigan styled on a mannequin and three process photos.  Text reads 'DIY crochet summer cardigan'

Long Sleeve Summer Cardigan Instructions US Crochet Terms

Back

With a 4.5mm hook

Ch 79, (85, 94, 103, 109, 115, 127, 135)

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, *[sk 2 sts, 3dc in next ch], * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2 dc in last st, turn

Row 2: stacked dc in first st, dc in same st, *[sk 2 sts, V-St in next st], * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2 dc in last st, turn

Row 3: stacked dc in first st, dc in same st, *[sk 2 sts, 3dc in ch1-sp], * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2dc in last st, turn

Row 2 and 3 form st pattern

46cm Length

Row 4 – 41 rep rows 2 and 3

61cm Length

Row 4 – 55 rep rows 2 and 3

Fasten off

Right Front

With a 4.5mm hook

Ch 40, (43, 49, 52, 55, 58)

46cm Length

Rep back from rows 1 – 26, (26, 24, 22, 22, 20)

61cm Length

Rep back from rows 1 – 38, (38, 36, 34, 34, 32)

Decreasing both lengths

Next row: *3dc in ch1-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2dc in last st, turn

Next row: stacked dc, dc in same st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, * rep to last 4 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in next st, turn (leave last st unworked)

Rep above 2 decr rows for a total of 10 rows

Cont in pattern rep rows 2 and 3 of back until front matches back piece (46cm = 41 rows / 61cm = 55 rows)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing shoulder seam

Left Front

With a 4.5mm hook

Rep right front instructions to decreasing

Next row: stacked dc, dc in same st, *3dc in ch1-sp, * rep to last ch-sp, sk last ch-sp, dc in last st, turn

Next row: sk 2 sts, *V-st in next st, sk 2 sts, * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2dc in last st, turn

Rep above 2 decr rows for a total of 10 rows

Cont in pattern rep rows 2 and 3 of back until front matches back piece (46cm = 41 rows / 61cm = 55 rows)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing shoulder seam

Sleeves (make 2)

With a 4.5mm hook

Ch 61, (61, 70, 79, 79, 88)

Rep rows 1 – 16 from back piece

Row 17: * 3dc in ch1-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, turn (leave rem sts unworked)

Row 18: sk 1 st, V-st in next st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, *rep to last 4 sts, dc in next st, ch1, sk 1 st, dc2tog, turn

Row 19: dc in ch1-sp, *sk 2 sts, 3dc in ch1-sp, * rep to last st, dc in last st, turn

Row 20: stacked dc, dc in same st, sk 1 st, dc in next st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, *rep to last 4 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in next st, 2dc in last st, turn

Row 21: stacked dc, dc in same st, dc in next st, *sk 2 sts, 3dc in ch-sp, *rep to last 4 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn

Row 22: stacked dc, dc in same st, *sk 2 sts, V-st in next st, *rep to last 4 sts, sk 3 sts, 2dc in last, turn

Row 23: stacked dc, dc in same st, * sk 2 sts, 3dc in ch-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2dc in last st, turn

Row 24: stacked dc, dc in same st, *sk 2 sts, 3dc in ch-sp, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2dc in last st, turn

Row 25: rep row 22

Row 26: rep row 23

Row 27: rep row 22

Row 28: rep row 23

Row 29: rep row 22

Row 30: rep row 23

Row 31: rep row 22

Row 32: rep row 23

Row 33: rep row 23

Sizes S, M fasten off

Row 34: rep row 22

Row 35: rep row 23

Sizes L, XL fasten off

Row 36: rep row 22

Row 37: rep row 23

Sizes 2X, 3X fasten off

Crocheting tubing to fasten cardigan

Ch 112

dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in ea  ch to end, ch1, turn

Working into opp side of ch by folding row of sts in half, sl st through top of st and bottom of st.

Fasten off

Assembly

Shoulder Seams

With RS facing inwards, line up right front and left front with back and seam the shoulders.

Setting sleeves and seams

Working on the WS, lay the cardigan out (see image in how the pattern is worked) and mark the centre stitch of the top of the sleeve.

Line centre st of the sleeve with shoulder seam along the shoulder edge.  Pin in place.  Sew seam.  Fold sleeve over (still working on WS) and sew sleeve seam from shoulder to cuff.

Side Seam

Sew side seam from underarm to hem.

Fasten off

Closure

Thread crocheted tubing through the beginning of the V-neck decrease on right and left fronts

Congratulations!  Your cardigan is now ready to wear.

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

Print Friendly and PDF

Leave a comment