Cardigans are essential in cold weather, and if you are looking for beautiful and easy cardigan crochet patterns to work on, you’ve come to the right place.
And the best part of it is they're free, so if you are ready to crochet a cardigan, check out these patterns we've collected for you!
5 Things to Know Before Crocheting a Cardigan
Before we dive into the crochet cardigan patterns, we've gathered some of the most common questions asked while making a crochet cardigan. Here's what you need to know.
Can a Beginner Crochet a Cardigan?
Yes, these free crochet cardigan patterns are beginner friendly. And even if you are not an expert, you can learn the steps as you go.
Many cardigan patterns are just made up of rectangles, so they are easy for new crocheters to complete. Choosing a project with minimal shaping and easy, repeating stitch patterns is a great way to go if you’re a beginner.
How Long Does It Take to Crochet a Cardigan?
According to a survey conducted by Desert Blossom Crafts, 44% of crocheters said it would take them 30 hours or longer to crochet a sweater (this did not specify cardigan vs. pullover, but the numbers are probably comparable.
Among those who responded, 30% said they can complete a crochet cardigan within 25 hours, 19% within 15-20 hours, and only 5% said they can complete a crocheted cardigan within 15 hours or fewer.
How long a cardigan takes to stitch will depend on the size you’re making, the weight of the yarn, the complexity of the stitches, and your skill level.
And of course, the length of time it takes to get those 20-30 hours of stitching done will depend on how much time you have each day or week for crochet. For most people, it will take a month or more to stitch a sweater.
Which Crochet Stitch is Best for a Cardigan?
Of course, any crochet stitch can be used for a cardigan, but one very common stitch you will find in cardigan crochet patterns is half double crochet aka hdc. It’s easy and fast to work and produces a pretty solid fabric that’s great for an added layer of warmth.
If you want an even more solid fabric, go with sc, single crochet. It takes longer to stitch but makes a full-coverage fabric.
If you’re looking for other options of stitches to use on cardigans, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has 45 stitches for you to choose from.
What is the Best Hook to Use for a Crochet Cardigan?
The size of the hook and yarn used for your cardigan crochet sweater pattern plays a vital role in its final appearance. The pattern you choose will tell you what size hook the designer used, and if you get a gauge with it that’s what you should use, too.
If you’re designing your own cardigan, the yarn label should give you a good indication of what size crochet hook to use with that particular yarn.
What is the Best Yarn to Use for a Crochet Cardigan?
There are plenty of options when it comes to the yarns you can for a cardigan. You should choose a yarn that feels good against your skin, in the weight needed for your project, and one that’s easy to care for if that’s important to you.
Wool yarn is a great option for cardigans because it’s warm, and the smooth wool yarn is great for beginners to work with. If washability matters to you, look for superwash wool.
Cotton yarn is also a good option, but it's not as elastic as other yarns. This can make it a little less comfortable to stitch with, over the length of a long project. It's also a good yarn to use for making summer cardigans since it can be lighter weight.
Acrylic yarn is the best choice of yarn for many crocheters. These yarns are easily available and come in a wide variety of colors. Some are softer than others so give it a good rub against your skin before you buy.
Of course, the yarn you use is always up to you. Just make sure it's something durable, comfy, easy to use, and makes you happy about your crochet project!
Crochet Cardigan Tips
Crochet cardigans come in all types of stitches and styles. Some use granny squares, simple rectangles, or shaped pieces. But there are a few things you should know or do before you get started stitching, no matter what kind of cardigan you’re stitching.
Read the Pattern First
Before you get started, you should read through the pattern and make sure you understand all the techniques and abbreviations used in the design.
If you don’t know your dc from your bobble stitch, check out our Fundamentals of Crochet course. It’s full of videos that will help you with the basics of crochet as well as boost your confidence in reading and understanding crochet patterns.
Prepare Your Materials
Don't forget to gather all the materials you need before you get started. You’ll need:
- Crochet hook and yarn (however many skeins your pattern requires)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Other notions as required such as buttons
- A copy of your pattern or the video tutorial, if using
Which Side Goes Where?
Crocheted cardigans are often constructed from pieces, which can be confusing if you’ve never assembled a sweater before. Typically, there will be a back panel that is larger than the sides, two front panels, and two sleeves.
If the pieces do not include shaping, it only matters that the right or front side of each piece is facing out when you stitch them together. (Place a stitch marker on the right side of each piece when you start stitching so it’s easy to tell the front or outside from the wrong side, or inside of the garment.)
If there is shaping on the fronts, whether for the neckline or the sleeves, it should be clear from the pattern which front is which. Note: when patterns refer to the right or left side of the cardigan, that is as you wear it.
Crocheting a cardigan isn’t difficult as long as you go step by step and piece by piece! Check out these 37 free crochet cardigan patterns you’ll want to add to your wardrobe so you can get cozy when the weather (or the building you’re in) is cool!
Easy Cardigans for Beginner Crocheters
These free cardigan crochet patterns for newer crocheters use easy stitches, simple shapes and sometimes very little finishing. They’re great for stitchers with more experience who want an easy project for TV stitching or a quick gift.
Crochet Everyday Cotton Cardigan
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
This cardigan is cozy, with simple hemline ribbing, and loose, slouchy sleeves that you will love wearing daily. It’s also a beginner-friendly pattern that any newbie in crochet can use.
Bahama Breeze Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Herr Stitches
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage
Lightweight and easy to make, this pattern is exactly what you need if you are new to crocheting cardigans! This easy crochet cardigan pattern is worked in moss stitch, with front and back post stitches used for the ribbing.
Classic Button Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Stitchberry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Alpac
When the temperature drops, it’s time to bring out the cardigans and sweaters. This crochet button-up pattern will surely keep you warm till spring. This pattern uses single crochet in the front loop and back loop for this easy textured pattern.
Boyfriend Cardigan
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Shine
Boyfriend cardigans are classic and comfy choices, and this version will surely make crocheters excited! It is a great pattern design for crochet beginners who are looking for something easy to do. It uses half double crochet.
Watson Waffle Stitch Cardigan
Designer: Lakeside Loops
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo Linen
This easy to make short sleeve long-line cardigan features the fun waffle stitch pattern. It’s worked in several pieces and includes pockets. There’s a video tutorial if you need help with how this one comes together.
Nearly Seamless Crochet Cardigan Free Pattern
Designer: Hooked Hazel, via Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
You can’t go wrong with this cardigan. It’s easy to make and perfect for those who love to stay snug throughout the cold season. It mostly uses single and double crochet stitches, as well as post stitches.
Moss Stitch Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Burgundy and Blush
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Hayfield Bonus with Wool Aran
Boyfriend cardigans are classic and comfy choices, and this version will surely make crocheters excited! It is a great pattern design for crochet beginners who are looking for something easy to do. It uses half double crochet.
The Everyday Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
This everyday cardigan goes well with any dress or OOTD that you can come up with. It’s perfect for any season, and the best part is, you can make one in each of your favorite colors!
Rainbow Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Coco Crochet Lee
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Heather's Heathers Merino
Adding stripes to a crocheted cardigan gives it a completely different look, but it doesn’t make the project any more difficult. Stitch all the colors of the rainbow or come up with your own color scheme for this cheerful cardigan.
Lacy Cardigan Patterns
Lace and openwork designs make crochet cardigans look more complicated, but if you take the stitches one step and a time, you’ll find they’re not much more involved than the basic stitches you are used to. These projects are great for special projects to wear out on the town or anytime you want a feminine look.
Daphne Cocoon Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Sincerely Pam
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Fluffy Fingering Merino Yarn
This cocoon cardigan is a lightweight cardi that you will love to wear every day. It’s chic and stylish and the best part of all, it’s super easy to make!
Sunkissed Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: MJ's Off The Hook Designs
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
This crochet cardigan is light, versatile, and a great piece of clothing for spring or summer. It uses a pretty shell pattern that isn’t too difficult with a little practice.
Summer Breeze Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Crochet with Carrie
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: DROPS Cotton Light
Shell stitches add more spunk to any crochet project and this cardigan is covered with them! It’s meant to have lots of positive ease for extra comfort and is worked in cotton yarn to keep it cool.
The Mezzo Cardigan
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
The construction of this cozy cardigan is so much fun, because it’s made with hexagons! The pattern is very detailed if you’re unsure how it all goes together.
Endless Eyelets Cardi Granny Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This lovely cardigan pattern has no shaping and is quite meditative to do. It uses granny stitch, which is a simple combination of double crochet stitches, like making granny squares but flat.
Crochet Cabot Trail Cardigan Pattern
Designer: MJ’s Off the Hook Designs
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
This pretty cardigan pattern is perfect to stitch for summer! The cluster lace stitch is fun to work and makes for an open fabric that is great for the beach or anywhere else when it’s warm.
The Hometown Cardi Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Meghan Makes Do
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Heather's Heathers Merino
This easy eyelet cardigan is perfect for your pumpkin-picking or apple-picking activities, or anything else you want to do in the fall. It’s lightweight and easy to crochet too!
Lena Cardigan
Designer: Divine Debris, via Clover USA
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Sirdar Hayfield Bonus with Wool Aran
This cute cardigan is easy to make and is perfect for your everyday wear. The openwork stitches give the effect of stripes, and you can stitch it to a cropped length or make it longer if you like.
Hexagon Crochet Cardigan Sweater Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vel-Luxe
This unique cardigan is made out of two hexagon shapes that are folded and stitched to create the body and sleeves. This luscious velvet yarn makes the sweater even cozier but use any worsted weight yarn you like for this fun project.
Tulip Square Cardi Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
This pattern is made of tulip granny squares and triangles slip-stitched together to form this beautiful granny square cardigan. It’s fun to make and will surely keep you busy for days! This one would be pretty in a solid color or work the squares in different colors.
Long Cardigan Patterns
There’s nothing better than a nice, long cardigan to slip on when it’s cold outside. These patterns are pretty easy but will take longer because of the length of the sweater. Of course, you can always make them shorter if you’d rather!
Laurentian Cardi Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Lulu Stitch Co
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Patons Astra
This pattern comes in two different sizes and uses lots of half double crochet stitches, so it’s pretty fast even at a longer length. It’s meant to be roomy and cozy for hanging out at home.
Chic Aran Cardigan Pattern
Designer: My Hobby is Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons Classic Wool
The back cross double crochet stitch used on this long cardigan is so pretty, and there’s a full photo tutorial in the post to explain how to do it. The pieces are also worked sideways!
Verano Longline Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Truboo
Long cardigans can sometimes be really warm, but the combination of a lighter weight yarn, a cool fiber and an openwork pattern makes this a long cardi that’s great for all seasons.
The Harvest Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Mason Jar Yarn Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
This easy-to-crochet cardigan is perfect for this fall. It's comfy and warm, and you can match it with any of your outfits! This pattern has a large range of sizes and is mostly worked in half double crochet variations.
Autumn Duster
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Anti-pilling Everyday Worsted
Adding stripes to a crocheted cardigan gives it a completely different look, but it doesn’t make the project any more difficult. Stitch all the colors of the rainbow or come up with your own color scheme for this cheerful cardigan.
Snow Angel Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: Hopeful Honey
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
Crocheting this cardigan will challenge your skills as a beginner, but if you are up for the challenge, this beautiful cardigan is perfect! It uses bobbles and puff spike stitches for a really distinctive look.
The Luna Cardigan
Designer: Evelyn and Pete
Yarn weight: (7) Jumbo
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Go for Fleece Sherpa
Chunky yarns are irresistible! And they make the best cardigans too. This one-use jumbo yarn so it works up in no time. Keep the seams split as shown or stitch them all the way down for an even warmer cardigan.
Coastal Fog Chunky Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Hopeful Honey
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
Protect yourself from the brisk winter weather with this Coastal Fog chunky cardigan. It’s perfect for layering over any outfit on a chilly, foggy morning!
Textured Pocket Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Chunky cardigans are comfy and easy to make. The Kima cardi is a very good example of a comfy bulky weight yarn cardigan that you can wear anytime, anywhere. It’s crocheted sideways so the fronts and the back are all one piece.
Textured Cardigan Patterns
Textured Crochet Button Cardigan Pattern
Designer: Stitchberry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This classic buttoned cardigan uses simple stitches – single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet – but the way they’re put together makes a lot of great texture.
Crimson Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Yarn for Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
This simple cardigan is stunning! It has a relaxed fit, comes in a range of sizes, and uses raglan shaping to give it a streamlined look. If you know how to make granny squares you can make this cardigan!
Lilian Flared Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Wool
This unique-looking peplum cardigan is perfect for all seasons, and you can even wear it with jeans. And the best part is, the pattern comes with instructions on how you can add a zipper!
Chunky V-Neck Cardigan Pattern
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: WeCrochet Biggo
If you’re a fan of textured crochet projects, then this cardigan pattern is a great addition to your favorites! It uses a simple waffle stitch, and who doesn’t love a V-neck? We do! 10/10, will crochet this one!
Chunky Crochet Bomber Cardigan with Pockets
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
We love bulky cardigans! They’re comfy to use during winter and keep you warm and snug. It works up super-fast thanks to the super bulky yarn and has integrated pockets, which is a great skill to know how to do.
Haven Bobble Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
This bobble cardigan has a lovely textured pattern that you are sure to enjoy creating. If you love textures and bobble stitches, this is the perfect pattern!
Cross Back Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: E’Claire Makery
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
This open-back cardigan has such a fun look and uses horizontal puff stitches for all that amazing texture. This one is a showstopper no matter where you wear it!
New to Crochet and Need a Little More Help Crocheting Cardigans?
If you’re new to crochet, looking at all these cardigan patterns can be a little overwhelming. If you need help with the basics or a refresher if it’s been a while since you stitched a garment, check out our Crochet Fundamentals course.
These great videos cover everything from how to hold your yarn and hook to basic stitches, increases and decreases, and skill-building patterns to help boost your confidence in no time!
Looking for More Crochet Projects:
Check out our awesome round-up of crochet granny squares here – 45+ Free Crochet Granny Square Patterns
Good work
The free cardigan patterns that are advertised, don’t seem to be available. Every time I click on the link for free patterns it takes me to an internet shop…. Definitely not free