Crochet sweaters are a popular trend because of their unique and charming aesthetic. Once you learn how to crochet a sweater, you can keep yourself and anyone else you want to crochet for warm and cozy in handmade sweaters.
There’s such a great variety of crochet sweater patterns available now you’re sure to find something you want to stitch right away. And if you need help with any of the skills required, you can always check out our Crochet Fundamentals masterclass for the basics and beyond to get you crocheting with confidence.
Can a Beginner Crochet a Sweater?
Yes! Many crochet sweater patterns use a variation of the basic stitches such as single, half double and double crochet. So even if you are just a beginner, you can definitely crochet your own sweater.
Sweaters are just a little bit larger than your usual scarf or shawl projects. Some are even made from basic shapes like rectangles – just add some sleeves and you’ve got a crochet sweater!
Don’t be intimidated by crochet sweaters, they are not as complicated as you may think! At the bottom of this blog post, you will find more than a dozen lovely crochet sweater patterns that will surely inspire you to start making one for yourself.
Is it Easier to Knit or Crochet a Sweater?
There are sweater patterns for both knitters and crocheters that are easy enough for beginners to stitch. Depending on the stitch pattern used and the shape of the garment, sweaters can be simple enough for new stitchers.
Here are some things to look for when choosing a crochet sweater pattern for beginners:
- Worsted weight (4) or bulky (5) yarn will make the project go a little faster than smaller yarn, and it’s easier to stitch with. You’ll also want to choose a yarn that’s relatively smooth and light in color so you can see your stitches easily.
- A simple stitch pattern you already know. Single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc) are great choices for your first crocheted sweater. If different stitches are used, check for a pattern where you repeat rows throughout so you don't have to consult your pattern frequently.
- Minimal shaping. While it’s not too difficult to increase and decrease in crochet, it’s easier to make your first sweater with straight panels or limited shaping.
- Projects worked flat. While there are some projects worked in the round listed here, working flat pieces is easier if you’re new to crochet.
What Yarn is Best for Crochet Sweaters?
Acrylic yarn is one of the most popular types of yarn for crochet because it is easily available, inexpensive, and comes in a variety of colors. However, some acrylic yarn splits and pills easily so make sure to choose a premium acrylic blend that is softer and more comfortable to wear. Acrylic yarns can also be heavy and not as comfortable to wear as a sweater, so you might want to choose a crochet sweater pattern with a more open design to allow airflow if you are working with acrylic yarn. (The Monocrome Tie Sweater below, for example.)
You can also use yarn made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool. Make sure to check the pattern for the recommended yarn/yarn weight before you choose your yarn.
Below is a list of some of the more popular yarn choices for making crochet sweaters:
Light/DK weight (#3)
Lion Brand Coboo
Coboo is made with natural fiber – 50% cotton, 50% bamboo – which gives it an excellent drape and stitch definition. It is lightweight and feels cool, so it’s great for garments you want to wear when it’s warm outside.
Yardage/Weight: 232 yards / 100g
Hobbi Rainbow Cotton 8/8
This 8 ply DK weight yarn from Hobbii is made from 100% soft and natural cotton fiber. It has a lot of gorgeous shades, and is OEKO-TEX® certified.
Yardage/Weight: 82 yards / 50g
Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend
Comfy Cotton Blend is made of 50% cotton, 50% polyester. This light weight yarn has flecks of color on a natural base, and comes in a convenient large 200g cake meaning you won’t need a lot of cakes even for a big project.
Yardage/Weight: 392 yards / 200g
WeCrochet Swish DK
Lightweight Swisk DK is a machine washable yarn that is super soft – throw it in the washer and it comes out even softer. Made from high grade merino wool, it is gentle enough for the most delicate skin, which makes it great for baby or children’s sweaters! This yarn is also available as a worsted or bulky weight.
Yardage/Weight: 123 yards / 50g
Medium/Worsted (#4)
Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted Merino Yarn
This 100% fine merino wool has great stitch definition and texture, and comes in a variety of eye-catching colors.
Yardage/Weight: 95 yards / 50g
Lion Brand Nuboo Yarn
Nuboo yarn is made of 100% Lyocell, a super-soft, strong and breathable fiber made from bamboo pulp. It has the look and feel of bamboo and mercerized cotton, and with its excellent drape and stitch definition, it is perfect for your warm-weather sweaters.
Yardage/Weight: 157 yards / 85g
Lion Brand Touch of Linen
Made up of 51% cotton and 41% linen fibers, this machine washable fiber blend is perfect for your warmer weather sweaters. It’s a breathable material and sophisticated color palette will definitely make you want to make a sweater for everyone in the family.
Yardage/Weight: 197 yards / 100g
Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Yarn
This premium 4-ply acrylic yarn is treated to resist pilling, which makes it perfect for sweaters that will see a lot of wear and tear. When pills form just throw it in the wash and the pills will disappear!
Yardage/Weight: 185 yards (152 in prints, 157 in moulines, 115 in reflective, 159 in tweed) / 100g (85 in prints/moulines/tweed, 70 in reflective)
Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This 4-ply worsted weight yarn has the feel, warmth and softness of wool in an acrylic-wool blend that you can easily machine wash and dry. There are lots of colors to choose from so you can create any design you want!
Yardage/Weight: 197 yards (162 in glitter, multi, prints, and frosts) / 85g (70 in glitter/multi/prints/frosts)
Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
Similar to sheep’s wool, alpaca is just a touch warmer, softer, and hypoallergenic! This soft, silky, natural fiber combines durability and washability to make great crochet sweaters for spring or fall.
Yardage/Weight: 207 yards / 100g
Bulky (#5)
Red Heart Hygge
Named after the Danish concept of coziness, comfort, and warm relationships, this yarn is super cozy and comforting. It is a super soft bulky weight yarn that is made with acrylic yarn twisted with a short fur end, which gives your projects a textured effect.
Yardage/Weight: 212 yards / 227g
Bernat Velvet
Velvet yarn works up into a lush velvety texture, which makes it a soft choice for warm sweaters. It has a gorgeous shine and a variety of classic colors. Hand wash velvet to keep it looking new.
Yardage/Weight: 315 yards / 300g
WeCrochet Billow
This 8-ply super soft pima cotton yarn is perfect for lazy weekend pullovers and cozy sweaters. This bulky yarn works up quickly, and gives that rustic but modern look and feel. It’s cloud-like softness makes it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.
Yardage/Weight: 120 yards / 100g
These yarns are some of our favorites for crochet sweaters, but really you can use any skeins of yarn – it really depends on the look and feel that you want to achieve with your project! But, don’t forget to make a gauge swatch before you begin any crochet pattern, so you can find the perfect crochet hook size to achieve the size you are making.
How Do You Crochet a Quick Sweater?
If you’re looking for quick to stitch sweater patterns, you’ll want to keep an eye out for patterns that use some of these heavier weight yarns because bigger yarn means bigger stitches.
You can also look at the fabric that the sweater is made of – if it has more of a holey appearance it will tend to be crocheted faster than if the fabric is solid.
Double crochet isn’t necessarily that holey, but it is a great choice for sweaters if you’re in a hurry, too. It can be warm but it stitches up fast because the stitches are so tall.
As mentioned above, sweaters that use the same pattern throughout and that don’t have a lot of shaping tend to be faster to stitch as well as better for beginners, so that’s a win-win.
Are There Beginner Sweater Patterns for Crocheters?
You can find a lot of free crochet sweater patterns online, which will allow you to make a sweater in different sizes including projects for babies, kids, and adults. Some of these free crochet sweater patterns include video tutorials as well.
Most crochet sweater patterns are made up of repeating rows of a stitch pattern. Most sweaters are constructed using a front panel, back panel, and sleeve panel that you will sew together. But there are also sweater patterns that are made top down, with little sewing (only the sleeve panels). There are even options to add a collar, some cuffs, and bottom ribbing after the last row, which gives your sweater a classic look.
Easy Crochet Sweater Patterns
These crochet sweaters will easily become a wardrobe staple, no matter what season! These are almost all free crochet sweater patterns, so you can’t go wrong trying them.
Grab your crochet hook and let’s get stitching!
Crazy Cool Blushing Autumn Sweater
The 3/4 sleeves of this simple crocheted sweater make this the perfect transition piece from warm weather to cooler temperatures. This pretty pink color is so on trend, or use whatever color you like to add a bit of fun to your wardrobe. So easy! Front and back panels are identical with no increasing or decreasing! Perfect for beginners!
Via Crazy Cool Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton
Lightweight Cropped Crochet Sweater
This crochet women's top pattern works up quickly and the end result is a beautiful v-neck that you’ll want to wear just about anywhere. It’s going to look great with sandals and denim for a day of shopping and brunch with friends. This crocheted sweater has a unique yet simple construction that’s easier than it looks.
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
Via Mommy Loves Yarn/Make & Do Crew
Easy Knit-Look Cropped Sweater
This pattern uses a crochet stitch that looks more like knitting for a super classic sweater that will stitch up in a hurry. The collar and cuffs are rolled for extra warmth and the result is a cozy crochet sweater you’ll want to wear all season.
Via Itchin For Some Stitchin
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Wide Sleeve Sweater
This sweater has such fun design details, including a high-low hem and wide sleeves. The contrasting color at the ends of the sleeves is optional but such a fun touch! Even better, it’s mostly worked in half double crochet so this is a great sweater for a new stitcher.
Via Simply Collectible Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Blue Sky Organic Cotton
Farrow Sweater Crochet
The Farrow sweater is an oversized cropped sweater worked with a combination of single crochet and double crochet stitches to give it extra texture! Once you have the pattern down it doesn’t require that much attention so you can stitch it while you watch (uh, listen to?) your current Netflix binge. This is a paid pattern that includes sizes from s-xl.
Via Little Things Blogged
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
Top Down Crochet Sweater
This is a great crochet sweater pattern to try if you’ve never stitched a sweater in the round before. The designer says its for the “patient beginner” and since the stitch pattern is the same throughout (extended half double crochet) once you get the hang of working in the round this should be smooth stitching. Add sweet stripes to crochet a trendy sweater in no time!
Via Colourful Crochet/Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Superwash Merino
Julia Peplum Crochet Sweater
The Julia Peplum Sweater is a great transitional lightweight crochet sweater for that time between seasons. It’s worked in the round from the neck down, and is a little boxy with a peplum waist.
Via For The Frills
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Air
The Easiest Pullover Crochet Sweater
Using just single and double crochet stitches, this easy sweater pattern is great for new stitchers or those who just want an easy, meditative project to work on.
Via Yarn Hook Needles
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested Yarn: JoAnn Big Twist
Easy Crochet Pullover
This boxy striped sweater is great for those new to crocheting garments, and it’s great for those with more experience as well. The stitch pattern is a variation on half double crochet that gives it a different look from a lot of sweaters out there. The patch pocket adds a sweet touch, too.
Via A Purpose & A Stitch
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
Simple Crocheted Sweater
While this design might look complicated, all you need to know how to do is make single crochets and chains to make this great textured sweater. And since sc is usually the first stitch you learn, it's perfect for beginners! It’s long enough that you can wear it over leggings for the ultimate weekend lounge garment.
Via For the Frills
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: WeCrochet Gloss
Crochet Magic Stripe Sweater
While this boxy sweater looks warm and cozy, it’s not as heavy as it looks thanks to the light weight yarn that is used. It uses half double and back loop only half double crochet stitches. The designer picked three colors but you can use more or fewer and design your own stripe pattern to make your new favorite sweater.
Via Sewrella
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Bamboo Linen
Monochrome Tie Sweater
This fun mesh sweater actually uses two colors of yarn, but you could make it a single color if you like! The little tie detail at the bottom of the sleeves adds a bit of fun, and it’s just as cute over jeans as it is over a slip dress.
Via Ideal Me
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Ericka Knight Studio Linen
Simple Jane Cowl Neck Crochet Sweater
The Simple Jane sweater is anything but plain. It uses a great for beginners crochet stitch that doesn’t look like it’s for beginners called moss stitch or linen stitch. This is a fun one because the designer thought she was making a cardigan but ended up turning it into a pullover with a cowl neck. If you prefer a cardigan you can leave the neck off and don’t sew the front pieces together in the middle.
Via Jenny & Teddy
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Country Girl
Country Girl is a great first sweater project because ti has menial shaping and an allover repeating stitch pattern. Be aware that this one is written using UK terms, so make sure you know what the pattern is asking you to do before you start stitching!
Via Nurturing Fibres
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton
Easy Chunky Crochet Sweater
This sweater is so versatile as it looks cute over a dress, or just about anything else. It’s worked in rectangles that are folded and sew together to make a sweet shrug style cocoon sweater.
Via All About Ami
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky
Happy at Home Hoodie
This easy pattern adds a different design element in the form of a hood. The rest of the sweater is just rectangles so it’s really quick and easy to stitch and perfect for lounging around the house or wearing to the beach.
Via E and P Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Have you decided on which of these easy crochet sweater patterns to make yet? I know it can become difficult, seeing as they are all equally cute and could be paired with your best jeans or your favorite pair of leggings!
Looking for more great crochet patterns: 75+ CROCHET WOMEN’S TOP PATTERNS, 60 Crochet Summer Top Patterns Perfect for Warm Weather