10 Granny Square Crochet Sweater Free Patterns
Granny squares are not just for blankets. Join a few together the right way and you get a colorful, cozy sweater with a retro feel that never really goes out of style. If you can make one granny square, you already know the main stitch.
We checked 10 free granny square crochet sweater patterns for yarn, hook size, and skill level. Some use just four big squares, others use many small ones, and a couple are great for using up leftover yarn.
Granny Square Crochet Sweater Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Crochet hook set
- Worsted or DK acrylic yarn in several colors
- Locking stitch markers
- Tapestry needles for joining
- Blocking board with grid
- Rust-proof blocking pins
- Yarn bowl
1. Joan Granny Sweater
Photo: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
Joan uses granny squares and triangles in rich harvest colors to build a bold pullover. Once the body is seamed, you add sleeves and trim. The designer recommends solid or tonal yarn so each square stands out. A tutorial video comes with it, and sizes range from S to 5XL.
- Designer: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Isla Granny Square Sweater
Photo: Kimberley / Lakeside Loops
Isla has a modern boho look and works in every season. Make it in cotton for a light spring or summer layer, or in acrylic or wool for colder months. The pattern mixes several stitch types and switches things up often, so it suits someone who has made a few garments before.
- Designer: Kimberley / Lakeside Loops
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4.25 mm (G-6)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Granny Square Sweater by Punqa
Photo: Punqa
Twelve classic granny square motifs in pinks, blues, burgundy, and mustard make up this colorful retro sweater. The sleeves are worked in granny stitch in the round, and the edges get simple ribbing. It is written for S/M, and the designer explains how to adjust the size by changing squares or rows.
- Designer: Punqa
- Skill level: Intermediate (advanced beginner to intermediate)
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Granny Square Sweater by Joy of Motion Crochet
Photo: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
This size-inclusive pullover uses traditional granny squares in six colors, joined in a set layout. Double crochet edgings finish the wrists, neck, and hem. The stitches are basic, and you can join the squares as you go or sew them later. Sizes run from XS to 5XL.
- Designer: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), Lion Brand Wool-Ease
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) or 6.5 mm (K-10.5), depending on size
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Four Granny Square Sweater
Photo: Jennifer / Fiber Flux
Only four squares here: one for the front, one for the back, and one for each sleeve. You work them in rounds of double crochet, then seam them together. It is one of the simplest ways to turn granny squares into a sweater, and self-striping yarn would make the colors change for you. A video is included.
- Designer: Jennifer / Fiber Flux
- Skill level: see pattern (tagged beginner and easy)
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Crochet Granny Sweater Pattern for Beginners
Photo: Alysha Littlejohn / Littlejohn’s Yarn
This oversized pullover uses two granny-square-style body pieces and two rectangle sleeves worked in granny stitch. Everything is sewn together at the end. The stitch list is short, which makes it a good first granny garment, and the video tutorial helps with assembly.
- Designer: Alysha Littlejohn / Littlejohn’s Yarn
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (see pattern)
- Hook: 6 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Simply Crochet Granny Square Sweater
Photo: Fran Morgan / Simply Crochet (simply-yarn.com)
Designed by Fran Morgan, this boxy sweater uses four large solid granny squares. Taller stitches fill the corners, so you don’t get the usual gaps. Extra rounds make the body and sleeves longer. Note that it is written in UK crochet terms, so double check your stitch names before starting.
- Designer: Fran Morgan / Simply Crochet (simply-yarn.com)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (sample in Scheepjes Terrazzo)
- Hook: 5 mm, plus 4.5 mm for cuffs
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Granny Square Sweater by Zeens and Roger
Photo: Zeens and Roger
This is more of a recipe than a row-by-row pattern, and it is great if you like to improvise. Two granny square panels, shaped shoulder tabs, and flat sleeves come together with ribbing at the edges. The sample uses around two dozen colors, so it is a fantastic scrap buster. Charts and a video help along the way.
- Designer: Zeens and Roger
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Aran (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm or 4.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Red Heart Granny Crochet Hoodie
Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
A breezy granny square hoodie made from 6-inch motifs, with solid sections and lace openings plus ties at the neck. It uses Red Heart’s All In One Granny Square yarn, which changes color as you work. It is a fun lightweight option for cool summer nights.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Red Heart All In One Granny Square (see pattern)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
- Price: Free (PDF download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Sunburst Granny Squares Sweater
Photo: Vicki Roberts / Off the Hook for You
Instead of classic grannies, this sweater uses starburst (sunburst) squares joined with a continuous join-as-you-go method. The sleeves taper for a more fitted finish. It is designed as a stashbuster, so any DK yarn in your leftovers bin can go in. Sizes run XS to 5XL.
- Designer: Vicki Roberts / Off the Hook for You
- Skill level: Easy (advanced beginner)
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm (G-6)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First granny square sweater? Start with #5 or #7. Four big squares and you are nearly done.
- Want lots of sizes? #1, #4, and #10 go up to 5XL.
- Have a big scrap stash? #8 and #10 are made for leftovers.
- Want something for warm weather? #2 in cotton or the #9 hoodie are light and airy.
- Love a classic retro look? #3 uses twelve traditional grannies in bright colors.
FAQ
How many granny squares do I need for a sweater?
It depends on the design. Some patterns use only four large squares, while others use a dozen or more smaller ones. Square size, your body measurements, and how much ease you want all matter. Follow the layout chart in your pattern rather than guessing.
What is the best way to join granny squares for a sweater?
Join-as-you-go saves time and leaves fewer ends. Whip stitch and slip stitch joins are simple and give a flat seam. For a garment, choose a join that lies flat and doesn’t pull, and use the same tension on every seam so the sweater hangs evenly.
Can I use different yarn brands in one granny square sweater?
Yes, if they are the same weight and behave similarly. Mixing fibers can cause squares to shrink or stretch differently after washing. Make one square in each yarn, wash them, and compare sizes. If they match, you are good to go.
Pick your colors, make your first square, and watch your sweater come together one block at a time.