15 Beginner Crochet Cardigan Free Patterns
If you have made a blanket or a scarf, you are ready for a cardigan. Many beginner designs are built from a single rectangle, two hexagons, or a few granny squares, so the shaping happens when you fold and seam rather than while you crochet.
We pulled together 15 free beginner crochet cardigan patterns and opened each page to check the yarn, hook size, and skill level. Pick the shape that sounds most fun, and you will learn garment basics along the way.
Beginner Crochet Cardigan Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Beginner crochet hook set
- Smooth worsted or bulky yarn
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needles
- Measuring tape
- Small scissors
- Row counter
1. Beginner Crochet Cocoon Cardigan
Photo: Lindsey / Winding Road Crochet
This is about as simple as a cardigan gets: one rectangle of double crochet, folded and seamed in two short spots to make sleeves. Velvet yarn makes it feel luxurious, even though the stitches are basic. It is a perfect first garment and a great lesson in how fabric turns into clothing.
- Designer: Lindsey / Winding Road Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), Bernat Velvet
- Hook: 7 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. The Veronica Cocoon Cardi
Photo: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
The designer calls it a blanket sweater, and that is exactly how it feels. A simple cluster stitch builds a textured rectangle, then a wide ribbed collar and cuffs finish it off. Wool roving yarn on an 8 mm hook keeps it lofty and warm. Two size ranges cover S to 2XL.
- Designer: Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), Patons Classic Wool Roving
- Hook: 8 mm (L-11)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. The Streetlight Cardigan
Photo: Rachel Misner / Evelyn And Peter Crochet
This bomber-style cardigan uses one stitch for the whole body: herringbone double crochet. Once you learn it, you just repeat. Ribbing is worked in back and front loops for the trim. The designer calls it very beginner friendly, and it comes in sizes XS to 5X.
- Designer: Rachel Misner / Evelyn And Peter Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Hook: 6 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Easy Striped Crochet Sweater (Cardigan)
Photo: Megan Shaimes / Megmade with Love
The designer’s motto here is that if you can crochet a box, you can make this. It is a relaxed, two-color striped cardigan worked in half double crochet panels, with sleeves in the round. A thick-and-thin yarn adds texture for free. There is also a video tutorial.
- Designer: Megan Shaimes / Megmade with Love
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Magnolia Cardi (Long Striped Cardigan)
Photo: Burgundy and Blush
A slouchy, below-the-hip cardigan with color-block stripes in graphite and cream. The main stitch is a simple single crochet and chain-space pattern, with back loop ribbing at the edges. Swap the colors to match your wardrobe. It is classic, simple, and easy to wear.
- Designer: Burgundy and Blush
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3), Stylecraft Special DK
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Both Sides Now Hexi-Cardi
Photo: Bernat / Yarnspirations
Bernat rates this hexagon cardigan as a beginner pattern, and the free PDF downloads without signing up. It is made in Bernat Super Value, a budget-friendly yarn, and covers bust sizes from 28 to 60 inches. A good pick if you want a tested pattern from a big yarn brand.
- Designer: Bernat / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Bernat Super Value (see pattern)
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
- Price: Free (PDF download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Elowen Hexagon Cardigan
Photo: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
Elowen starts with two hexagons in granny clusters, then adds extra rows for width and length. Granny clusters are just three double crochets in a space, so they are easy to learn. The cotton-wool yarn gives a soft, breathable layer for spring and fall.
- Designer: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: DK (#3), behaves like a light worsted
- Hook: 5.5 mm, plus 5 mm for cuffs
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Stella Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
One large granny square makes the back, smaller squares make the fronts, and the sleeves are worked in granny stitch. It is made to measure, so you keep going until it fits. Instructions are written in both UK and US terms, which helps if you learned one and not the other.
- Designer: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted / aran (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Retro Stripe Hexagon Cardigan
Photo: Sarah Zimmerman / Repeat Crafter Me
Two hexagons in double crochet, worked with a self-striping yarn so the stripes appear on their own. Fold, seam, and you have a cardigan. The designer calls it maybe the easiest cardigan to crochet. Round counts are given for adult sizes and a child size 8.
- Designer: Sarah Zimmerman / Repeat Crafter Me
- Skill level: see pattern (designer calls it very easy)
- Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (see pattern)
- Hook: H (5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. One Color Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Justina / Colour Ceilidh Crochet
Granny squares in a single color get their interest from little bobbles instead of color changes. That means fewer ends to weave in. Squares are joined as you go, and a YouTube video walks through the steps. Nine sizes are included.
- Designer: Justina / Colour Ceilidh Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted / aran (#4), Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
- Hook: 9 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Aveline Cocoon Cardigan
Photo: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
Six oversized granny squares are joined into a rectangle, folded, and seamed at the sides to make this open-front cocoon. A simple back loop edging finishes it. Bamboo DK gives it a soft drape that works well as a light layer over summer dresses.
- Designer: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Easy Breezy Cardigan
Photo: Maria Weaber / Maria’s Blue Crayon
Three rectangles are seamed together, then sleeves are added last. Alternating rows of half double and treble crochet create a light, textured fabric, and white stripes finish the hem. It is long and flowy, perfect for layering on cool spring days.
- Designer: Maria Weaber / Maria’s Blue Crayon
- Skill level: see pattern (designer calls it easy)
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Light Snow Oversized Cardigan
Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
Super bulky yarn and an 11.5 mm hook make this oversized cardigan grow very fast. The eyelet stitch is just half double crochet and chain spaces, and a smaller hook is used for the cuffs, hem, and collar. It is a satisfying first garment because you see real progress every session.
- Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Hook: 11.5 mm (P), plus 10 mm (N)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
14. Midnight Waffle Cardigan
Photo: Grace / For The Frills
Only half double crochet here, switched between front and back loops to make a crinkly waffle texture. The cardigan is wide and boxy with slouchy sleeves, and the pockets are optional. The designer says the stitches are beginner friendly, and the result looks far more complex than it is.
- Designer: Grace / For The Frills
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted / aran (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
15. Clara Long Cardigan
Photo: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
Clara is an edge-to-edge long cardigan with a dense, cozy fabric made from a floret stitch (slip stitches alternating with double crochets). It is 37 to 40 inches long, depending on size, and includes ideas for pockets and a belt. A lovely winter layer for confident beginners.
- Designer: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted / aran (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First cardigan ever? Start with #1. One rectangle, one stitch, two short seams.
- Want to learn hexagons? #7 and #9 show you how two shapes become a cardigan.
- Love granny squares? #8, #10, and #11 each use squares in a different way.
- Want super fast results? #13 uses super bulky yarn on a huge hook.
- Ready to stretch a little? #3 and #15 teach new stitches with simple repeats.
FAQ
Is a cardigan harder to crochet than a sweater?
Not usually. A cardigan has an open front, so you don’t need to fit a neckline over your head. Many beginner cardigans are rectangles or hexagons folded into shape. The only extra step may be front bands or ribbing, which are just rows of simple stitches.
What is a cocoon cardigan?
A cocoon cardigan is a rectangle (or square) folded in half and seamed at the sides, leaving openings for the arms. It wraps around your back and shoulders and hangs open in front. It is one of the easiest crochet garments because there is almost no shaping.
How do I pick the right size for a beginner cardigan?
Measure a cardigan you already love and compare it to the pattern’s finished measurements. Look at the bust width and length rather than the size label. Many beginner patterns are made to measure, so you can try the piece on and add rows until it fits.
Pick a shape, grab your hook, and start your first cardigan this week.