13 Easy Crochet Cardigan Free Patterns
A cardigan is often easier to crochet than a pullover. There is no neckline to fit over your head, the open front forgives small sizing differences, and many designs are just rectangles or hexagons folded into shape.
Here are 13 easy crochet cardigan free patterns. We opened each one to check that it is free and to note the yarn weight, hook, and skill level. You will find chunky coats, long cozy cardis, a granny square shrug, and a quick hexagon cardigan.
Easy Crochet Cardigan Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Crochet hook set (5 mm to 15 mm)
- Bulky or worsted weight yarn
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needles for seaming
- Measuring tape
- Wooden buttons (optional)
1. Mountaintop Cardigan
Photo: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
This chunky sweater coat has a mountain scene in contrast colors across the back, pockets on the front, and colored stripes on the collar. The stitches are simple slip stitch, single crochet, and half double crochet. The colorwork is intarsia, but the designer still rates it easy, so it is a nice step up.
- Designer: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), Lion Brand Hue + Me
- Hook: 10 mm (N/P)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Light Snow Oversized Cardigan
Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
Light Snow is a chunky, oversized cardigan with a pretty eyelet pattern made from half doubles and chain spaces worked in the front loop. Super bulky yarn and an 11.5 mm hook make it fast. It is soft, warm, and relaxed, the kind of cardigan you grab every morning.
- Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6), Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
- Hook: 11.5 mm (P), plus 10 mm (N) for edges
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Palermo Cardigan
Photo: Grace / For The Frills
The Palermo is an oversized ribbed cardigan with balloon sleeves and big pockets. The knit-look rib is just double crochet in the back loop, so the whole thing uses only a few basic stitches. It is long enough to wear with leggings and comes with a video tutorial.
- Designer: Grace / For The Frills
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Hook: 8 mm (L)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Midnight Waffle Cardigan
Photo: Grace / For The Frills
Half double crochet worked in alternating front and back loops creates a crinkled waffle texture on this wide, boxy cardigan. It has slouchy sleeves, knit-look ribbing, and optional pockets. The stitches are beginner friendly, and worsted yarn keeps it wearable indoors.
- 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 →
5. Weekender Cardigan
The Weekender is boxy with roomy arms, and it is worked vertically in one piece. The stitches are foundation single crochet, half double, and double crochet. The original yarn is discontinued, but the designer lists easy swaps like Red Heart Hygge and Bernat Softee Chunky.
- Designer: Cathy / City Farmhouse Studio
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), per the designer
- Hook: 6.5 mm (K)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Chunky Belted Crochet Cardigan
Photo: Nicole Riley / Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
A belt and a cozy collar make this chunky cardigan look polished. The stitches are basic single and double crochet with some back loop and front loop work, and the pieces are joined with mattress stitch. Sizes run from XS to 4XL, and it is about 24 to 26 inches long.
- Designer: Nicole Riley / Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Chunky (Premier Serenity Chunky)
- Hook: 8 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Cuff to Cuff Colorblock Cardigan
Photo: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
You start at one sleeve cuff and work across to the other, almost entirely in rows, with just two seams at the end. The two-tone colorblock and extended half double crochet give it a modern look. The designer styles it with a belt, and it comes in sizes XS to 5X.
- Designer: Tamara Kelly / Moogly
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6), Patons Norse
- Hook: 8 mm (L)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Half & Half Crochet Cardigan
Photo: Caron / Yarnspirations
This Caron cardigan is made in Caron Simply Soft and is rated easy. It comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS/S up to 4/5XL, and the PDF downloads free without signing up. A good choice if you like brand patterns with tested sizing and a clear layout.
- Designer: Caron / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (see pattern)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Movie Night Cocoon Cardi
Photo: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
This shrug-style cardigan is one big granny square, folded and seamed to make armholes. That is it. Make it in cotton for summer evenings or a chunkier wool for fall. It is one size, and if you can work a granny square in the round, you can make this.
- Designer: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 6 mm (J-10)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Gia Cardigan
Photo: Crystal Marin / ChristaCoDesign
Gia is a long, oversized cardigan with a squishy collar and patch pockets. It is worked bottom up in extended single crochet, which gives a soft, slightly stretchy fabric. Nine sizes cover busts from 29 to 61 inches, with plenty of ease built in.
- Designer: Crystal Marin / ChristaCoDesign
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Hygge Homebody Cardigan
Photo: Crystal Marin / ChristaCoDesign
Made for lazy Sundays, this cozy oversized cardigan comes in a hip length or a long version that reaches well below the hips. A mix of textured stitches, including third loop half doubles, gives the fabric depth. It looks great with leggings and a tee.
- Designer: Crystal Marin / ChristaCoDesign
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Easy Crochet Hexagon Cardigan
Photo: Jennifer / Fiber Flux
Two big hexagons, seamed together with the front left open. The whole cardigan uses only chain, slip stitch, and double crochet. An ombre yarn shifts color as the rounds grow, so it looks impressive with no color changes. Add or remove rounds to change the size.
- Designer: Jennifer / Fiber Flux
- Skill level: see pattern (designer calls it super easy)
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), Lion Brand Mandala Ombre
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Regelo Chunky Crochet Cardigan
Photo: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
A very warm, very chunky cardigan in two colors, worked on a 15 mm hook. The main stitch is a treble crochet cluster that builds height quickly. It is made in one piece and then seamed, and the body is long, from about 29 to 33 inches depending on size.
- Designer: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), Bernat Roving
- Hook: 15 mm (P/Q)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First cardigan ever? Start with #9 or #12. A single square or two hexagons, and you are done.
- Want it done quickly? #2 and #13 use huge hooks and thick yarn.
- Want a long cozy cardi? #10 and #11 both have long length options.
- Looking for something you can wear to work? #6 with its belt or #3 with its ribbing look sharp.
- Up for a fun detail? #1 adds a mountain design to the back without hard stitches.
FAQ
What is the easiest crochet cardigan to make?
Cocoon and hexagon cardigans are usually the easiest. A cocoon is often one rectangle or square folded and seamed. A hexagon cardigan is two hexagons joined at the back and shoulders. Both skip shaping, and you can adjust the size just by adding rounds or rows.
What yarn should I use for an easy crochet cardigan?
A smooth worsted or bulky yarn in a light or medium color is best. You will see your stitches clearly, and the cardigan will grow fast. Acrylic blends are affordable and washable. If you want a lighter summer cardigan, try a cotton or cotton blend in DK.
How do I keep a crochet cardigan from stretching out?
Choose a yarn with some wool or a firm twist, and don’t crochet too loosely. Store your cardigan folded, not on a hanger, because heavy crochet can stretch on hangers. A firm edging or ribbing at the front bands also helps the cardigan hold its shape.
Pick one, grab a cozy yarn, and you will have a new layer ready before you know it.