13 Granny Square Crochet Cardigan Free Patterns

A granny square cardigan is the perfect mix of nostalgia and modern style. Squares are portable, easy to make in front of the TV, and endlessly customizable. Once you have a pile of them, joining them into a cardigan feels like putting together a puzzle.

We checked 13 free granny square crochet cardigan patterns for yarn, hook size, and skill level. Some use one giant square, some use dozens of small ones, and a few add bobbles, puffs, or flowers for extra charm.

Granny Square Crochet Cardigan Free Patterns

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What You’ll Need

• Crochet hook set
• Worsted weight yarn in several colors
• Locking stitch markers
• Tapestry needles
• Blocking board and pins
• Yarn storage bins for scraps

1. Movie Night Cocoon Cardi

Photo: Alexandra Tavel / Two of Wands
One huge granny square, folded and seamed to form armholes, becomes a cozy shrug-style cardigan. You work it in the round with granny clusters, so there is nothing new to learn if you know the classic square. Cotton keeps it light for summer; wool makes it a fall layer.

• 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 →

2. Tulip Square Cardi

Photo: Wilma Westenberg / Wilmade
Squares and triangles with puff and V-stitch details are joined with slip stitches, then sleeves are sewn on and ribbing is added at the hem and neck. The puffs make little tulip shapes inside each square. Sizes run from XS to 5XL.

• Designer: Wilma Westenberg / Wilmade
• Skill level: see pattern
• Yarn: Worsted (#4), Lion Brand Heartland
• Hook: 6 mm (J-10)
• Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

3. Coziest Crochet Cardigan

Photo: Patons / Yarnspirations
This Patons pattern turns four large granny squares into a warm wool cardigan. Fewer squares means fewer seams and fewer ends. It is rated intermediate, so expect a little more finishing work. The PDF downloads free with no sign-up, and sizes cover busts from 28 to 62 inches.

• Designer: Patons / Yarnspirations
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Yarn: Worsted wool, Patons Classic Wool Worsted
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
• Price: Free (PDF download)
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

4. Granny Square Cardigan by Joy of Motion Crochet

Photo: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
A size-inclusive cardigan made from classic granny squares in six colors. You join them following a layout and finish with double crochet edgings on the cuffs, hem, and front. Only three stitches are needed, and you can use up scrap yarn instead of buying new colors.

• 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. Go Your Own Way Cardigan

Instead of classic grannies, this cardigan uses puff stitch blocks, each in a single color, joined into a patchwork. Square and narrow blocks fit together like a quilt, and bands and cuffs finish the edges. It is written for a cotton-blend yarn cake, and sizes run XS to 5X.

• Designer: Cathy / City Farmhouse Studio
• Skill level: see pattern
• Yarn: Worsted (#4), Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
• Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

6. Lakeside Coatigan

Photo: Lee Sartori / CoCo Crochet Lee
Part cardigan, part duster, part coat. Granny squares are joined as you go, then a border and fringe are added for a boho finish. It covers a huge size range, from XS–S up to 3X–5X. Video help is available on the designer’s Facebook page.

• Designer: Lee Sartori / CoCo Crochet Lee
• Skill level: see pattern
• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease (see pattern)
• Hook: 6 mm (J-10)
• Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

7. Mikey’s Granny Cardigan

Photo: Michael Sellick / The Crochet Crowd
This open cardigan uses 54 small squares, each in one color, placed in random order for a happy, scrappy look. A picot edge and ribbed cuffs finish it. It is written for XL to 3XL, with a separate 42-square layout for a smaller size, and it is made in cotton.

• Designer: Michael Sellick / The Crochet Crowd
• Skill level: see pattern
• Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton (see pattern)
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8) and 5.5 mm (I-9)
• Price: Free
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

8. Wildflower Granny Square Cardigan

Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
Flower granny squares in a light bamboo yarn make this breezy cardigan perfect for warm months. The squares are seamed into panels, and the sleeves are crocheted right onto the body. Puff stitches add soft texture. It is a bit more involved, so it is rated intermediate.

• Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Yarn: Light weight bamboo, Lion Brand Truboo
• Hook: 6 mm (J)
• Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

9. Airie Cropped Cardigan

Photo: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
A cropped granny square cardigan with small bobbles in each square, made in soft merino in four colors. It feels warm but light. Sizes go from XS to 4XL, and a video tutorial is included.

• Designer: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
• Skill level: see pattern
• Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted (see pattern)
• Hook: 6.5 mm (K), plus 5.5 mm (I) for trim
• Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

10. Stella Granny Square Cardigan

Photo: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
Stella uses one big square for the back and smaller squares for the fronts, with granny stitch sleeves. You make it to your own measurements and finish with a simple slip stitch edging. Written in both UK and US terms, it is a friendly first granny cardigan.

• 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 →

11. Two Color Granny Square Jacket

Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
A graphic two-color jacket, like black and white, built from granny squares with granny stitch and single crochet edging. Red Heart rates it easy, and the PDF is a free download with no sign-up. It covers a wide range of sizes from XS/S to 4/5XL.

• Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
• Skill level: Easy
• Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go (see pattern)
• Hook: see pattern
• Price: Free (PDF download)
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

12. One Color Granny Square Cardigan

Photo: Justina / Colour Ceilidh Crochet
Who says granny squares need lots of colors? This cardigan uses one bold shade and adds bobbles for texture. The squares are joined as you go, which saves sewing time. A YouTube video follows the pattern, and there are nine sizes.

• Designer: Justina / Colour Ceilidh Crochet
• Skill level: Easy
• Yarn: Worsted / aran (#4)
• Hook: 9 mm
• Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
• Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →

13. Aveline Cocoon Cardigan

Photo: Sharon (Shaz) Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
Six oversized granny squares make one long rectangle that you fold and seam into an open-front cocoon. A simple back loop edging finishes the edges. Made in bamboo DK, it drapes softly over sundresses or tees.

• 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 →

Which One Should You Make?

• First granny square cardigan? Start with #1 or #13. One or a few big squares, folded into shape.
• Want a size-inclusive classic? #4 goes from XS to 5XL with simple squares.
• Have tons of scraps? #7 and #4 are great for using up leftovers.
• Love a boho look? #6 adds fringe, and #8 has flower squares.
• Prefer a modern, minimal style? #11 and #12 use one or two colors for a clean look.

FAQ

How many granny squares do I need for a cardigan?
It can be as few as one giant square or more than 50 small ones. The pattern’s layout tells you exactly how many squares you need for your size. If you are adapting a pattern, measure your squares after blocking and plan your layout on paper first.

What size granny squares are best for a cardigan?
Smaller squares, around 4 to 6 inches, give you more control over fit and make the cardigan drape better. Large squares are faster and have fewer seams but create a boxier shape. Both work. Choose based on the look you want and how much joining you enjoy.

Do I need to block granny squares before joining?
Blocking is highly recommended. It makes all your squares the same size, so seams line up and the cardigan hangs evenly. Wet or steam block according to your yarn’s fiber, pin to the same measurement, and let them dry fully before joining.

Pick your favorite style and start making squares; your new cardigan is only a stack of grannies away.