Easy Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Beginners

Making your first sweater doesn't have to be scary. This easy crochet cardigan pattern for beginners is made from five simple rectangles – a back, two fronts and two sleeves – that you sew together. There's no shaping, no counting increases, just straight rows of half double crochet.

The result is a relaxed, drop-shoulder cardigan you'll wear all year.

Why This Is the Perfect First Crochet Cardigan

• Only rectangles – if you can make a scarf, you can make this.
• One stitch – half double crochet for the whole body.
• Easy to adjust – make the rectangles longer or wider to fit you.
• Relaxed fit that looks good on every body.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• BLO – back loop only

Sizes and Gauge

Size	S	M	L
Finished chest	100 cm	112 cm	124 cm
Length	60 cm	60 cm	62 cm

Gauge: 12 hdc and 9 rows = 10 cm with the 6 mm hook.

Please make a gauge swatch for this project. Crochet a square about 12 × 12 cm and measure the middle 10 cm. If you have more stitches, use a bigger hook; if you have fewer, use a smaller hook. For garments, gauge decides whether the cardigan fits.

Step 1: The Back Panel

With the 6 mm hook, ch 62 (69, 76).

Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (60 (67, 74) hdc)

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), hdc in each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the panel measures 60 (60, 62) cm. Fasten off.

Step 2: The Front Panels (Make 2)

Ch 32 (36, 39) and work exactly like the back: 30 (34, 37) hdc per row, until the panel measures 60 (60, 62) cm.

Step 3: The Sleeves (Make 2)

Ch 45 (50, 55) and work 43 (48, 53) hdc per row, until the sleeve measures 45 cm (or your preferred sleeve length).

Step 4: Sew It Together

1. Shoulders: lay the back flat. Place the fronts on top, right sides together, lined up at the outer edges. Sew the top 12 cm of each front to the back. The middle stays open for your neck.
2. Sleeves: open the cardigan flat. Fold each sleeve in half to find its center, line it up with the shoulder seam, and sew it to the side of the body.
3. Side seams: fold the cardigan at the shoulders, right sides together. Sew from the wrist, along the underarm, and down the side in one long seam. Repeat on the other side.

Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch with your tapestry needle.

Step 5: The Front Band

With the 5 mm hook, ch 9.

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. (8 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the BLO across, then sl st into the next stitch along the cardigan edge to attach it. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the BLO across. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2–3, working up one front, around the neck and down the other front. Fasten off and sew the short ends to the bottom of the cardigan.

Beginner Tips

• Lay each panel flat and measure it on a table, not on your lap.
• Use stitch markers to hold pieces together before sewing – it's like pinning fabric.
• Try it on before adding the band to check the fit and sleeve length.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• My panels are different lengths. Count your rows and write them down, then make the matching piece with the same number.
• The edges are slanting. You're missing the last stitch of the row. Place a marker in it.
• The cardigan is too short. Simply add rows to the bottom of each panel before sewing.

FAQ

Can a beginner crochet a cardigan?

Yes! This pattern is designed for beginners. If you can make a rectangle with straight edges, you have all the skills you need.

How much yarn do I need for a crochet cardigan?

About 1100 m for size S, 1300 m for M and 1500 m for L in worsted weight yarn. Buy all skeins from the same dye lot so the color matches.

What is the best yarn for a crochet cardigan?

A soft worsted-weight wool blend or cotton blend with good drape. Avoid very stiff yarn, which can make the cardigan feel heavy.

See more wearable makes in our free crochet clothing patterns, or finish your outfit with the Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl.