How to Make a Crochet Cardigan (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners & Intermediates)

Sure! Making a crochet cardigan is a fun and rewarding project that you can tailor to your own style, size, and yarn preference. Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through the process, from choosing materials to assembling and finishing your cardigan.

How to Make a Crochet Cardigan (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners & Intermediates)

Materials You Will Need:

1. Yarn: Choose a yarn weight (e.g., worsted weight for medium thickness) and type (cotton, acrylic, wool) based on season and texture preference.

   • For a medium-sized adult cardigan, you’ll need around 1000–1500 yards of yarn.

2. Crochet Hook: Use the size recommended on your yarn label (often 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm for worsted weight yarn).

3. Scissors

4. Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.

5. Measuring Tape

6. Stitch Markers (optional): Helpful for keeping track of rows and armholes.

7. Buttons (optional): If you want a button-up cardigan.

Step 1: Measure & Choose a Pattern

If you’re not using a pre-written pattern, here’s what you’ll need to measure:

• Bust circumference

• Sleeve length

• Cardigan length (waist, hip, or below the hip)

• Shoulder width

You can also choose a free or paid crochet pattern online (web search or from platforms like Ravelry, Etsy, or Yarnspirations).

Step 2: Choose a Stitch

Some popular stitch options for cardigans include:

• Single Crochet (sc) – tight and dense

• Double Crochet (dc) – looser, faster to work up

• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – in-between feel

• Granny Stitch – great for retro looks

• Moss Stitch – textured and stretchy

You can also use a combination of stitches to add texture (ribbing, lace panels, etc.).

Step 3: Make the Pieces

Most simple cardigans are made of 5 main panels:

1. Back Panel

2. Two Front Panels

3. Two Sleeves

Example for a beginner-friendly design using double crochet:

Back Panel:

• Chain the width of your back (in stitches)

• Work in double crochet rows until the length reaches from shoulder to waist or hip

Front Panels (Make 2):

• Chain half the width of the back panel

• Repeat rows to match back panel length

Sleeves (Make 2):

• Chain the wrist width

• Increase rows evenly until it reaches the upper arm width

• Work until the desired sleeve length is reached

Step 4: Join the Panels

Use slip stitch or whip stitch to seam:

1. Attach front panels to the back panel at the shoulders

2. Seam sides of the cardigan, leaving armholes

3. Attach and sew in sleeves to the armholes

4. Seam the sleeves closed

Step 5: Add Edging, Ribbing, or Borders

• Collar and bottom hem: Use single crochet or front post/back post double crochet for a ribbed effect

• Cuffs: Optional ribbed cuffs for sleeves

• Button Band: If adding buttons, create a band of single or half double crochet; add buttonholes on one side

Step 6: Finishing Touches

• Weave in all loose ends using the tapestry needle

• Block your cardigan (optional): Wet or steam block to help shape and smooth out stitches

• Sew on buttons if using

Optional Modifications:

• Use color changes for stripes or blocks

• Add pockets or a hood

• Crochet in the round to avoid seams (raglan-style top-down cardigans)

Simple Beginner Pattern Summary (No Pattern Needed)

Here’s a no-fuss example using double crochet (dc) and rectangle pieces:

Adjust chains and rows according to your measurements and gauge.

Helpful Tips

• Gauge swatch: Always crochet a swatch to see how many stitches per inch you get.

• Try on as you go if you’re not using a set pattern.

• Use YouTube tutorials for visual help—search for “crochet cardigan for beginners.”

Watch tutorial: