How to Make a Crochet Collared Cardigan (Step-by-Step)

Sure! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on How to Make a Crochet Collared Cardigan, suitable for an intermediate crocheter. This guide will cover everything from materials to finishing touches and can be customized for adult or teen sizing.

How to Make a Crochet Collared Cardigan (Step-by-Step)

✨ Overview:

A crochet collared cardigan is a stylish, cozy garment that features a front opening and a soft or structured collar. You can make it lightweight for layering or heavier for winter wear. We’ll create it in panels (back, front panels, sleeves), seam it together, and add a collar and button band.

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: Choose a worsted weight (category 4) or DK weight yarn, depending on how warm or lightweight you want it.

  • Approx: 1000–1500 yards (depending on size)

• Crochet Hook: Size H (5.0 mm) or size needed to meet gauge

• Scissors

• Tapestry needle

• Stitch markers

• Buttons (optional): 5–7 medium-size buttons

• Measuring tape

Gauge (important for sizing!)

Make a 4″ x 4″ swatch in your chosen stitch pattern. Adjust hook size if your gauge doesn’t match.

Example (for worsted yarn):

• 16 stitches x 12 rows = 4” square in half double crochet

Stitches & Techniques Used:

• ch – chain

• sc – single crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• dc – double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• inc – increase

• dec – decrease

• Back loop only (BLO) (optional for texture)

• Seaming techniques (mattress stitch or whip stitch)

Construction Method:

The cardigan will be made in five parts:

1. Back Panel

2. Two Front Panels (Left & Right)

3. Two Sleeves

4. Seaming

5. Collar + Button Band

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Back Panel

• Foundation chain: Make a chain that matches the desired width of the cardigan back (based on your measurements or size chart).

  • Example: ch 70 for a medium size (approx. 20–22″ wide)

• Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

• Row 2 and on: ch 1, turn, hdc in each stitch across.

• Continue working in rows until the back measures the desired length from shoulder to bottom hem (e.g., 22–25”).

• Fasten off.

2. Front Panels (Make 2)

• Foundation chain: About half the width of the back panel.

  • Example: ch 35 for medium size

• Work same stitch pattern (hdc rows) as the back panel.

• For neck shaping, when you reach shoulder height (last 3 inches), decrease 1 stitch every row at the neckline edge to create a slant.

• Fasten off.

3. Sleeves (Make 2)

• Start with a cuff: Ch 10–12 and work sc in back loop only for ribbed cuff (work until cuff wraps around wrist comfortably).

• Fold cuff into a loop and sl st to join.

• Then turn and work hdc evenly around edge of the cuff (approx. 30–40 hdc).

• Continue working hdc in rounds or rows, increasing 1 stitch every 4–5 rows to shape the sleeve.

• Work until sleeve reaches desired length (usually 17–19”).

• Fasten off.

4. Seaming the Panels

• Lay pieces flat.

• Use a tapestry needle to sew:

  • Shoulder seams first (top of front panels to back panel)

  • Then side seams (leave armholes)

  • Then attach sleeves to armholes and seam sleeves

• Use stitch markers to align sleeves before sewing.

5. Add the Collar

• With cardigan front facing you, attach yarn to the neckline edge.

• Work sc or hdc around the neckline, up the front panels and around the back of the neck.

• Repeat rows to build collar height (usually 2–4 inches, or more for a dramatic collar).

• For a fold-over collar, work additional rows in BLO for a nice fold.

6. Button Band (Optional)

• On one front panel edge: Work sc evenly along the edge to create a neat finish.

• On the other front panel, do the same but add buttonholes:

  • Example: ch 2, skip 2 stitches to create holes.

  • Space them evenly down the panel.

• Sew buttons to match the holes on the opposite panel.

Customization Ideas:

• Add texture: Use moss stitch, waffle stitch, or granny-style stripes.

• Color block the panels for a modern look.

• Make it oversized: Add extra width/length for a relaxed fit.

• Use ribbing at bottom hem and cuffs for a classic sweater look.

Suggested Size Guide (Approximate)

Always refer to your own measurements for best fit.

✅ Final Steps:

• Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.

• Block your cardigan to relax stitches and even out shape.

  • Lightly spray with water and pin to desired measurements on a blocking mat.

• Try it on and admire your work!

Optional Add-ons:

• Pockets (crochet rectangles and sew on)

• Belt loops + crochet belt

• Decorative edging (shell stitch or picot trim)

Watch tutorial: