Aurora Crochet Girls' Cardigan

This crochet girls’ cardigan is a simple piece, with a nice fit, pockets, and a classic look to it that any little girl can easily wear over their outfit of the day. It’s durable enough in its construction that it can last quite a few seasons out and about, playing in the park or taking hikes through the woods.

And the best part about crocheting a sweater like this one is that if you have a girl who wants a very particular shade of pink or orange in their next cardigan, you can grab the right shade of yarn and make it for them!

You’ll find the free crochet girls’ cardigan pattern in the post below, or you can find an ad-free printable PDF (that includes all photo tutorials + schematic), on Ravelry, or Etsy (aff).

Young girl wearing a light grey crochet girls cardigan with pockets sitting on a tree. — It’s tailor-made to fit any little girl perfectly!

Crochet cardigans are great to wear as seasonal transitioning pieces as they’re perfect for layering during the spring and fall. They also make for comfortable all-day wear when the temperatures are bitter cold because you can add a nice thick turtleneck underneath. Dress them up, dress them down, crochet them in solids or variegated yarns – it’s up to you!

The crocheting process for this crochet girls’ cardigan itself is soothing because the pattern has all you need to know for a stress-free journey.

Related: If you want to make another layering piece with lots of warmth packed in it, you should check out the Emelyn Girls Crochet Poncho.

How to Crochet a Cardigan

This crochet cardigan sweater pattern has an easy construction that you’ll be able to grasp in your first go! You’ll start from the bottom hem and work up to the shoulders to create the main body.

To do so, first, you’ll crochet the body until you reach the bottom of the armholes. There, you’ll split into three panels and crochet the upper right panel, back panel, and upper left panel.

You’ll then seam the shoulders, bringing all of the panels together. Next, you’ll crochet the sleeves right onto the armhole openings. That makes the entirety of the cardigan, minus the edging.

Try it on to make sure it fits perfectly! As a finishing touch, you’ll add the bottom hem and collar. Lastly, crochet the pockets and sew them onto the cardigan (you can skip this step if you don’t want pockets).

Young girl wearing a light grey crochet cardigan with pockets running away from camera in woods.

How To Get The

Aurora Crochet Girls’ Cardigan Pattern

Option 1: Scroll down for the free sweater crochet pattern right here in this blog post.

Option 2: Purchase the ad-free printable PDF from one of my shops:

Ravelry

Etsy

Best Yarn for Crochet Sweaters

For this crochet girls’ cardigan pattern, while there are many options to choose from, I used an acrylic yarn. The acrylic allows it to holds its shape well and have good stitch definition, which is especially great for patterns that have a more fitted look to them.

This yarn is available in a wide variety of gorgeous solid colors which allows you to choose just the right one for the intended receiver of this cardigan.

Choosing Which Size to Crochet

To choose your size, look over the size chart below.

‘Fits Chest’ measurement is the measurement of the intended wearer, not the garment’s finished measurement.
This cardigan has 2-3″ of positive ease built in for a classic fit.
If you prefer more of an oversized cardigan, I would suggest making one size larger than child’s chest size.
Adjusting Cardigan Length: If you need to adjust sweater length, there are instructions with how to do so in the Body of Cardigan section.
Adjusting Sleeve Length: If you need to adjust sleeve length, there are instructions with how to do so in the Sleeve section.

Size & Yardage Chart

The notes above refer to this size chart.

Size	Fits Chest	Yardage
2	21″	500 yards
4	23″	600 yards
6	25″	800 yards
8	26-1/2″	920 yards
10/12	28-30″	980 yards
14/16	31-1/2″ – 32-1/2″	1,050 yards

Yarn

This girls’ crochet sweater was designed with a worsted weight yarn to make sure it would have a beautiful drape to it while also being warm enough for colder winter days. I chose not to use a bulky yarn for fear it would then be too thick to be worn in the transitioning months of autumn and spring (we want to get the most wear out of this everyday piece).

I chose Lion Brand Pound of Love for my crochet cardigan. This is a worsted weight / 4, acrylic blend yarn and it’s currently available in beautiful solid colors. This yarn offers a smooth even texture in a contemporary color palette with plenty of neutral tones.

Young girl wearing a light grey crochet cardigan with pockets and playing in the fall leaves.

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Aurora Crochet Girls’ Cardigan – Free Pattern

The crochet girls’ cardigan pattern is free below, but if you love to work offline, I’ve got a couple other great options for you.

Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF, (that includes all photo tutorials, + a garment schematic), on Ravelry, or on Etsy (aff).

Save this pattern to your Ravelry favorites.

Pin it & Save it for later.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

This post contains affiliate links.

Materials

Yarn: Worsted Weight / 4 / Yarn, Lion Brand Pound of Love [100% Premium Acrylic (1,020 yds / 932 m / 454 g / 16 oz)] was used for the sample in the photos.
Yardage: See Size Chart Above
Crochet Hook: K/10.5/6.50mm; J/10/6.00mm; H/8/5.00mm or size needed to obtain gauge (My favorite crochet hooks are the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching).
Measuring Tape
Locking Stitch Markers or Scraps of Yarn
Scissors
Yarn Needle

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s): chain(s)
sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
st(s): stitch(es)
sp: space
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
dc2tog: double crochet decrease
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
yo: yarn over
Rep: repeat
Rnd: round
yo: yarn over
alt-dc: alternate double crochet
alt-dc2tog: alternate double crochet decrease
standing sc: standing single crochet
sc spike st: single crochet spike stitch

Experience Level

Easy

Gauge

Body of Cardigan stitch pattern: 15 sts = 4,25″ + 12 rows = 4.5″
Gauge Swatch Instructions are below.

Sizes

Girls Sizes: 2 through 16 years
See Size & Yardage Chart above.
Women’s Sizes are also available.

Special Stitches

Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog): (Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops on hook) twice, yo, pull thru remaining 3 loops on hook.
Alternate Double Crochet (Alt-dc): After turning your work, do not ch, instead, insert your hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru one loop, yo, pull thru remaining loops. .
Alternate Double Crochet Decrease (Alt-dc2tog): After turning your work, do not ch, instead, insert your hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru one loop, yo, insert your hook into the next st indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through remaining 3 loops.
Single Crochet Spike Stitch: Begin the spike stitch by inserting your hook into the stitch 1 row down from the current row, yo, pull up a long loop (make sure to pull the loop up to the top edge of your work), yo, pull through all loops on your hook. .
Join yarn with a standing single crochet: Begin with a slip knot on your hook, insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo and draw thru both loops on hook.

Pattern Notes

I tend to crochet on the tighter side. You may need to go down a hook size (or two) to meet gauge if you crochet on the looser side.
Turning chains are not included in stitch count.
Chains (for chain spaces) are included in stitch count.
Yarn Notes: Lion Brand Pound of Love [100% Premium Acrylic (1,020 yds / 932 m / 454 g / 16 oz)] was used for the sample in the photos. Yarns similar in weight can be substituted as long as gauge is met.
Color & Yardage
- Elephant Grey: #550-151N
- See Size & Yardage Chart above.
Changes for Sizes as Follows: 2 (4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16)
Construction Notes: This cardigan is worked from the bottom up then split for front and back panels. After the panels are worked, the shoulders are seamed, then sleeves are added. Finish it off with a bottom hem and collar. Add the optional pockets, if desired.
This design is best worked in a solid color or a solid color with an accent color for the pockets and collar. It isn’t gradient/cake yarn friendly unless you have several cakes from which you can work from.
Once done, you can block if desired.

Young girl wearing a light grey crochet girls cardigan with pockets standing on a wooden walkway.

Aurora Girls’ Cardigan Sweater – Written Pattern

Gauge Swatch Instructions

Gauge: 15 sts = 4.25″; 12 rows = 4.5″

Row 1 (RS): Using a 6.50mm crochet hook, ch 16, switch to a 6.00mm crochet hook, working in the back hump of the foundation ch, sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, (ch 1, skip the next ch, sc in the next ch) 7 times. Turn. (15 sts)

Row 2: Alt-dc, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) 7 times. Turn.

Rows 4 – 12: Rep Rows 2 – 3, ending with a row 2 repeat.

Fasten off. Swatch should measure: 4.25″ W x 4.5″ H.

Body of Cardigan

Set-Up: Using a 6.5mm crochet hook, ch 72 (78, 82, 90, 100, 110).

Row 1 (RS): Switch to a 6.00mm crochet hook, working into the back hump of the foundation chain, sc in the 2nd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (71, 77, 81, 89, 99, 109 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) rep from ( to ) across. Turn.

Row 3: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each sc and ch-1 sp across. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 – 3 (ending with a Row 3), until cardigan measures 14″ (15″, 15.5″, 17″, 19.5″, 19.5″).

Adjusting Length: If you prefer a longer or short cardigan, here is where you’ll want to adjust. The length stated above is the cardigan’s length from the bottom of the armhole to the bottom hem. If at all possible, check length, at this point, on the intended wearer.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Front Left Panel.

Front Left Panel

Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) 7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 11) times. Turn. (15, 17, 17, 19, 21, 23 sts)

Stitch Marker Placement: Before you “turn” to begin Row 2, place a stitch marker in the next stitch to mark the beginning of the Back Panel.

Row 2: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each sc and ch-1 sp across. Turn.

Size 2: Rows 3 – 10: Repeat Rows 1 – 2.

Size 4: Rows 3 – 10: Repeat Rows 1 – 2.

Size 6: Rows 3 – 12: Repeat Rows 1 – 2.

Size 8: Rows 3 – 14: Repeat Rows 1 – 2.

Size 10/12: Rows 3 – 16: Repeat Rows 1 – 2.

Size 14/16: Rows 3 – 18: Repeat Rows 1 – 2.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Left Shoulder Shaping.

Left Shoulder Shaping

Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) 6 (7, 7, 8, 9, 10) times, skip the last 2 sts. Turn. (13, 15, 15, 17, 19, 21 sts)

Row 2: Do not ch, sl st in the first st, sl st in the next ch-1 sp (first 2 sl sts are not included in st count), sc in the next st, sc in the next ch-1 sp, hdc in the next st, hdc in the next ch-1 sp, dc in each remaining st and ch-1 sp across. (11, 13, 13, 15, 17, 19 sts)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue on to Back Panel.

Back Panel

Row 1 (WS): Join yarn with a standing sc in the st you marked with a stitch marker, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) 20 (21, 23, 25, 28, 31) times. Turn. (41, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63 sts)

Stitch Marker Placement: Before you “turn” to begin Row 2, place a stitch marker in the next stitch to mark the beginning of the Front Panel.

Row 2: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each sc and ch-1 sp across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) rep from ( to ) across. Turn.

Size 2: Rows 4 – 10: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, ending with a Row 2 repeat.

Size 4: Rows 4 – 10: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, ending with a Row 2 repeat.

Size 6: Rows 4 – 12: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, ending with a Row 2 repeat.

Size 8: Rows 4 – 14: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, ending with a Row 2 repeat.

Size 10/12: Rows 4 – 16: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, ending with a Row 2 repeat.

Size 14/16: Rows 4 – 18: Repeat Rows 2 – 3, ending with a Row 2 repeat.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Back Panel Shoulder Shaping.

Back Panel Shoulder Shaping

Row 1 (WS): Do not ch, sl st in the first st, sl st in the next st (first 2 sl sts are not included in st count), sc in the next st, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) 18 (19, 21, 23, 26, 29) times, skip the last 2 sts. Turn. (37, 39, 43, 47, 53, 59 sts)

Row 2: Do not ch, sl st in the first st, sl st in the next ch-1 sp (first 2 sl sts are not included in st count), sc in the next st, sc in the next ch-1 sp, hdc in the next st, hdc in the next ch-1 sp, dc in each of the next 25 (27, 31, 35, 41, 47) sts, hdc in the next ch-1 sp, hdc in the next st, sc in the next ch-1 sp, sc in the next st, skip the last 2 sts. (33, 35, 39, 43, 49, 55 sts)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue on to Front Right Panel.

Front Right Panel

Row 1 (WS): Join yarn with a standing sc in the st you marked with a stitch marker, (ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st) 7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 11) times. Turn. (15, 17, 17, 19, 21, 23 sts)