Caragh Crochet Cardigan

You have never have too many handmade cardigans in your wardrobe. These are very rewarding projects and if you like to style up your outfits with differently colored outer garments, especially with yarn wearables in the cold months, you have to have plenty of sweaters on hand! This particular crochet cardigan pattern is easy to work up and has a basic construction.

You can choose the kind of fit you want when you decide the size of the cardigan. Some people prefer a more fitting look while others like oversized sweaters. Either way, you’ll find options in this step-by-step crochet pattern with pictures in between to guide you along the way.

You’ll find the free crochet 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).

Blonde haired girl wearing a grey crochet cardigan with a white top and jeans. — Perfect to wear on a day out with friends and family or to run some quick errands.

The Caragh Crochet Cardigan will be your favorite piece for an evening walk post-dinner, a relaxed hangout with friends, or a quiet morning spent outdoors with a warm drink and your favorite book. As with all handmade items, you get to choose what color you want your sweater to be and if you plan on gifting it to a loved one, you can choose accordingly.

This is one of those classic patterns that you’ll keep returning to after you’ve made it once because of how simple and sweet it is. There’s nothing complicated in the stitch combination, construction, or shaping. All of it is very basic and with the detailed instructions, you won’t get lost at any point.

Related: If you want to make another cardigan with lots of warmth packed in it, you should check out the Cozy Cabled Crochet Cardigan.

How to Crochet a Cardigan

This crochet cardigan pattern has an easy construction that you’ll be able to grasp in your first go. It is worked from the bottom hem up to the shoulders. First, you’ll crochet the wide ribbed bottom edge, then crochet the body onto the long edge of this ribbed edging. Once you reach the bottom of the armholes, you’ll split this into three panels and crochet the upper right panel, then back panel, then upper left panel.

You’ll then seam the shoulders to form a vest-like structure (it’s always a good idea to try it on at this stage to make sure it fits right). After this step is done, crochet the sleeves right onto the armhole openings. Pockets are then crocheted and whipstitched onto the pocket openings.

Next, crochet a small pocket ribbing and whipstitch that on. You’re nearly done now! All you have to do is add the final touches with a simple edging around the front opening of the cardigan.

Blonde haired girl wearing a grey crochet cardigan with a white top and jeans leaning against a brick wall.

How To Get The

Caragh Crochet 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 crochet sweaters, while there are many options to choose from, I used an acrylic and wool blend yarn. The added wool content gives it extra warmth and makes it the ideal garment for cold winters. Because of the acrylic, it holds its shape well and has good stitch definition, which is especially great for patterns that have ribbing such as this one.

It’s also readily available and can come in a variety of colors which allows you to choose just the right one for whoever is receiving this crochet sweater.

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.
Finished Chest, Sleeve Length, and Cardigan Length are measurements of the finished garment.
This cardigan has 6-8″+ 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 chest size.
If you prefer a more fitted look, I would suggest sizing down (as long as your chest size fits range of the smaller size).
Cardigan length is measured from the nape of the neck down and includes the bottom ribbing.
Sleeve length is measured from the underarm of the cardigan to edge of the cuff.
Adjusting Cardigan Length: If you’d prefer a different cardigan length, there are instructions at the end of 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.

Yarn

This women’s crochet sweater was designed with a worster 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 bulkier 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) and anything lighter than this wouldn’t be as cozy.

I chose Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in Grey Heather for my crochet sweater. This is a worsted weight / 4, acrylic and wool blend yarn and it’s currently available in beautiful colors. This yarn offers a smooth even texture in a contemporary color palette with plenty of neutral tones.

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Mila Crochet Cardigan – Free Pattern

The crochet women’s 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).

Purchase the Crochet Cardigan Kit: Lion Brand has a full crochet kit of the Caragh Crochet Cardigan, available on their website. The includes your choice of colors and a digital copy of the crochet pattern.

Save this pattern to your Ravelry favorites.

Pin it & Save it for later.

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This post contains affiliate links.

Materials

Yarn: Worsted Weight / 4 / Yarn, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted was used for the sample in the photos [80% acrylic / 20% wool (197 yds / 180 m / 85 g / 3 oz)].
Yardage: See Size Chart Above
Crochet Hook: J/10/6.00mm; G/6/4.00mm 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 (3 – 4)
Scissors
Yarn Needle

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s): chain(s)
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
ext sc: extended single crochet
extsc2tog: extended single crochet decrease
hdslst: half double slip stitch
yo: yarn over
BLO: back loop only
SM: stitch marker
Rep: repeat
RS: right side

Experience Level

Easy

Gauge

Gauge is given throughout the pattern in each individual section.

Sizes

Women’s XS – 5XL
See Size & Yardage Chart above.

Special Stitches

Extended Single Crochet (ext sc): Insert hook into stitch indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 1 loop on hook, yo, pull thru remaining two loops on hook.
Extended Single Crochet Decrease (extsc2tog): Insert hook into stitch indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 1 loop on hook, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 1 loop on hook, yo, pull thru remaining loops on hook.
Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog): (Yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop) twice, yo, pull through all loops on your hook.
Half Double Slip Stitch (hdslst): Yo, insert your hook into the stitch indicated, yo, pull up a loop and pull that loop 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

Turning chains are not counted as stitches, unless specified otherwise.
The first stitch of each row is worked into the same stitch as the beginning chain, unless noted otherwise.
Yarn Notes: Lion Brand Wool-Ease ( 197 yds / 180 m / 85 g / 3 oz / 80% Acrylic / 20% Wool) was used for the sample in the pictures. Other comparable yarns may be used as long as gauge is met.
Color & Yardage
- Grey Heather: #620-151
- See Size & Yardage Chart above.
Changes for Sizes as Follows: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Stitch Counts as Follows: (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Construction Notes: This cardigan is worked from the bottom hem up to the shoulders. First, you’ll crochet the wide ribbed bottom edge, then crochet the body onto the long edge of this ribbed edging. Once you reach the bottom of the armholes, you’ll split this into three panels and crochet the upper right panel, then back panel, then upper left panel. You’ll then seam the shoulders. Next, crochet the sleeves right onto the armhole openings. Pockets are then crocheted and whipstitched onto the pocket openings. Next, crochet a small pocket ribbing and whipstitch that on. Lastly, you’ll add a simple edging around the front opening of the cardigan.
Once done, you can block if desired.
Find the progression photos for the pattern at the bottom.

Caragh Crochet Cardigan – Written Pattern

Changes for Sizes as Follows: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Stitch Counts as Follows: (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Bottom Ribbing

Gauge: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, in BLO hdc: 10 sts = 2.75″; 12 rows = 5″.

Row 1: With yarn & a 6.00mm crochet hook, ch 11, working into the back humps of the ch, hdc in the 2nd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (10 sts)

Rows 2 – 85 (91, 100, 104, 112, 129, 135, 137, 144): Ch 1, BLO hdc in each st across. Turn. (10 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Body of Cardigan. Your Bottom Ribbing should measure approximately 2.75″ W x 36″ (38.25″, 42″, 43.75″, 47″, 54″, 56.75″, 57.5″, 60.5″) L.

Body of Cardigan

Row 1 Gauge Only: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, in sc: 12 sts = 3.5″.

Size XS

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work 2 sc in the first st, then (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 42 times. Turn. (128 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to X-Small – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 37.5″.

Size S

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work 1 sc in the first st, then (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 45 times. Turn. (136 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Small – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 40″.

Size M

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 50 times. Turn. (150 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Medium – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 44″.

Size L

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 52 times. Turn. (156 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Large – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 46″.

Size XL

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 56 times. Turn. (168 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to X-Large – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 49″.

Size 2XL

Do not fasten off. Continue on to 2-XLarge – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 56.5″.

Size 3XL

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work 2 sc in the first st, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sts, then (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 66 times. Turn. (204 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to 3-XLarge – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 59.5″.

Size 4XL

Do not fasten off. Continue on to 4-XLarge – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 60.5″.

Size 5XL

Row 1 (RS): After turning at the end of the last row of the ribbing, rotate to work along the long edge of the ribbing, work (2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st) work from ( to ) 72 times. Turn. (216 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to 5-XLarge – Body of Cardigan. The width of Row 1 should be approximately 63.5″.

Body of Cardigan – All Sizes

Gauge: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, in ext sc alternating FLO & BLO: 11 sts = 3.5″; 11 rows = 4.25″.

Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (128 sts)

Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, * FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st, rep from * across to the last st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st . Turn. (128, 136, 150, 156, 168, 194, 204, 206, 216 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, * BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st, rep from * across to the last st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st . Turn. (128, 136, 150, 156, 168, 194, 204, 206, 216 sts)

Rows 4 – 19: Rep Rows 2 – 3. Height is approximately 10″ H at end of Row 19.

In this next row, we’ll create an opening for the pocket.

Row 20: Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 7, 7, 7, 7) times, FLO ext sc in the next st, Both Loops ext sc in the next st, loosely ch 13 (13, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17), skip each of the next 13 (13, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17) sts, Both Loops ext sc in the next st, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) 41 (45, 46, 49, 55, 62, 67, 68, 73) times, Both Loops ext sc in the next st, loosely ch 13 (13, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17), skip each of the next 13 (13, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17) sts, Both Loops ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 7, 7, 7, 7) times, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (128, 136, 150, 156, 168, 194, 204, 206, 216 sts) including chains

Row 21: Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st) 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 8, 8, 8, 8) times, ext sc in each of the next 13 (13, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17) chs, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) 42 (46, 47, 50, 56, 63, 68, 69, 74) times, ext sc in each of the next 13 (13, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17) chs, (BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st) 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 8, 8, 8, 8) times, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (128, 136, 150, 156, 168, 194, 204, 206, 216 sts)

Rows 22 – 47: Rep Rows 2 – 3.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to the Front Right Panel.

At this point, your cardigan should measure 37-1/2″ W x 20-1/2″ H, (40″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (44″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (46″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (49″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (56-1/2″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (59-1/2″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (60-1/2″ W x 20-1/2″ H) (63-1/2″ W x 20-1/2″ H).

Adjusting Cardigan Length: If you prefer a longer or shorter cardigan, this is where you would make that adjustment. If you would like a longer cardigan, add rows in multiples of 2. If you would prefer a shorter cardigan, subtract rows in multiples of 2.

Upper Front Right Panel

Gauge: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, in ext sc alternating FLO & BLO: 11 sts = 3.5″; 11 rows = 4.25″.

Continue on from the Body of Cardigan with yarn & a 6.00mm crochet hook.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) 15 (16, 18, 18, 19, 24, 25, 24, 25) times, FLO ext sc in the next st, Both Loops ext sc in the next st. Before turning, place a locking SM in the next stitch to mark where you will later join yarn to begin the Back Panel. Turn. (33, 35, 39, 39, 41, 51, 53, 51, 53 sts)

Rows 2 – 16 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 24, 26, 26): Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) 15 (16, 18, 18, 19, 24, 25, 24, 25) times, FLO ext sc in the next st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (33, 35, 39, 39, 41, 51, 53, 51, 53 sts)

Fasten off leaving a tail of yarn that is 3-4 times the width of the panel. This tail of yarn will be used later to seam the shoulders. Continue on to the Back Panel.

Your Upper Front Right Panel should measure (9″ W x 6-1/4″ H) (9-1/2″ W x 6-1/4″ H) (10-1/2″ W x 7″ H) (10-1/2″ W x 7-3/4″ H) (11″ W x 8-1/2″ H) (13-3/4″ W x 9-1/4″ H) (14-1/4″ W x 9-1/4″ H) (13-3/4″ W x 10″ H) (14-1/4″ W x 10″ H).

Back Panel

Gauge: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, in ext sc alternating FLO & BLO: 11 sts = 3.5″; 11 rows = 4.25″.

Row 1 (RS): With yarn & a 6.00mm crochet hook, join yarn with a sl st in the st you previously marked to begin the Back Panel, ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the same st, (BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st) 30 (32, 35, 38, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54) times, Both Loops ext sc in the next st. Before turning, place a locking SM in the next st to mark where you will later join yarn to begin the Upper Front Left Panel. Turn. (62, 66, 72, 78, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (FLO ext sc in the next st, BLO ext sc in the next st) rep from ( to ) across to the last st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (62, 66, 72, 78, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st) rep from ( to ) across to the last st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (62, 66, 72, 78, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110 sts)

Rows 4 – 15 (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 23, 25, 25): Rep Rows 2 – 3.

Row 16 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 24, 26, 26): Rep Row 2.

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue on to the Upper Front Left Panel.

Your Back Panel should measure (19-1/2″ W x 6-1/4″ H) (21″ W x 6-1/4″ H) (23″ W x 7″ H) (25″ W x 7-3/4″ H) (27″ W x 8-1/2″ H) (29″ W x 9-1/4″ H) (31″ W x 9-1/4″ H) (33″ W x 10″ H) (35″ W x 10″ H).

Upper Front Left Panel

Gauge: With a 6.00mm crochet hook, in ext sc alternating FLO & BLO: 11 sts = 3.5″; 11 rows = 4.25″.

Row 1 (RS): With yarn & a 6.00mm crochet hook, join yarn with a sl st in the st you previously marked to begin the Upper Front Left Panel, ch 1, ext sc in the same st, (BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st) 15 (16, 18, 18, 19, 24, 25, 24, 25) times, BLO ext sc in the next st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (33, 35, 39, 39, 41, 51, 53, 51, 53 sts)

Rows 2 – 16 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 24, 26, 26): Ch 1, Both Loops ext sc in the first st, (BLO ext sc in the next st, FLO ext sc in the next st) 15 (16, 18, 18, 19, 24, 25, 24, 25) times, BLO ext sc in the next st, Both Loops ext sc in the last st. Turn. (33, 35, 39, 39, 41, 51, 53, 51, 53 sts)

Fasten off leaving a tail of yarn that is 3-4 times the width of the panel. This tail of yarn will be used later to seam the shoulders. Continue on to Seaming the Shoulders.

Your Upper Front Left Panel should measure (9″ W x 6-1/4″ H) (9-1/2″ W x 6-1/4″ H) (10-1/2″ W x 7″ H) (10-1/2″ W x 7-3/4″ H) (11″ W x 8-1/2″ H) (13-3/4″ W x 9-1/4″ H) (14-1/4″ W x 9-1/4″ H) (13-3/4″ W x 10″ H) (14-1/4″ W x 10″ H).

Seaming the Shoulders

Step 1: With the RS facing out, fold the two front panels in towards the center of the cardigan (as shown below), creating a fold where it splits for the sleeves. Line up the corners of the outer corners of the upper front panels with the corners of the back panel. To make it easier, I recommend using locking stitch markers to hold the panels in place during seaming.

Step 2: Leave a 2″ (2″, 2″, 4″, 5″, 5″, 6″, 6″, 6″) Wide gap between the front panels, along the top edge of the Back Panel. Use locking stitch markers to hold the panels in place.

Step 3: With the right side facing out, use a yarn needle and the tail of yarn left after completing the front panels and whipstitch a front panel to the back panel. Repeat for the second front panel.

Weave in ends. Continue on to the Sleeve Set-Up.

A grey crochet cardigan in progress against a wooden background.

Sleeve Set-Up

X-Small & Small

Rnd 1 (RS): With yarn & a 6.00mm crochet hook, join yarn with a standing sc in a stitch nearest the bottom of the armhole opening, sc in the next st, (2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 2 sts) work from ( to ) 10 times. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. (42, 42 sts)