10+ Head-Turning Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for You!

Cardigans are wardrobe staples, everyone should have at least one in their closet! Honestly, you can’t have too many cardigans. I love them all including airy cardigans, classic and plain ones for layering, and even big, chunky cardigans with wild textures!

Crocheting Your Own Cardigan

Cardigans do look like complicated projects but that really depends on your skill level, materials, and the complexity of the design.

Not to worry! The patterns I found for you today are quite beginner-friendly. However, I did include a few that are more suited for experienced beginners and intermediate-level crocheters too. Whether you’re looking for your next project or just a little inspiration, I’ve got the perfect free crochet pattern for you!

What You Need to Make a Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Don’t worry, you won’t be breaking the bank with these crochet cardigan patterns — unless you’re like me and often find yourself splurging on the yarn! Everything on this list is easy to find and comes in a range of beginner-friendly budgets.

• Crochet hooks – Firstly, you need crochet hooks! They come in different sizes, so be sure to check out the correct hook size on your pattern’s list of materials or your yarn band’s recommended hook sizes.
  
• Yarn – Make sure to check the pattern to see what yarn weight to use. Each pattern should list a recommended brand or weight in the “suggested yarn” section of the free crochet cardigan pattern you’re following! You can make sure you have the right weight by checking the yarn band.

• Blocking tools – This is optional, but if you want your cardigan to fit perfectly and all of the seams to lie nice and flat, then you may need some blocking pins and mats!

• Scissors – A pair of scissors is another important tool that you will use for all of your knitting projects. You’ll need them to cut the yarn and trim any leftover yarn tails when you’re done!

• Stitch markers – You might need stitch markers to keep track of where you are. Choose stitch markers that can open and close easily, also called ‘locking stitch markers’. If you don’t have stitch markers, you can use a strand of scrap yarn—preferably in a different color so it’s easy to see.

• Yarn/darning needle – You will need a yarn needle or darning needle to sew in the loose ends.
  
• Buttons! – Some crocheted cardigan patterns also require buttons. So have a few favorites ready on hand! For thick fabrics like crochet you may need to get shank-style buttons that stand out from the fabric surface. That way the button hole can sit nicely behind the face of the button.

• Download your free crochet cardigan pattern – Naturally, you need to download your favorite crochet cardigan pattern from the list!

1. Kimono Cardigan

By: Yarnspirations Design Studio

YARN: Worsted

SIZE: XS – 5XL

Granny squares aren’t only for blankets. This crochet cardigan pattern walks you step-by-step through creating a simple cardigan all by yourself.

What a fun and unique way to keep yourself warm for the season!

Get the pattern >

2. Confetti Cardigan

By: Ashleigh Kiser

YARN: DK

SIZE: Womens XS – 3XL

A simple cardigan with a fun twist!

This is the perfect beginner pattern for any new crocheter who wants to make their very first cardigan. To make this pattern all you need to knit is how to do a double crochet and half double crochet. Easy!

Get the pattern >

3. Kima Cardi

By: Toni Lipsey

YARN: Bulky

SIZE: XS – 4XL

Prefer a chunky cozy cardigan? Then the Kima Cardi is for you! This is another beginner-friendly pattern that’s quick and easy to whip up.

Chunky yarn weight makes everything much faster than thinner weight yarns.

See the pattern >

4. Winter Berries Cardigan

By: Svetlana Avrakh

YARN: Worsted

SIZE: XS – 5XL

Basic crochet stitches can be combined to create unique and refreshing masterpieces!

The Winter Berries Cardigan uses plain double crochets as the foundation for this easy cardigan. Look a little closer and you’ll see the charming details added in by puff stitches too!

Get the pattern >

5. Cobblestone Cardigan

By: A Purpose and A Stitch

YARN: Aran

SIZE: XS – 5XL

The Cobblestone Cardigan is a really eye-catching pattern that just had to be added to this list.

If you want to try crocheting all-over textured stitches, this crochet cardigan pattern is definitely for you! Click through to see the cute pocket detail.

Get the pattern >

6. Fleur-de-lis Cardigan

By: Erica Fedor

YARN: Worsted

SIZE: Small – 3XL

Lacey crochet cardigan patterns have always been a big favorite of mine. They’re beautiful, eye-catching, and great pieces to wear anywhere.

This cardigan is the ultimate flexible layering piece. You can wear it to the office or night out without changing a thing!

Get the pattern >

7. Ethniu Cardigan

By: Carrie M Chambers

YARN: Sport

SIZE: Small – 3XL

Light and airy, this Ethniu Cardigan is a cardigan that we should all have in our collections.

It’s thin enough to layer over other articles of clothing without looking too bulky, but it’s also warm enough to keep you comfortable throughout a chilly day!

Get the pattern >

8. Chunky Patchwork Cardigan

By: Carrie M Chambers

YARN: Bulky

SIZE: Small – 3XL

What happens when you mix-and-match blocks of different crochet textures?

Well, you get the Chunky Patchwork Cardigan, of course!

Patchwork crochet cardigan patterns have always had a certain charm to them. Something about these chunky stitches pieced together creates such a unique and “homey” feel.

Get the pattern >

9. December Cardigan

By: Toni Lipsey

YARN: Aran

SIZE: XS – 4XL

Toni Lipsey does it again with this classic croche cardigan. I love the simple shape and sturdy stitches, perfect for lounging around or dressing up too!

This pattern is a Tunisian Crochet pattern which is a little different than your typical crochet. This is a great pattern to learn how to do this unique technique!

Get the pattern >

10. The Coffee Cardigan

By: Jerica Tompkins

YARN: Worsted

SIZES: XS – 5XL

The Coffee Cardigan immediately caught my eye while I was doing research.

This cozy-looking free crochet cardigan pattern is perfect for cold mornings and slow days spent relaxing in your favorite cafe.

Get the pattern >

11. Aurora Women’s Cardigan

By: Jennifer Renaud

YARN: Worsted

SIZES: Small – 5XL

POCKETS!

The one thing that determines whether I’d like a cardigan or not is the presence of pockets.

No, I don’t really use the pockets, to be completely honest, but it’s fun to tuck my hands into them while I’m on a walk!

The Aurora Women’s Cardigan is the perfect crochet cardigan pattern for every pocket-enthusiast out there!

Get the pattern >

12. The Paisley Cardigan

By: Cactus and Lace Designs

YARN: Aran

SIZES: XS – 5XL

See? What did I say? Mismatching patterns and material combined in a patchwork-esq style somehow come together to create a unique cohesive look!

The Paisley Cardigan has to be one of my favorites in this round up. It has all the qualities of a perfect cardigan:

• Coziness
• Color
• Texture
• POCKETS!

Get the pattern >

Which Patterns are You Trying Out?

Crochet cardigan patterns are so fun to make and you wind up with a completely unique piece to treasure throughout the years.

That was a lot of free crochet cardigan patterns and I’m sure you’re tempted to make all of them. But it would be awesome if you could share about which patterns stood out to you the most!

For myself, The Paisley Cardigan and the Chunky Patchwork Cardigan were the most tempting to crochet on this list.

Looking for more warm patterns for fall and winter? Check out these fall-tastic crochet pumpkin patterns and 10 free crochet blanket patterns too!