Basic Everyday Crochet Cardigan – Free Pattern

There’s something wonderfully timeless about a simple button front cardigan. My Basic Everyday Crochet Cardigan was designed with exactly that in mind: a versatile, understated piece that slips effortlessly into your everyday wardrobe.

With its gently shaped V-neckline, neat ribbed edging and relaxed fit, this cardigan has a classic look that won’t go out of style. The subtle horizontal texture gives the design a lovely finish without overwhelming its simplicity.

When I first imagined this design, I knew I wanted two particular details: a flattering V-shaped neckline and buttons down the front. Everything else was deliberately kept uncomplicated, creating a practical design that works just as well with jeans and a T-shirt as it does layered over a dress.

The pattern uses basic crochet stitches and easy construction, making it an easy project for beginners who are ready to tackle their first cardigan.

How the Basic Everyday Crochet Cardigan is Made

The Basic Everyday Crochet Cardigan is assembled from five individual pieces: two front panels, a back panel and two sleeves.

We begin with the front panels, working the ribbed hem first before turning our attention to the main body. Stitches are worked along the long edge of the ribbing, with a little shaping introduced to create the cardigan’s V-neckline.

The back panel follows a similar approach, starting at the lower ribbed edge and continuing upwards until the required height is reached.

Each sleeve begins with a ribbed cuff. From there, we’ll crochet along the cuff’s long edge, gradually increasing to give the sleeves their shape.

Once all five pieces are complete, they’re joined together using a yarn needle. The finishing touch is the ribbed edging worked along the cardigan’s front opening and neckline, giving the design its distinctive button front appearance.

Yarn

The yarn I used for this crochet cardigan was Drops Merino Extra Fine which is a Dk or a weight 3 yarn. This yarn is super soft against the skin and the drape and stitch definition is simply impeccable. The yarn is super wash treated for easy care and perfect for everyday wear.

Notes

• The sizing guide is S(M, L, XL, 2Xl)
• The turning chain DOES NOT count as a stitch.
• This pattern uses standard American crochet terms.
• Cardigan is designed to be slightly oversized to go down a size for a snugger fit.

Level

Beginner/Easy

Sizing & Measurements

To fit bust 32-34(36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-54)

Back width: 21(23, 25, 27, 29) inches

Length: 21(21, 21.5, 22, 22.5) inches

Materials

Yarn – Drops Merino Extra Fine – Dk/weight 3/light/8 ply

Approximately 1365(1380, 1400, 1420, 1440) meters.

4mm crochet hook

Measuring tape

Yarn needle

Stitch markers

3 buttons.

Crochet Basic Everyday Cardigan Pattern

Front Panels

Ch 10

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end. Turn

Row 2: ch 1, sc in BLO in every stitch across. Turn.

Row 3: repeat row 2 until you have 38(42, 46, 50, 54) rows in total.

Now we work along the long edge of the ribbing:

Next row: ch 2 (not counted as stitch here or throughout) make 38(42, 46, 50, 54) dc across. Turn.

Repeat last row for a further 16(16, 18, 18, 20) rows.

Next row: ch 2, dc2tog, dc in each st across. Turn

Next row: ch 2, dc in each st across. Turn.

Repeat last 2 rows until you have 22(22, 25, 25, 27) remaining. Fasten off leaving a long tail. TAKE NOTE OF THE AMOUNT OF DOUBLE CROCHET ROWS YOU HAVE AFTER FASTENING OFF

Go ahead and make the other front panel in the same way.

Back Panel

Ch 10

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end. Turn.

Row 2: ch 1, sc in BLO in each st across. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until you have a total of 89(97, 106, 114, 123) rows.

Now we work along the long edge of the ribbing.

Next row: ch 2 (not counted as stitch here or thoughout) make 89(97, 106, 114, 123) dc across. Turn.

Repeat last row until you have the same amount of rows as one of your front panels.

Fasten off.

Sleeves

Ch 10

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end. Turn.

Row 2: ch 1, sc in BLO in each st across. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until you have a total of 41(41, 41, 43, 43) rows.

Now we will work along the long edge of the ribbing.

Next row: ch 2 (not counted as stitch) make 41(41, 41, 43, 43) dc across. Turn.

Next row: ch 2, 2dc in same st, dc in each st across, place 2 dc in last st. Turn

Repeat last two rows until you have 55(59, 63, 69, 73) dc. Turn.

Next row: ch 2, make 55(59, 63, 69, 73) dc across. Turn.

Repeat last row until sleeve measures 17(17, 17.5, 18, 18) inches

Fasten off leaving a long tail.

Assembly

Lay the front panels on top of the back panel making sure the curved edges of the front panels are facing each other. With you yarn needle mattress stitch along the shoulders.

Next lay entire piece out flat with the wrong side facing up. Mark the centre stitch of the sleeve with a stitch marker and then line that marker up with the shoulder seam. Connect there with marker. Now sew along attaching sleeve to body. Repeat for other sleeve on the other side.

Fold cardigan over and sew down along the edges of the cardigan.

Turn cardigan right side out. Attach yarn to bottom inner corner of the cardigan.

Ch 1, sc in same st, then sc all the way around the inner edge of the cardigan until you reach the other side. DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 5 chains, slst into next 2 sc (on the body of cardigan), ** turn, skip 2 slsts, 6 sc in BLO, ch 1, turn, 6 sc in BLO, slst in next 2 sc, turn, skip 2 slsts, 6 sc in BLO, ch 1, turn, 6sc in BLO, slst in next 2 sc, turn **

****skip 2 slsts, sc in BLO in next 2 sts, ch 2, skip 2, sc in BLO in next 2 sts, ch, turn, sc in BLO in next 2 sc, 2 sc in ch2-sp, sc in BLO in next 2 sc, slst in next 2 sc.****

Now grab 2 stitch markers and place them where you want your other two button holes to be.

Repeat from ** to ** until you reach the next stitch marker (or at least close enough to it) and repeat from ****

Repeat this process until you have all 3 button holes completed. Then you will repeat from ** to ** until you reach the other side of the cardigan. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Now sew on your buttons and you are good to go.