Marta Crochet Cardigan – Free Pattern

There’s something entirely satisfying about creating a crochet cardigan that looks far more complicated than it actually is. With its striking braided texture, generous sleeves and cropped silhouette, the Marta Crochet Cardigan is one of those designs.

A few years ago I designed my original Crochet Cable Cardigan, which quickly became a favorite among my readers. I eventually decided it was time to revisit the design and give it a fresh new look.

For this version, I chose a lighter Dk weight yarn, a more oversized shape and shorter length. The result is a relaxed, modern cardigan with plenty of character and beautifully detailed sleeves.

Despite its intricate appearance, the Marta Cardigan uses familiar crochet techniques, including chains, single crochet and double crochet. The easy construction makes it an enjoyable project for adventurous beginners who are ready to try something a little different.

The cardigan is made from five separate pieces, with ribbed edging and minimal shaping. I’ve designed it in six sizes from Small to 3Xl, and the length can easily be adjusted if you’d prefer something longer.

How the Marta Cardigan is Constructed

The Marta Crochet Cardigan is made from five separate pieces: one back panel, two front panels and two sleeves.

Each piece is crocheted from the bottom up. The back and front panels begin with ribbed hems, while the sleeves start with ribbed cuffs.

The pattern uses basic crochet techniques, including chains, single crochet and double crochet. With no complicated shaping involved, the construction is particularly suitable for adventurous beginners.

Assembling the Cardigan

Once all five pieces are complete, the front panels are joined to the back panel at the shoulders. next, the side seams are sewn together, leaving openings for the arms. The sleeves are then attached to the armholes.

To finish, the neckline and front edging are crocheted directly onto the cardigan, creating a neat, continuous border.

Customizing the length and Fit

Although the original Marta Cardigan has a cropped silhouette, it’s easy to make a longer version. Simply work additional rows on the body panels, following the established stitch pattern.

If you prefer a less oversized fit, you can choose a smaller size or adjust the stitch counts in multiples of five, as explained in the pattern.

Keep in mind that increasing the cardigan’s length or width will also increase the amount of yarn required.

Yarn & Materials

For the Marta Crochet Cardigan, I used So Crafty Dk yarn from Aldi, a 100% acrylic yarn that I already had in my yarn stash. Its Dk weight works well with the cardigan’s braided texture, creating a lovely lightweight layer without adding too much bulk.

Although the yarn worked well fro this project, I found it slightly scratchy against the skin. If I were making the cardigan again, I would choose Paintbox Simply Dk .

Yarn

• Paintbox Simply Dk
• Fiber: 100% acrylic
• Ball size: 100g / 276m
• Quantity needed: 4(4, 5, 5, 5, 6)

Additional Materials

• 4 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle for joining pieces and weaving in ends
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

SIZING & MEASUREMENTS

This cardigan fits sizes S(M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL).

Size	Finished bust	Length	Upper arm
S	44″	17″	16″
M	48″	17″	16″
L	52″	18″	18″
XL	56″	19″	18″
2XL	60″	19″	18″
3XL	64″	20″	19

Adjusting the Fit and Length

The Marta Cardigan is designed to be oversized, but you can make a few adjustments to suit your preferences.

For a less oversized appearance, consider making a smaller size or adjusting the stitch counts in multiples of 5, following the original pattern instructions.

If you’d prefer a longer cardigan, simply add more rows to the body panels while maintaining the established stitch pattern

Gauge

18 sts x 14 rows = 4″ (10 cm)

Checking your gauge before starting is important, especially if you’re substituting a different Dk yarn.

If your swatch is larger than the stated measurements, try a smaller hook. If it’s smaller, try a larger hook.

CROCHET MÁRTA CARDIGAN PATTERN

Back Panel

Ribbed hem

Ch 17

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. [16 sc]

Row 2: ch 1, scblo in each st across, turn.

Rep row 2 until the end of row 100(105, 115, 125, 135, 145).

Turn your work to start crocheting along the edges of the rows you completed.

Body

Row 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 4 sts, *ch 10, slst into front loop and diagonal loop of last dc worked, dc in next 5 sts, rep from * across, turn [100(105, 115, 125, 135, 145) dc].

Row 2: ch 1, sc into each dc across pushing each ch-10 loop towards the back of your work, turn. [100(105, 115, 125, 135, 145) sc].

Rep rows 1-2 until entire back panel measures 17(17, 18, 18, 19, 20) ” long. For a longer cardigan simply rep rows 1-2 until your preferred length.

Next row: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in every sc across, turn.

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Now it’s time to braid your loops. Starting on the outer right corner, feed the second loop from the bottom into the first loop. Rep this braid method all the way up towards the top. Leave the final loop to rest as is. Now repeat the same thing by starting on the bottom of the next row, braiding your way upwards and leaving final loop to rest. Rep all the way across the back panel of the cardigan.

Next row: ch 1, sc across working in groups of 5 but at the same time when you reach the 5th sc you will also catch the ch-10 loop to secure it. On the next 1st sc (of the next group of 5) you will also catch the SAME ch-10 loop to secure. On the next 5th sc you will catch the NEXT ch-10 loop, and then for the next 1st sc (of the next group of 5 sc) you will catch the SAME ch-10 loop.

Fasten off.

Front Panel (Make 2)

Ch 17

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. [16 sc]

Row 2: ch 1, scblo in each st across, turn.

Rep row 2 until the end of row 35(40, 45, 50, 55, 60).

Turn your work to begin crocheting along the edges of the rows you just completed.

Body

Row 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 4 sts, *ch 10, slst to front loop and diagonal loop of the last worked dc, dc in next 5 sts, rep from * across, turn. [35(40, 45, 50, 55, 60) dc]

Row 2: ch 1, sc into each dc across pushing each ch-10 loop towards the back of your work, turn. [35(40, 45, 50, 55, 60) sc].

Rep rows 1-2 until entire front panel measures 17(17, 18, 18, 19, 20) ” long. For a longer cardigan simply rep rows 1-2 until your preferred length.

Next row: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in every sc across, turn.

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Now it’s time to braid your loops. Starting on the outer right corner, feed the second loop from the bottom into the first loop. Rep this braid method all the way up towards the top. Leave the final loop to rest as is. Now repeat the same thing by starting on the bottom of the next row, braiding your way upwards and leaving final loop to rest. Rep all the way across the front panel of the cardigan.

Next row: ch 1, sc across working in groups of 5 but at the same time when you reach the 5th sc you will also catch the ch-10 loop to secure it. On the next 1st sc (of the next group of 5) you will also catch the SAME ch-10 loop to secure. On the next 5th sc you will catch the NEXT ch-10 loop, and then for the next 1st sc (of the next group of 5 sc) you will catch the SAME ch-10 loop.

Fasten off leaving a long tail.

Rep this entire process for the second front panel.

Sleeves (make 2)

Cuff

Ch 11

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. [10 sc]

Row 2: ch 1, scblo in each st across, turn.

Rep row 2 until the end of row 42(42, 46, 46, 46, 48).

Turn your work to begin crocheting along the edges of the rows you just completed.

Body of sleeve

You will now squeeze more dcs than there are rows on the cuff. By the end of this row your cuff will curve due to the large amount of stitches but this is perfectly normal. Everything will straighten out after a few rows are completed.

Row 1: You will squeeze 65(65, 75, 75, 75, 80) dc across the long edge of the ribbed cuff but at the same time keeping with the same pattern of row 1 of back/front panels ie ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 4 sts, ch 10, slst into front loop and diagonal loop of last worked dc, dc in next 5 sts, rep from * across, turn.

Row 2: ch 1, sc into each dc across pushing each ch-10 loop towards the back of your work, turn. [65(65, 75, 75, 75, 80) sc].

Rep rows 1-2 until entire sleeve measures 17″ long. Feel free to add or subtract rows here for a longer or shorter sleeve.

Next row: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in every sc across, turn.

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Now it’s time to braid your loops. Starting on the outer right corner, feed the second loop from the bottom into the first loop. Rep this braid method all the way up towards the top. Leave the final loop to rest as is. Now repeat the same thing by starting on the bottom of the next row, braiding your way upwards and leaving final loop to rest. Rep all the way across the sleeve.

Next row: ch 1, sc across working in groups of 5 but at the same time when you reach the 5th sc you will also catch the ch-10 loop to secure it. On the next 1st sc (of the next group of 5) you will also catch the SAME ch-10 loop to secure. On the next 5th sc you will catch the NEXT ch-10 loop, and then for the next 1st sc (of the next group of 5 sc) you will catch the SAME ch-10 loop.

Fasten off leaving a long tail.

Assembly

Lay the back panel of a hard surface with the braided side facing up. Next lay both front panel (braided side facing down) on top of the back panel. Using your long tails and yarn needle seam across the shoulders connecting the front panels to the back panel. Seam up along the sides leaving an 8(8, 9, 9, 9, 9.5)” opening for the armholes.

Fold your sleeves in half lengthwise and seam closed.

Seam the sleeves to the armholes.

Turn the cardigan the right side out.

Neckline ribbing

Set up row: Attach yarn to the inner bottom left corner and sc all the way around until you reach the other side, turn.

Row 1: ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 9 ch, slst into each of the next 2 sc (on the main body of cardigan), turn.

Row 2: skip the 2 slsts you created, scblo in next 10 sc, turn.

Row 3: ch 1, scblo in next 10 sc, slst in next 2 sc (on the main body of cardigan), turn.

Rep rows 2-3 all the way around the entire neckline.

Fasten off and weave in all your ends.

You are now finished your Crochet Márta Cardigan.