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Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
20-25 Hours Time Needed
3.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

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Layered Comfort

Perfect for cozy, stylish layering through changing seasons with versatile, mix-and-match potential.

About This Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern

This patchwork cardigan pattern is a delightful journey into color-block crochet construction. The design uses a vertical strip method where each piece is worked separately and then seamlessly joined using the mattress stitch technique. The pattern includes three sizes ranging from XS-S-M to 2-3XL, making it accessible for various body types. The oversized fit provides comfortable wearing ease while the ribbed edging and button band add professional finishing touches that elevate this handmade garment.

Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

What makes this pattern special is the creative use of multi-strand squares using DK weight yarns alongside medium weight yarn blocks. The color palette is warm and earthy, creating a vintage-inspired aesthetic that's both timeless and trendy.

Why You'll Love This Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it takes a simple single crochet stitch and transforms it into something extraordinary through clever color blocking and construction techniques. The vertical strip method means you're constantly seeing progress, which keeps the project exciting from start to finish. I appreciate how forgiving this design is – if you're not happy with a strip, you can easily adjust before committing to the full assembly. The oversized fit is incredibly comfortable and flattering, and the ability to customize your color choices means every cardigan created from this pattern will be uniquely yours. There's something deeply satisfying about watching those strips come together into a wearable piece of art!

Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this patchwork cardigan pattern by playing with completely different color palettes to match various moods and seasons. Instead of the earthy tones suggested, I've tried creating a vibrant rainbow version using jewel tones that absolutely pops, and another in soft pastels that feels like spring wrapped around your shoulders. You could also try an ombré effect by arranging your strips from light to dark, creating a stunning gradient across the entire cardigan.

For a more modern minimalist look, I've worked this pattern in just two contrasting colors like cream and charcoal, which creates bold graphic blocks that look incredibly chic. Another fun variation is using variegated or self-striping yarn for some of the color blocks while keeping others solid, adding an extra layer of visual interest without additional effort.

If you're feeling adventurous, try varying the width of some strips by changing your foundation chain count, creating asymmetrical blocks that add an artistic, contemporary feel. You could also incorporate textured stitches like bobbles or popcorn stitches in some of the color blocks instead of plain single crochet for added dimension. The beauty of this construction method is that each strip is independent, so you can truly customize every aspect to make this cardigan uniquely yours!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not checking gauge carefully before starting can result in a cardigan that's too small or too large for your intended size ✗ Forgetting to change colors at the end of row twenty-two by completing the color change through the final stitch can create uneven color transitions ✗ Skipping stitch markers when assembling sleeves to the body can lead to uneven sleeve placement and puckering at the shoulders ✗ Pulling the mattress stitch too tightly when joining vertical strips can cause the seams to pucker and distort the fabric shape

Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Create your own stunning oversized patchwork cardigan with this detailed crochet pattern! This beautiful garment features colorful vertical strips worked in single crochet, creating a unique mosaic of colors including redwood, beige, brown, ecru, and mocha tones. The cardigan is constructed using a clever vertical strip method that's both engaging and satisfying to work. Perfect for showcasing multiple yarn colors, this cozy piece includes ribbed details, functional button closures, and comfortable sleeves that make it ideal for layering throughout the seasons.

Intermediate 20-25 Hours

Materials Needed for Patchwork Cardigan Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Lanoso Cazz 100% Acrylic, 100 gr (3.5 oz) = 180m (197yds) - 10 ply Medium - Aran weight
  • 02
    5 different colors: Redwood, Beige, Brown, Ecru, and Mocha
  • 03
    Kartopu Ak-Soft 100% Acrylic, 100 gr (3.5 oz) = 240 m (262 yds) for multi-strand squares
  • 04
    Two DK weight yarns: Mocha DK and Ecru DK for multi-strand work
  • 05
    Total yarn needed: 10 (11, 12.5) balls depending on size

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4 mm crochet hook (for ribbing)
  • 02
    5 mm crochet hook (or hook size to match gauge)
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    Yarn needle
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    3 buttons, 3 cm (1.1") or 3.5 cm (1.3") in diameter
  • 07
    Measuring tool (ruler or tape measure)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Front Panel :

Using 5 mm hook :

Ch 17 (19, 23)

Row 1 (RS) :

sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 16 (18, 22) sc

Info :

Rep row 1 until end of row 18 (20, 22). Switch to new color. Repeat this step 4 times. Fasten off

Info :

Make this vertical stripe 4 times in total, 2 times for the right front and 2 times for the left front

— Back Panel :

Using 5 mm hook :

Ch 17 (19, 23)

Row 1 (RS) :

sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 16 (18, 22) sc

Info :

Rep row 1 until end of row 18 (20, 22). Switch to new color. Repeat this step 4 times. Fasten off

Info :

Make 5 vertical stripes for the back panel

— Sleeves (Make 2) :

Using 4 mm hook :

Ch 10

Row 1 :

sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end. Turn. (SC X 9)

Row 2 :

ch 1, sc in BLO in each st across. Turn. (BLO SC X 9)

Info :

Rep row 2 until end of row 26 (28, 30)

Row 3 :

Change to 5 mm hook. Fold your crochet ribbing in half and use slip stitches to join last and first row together. Turn your crochet ribbing inside out

Row 4 :

Ch 1, SC in the same stitch times (increase) and continue until you have 56 (58, 60) slst into the last st of the round. Turn

Row 5 :

Ch 1, sc across, slst into the last st of the round. turn

Info :

Repeat row 5 until you have 27 rows. Fasten off. Switch to the next color from where the slip stitch was. Ch 1, and sc across. Repeat row 5 until you have 23 rows. Fasten off leaving a long tail

— Bottom Ribbing :

In Beige Yarn with a 4 mm hook :

Ch 14

Row 1 :

1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. (13 sc)

Row 2 :

Ch 1, sc in BLO in each st across. Turn. (BLO SC X 13)

Info :

Repeat row 2 until ribbing is long enough to go around the entire bottom edge of cardigan (that includes the bottom edges of the two front panels and the bottom edge of back panel). Fasten off leaving a very long tail

— Button Band :

In Beige Yarn with a 4 mm hook :

Turn cardigan right side out. Attach yarn to bottom inner corner of the cardigan. Ch 10

Row 1 :

1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. slst into next 2 sc (on the body of cardigan). Turn. (9 sc)

Row 2 :

skip 2 slsts, 9 sc in BLO, Ch 1, turn, 9 sc in BLO. slst in next 2 sc, turn, skip 2 slsts, 9 sc in BLO, ch 1, turn, 9 sc in BLO, slst in next 2 sc, turn...

Buttonhole Row :

Ch 1. Working sc in BLO, 1 sc in each of first 3 sts, Ch 3, skip next 3 sts, 1 sc in each of last 3 sts. Slst into next 2 sc (on the body of cardigan). Turn

Info :

Grab 3 stitch markers and place them where you want your three button holes to be. With the Right side facing you, space out the 3 buttons evenly along the opening edge of the neckline

Info :

Continue to Rows 2 until the height of ribbing reaches the next slip marker, then repeat a Buttonhole Row. Once you've crocheted all 3 buttonholes, continue to Rows 2 until the ribbing measures the length of the entire neckline. Fasten off and weave in all ends

Assembly Instructions

  • Using yarn needle and long tails, start by making the first strip, then invisible sew stitch the previous strip as you progress using the mattress stitch technique
  • Lay work with wrong side facing down and edges to be sewn side by side, working through the top loop only of both sides
  • Lay the back panel on a flat surface, then place both front panels on top and seam front panels to back panel at the shoulders
  • Mark the middle stitch of each sleeve with a stitch marker, then attach stitch marker to the shoulder seam and seam sleeve to main body
  • Fold over your cardigan and seam along under edge of sleeves and down along the sides, then turn cardigan right side out
  • With your yarn needle and long tail, sew the ribbed hem to the bottom edge of cardigan around the entire perimeter
  • Sew buttons on the opposite side of the neckline opening, taking care to match buttons to buttonholes

Important Notes

  • 💡Gauge is critical: 4 x 4 inches equals 14 stitches and 16 rows in single crochet with 5 mm hook
  • 💡The turning chain at the beginning of a row does NOT count as a stitch throughout this pattern
  • 💡For multi-strand squares, use DK weight yarns (8 ply) held together to create the proper thickness
  • 💡If the neckline is ruffling, you've placed the buttons too close together; if it's puckering, they're too far apart
  • 💡This cardigan is designed to have an oversized fit, so choose your size accordingly based on the width and length measurements provided
  • 💡Color changes should be completed by stopping before the final yarn over on the last stitch of the row, then pulling through with the new color
  • 💡Block your finished cardigan by washing in cold water to achieve the measurements listed in the pattern

This stunning Patchwork Cardigan pattern combines the meditative simplicity of single crochet with the creative joy of color blocking to create a truly unique oversized garment. The vertical strip construction method makes this an engaging project that's perfect for using up your stash or showcasing a beautiful color palette. With detailed instructions for assembly and professional finishing touches like ribbed edges and a button band, you'll end up with a cozy, wearable piece of art that's sure to become a wardrobe favorite. The pattern's flexibility allows for endless color combinations, making each cardigan truly one-of-a-kind. 🧶 Happy crocheting! 🧵✨

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FAQs

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

While the pattern calls for medium weight (10 ply/Aran) yarn, you can substitute with a different weight as long as you adjust your hook size to match the gauge of 14 stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches. Keep in mind this will affect the final size of your cardigan.

How do I know which size to make?

Measure the width and length dimensions provided for each size (XS-S-M: 22" width, L-XL: 25" width, 2-3XL: 31" width) and compare to a cardigan you currently own that fits well. Remember this design is oversized, so choose based on your preferred level of ease.

What is the mattress stitch and why is it used?

The mattress stitch is an invisible seaming technique that joins the vertical strips by working through the top loops of stitches on both pieces. It creates a nearly seamless join that looks professional and allows the color blocks to flow together beautifully.

Can I make this cardigan without the multi-strand squares?

Absolutely! You can substitute the multi-strand squares with solid color blocks using the same medium weight yarn as the rest of the cardigan. This will simplify the process while still creating a beautiful patchwork effect.

How much yarn do I actually need for my size?

For size XS-S-M you'll need 10 total balls, for L-XL you'll need 11 balls, and for 2-3XL you'll need 12.5 balls. The pattern breaks down exactly how many balls of each color you need in the materials section.