Free Lightweight Cardigan Crochet Pattern

If you’re looking for a light layer that shifts through texture and colour, my Lunara Cardigan might be your next favourite make. This short sleeve crochet cardigan pattern is designed for warmer days and cooler evenings — easy to wear, easy to style, and fun to crochet.

The photo below shows how the stitch patterns transition throughout the design — from open and airy to soft and solid.

My summer crochet cardigan is all about texture and shape. It’s worked flat in one piece up to the armholes, then split for the fronts and back — meaning minimal seaming and a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders.  My design uses a softly shaped V-neckline for a flattering finish.

The stitch patterns transition gently from treble V-stitches to double mesh clusters, then into solid double crochet — creating a soothing rhythm as you work and a beautiful fade in both texture and tone.

Whether you’re drawn to the ombré yarn, the open stitchwork, or the easy layering potential, this pattern is a mindful and satisfying project for intermediate crocheters.

What colours will you choose? Come and share your version in our Facebook group!

Available in sizes S to 3X, the pattern is written in US crochet terms.

The free pattern is below. If you prefer to work from a PDF, you’ll find Lunara available in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

Jump to: Materials | Measurements | Free Pattern

Skill Level

I’ve rated this cardigan project as intermediate due to the shaping for the V-neck and using different stitch patterns.

Materials

• DK Cotton #3 weight: 700, (770, 890, 1000, 1110, 1225) yds
• 5mm crochet hook (foundation chain)
• 4mm crochet hook (treble V-Stitch/double crochet and mesh cluster rows)
• 3.5mm crochet hook (double crochet rows after split for back and fronts)
• Tape Measure
• Stitch Markers
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Optional 20mm button

My Yarn Choices

I used 1 cake of YarnArtBouquet (color 717) from the hem to the armhole and a ball and a half of King Cole Cottonsoft DK in French Navy from the armhole to the shoulder. Both of these are from my stash.

If you use the same YarnArt cake, pulling from the inside starts lighter at the hem and moves towards the darker colour, and if starting from the outside, will start dark towards the lightest colour.

You can substitute any DK cotton #3 weight yarn.  My pattern is great for stash busting … have a look through your leftover yarn for colours that complement each other. 

If your gauge doesn’t match mine, adjust your stitches using my stitch gauge converter.

Tip: If you’re working with ombre yarn, once the pattern splits, work the two fronts first so you can match the colours. 

Gauge

16 stitches and 8 rows of double crochet on a 3.5mm hook = 10cm X 10cm

17 stitches and 12 rows of mesh cluster on a 4mm hook =  10cm X 10cm

Stitches (US Terms)

You will need to be able to work these stitches:

Special Stitches

Treble V Stitch:  [tr, ch1, tr] in same stitch indicated

Double Crochet Cluster (dcCl): Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull through the stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, pull through (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog): Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull through the stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull through (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

• Single Crochet (sc)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

Abbreviations

• Chain/s (ch/s)
• Chain Space (ch-sp)
• Continue (cont)
• Each (ea)
• Remaining (rem)
• Repeat (rep)
• Right Side (RS)
• Skip (sk)
• Stitch/s (st/s)
• Wrong Side (WS)

Measurements

• Measurements are in inches.
• Width measurement is the final width of the cardigan.  If you would like extra movement, go up a size.
• Length measurement is from shoulder to hem.
• Yarn amounts are in yards and are approximate.

Sizes follow guidance from The Craft Yarn Council.

How to Crochet the Lunara Short Sleeve Cardigan

The Lunara cardigan is worked in one piece up to the armholes, then split into fronts and back. If you find seams uncomfortable, this construction is ideal — it reduces bulk and feels smooth on the skin.

This lightweight summer crochet cardigan uses three different stitch patterns to create texture and visual interest:

• Section 1: V-stitch rows alternate with double crochet
• Section 2: Mesh cluster stitch
• Section 3: Double crochet rows

The image below shows where each stitch pattern appears in the design.

To help shape the cardigan and maintain structure, I used three different hook sizes:

• 5mm hook: For the foundation chain — makes it easier to work into the back bumps and keeps the edge from stretching out
• 4mm hook: For the main body up to the armhole split
• 3.5mm hook: From the armhole to the shoulder — helps pull the fabric back into shape after the open mesh section

The V-neck shaping is simple and beginner-friendly. It’s achieved by working a double crochet two together (dc2tog) at the neck edge on the shaping rows.

To assemble, the front sections are folded over the back and the shoulder seams are sewn.

A round of single crochet is worked around the armhole to neaten the edging.  That’s it — no sleeves to add!

For finishing, I added a 20mm button sewn on the left front (when worn), at row 36.  Luckily, I had a couple of buttons left over from my granny hooded cardigan which matched perfectly! No buttonhole is needed — it fits through an existing stitch.

Alternatively, you could thread a crocheted chain through the same row for a tie closure.

My Pattern Notes

• This pattern is written in English using US crochet terms.
• The stitch pattern is in multiples of 3 (+1 starting chain).
• Size instructions are written like this: S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X).
• Stitch repeats are written between asterisks * instruction *
• Chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
• Chain 2 counts as a double crochet.
• Chain 3 counts as a treble crochet.
• Be aware that the double crochet cluster stitch and double crochet 2 together are very similar but have one difference – the cluster is worked in the same stitch while double crochet 2 together is worked over 2 stitches. 
• Row 3 (and repeats) first stitch is placed in chain 3 stitch.
• When counting stitches for splitting for fronts and back the turning chain counts as a stitch – the next stitch is literally the next stitch (not the turning chain).
• Stitch markers in row 35 are used to show where to rejoin yarn for back and second front.
• Read these notes alongside how the pattern is worked and the instructions.
• If you substitute the yarn, you may need more or less yarn that stated.
• Weave in ends as you go.

Lunara Crochet Cardigan Pattern Instructions

With a 5mm hook

Ch 151, (175, 190, 208, 226, 241)

Change to 4mm hook and working in back bumps only

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across, ch2, turn (150, 174, 189, 207, 225, 240 sc)

Row 2: dc in ea st across, ch3, turn

Row 3:  tr in 1^st st, sk 2 sts, v-st in next st, *sk 2 sts, v-st in next st, * rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 2 tr in last st, ch2, turn

Row 4: dc in ea tr and ch-sp across, ending dc in last st, ch3, turn

Row 5: rep row 3

Row 6: rep row 4

Row 7: rep row 3

Row 8: rep row 4

Mesh Cluster Stitch

Row 9: dc in next st, ch1, sk 1 st, *dcCl in next st, ch2, sk 2 sts, * rep across to last 4 sts, dcCl in next st, sk 1 st, dc in last 2 sts, ch1, turn

Row 10: sc in top of ea dcCl and 2 sc in ea ch2-sp across, ch2, turn

Row 11 – 34: rep rows 9 and 10, ch2 at end of row 34

Splitting Fronts and Backs – Double Crochet Rows

Change to 3.5mm hook

First Front

Row 35: dc in next 34, (40, 46, 50, 56, 62) sts, count 4, (4, 4, 6, 6, 6) sts and place a st marker in the next st, ch2, turn leaving rem sts unworked

Row 36: dc to last 2 sts, dc2tog, ch2, turn

Row 37: dc2tog in next 2 sts, dc in ea st across, ch2, turn

Row 38 – 47: rep rows 36 and 37

Cont working rows of dc until piece from start of first front measures 7, (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam.

Back

Rejoin yarn at st marker, ch2

Row 35: dc in next 71, (83, 86, 92, 98, 101) sts, count 4, (4, 4, 6, 6, 6) sts and place a st marker in the next st, ch2, turn, leaving rem sts unworked

Cont working rows of dc until piece from start of first front measures 7, (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches

Fasten off

Second Front

Rejoin yarn at st marker, ch2

Row 35: dc in ea st across, ch2, turn

Row 36: dc2tog in next 2 sts, dc in ea st across, ch2, turn

Row 37: dc in ea st to last 2 sts, dc2tog, ch2, turn

Row 38 – 47: rep rows 36 and 37

Cont working rows of dc until piece from start of first front measures 7, (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam.

Shoulder Seams

Working on WS, fold fronts over back and line up shoulder sts

Sew shoulder seams

Armhole Edging

With a 3.5mm hook and working on RS, rejoin yarn underarm

Ch1, sc evenly around armhole, join with sl st.

Fasten off

Rep on other side

Optional Closure

• Button – sew a button of your choice no larger than 20mm on the left front (when worn), at row 36
• Chain tie – with two strands of your chosen yarn held together, chain to your desired length.  Thread through row 36 on each side of the cardigan and tie to close.

Congratulations!  You have finished your lightweight cardigan.

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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