Long Sleeve Crochet Cardigan Pattern

With two length options to choose from, you can customize this long-sleeve crochet cardigan pattern to suit your personal style and preference.  Choose a single colour or a vibrant palette of hues to make this cardigan uniquely yours.

I enjoyed working the granny stitch in my seamless cardigan and wanted to work with it in another garment.  This time however, I’ve created a totally different design and added in another stitch.  This cardigan isn’t seamless, it has V-neck shaping and I’ve used a simple crocheted closure instead of a button band.

Instructions are written in UK and US crochet terms for sizes S to 3X and include two different lengths – 18 inch and 24.5 inch.

Keep scrolling for the free pattern or you can upgrade to a PDF in my Ravelry or Etsy stores.

Why you’ll Love Crocheting this Cardigan

How the long sleeve summer cardigan pattern is worked

My cardigan uses a blend of V-stitch and granny stitch which is worked in alternating rows throughout.

The granny stitch is used to begin the separate pieces giving a decorative edge to the hem and sleeve cuffs.  No ribbing needed!  I wanted a less structure feel to this cardi as in flowing and less restricted so this works perfectly, especially for the sleeve cuffs.  Wrists are not enclosed and the open stitches give skin space to breath – perfect for the warmer months!

I have used stacked stitches to begin the rows (instead of a turning chain).  This gives a really neat and tidy finish to the edges.  No edging is needed. 

A length of chains is worked in one row and folded over to slip stitch to give ‘tubing’ for the closure which is tied through the stitches at the start of the V-neck shaping.

My long-sleeved cardigan is worked in 5 separate simple shapes with minimal shaping and then seamed together.

The numbers below correspond to the numbers in the process images above.

1. The back of the cardigan is crocheted first.  There is no shaping for the back piece.  It is worked flat and turned to work in rows.
2. Right Front and Left front are worked next.  I have decreased for the V-neck shaping by skipping stitches and leaving stitches unworked. These pieces are also worked flat and turned to work in rows.
3. The sleeves are worked from the shoulder edge to the cuff, worked flat and turned to work in rows.  Decreases are made by working two stitches together at the beginning and ending of a row. 
4. Assembly begins with the sewing of the shoulder seams.  Working on the wrong side, the left and right front are lined up with the back and sewn into place.
5. This is followed by setting the sleeves in place by lining up the shoulder edge of the sleeve with the shoulder edge, pinning into place and sewing along the shoulder. The sleeve is then folded in half and the seaming continues to the cuff.  Finally, the seam is sewn from the underarm down the side of the garment to the hem.  The image below shows how to lay out your cardigan for setting the sleeve in place and sewing the sleeve seam.

The crocheted tubing is worked last and threaded through the stitches at the start of the decreases on the right and left front.

Related Crochet Cardigan Patterns

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• Looking for a quick make?  These chunky cardigan patterns could be just what you need.
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• Planning your summer makes?  This bright striped cardigan or lacy summer cardigan could be just what you’re looking for.  Browse these free summer crochet cardigans for inspiration.
• Looking for simple but stylish?  You’ll love this cocoon cardigan.
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• With a cute block of hearts worked in filet crochet, the Amelia short-sleeve cardigan just might become one of your favourites.

Yarn Choices

I used Elements Panoramic DK in the colourway Prism from my yarn stash for this cardigan.  The blend of 40% cotton and 60% acrylic gives a softness that was great to work with.  It’s perfect for adding breathability to summer garments!  I love the way the colour changes in the yarn work on this garment. Sadly, this yarn has since been discontinued.

You can substitute any DK yarn that meets gauge (use the stitch gauge converter tool to adjust your stitches).  My recommendation would be to substitute with a similar mix of fibres if you are wanting to achieve a similar drape and finish. 

Elements Colours Cotton Blend is 55% cotton and 45% acrylic and you could change colour every few rows.  Drops and King Cole have cotton/acrylic blends that would be suitable too.  Have a browse through Wool Warehouse for some ideas, or you might have a suitable yarn in your stash.

Cardigan Pattern Notes

• Sizes are written for S to 3X and instructions are written thus S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)
• This pattern uses a stacked UK treble, US double to begin rows (see stitches section)
• Repeating instructions are noted * [   ]  ie; *[sk 2 sts, 3tr in next ch] * rep to last 3 sts
• Two lengths are available – 18inches and 24.5inches
• Make sure you follow the instructions to match front and back for your length preference
• Weave in ends as you go

Skill Level

Easy

Supplies and Materials

• 4.5mm Crochet Hook
• DK (60% acrylic, 40% cotton) see Measurements table for amounts for the different sizes and the two different lengths
• Stitch markers/scrap yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Stitches and Abbreviations

UK Treble Crochet (tr)  /  US Double Crochet (dc)

UK Treble 2 Together (tr2tog) / US Double 2 Together (dc2tog)

Special Stitches

Stacked UK treble crochet (stacked treble) / US double crochet (stacked double)

Image below shows the two loops under my hook.

V-Stitch (V-St):

Granny Stitch

If you need help with working any of these stitches, you’ll find instructions in the stitch library.

• Slip Stitch – sl st
• Chain – ch
• Skip – sk
• Rep – repeat
• Stitch/es – st/s
• Space – sp
• Decrease – decr
• Continue – cont
• Remaining – rem
• Opposite – opp
• Right Side – RS
• Wrong Side – WS

Gauge

16 stitches and 9 rows on a 4.5mm hook = 10cm X 10cm

Measurements

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.