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Striped Cardigan Crochet Pattern

My cardigan crochet pattern offers an easy-to-follow design with unique features that is perfect to wear for a variety of occasions and seasons. 

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

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

a cardigan is laying flat with the sleeve bent across the body

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Striped crochet cardigan styled on a mannequin and a woman wearing the same cardigan

Why you’ll Love Crocheting this Cardigan

Expressive Style: Bright, striped colours can instantly add personality and vibrancy into your wardrobe.  Whether you’re running errands, meeting friends for coffee, or browsing local markets, my cardigan design adds a touch of effortless style to your everyday look. Pair it with jeans or shorts and a simple tee for a laid-back yet chic ensemble.
Seasonal Transition: During transitional seasons like spring and autumn, a bright, striped cardigan can serve as a versatile layering piece. Its lively colours complement the changing scenery outdoors while providing you with an extra layer of warmth when temperatures fluctuate (a lot for us in the UK!).
Mood Enhancement: We all know that colour has a powerful impact on mood and emotions. Choosing vibrant, cheerful shades for your cardigan can lift your spirits and give you feelings of joy and optimism, making this cardigan the perfect garment to brighten up dreary days or add a pop of colour to any outfit.

How the pattern is worked

My cardigan pattern uses an easy two-row repeat – UK double crochet /  US single crochet row and UK treble crochet/ US double crochet row that alternate.

I haven’t used a seamless construction for this cardi as I thought it would be easier for you to work the cardigan in separate pieces due to the shaping of the armhole and V-neck.  The back, right front, left front and two sleeves are worked from the bottom up and turned to work in rows.

Instead of buttons, I’ve used bobble stitches and loops as closure and I’ve repeated the bobble stitches around the cuff of the sleeves.

Instead of a turning-chain on even rows I’ve used a stacked treble to begin the row.  This gives a neat edging so I haven’t worked edging for the hem, cuffs or around the front/neck of the cardi.  If you prefer a more finished edge, you can work a row/round of UK double crochet / US single crochet but I honestly believe this cardigan doesn’t need it.

Numbered 1 to 5 this image shows the process for crocheting this cardigan. 1) back 2) right and left front 3) sleeves 4) shoulder seams 5) sew in seams and side seams
The process of crocheting the different cardigan pieces and assembly

The numbers below correspond to the numbers in the image above.

  1. The back of the striped cardigan is crocheted first.  To decrease for the armhole shaping I’ve used slip stitches at the start of rows leaving the same number of stitches unworked at the end of rows. 
  2. The right front and left front are worked next.  A single bobble stitch is worked on both right and left on odd rows (UK double crochet/US single crochet) and spaced 7 rows apart.  The loops are worked on the right-hand side.  There are 7 ‘buttons.’  For the right front the bobbles are worked at the end of rows, the left front at the beginning of rows.  Decreasing for the armholes is worked the same as the back.  Decreases for the neckline shaping are made by crocheting two stitches together on alternative rows (UK treble crochet/US double crochet rows).
close up of the front of a cardigan showing the bobble and loop closure
Bobble and Loop Closures
  1. I’ve worked bobble stitches in row 3 of each sleeve as an embellishment that ties in with the design of the ‘buttons.’  If you prefer not to have the bobbles, you can replace this row with UK double crochet / US single crochet.  Increases for the sleeve are made at the start and end of rows by working two stitches into one stitch. 
A sleeve from a striped cardigan is laid out flat to show the increases
  1. Next, we start assembling the garment by sewing the shoulder seams.  The left and right front are lined up with the back and sewn into place.
  2. This is followed by setting the sleeves in place by lining up the shoulder edge of the sleeve with the shoulder edge of the right and left fronts, pinning into place and sewing along the shoulder.  The image below shows how to lay out your cardigan ready for setting the sleeve in place. 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.
Edge of a shoulder showing where to set the cardigan sleeve
Sewing the sleeve to the shoulder edge 1) sew sleeve to shoulder edge 2) fold sleeve edges and sew sleeve seam

Related Crochet Cardigan Patterns

Yarn Choices

Cygnet Tickly Tots DK is a relatively new yarn (at the time I’m writing this pattern).  I couldn’t resist the bright colours! and couldn’t wait to get started.  I was interested in finding out how the stripes would work out and also how soft it would be.  It worked out really well and it is lovely and soft!

I chose the Make Rainbows colour and love the sequence of the stripes.  It gives a real summery vibe and the colours work well with lots of different outfits.  There are 6 colours available for you to choose from.

Brand NameCygnet
Yarn NameTickly Tots
Yarn WeightDK
Ball Weight100g
Length265 metres  /  289 yds
Blend100% Acrylic
  
Care InstructionsWashing machine 30 – Normal
 Do Not Bleach
 Do Not Iron
 Do Not Tumble Dry

Yarn Substitutions

Montage of 3 images showing a close up of crochet stitches and the cardigan crocheted in those stitches styled on a mannequin

Cardigan Pattern Notes

  • My pattern is written in UK and US crochet terms for sizes S to 3X (see separate table for finished sizes).
  • Sizes are written as thus; S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X).
  • Chain one does not count as a stitch.
  • Even rows begin with a stacked treble (see the stitches and abbreviations section).
  • Weave in ends as you go.
  • I recommend you spend some time reading through the pattern before you start to crochet.  Right front/left front decreases for the V-neckline and armhole and the bobble stitch are not worked on the same rows.  For ease of use for myself when I was designing this pattern, I created a simple Google sheet and ticked the boxes for working the decreases and bobble stitch.  You can download a copy and use this resource to keep on track.
  • If you substitute the yarn, be aware that I found Tickly Tots worked up between a DK and Aran/Worsted weight. Crochet a swatch and check your gauge.

Level

Easy

A woman is standing with her back to the viewer wearing a cardigan. The same cardigan is styled on a mannequin

Supplies and Materials

  • 4.5mm / US 7 Crochet Hook
  • 5mm /  US H-8 Crochet Hook
  • Cygnet Tickly Tots DK  S 1552, (M 1716, L 1907, XL 2030, 2X 2390, 3X 2660) yds
  • Stitch Markers
  • Scissors
  • Measuring Tape
  • Yarn Needle

Stitches and Abbreviations

UK Crochet TermsUS Crochet Terms
Double Crochet (dc)Single Crochet (sc)
Treble Crochet (tr)Double Crochet (dc)
Treble 2 Together (tr2tog)Double 2 Together (dc2tog)

Special Stitches

Stacked UK treble crochet / US double crochet

Do not chain any stitches.  Insert your hook into the very first stitch in the row.  Yarn over, pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through to complete what is a UK double/ US single crochet stitch.  Insert hook in second loop of the two loops that are under your hook, yarn over, pull up a loop so that there are two loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through to complete.

Image below shows the two loops under my hook.

The two loops under the crochet hook to work the stacked treble/double crochet stitch

5 Bobble Stitch worked on left and right front (5-bob): yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, *yarn round hook, pull up a loop, yarn round hook, and pull through two loops, * repeat 4 more times, yarn round hook, pull through all loops, chain 1. Bobble Stitch made.

7 Bobble Stitch worked on sleeve (7-bob): yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, *yarn round hook, pull up a loop, yarn round hook, and pull through two loops, * repeat 6 more times, yarn round hook, pull through all loops, chain 1. Bobble Stitch made.

Abbreviations

  • Slip Stitch – sl st
  • Stitch/es – st/s
  • Chain – ch
  • Each – ea
  • Repeat – rep
  • Continue – cont
  • Wrong Side – WS
  • Right Side – RS

Measurements

SizeTo Fit (inches)Finished Size (inches)Finished Size Length (inches)Amount of Yarn (yards)
S32 – 3438.5231552
M36 – 3842.5241716
L40 – 4246.524.51907
XL44 – 4648.7525.252030
2X48 – 5054262390
3X52 – 5459.5272660
Measurements follow the Craft Yarn Council standard body measurements

Gauge

15 stitches and 12 rows on a 4.5mm crochet hook

Montage of 5 images showing front, side, back views of a crochet cardigan styled on a mannequin and an inmage showing the front and back laid flat and assembled laying flat

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Included in the crochet cardigan pattern is:

  • how the pattern is worked
  • pattern notes
  • clear written instructions
Etsy
Ravelry

Striped Crochet Cardigan Instructions UK Terms

Back

With a 5mm hook

Ch 74, (82, 88, 92, 102, 114)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in ea ch across (73, 81, 87, 91, 101, 113 dc)

Row 2: stacked tr, tr in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: dc in base of ch1, dc in ea st across, turn

Rows 2 and 3 form pattern

Rep rows 2 and 3 until back measures 41, (42, 43, 44, 45, 46) cm

Shape Armhole

Next row: sl st in 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, cont pattern to last 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked (67, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97 sts)

Cont with pattern until back measures 58, (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) cm.

Fasten off

Right Front

With a 5mm hook

Ch 43, (45, 49, 51, 55, 61)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in ea ch across (42, 44, 48, 50, 54, 60 dc)

Row 2: stacked tr, tr in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: dc in base of ch1 and ea st to last 3 sts, 7-bob in next st, dc in last 2 sts, turn

Row 4: rep row 2

Row 5: dc in base of ch1, dc in ea st across, turn

Rows 4 and 5 form pattern

Bobble Placements

Rows 11, 19, 27, 35, 43 replace row 5 with row 3 (total 6 bobble ‘buttons’)

V Neck Decrease Rows

Tr2tog, tr in ea st across worked on even (alternate) rows

Start decreases at row 42, (42, 44, 46, 46, 48)

Continue to decrease for a total of 9, (8, 8, 10, 9, 10) times

Shape Armhole

Decrease begins at 41, (42, 43, 44, 45, 46) cm

Next row: sl st in 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, cont pattern to end

Cont with pattern until back measures 58, (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) cm.

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam.

Left Front

With a 5mm hook

Ch 43, (45, 49, 51, 55, 61)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in ea ch across (42, 44, 48, 50, 54, 60 dc)

Row 2: stacked tr, tr in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: dc in base of ch1 and next st, 7-bob in next st, dc to end, turn

Row 4: rep row 2

Row 5: dc in base of ch1, dc in ea st across, turn

Rows 4 and 5 form pattern

Bobble Placements

Rows 11, 19, 27, 35, 43 replace row 5 with row 3 (total 6 bobble ‘buttons’)

V Neck Decrease Rows

Tr to last 3 sts, Tr2tog, tr in last st worked on even (alternate) rows

Start decreases at row 42, (42, 44, 46, 46, 48)

Continue to decrease for a total of 9, (8, 8, 10, 9, 10) times

Shape Armhole

Decrease begins at 41, (42, 43, 44, 45, 46) cm

Next row: cont pattern to last 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked

Cont with pattern until back measures 58, (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) cm.

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam.

Sleeve (make 2)

With a 5mm hook

Ch 44, (44, 46, 46, 48, 50)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in ea ch across (43, 43, 45, 45, 47, 49 dc)

Row 2: stacked tr, tr in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: *dc in 3 sts, 5-bob in next st, * rep across ending with dc in last st, turn

Row 4: rep row 2

Row 5: dc in base of ch1, dc in ea st across, turn

Rep rows 4 and 5 until sleeve measures 13, (12, 13, 11, 13, 11) cm ending row 5

Next row (increase): stacked tr, tr in same st, tr to last 2 sts, 2 tr in last st, ch1, turn

Next row: rep row 5

Rep above 2 rows for a total of 14, (16, 18, 20, 22, 22) rows (57, 59, 63, 65, 69, 72 sts)

Cont with rows 4 and 5 until sleeve measures 43, (43, 45, 45, 46, 46) cm

Fasten off.

Assembly

Shoulder seams

With RS facing inwards, line up right and left front to back piece and sew seam. 

Sleeve

Working on the WS, lay the cardigan out (see image in how the pattern is worked) and mark the centre stitch of the top of the sleeve. 

Line centre st of the sleeve with shoulder seam along the shoulder edge.  Pin in place.  Sew seam.  Fold sleeve over (still working on WS) and sew sleeve seam from shoulder to cuff.

Side Seam

Sew side seam from underarm to hem.

Loops for Closure

Loops made at the beginning of each bobble row on Right Hand side of cardigan:

Rejoin yarn at start of bobble row, sl st into same st, ch7, sl st into same st.  Fasten off and sew in ends

Congratulations!  You’ve finished your cardigan.

A striped cardigan is styled on a mannequin

Striped Crochet Cardigan Instructions US Terms

Back

With a 5mm

Ch 74, (82, 88, 92, 102, 114)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across (73, 81, 87, 91, 101, 113 sc)

Row 2: stacked dc, dc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in base of ch1, sc in ea st across, turn

Rows 2 and 3 form pattern

Rep rows 2 and 3 until back measures 41, (42, 43, 44, 45, 46) cm

Shape Armhole

Next row: sl st in 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, cont pattern to last 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked (67, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97 sts)

Cont with pattern until back measures 58, (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) cm.

Fasten off

Right Front

With a 5mm hook

Ch 43, (45, 49, 51, 55, 61)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across (42, 44, 48, 50, 54, 60 sc)

Row 2: stacked dc, dc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in base of ch1 and ea st to last 3 sts, 7-bob in next st, sc in last 2 sts, turn

Row 4: rep row 2

Row 5: sc in base of ch1, sc in ea st across, turn

Rows 4 and 5 form pattern

Bobble Placements

Rows 11, 19, 27, 35, 43 replace row 5 with row 3 (total 6 bobble ‘buttons’)

V Neck Decrease Rows

DC2tog, dc in ea st across worked on even (alternate) rows

Start decreases at row 42, (42, 44, 46, 46, 48)

Continue to decrease for a total of 9, (8, 8, 10, 9, 10) times

Shape Armhole

Decrease begins at 41, (42, 43, 44, 45, 46) cm

Next row: sl st in 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, cont pattern to end

Cont with pattern until back measures 58, (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) cm.

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam.

Left Front

With a 5mm hook

Ch 43, (45, 49, 51, 55, 61)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across (42, 44, 48, 50, 54, 60 sc)

Row 2: stacked dc, dc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in base of ch1 and next st, 7-bob in next st, sc to end, turn

Row 4: rep row 2

Row 5: sc in base of ch1, sc in ea st across, turn

Rows 4 and 5 form pattern

Bobble Placements

Rows 11, 19, 27, 35, 43 replace row 5 with row 3 (total 6 bobble ‘buttons’)

V Neck Decrease Rows

Dc to last 3 sts, DC2tog, dc in last st  – worked on even (alternate) rows

Start decreases at row 42, (42, 44, 46, 46, 48)

Continue to decrease for a total of 9, (8, 8, 10, 9, 10) times

Shape Armhole

Decrease begins at 41, (42, 43, 44, 45, 46) cm

Next row: cont pattern to last 3, (4, 4, 4, 7, 8) sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked

Cont with pattern until back measures 58, (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) cm.

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam.

Sleeve (make 2)

With a 5mm hook

Ch 44, (44, 46, 46, 48, 50)

Change to 4.5mm hook

Row 1 (WS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across (43, 43, 45, 45, 47, 49 sc)

Row 2: stacked dc, dc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Row 3: *sc in 3 sts, 5-bob in next st, * rep across ending with sc in last st, turn

Row 4: rep row 2

Row 5: sc in base of ch1, sc in ea st across, turn

Rep rows 4 and 5 until sleeve measures 13, (12, 13, 11, 13, 11) cm ending row 5

Next row (increase): stacked dc, dc in same st, dc to last 2 sts, 2 dc in last st, ch1, turn

Next row: rep row 5

Rep above 2 rows for a total of 14, (16, 18, 20, 22, 22) rows (57, 59, 63, 65, 69, 72 sts)

Cont with rows 4 and 5 until sleeve measures 43, (43, 45, 45, 46, 46) cm

Fasten off.

Assembly

Shoulder seams

With RS facing inwards, line up right and left front to back piece and sew seam. 

Fasten off

Sleeve

Working on the WS, lay the cardigan out (see image in how the pattern is worked) and mark the centre stitch of the top of the sleeve. 

Line centre st of the sleeve with shoulder seam along the shoulder edge.  Pin in place.  Sew seam.  Fold sleeve over (still working on WS) and sew sleeve seam from shoulder to cuff. 

Side Seam

Sew side seam from underarm to hem.

Loops for Closure

Loops made at the beginning of each bobble row on Right Hand side of cardigan:

Rejoin yarn at start of bobble row, sl st into same st, ch7, sl st into same st.  Fasten off and sew in ends

Congratulations!  You’ve finished your 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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