Easy Rectangle Cardigan – Free Crochet Pattern

Are you a beginner at crochet and think you can only make scarves and hats? Think again! As the name implies, this cardigan is made up of easy to crochet rectangles.

If you can double crochet and single crochet, that is mostly what this project uses. To get the textured ribbing around the collar and hems, I show you how to work those double crochets in the front and back posts. If that technique is new to you, don’t worry, I break it down in the video (scroll down to right before the written pattern). We’ll go over seaming with single crochet as well, which is like sewing with crochet.

Now, if you are brand brand new to crochet, I have a Crochet Basics series that you may want to check out first. It covers how to hold your hook and how to tie a slip knot, then builds your skills up from that point with fun, easy projects.

Note: There are also some fitting things to go over…you’ll see that the sizing section is a bit wordy ;)…but it’s worth the read to make sure you get a cardigan that fits.

Okay, let’s make a cardigan!

MATERIALS

• DK/light/size 3 yarn*
• H/8 or 5.00 mm hook
• scissors
• yarn needle
• sewing clips or stitch markers

Material Notes

*This yarn is thinner and lighter than worsted weight yarn and can be a little more of a challenge to find than thicker yarns, especially in chain stores, but their DK offerings are getting better. If you want more color choices, I recommend shopping online on Lion Brand’s site or at Wecrochet.com (aka Knit Picks).

*You will need about 23-31 ounces or about 1,800 to 2,500 yards of yarn. This will vary between sizes. For reference, I made a size small and used about 24 ounces or 1,900 yards of yarn. I recommend over buying the amount of yarn you will need in the same color lot (so that the color won’t change if you need to go get another skein) and then return what you don’t use.

*I used “Feels Like Alpaca” yarn in Taupe from Lion Brand. It is very soft and because it is synthetic, it is machine washable and pretty affordable. I think it works up similarly to yarns with wool in them. If you use a yarn with cotton in it, beware that it will likely be denser/heavier and therefore it will drape and wear a little differently, but should still work great. In fact, I have another cardigan I’ll be sharing soon that uses cotton yarn.

*I highly recommend rolling all your skeins into cakes or balls before you begin, to prevent future tangles and frustration.

SIZING

This section is lengthy, but it is important to read through before you begin.

Measurements

Use your hip measurement to determine which size to make. If you are in between sizes, go up a size. I only listed hip size because typically, hips are bigger than waist and bust. If this is not the case, then you may want to use whichever measurement is largest (of bust, waist, or hips) to select your size.

Remember, this is a rectangle that will be the same size from top to bottom, so it just needs to be wide enough to accommodate the widest part of your body. It doesn’t need to close over the front of your body however, so use your best judgement to get the fit you want. Ten inches of ease has been added, so I recommend using the finished measurements as a guide if you want to make adjustments.

Note: For most, the sleeve will begin mid-bicep, but this may vary for you. Please use the sleeve length as a guide, but do a fit before seaming the sleeve in, especially if you are between sizes. If you make adjustments to the sleeve width, remember that you will have to account for this change when you seam the sides together for the arm hole. The sleeve width should stretch to fit the arm hole, so you have some flexibility here.

DISCLAIMER: This FREE pattern has not been tested in all sizes. Instead of hiring a pool of testers and putting this out as a paid pattern, I’ve decided to put it out for free and update it as needed. The sizing should be pretty forgiving, as it is a split front cardigan, but as you work up each rectangle, test the fit as you go.

This is most important for the sleeve opening (try this on after you have seamed the sides and shoulders) and the sleeve length (measure from about mid-bicep, where the cardigan shoulder should end, to wrist or wherever you prefer your sleeve to end, I like mine over most of my hands when stretched out). As you measure it on your body, remember that you will be adding about 2.5 inches with the bottom hem band and about 1.5 inches at the collar and the sleeve bands.

Shortening and Lengthening

Because this cardigan is made from rectangles you can add or subtract rows to get the length you want.

Consider your height and body proportions and the length you want your cardigan to be (the finished length is listed in the previous section on the measurement charts). Also keep in mind that the yarn will stretch as it hangs on your body. Some materials can stretch more than others, like cotton which is heavier.

I recommend working up the pattern as written and then holding it up to your shoulders and noting where it ends. Remember that the bottom hem band will add about 2.5 inches and a little extra weight that will stretch it down slightly more.

For reference, I am 5’3 (and a half ;)) with a longer torso and shorter legs. This cardigan hits me at the low to mid thigh, a few inches above my knees.

REMEMBER: Whatever changes you make to the back pieces, you also need to make to the front pieces. You may also need more or less yarn for the collar if you add or subtract rows.

GAUGE

4″ x 4″ = 15 double crochet x 10 rows

Because this is a larger project and sizing matters, I recommend working up a test swatch to see if your gauge is correct. If you are pretty close, but not exact, that is okay. The stitches stretch some as they are worn, so being within a half stitch or so is fine. If you are significantly too tight, you may want to try using a larger hook and if you’re too loose, a smaller hook can help.

ABBREVIATIONS

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet

VIDEO TUTORIAL

The video will start after the ad and should pop to the side or top of your screen as you scroll down so you can watch it while you read the written pattern.

It includes a refresher on how to work a chain, dc, slip stitch, and sc. It also shows you how to seam the pieces together and how to work fpdc and bpdc stitches.

Note: If the video looks grainy, select the gear button on the bottom right and increase the resolution to 1080p.

WRITTEN PATTERN & TUTORIAL

You will be creating 5 rectangles: 1 back, 2 front pieces, and 2 sleeves (plus two optional pockets).

Sizing is as follows: XXS (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL). Follow the number indicated in the same position as your size.

So if you are a size L, you would use the starred number: 1(2, 3, 4, 5*, 6, 7). Sometimes it helps to copy and paste the pattern into a word document so you can print it and highlight the number for your size.

Back piece (make one)

Chain  85 (89, 93, 97, 102, 107, 112)

Row 1: Dc in third chain from the hook, work 82 (86, 90, 94, 99, 104, 109) dc in the remaining chains. Total stitches (skipped chains count as one stitch) = 84 (88, 92, 96, 101, 106, 111).

Rows 2 to 60: Turn, chain 2, work 83 (87, 91, 95, 100, 105, 110) dc. 

Total stitches (ch 2 counts as one) = 84 (88, 92, 96, 101, 106, 111).

Tie off end and cut an 8 inch tail. 

Front piece (make two)

Chain  38 (40, 42, 44, 47, 50, 53)

Row 1: Dc in third chain from the hook, work 35 (37, 39, 41, 44, 47, 50) dc in the remaining chains. Total stitches (skipped chains count as one stitch) =  37 (39, 41, 43, 46, 49, 52).

Rows 2 to 60: Turn, chain 2, work 36 (38, 40, 42, 45, 48, 51) dc.

Total stitches (ch 2 counts as one) = 37 (39, 41, 43, 46, 49, 52).

Tie off end and cut an 8 inch tail. 

Sleeves (make two)

Chain 48 (50, 51, 54, 57, 60, 65).

Row 1: Dc in third chain from the hook, work 45 (47, 48, 51, 54, 57, 62) dc in the remaining chains. Total stitches (skipped chains count as one stitch) =  47 (49, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64).

Rows 2 to 35: Turn, chain 2, work 46 (48, 49, 52, 55, 58, 63) dc. 

Total stitches (ch 2 counts as one) =  47 (49, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64).

Tie off end and cut an 8 inch tail. 

Pockets (OPTIONAL)

Chain 26.

Row 1: Dc in third chain from the hook, work 23 dc. Total 25 stitches including two skipped chains counting as one stitch.

Rows 2-13: Chain 2, work 24 dc. Total: 25

Row 14: Turn. Chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from * to * 12 more times, fpdc. 

Row 15: Turn. Chain 2, *bpdc, fpdc*, repeat from * to * 12 more times, bpdc. 

Row 16: Repeat Row 14.

Row 17: Repeat Row 15.

Seam Cardigan Together

The video shows this in more detail, if you need more instruction than this.

Sleeves:

Fold them in half width-wise.

Tie a slip knot, insert your hook, and slip stitch to one corner of two joined edges.

Then work a sc in the same/near the same spot to secure the corner.

You are joining row side to row side, so work 2 sc in the sides of each joined set of rows all the way down the length of the sleeve.

Work 2 sc at the end corner to make it extra secure.

Cut an 8 inch tail and tie off.

Shoulders:

Select the ends that are stretchier. Hint: The end that had a starting chain will be less stretchy. You want the stretcheir ends for the back piece and the front piece to be at your shoulders.

Line them up and seam together the shoulders as you did the sleeves.

Because you are joining stitches to stitches (and not rows to rows) you only need to work 1 sc per stitch.

Cut an 8 inch tail and tie off.

Sides and Arm Holes:

Count the number of rows listed for your size from the shoulder seam down the front piece and mark with a clip or stitch marker. Repeat for the back side and make sure both clips match up.

15 (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22)

Seam the sides from the clips/stitch markers to the bottom of the cardigan as you did the shoulders.

***FIT CHECK!: Try it on at this point and make sure the arm opening feels comfortable. Hold the sleeve up to the hole to test fit as well. The sleeve should stretch some to fit the arm hole.

You may also want to test sleeve length at this point to see if you want to add or subtract rows. It’s much easier to remove the seaming and fix this now.

Add Sleeves

With the cardigan body wrong side out, turn the sleeves right side out.

Find the stretchier end of the sleeve. This is the end you want attached to your shoulder.

Matching sleeve seam with side seam, insert the sleeve into the arm hole (right sides facing), and clip at the seams. Then stretch the sleeve to fit the arm hole and clip in place.

Seam together with sc stitches. There are no prescribed number of stitches to work. Just work enough to make it clean and secure and make sure the sleeve is stretching to fit the arm hole rather than the arm hole shrinking to the sleeve. Work a few extra slip stitches at the arm pit to ensure it is secure and to help clean up any gaps.

Cut an 8 inch tail and tie off.

Turn the cardigan, including sleeves, right side out.

For this next section, again, refer to the video for clearer instructions.

Bottom Hem Band

Sizing XXS (XS, S, M, *x, XL, *xx) *See separate section for Sizes L and XXL

Row 1: Slip stitch into one corner. Chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from * to * 77 (81, 84, 89, x, 100, xx) times. Work one regular dc. Total stitch count = 156 (164, 172, 180, x, 202, xx)

Row 2: Turn, chain 2, *bpdc, fpdc*, repeat from * to * 77 (81, 84, 89, x, 100, xx) times. Work one regular dc. Total stitch count = 156 (164, 172, 180, x, 202, xx)

Row 3: Turn, chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from * to * 77 (81, 84, 89, x, 100, xx) times. Work one regular dc. Total stitch count = 156 (164, 172, 180, x, 202, xx)

Rows 4 and 6: Repeat Row 2

Rows 5 and 7: Repeat Row 3

Sizing L ( XXL)

Row 1: Slip stitch into one corner. Chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from * to * 94 (105) times. Total stitch count = 191 (213)

Row 2: Turn, chain 2, *bpdc, fpdc*, repeat from * to * 94 (105) times. Total stitch count = 191 (213)

Row 3: Turn, chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from * to * 94 (105) times. Total stitch count = 191 (213)

Rows 4 and 6: Repeat Row 2

Rows 5 and 7: Repeat Row 3

Collar Band

NOTE: For sizes XXS, XS, S, M follow pattern. For sizes L, XL, XXL, add an additional dc to on one of the shoulder seams, to make sure you get a total of 282 stitches. 

Turn from hem band into collar. You need to create a base of dc stitches first, before working fpdc and bpdc.

Row 1: Chain 2, dc around 281 times. (Work 2 dc in the side of each row. There are two loops/spaces on the side of row. If you work each stitch in those there will be less obvious gaps. At the neck, simply work one dc per stitch.)Total = 282 stitches. 

Row 2: Turn, chain 2 ,*fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from *to* 280 times. Total stitches = 282.

Row 3: Turn, chain 2, *bpdc, fpdc*, repeat from * to * 280 times. Total = 282.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: Repeat Row 3. 

Sleeve Bands

You want the sleeve band to cinch the sleeve inward, so the first round will be comprised of decreasing stitches to cut the number of total stitches into about half. See the video for instruction.

Sizes: S (L, XXL)

Round 1: Attach with slip stitch. Chain 2. Work *decreasing fpdc, decreasing bpdc*, repeat from *to* 22 (25, 29) times. Slip stitch to top of chain 2. Total stitches = 25 (28, 32).

Round 2: Chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from *to* 22 (25, 29) times. Slip stitch to top of chain 2. Total stitches = 25 (28, 32).

Rounds 3-6: Repeat Round 2.

Sizes: XXS (XS, M, XL) 

Round 1: Attach yarn with slip stitch. Chain 2. Work *decreasing fpdc, decreasing bpdc*, repeat from *to* 20 (21, 23, 26) times. Work 1 dc. Slip stitch to top of chain 2. Total stitches = 24 (25, 27, 30). 

Round 2: Chain 2, *fpdc, bpdc*, repeat from *to* 20 (21, 23, 26) times. Work 1 fpdc. Slip stitch to top of chain 2. Total stitches = 24 (25, 27, 30). 

Rounds 3-6: Repeat Round 2. Cut an 8 inch tail and tie off.

Repeat for other sleeve.

OPTIONAL: Sew on pockets.

Using a yarn needle and some scrap yarn (double the amount of the perimeter of the pocket is plenty), whip stitch the pockets in place.

Count stitches from the collar and rows from the hem band to ensure both pockets are placed evenly on each side.

The video shows this in more detail.

Weave Ends

Thread each tail onto a yarn needle and sew it into surrounding stitches in a way that disguises the tail. Once you have sewn in a few inches, pull it snugly and snip close to the cardigan. The tension should snap it back into the cardigan, hiding the end. Repeat for all the tails.

And you’re all set!

You made a freaking cardigan!!!

Feels good to take string and make it something cozy and wearable huh?

If you feel ready to tackle another cardigan with a more challenging twist, I’ll be sharing a cabled cardigan in this same shape and sizing soon. I’ll drop a link here when it’s ready!