With its delicate pattern and airy design, my granny stitch cardigan is the perfect garment to wear during spring and summer, providing just the right amount of coverage without sacrificing breathability.
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Instructions are written for sizes S through to 5X in UK crochet terms and US crochet terms.
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Why you’ll Love Crocheting this Granny Stitch Cardigan
How the granny stitch cardigan pattern is worked
My seamless cardigan uses the granny stitch throughout the pattern.
The cuffs, hem and edging are crocheted in single/double crochet back loop only.
Button holes are made on the edging by chaining and skipping stitches.
The numbers below correspond to the numbered images above.
- From the bottom to underarm, the cardi is crocheted in one piece, worked flat and turned to work in rows. To alter the length of your cardigan to suit your preference you can work less rows (cropped) or more (longer length)
- The piece is then divided from the armholes to work the right front, back and left front of the cardigan separately. The pattern continues to work flat and is turned to work in rows.
- Next, the shoulders are seamed. The left front and right front are sewn to the back piece to create the shoulder seams.
- The sleeves are worked directly into the armhole, worked in rounds and joined with a slip stitch. Once the sleeve is crocheted, the cuff is worked.
- The hood is worked directly on the garment and is turned in rows.
- Finally, the hem and edging of the cardigan are worked. The hem is worked first. The edging is worked from the hem on the right side, up around the hood and back down to the left side hem. The buttonholes are worked on the right-hand side with button placements on the left.
Related Crochet Cardigan Patterns
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- With a one-row repeat, this seamless cardigan is an easy project. You’ll enjoy the freedom of choosing the length to suit your personal style.
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- Two hexagons also look great as a pullover! Check out the Moon Shimmer sweater pattern.
- The Stella granny square cardigan is worked in one large granny square for the back and smaller squares for the front. This made-to-measure cardigan is an easy make. You’ll find different designs and constructions in this collection of free granny square cardigans.
- Worked in 7 rectangles, the Selene long cardigan looks great worn with a dress or t-shirt and jeans. You’ll find different designs in this collection of free long cardigan patterns.
- Looking for a quick make? These chunky cardigan patterns could be just what you need.
- If you’re wondering what to do with those odds and ends in your yarn stash (and a blanket just isn’t grabbing your interest), have a browse of these of patchwork cardigan patterns.
- Looking for simple but stylish? You’ll love this cocoon cardigan.
- Planning your summer makes? Try this lacy summer cardigan. This bright striped cardigan or long-sleeved cardigan worked in open stitches could be just what you’re looking for. Browse these free summer crochet cardigans for inspiration.
- Suitable for wearing all year, you’ll have this two-row repeat cardigan worked up in no time.
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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
When I saw the Cicibebe Sweetie Colours Collection at an introductory price I couldn’t resist! I knew it would be perfect for this granny stitch cardigan – I didn’t want precision of stripes but did want graduation of shades. Colour 108 was perfect (although I do love the other colours in this collection too and my finger is poised ready to add a different colourway to my stash)!
I’ve enjoyed working with this yarn and the finished cardigan has a lovely drape. It feels really lightweight and soft making it great to layer up with short-sleeved t-shirts over the warmer months.
Cicibebe Sweetie is a 100% anti-pilling acrylic making this finished garment machine washable and a bonus, the garment will keep its shape.
| Yarn Weight | DK |
| Length (m) | 265 |
| Length (y) | 289 |
| Ball Weight | 100g |
| Care Instructions | Do Not Bleach, Do Not Iron, Do Not Tumble Dry, Machine Wash – Wool Wash – 30°C |
Alternative DK Yarns
The following yarns are excellent substitution matches:
- Cygnet Tickly Tots (99%)
- Ice Yarns Sweet Baby (99%)
- Schachenmayr Bravo (99%)
- Stylecraft Sweet Dreams (98%)
If you substitute the yarn, adjust your gauge using the stitch gauge converter tool.
Cardigan Pattern Notes
- Instructions are written for sizes S to 5X in UK and US Crochet Terms.
- Sizes are written thus: S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
- My cardigan is a close fit. If you prefer your cardigan to be oversized, go up a size.
- Granny stitch is worked in multiples of 4 (add 6 to foundation chain)
- Chain 3 counts as a stitch
- Chain 4 counts as a UK treble, chain one / US double, chain one
- For this pattern, UK treble cluster (tr cl) / US double cluster (dc cl) is the same as 3 UK trebles / US 3 doubles.
Sleeves
- When rejoining yarn to work the sleeves, join underarm. Make sure you work the same number of stitches for both sleeves.
- Decrease round for the sleeves – work between the 2 UK trebles / US doubles NOT in the loops but between the posts of the stitches.
- Before working the sleeve cuff, try on your cardigan. To customize to fit your arm length, work more or less rounds. Sleeve cuff adds 2.5” to the length of the sleeve.
Hood
- I joined my hood 9 rows down from the neck for a deeper hood. You can work less rows but I would recommend more than 3 rows down. When I trialled what would work, 3 rows were too small for the hood.
- After decreases for the hood shaping, try on your cardigan. Make sure the hood wraps round the back of your head and is comfortable before seaming together.
- If you choose not to add a hood, skip the hood instructions and go straight to hem instructions.
Buttons
- The button size I used is 20mm. Instructions are written for this size button. I used 7 buttons.
- The button holes are made by chaining 2 and skipping 2 stitches. This might change, depending on the button size you choose (you might need to chain 3 skip 3 stitches for a larger button).
- Buttons are spaced 6cm apart.
- Buttonholes are worked on the right-hand side of the edging. Use stitch markers or scrap yarn to mark where your buttonholes will be. You can change the placement and try different layouts to find your preference. If you choose different placements, you may need more or less buttons.
Don’t skip this step of marking out your buttonholes and button placements. The first time I placed my buttons and used scrap yarn, the visual helped me realise I wanted the buttons further apart. This is an important part of the construction.
- Buttons are sewn onto the left-hand side of the edging. Make sure you align the buttons with the buttonholes. I counted rows between the buttons and matched with scrap yarn marking the placement before sewing them on.
- If you work more or less rows before the cardigan divides for front and back you will need less or more buttons
- If you choose not to add buttons, follow the pattern for the edging but leave out the buttonhole instructions.
Level
Intermediate
Supplies and Materials
- 5mm / H-8 Crochet Hook (body); 4mm / G-6 (hem and edging)
- Cicibebe Sweetie Colours (colour 8): 1505, (1619, 1735, 1830, 1985, 2075, 2203, 2297) yds
- 7 X 20mm buttons (I used these Round Faux Horn Sew On Buttons)
- Tape Measure
- Stitch Markers
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Stitches and Abbreviations
You will need to know how to work these stitches:
| UK Crochet Terms | US Crochet Terms |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Single Crochet (sc) |
| Treble Crochet (tr) | Double Crochet (dc) |
- Back Loop Only (blo)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Chain (ch)
- Skip (sk)
- Repeat (rep)
- Space/s (sps)
- Chain Space/s (ch-sp/s)
- Stitch/es (st/s)
- Continue (cont)
- Beginning (beg)
- Wrong Side (WS)
- Right Side (RS)
- Right-Hand Side (rhs)
- Left-Hand Side (lhs)
- Previous (prev)
Gauge
16 stitches and 8 rows = 10cm X 10cm
Measurements
| Size | To fit (inches) | Finished Size (inches) | Length (inches) | Sleeve Length (inches) | Total Amount of DK Yarn (yards) |
| S | 32 – 34 | 36 | 24 | 17 | 1505 |
| M | 36 – 38 | 40 | 25 | 17 | 1619 |
| L | 40 – 42 | 44 | 25.5 | 17.5 | 1735 |
| XL | 44 – 46 | 47.5 | 26 | 17.5 | 1830 |
| 2X | 48 – 50 | 52 | 26.5 | 18 | 1985 |
| 3X | 52 – 54 | 56 | 27 | 18 | 2075 |
| 4X | 56 – 58 | 60 | 27.5 | 18.5 | 2203 |
| 5X | 60 – 62 | 64 | 27.5 | 18.5 | 2297 |
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Included in the crochet cardigan pattern is:
- how the pattern is worked
- pattern notes
- clear written instructions
Granny Stitch Cardigan Instructions UK Crochet Terms
Lower Piece (worked in one piece back and fronts)
With 5mm / H-8 hook
Ch 134, (150, 166, 178, 198, 210, 226, 242)
Row 1: 3tr in 7th ch from hook, *ch1, sk 3 chs, 3tr in next ch, *rep to last 3 chs, ch1, sk 2 chs, tr in last ch, ch3, turn
Row 2: 2tr in first ch-sp, *ch1, sk 3 sts, 3tr in next ch-sp, * rep to last ch-sp, 2tr in last ch-sp, tr in last st, ch4, turn
Row 3: *sk 3 sts, 3tr in next ch-sp, ch1, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, tr in last st, ch3, turn
Rows 2 and 3 form granny stitch pattern
Rep rows 2 and 3 for a total of 27 rows
Do not fasten off.
Adjusting Length: If you prefer a shorter/cropped or longer cardigan, the amount of row 2 and 3 repeats is where you’ll need to adjust. The number of rows in the instructions above is the cardigan’s length from the armhole to the bottom before adding the ribbed hem. Measure underarm and work rows 2 and 3 to the length you want. This will not affect the front of the cardigan.
Cardigan is now divided to work the right front, back and left front.
Right Front
Row 28: work pattern for a total of 8, (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) tr cl/ch1, sk 4, (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 8, 8) sts and place a st marker in next st to mark where to rejoin yarn for back piece, turn leaving rem sts unworked
Row 29 – 43, (45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53) cont rep granny stitch pattern
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew the shoulder seam
Back
Rejoin yarn at st marker
Work pattern for a total of 16, (18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 25, 27) tr cl/ch1, sk 4, (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 8, 8) sts and place a st marker in the next st to mark where to rejoin yarn for left front, turn leaving rem sts unworked
Cont with pattern to match right front.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Left Front
Rejoin yarn at st marker and rep instructions for right panel omitting the sk sts.
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew the shoulder seam
Assembly
With RS facing inwards, sew shoulder seams
Sleeves
Working on the RS, rejoin yarn underarm
Round 1: ch3, *2tr in same sp, ch1, * rep to end, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Round 2: 2 tr in same sp, *[3tr, ch1], *rep around to last ch-sp, 2tr in last ch-sp, ch1, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Round 3 (decrease): 2 tr in same sp, ch1, *[3tr, ch1], *rep to 2tr group in prev round, miss the sp before, work 3tr between the posts of the 2tr group, miss the sp after 2 tr group, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Round 4: 2 tr in same sp, ch1, [3tr, ch1] around, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Rep rounds 2, 3 and 4 three times (total 9 rounds)
Rep round 4 seven times (7 rounds)
Rep rounds 2, 3 and 4 once (total 3 rounds)
Rep round 4 a total of 1, (1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4) times
Try on the cardigan to make sure you’re happy with the length and fit of the sleeve.
Do not fasten off. Continue to work the sleeve cuff.
Ribbed Sleeve Cuff
Ch11
Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc to sleeve edge, sl st in next 2 sts on sleeve edge, ch1, turn
Row 2: dc in 1st st, dc blo to last st, dc in last st, ch1, turn
Row 3: dc in 1st st, dc blo to sleeve edge, sl st in next 2 sts on sleeve edge, ch1, turn
Rep rows 2 and 3 around sleeve edge, sl st to seam cuff closed
Rep instructions for the second sleeve
Optional no hood – continue to hem instructions
Hood
Count 9 rows down from neck edge on right and left fronts and place a st marker in the next row down
Working on RS, rejoin yarn at st marker on right-hand side, ch3
Row 1: 2 tr in same sp, [3tr, ch1] in ch-sps to shoulder seam, [3tr, ch1] between seam, [3tr, ch1] in ch-sps across back of neck, [3tr, ch1] between shoulder seam, [3tr, ch1] in ch-sps to st marker, 3tr in st marker sp, ch4, turn
Row 2: rep row 3 of pattern
Row 3: rep row 2 of pattern
Rep rows 3 and 2 for a total of 22 rows
Find the centre sp and place a st marker
Row 23 (shaping hood): cont with pattern to centre sp, ch1 before centre sp, 1tr in centre sp, ch1, cont pattern to end of row, turn
Row 24: cont with pattern to sp before centre tr, sk ch-sp, tr in centre st, sk ch-sp, cont with pattern to end of row, turn
Rep last row 2 more times
Try on your cardigan to make sure you are happy with the size and fit of hood before seaming.
With RS facing inwards, fold hood in half and seam the two ends of the hood together
Fasten off and weave in ends
Ribbed Hem
Change to 4mm / G-6 hook
Working on RS, rejoin yarn at bottom edge of the rhs
Ch11
Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc to hem edge, sl st in next 2 sts on hem edge, ch1, turn
Row 2: dc in 1st st, dc blo to last st, dc in last st, ch1, turn
Row 3: dc in 1st st, dc blo to hem edge, sl st in next 2 sts on hem edge, ch1, turn
Rep rows 2 and 3 around the bottom of the cardigan
Fasten off and weave in ends
Edging
Button placement – set out buttons with the first button 3cm from hem and following buttons 6 cm apart (OR try different placements of button until you’re happy with the layout)
Use st markers or scrap yarn to mark the placements
With a 4mm / G-6 hook and working on the RS, rejoin yarn at hem on the rhs
Rep instructions for ribbed hem but when you reach buttonhole row, work 4 sts, ch2, sk 2 sts, work to end. Next row you will work into the chs from prev row
Cont working ribbing up rhs, along edge of hood and back down lhs
Fasten off and weave in ends.
To finish, sew buttons to match buttonholes on lhs side of edging
After blocking, you’re ready to wear your new granny stitch cardigan
Granny Stitch Cardigan Instructions US Crochet Terms
Lower Piece (worked in one piece back and fronts)
With 5mm / H-8 hook
Ch 134, (150, 166, 178, 198, 210, 226, 242)
Row 1: 3dc in 7th ch from hook, *ch1, sk 3 chs, 3dc in next ch, *rep to last 3 chs, ch1, sk 2 chs, dc in last ch, ch3, turn
Row 2: 2dc in first ch-sp, *ch1, sk 3 sts, 3dc in next ch-sp, * rep to last ch-sp, 2dc in last ch-sp, dc in last st, ch4, turn
Row 3: *sk 3 sts, 3dc in next ch-sp, ch1, *rep to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in last st, ch3, turn
Rows 2 and 3 form granny stitch pattern
Rep rows 2 and 3 for a total of 27 rows
Do not fasten off.
Adjusting Length: If you prefer a shorter/cropped or longer cardigan, the amount of row 2 and 3 repeats is where you’ll need to adjust. The number of rows in the instructions above is the cardigan’s length from the armhole to the bottom before adding the ribbed hem. The ribbed hem is 6cm in length. Measure underarm and work rows 2 and 3 to the length you want. This will not affect the front of the cardigan.
Cardigan is now divided to work the right front, back and left front.
Right Front
Row 28: work pattern for a total of 8, (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) dc cl/ch1, sk 4, (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 8, 8) sts and place a st marker in next st to mark where to rejoin yarn for back piece, turn leaving rem sts unworked
Row 29 – 43, (45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53) cont rep granny stitch pattern
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew the shoulder seam
Back
Rejoin yarn at st marker
Work pattern for a total of 16, (18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 25, 27) dc cl/ch1, sk 4, (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 8, 8) sts and place a st marker in the next st to mark where to rejoin yarn for left front, turn leaving rem sts unworked
Cont with pattern to match right front.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Left Front
Rejoin yarn at st marker and rep instructions for right panel omitting the sk sts.
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew the shoulder seam
Assembly
With RS facing inwards, sew shoulder seams
Sleeves
Working on the RS, rejoin yarn underarm
Round 1: ch3, *2 dc in same sp, ch1, * rep to end, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Round 2: 2 dc in same sp, *[3tr, ch1], *rep around to last ch-sp, 2dc in last ch-sp, ch1, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Round 3 (decrease): 2dc in same sp, ch1, *[3dc, ch1], *rep to 2dc group in prev round, miss the sp before, work 3dc between the posts of the 2dc group, miss the sp after 2 dc group, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Round 4: 2 dc in same sp, ch1, [3dc, ch1] around, join with sl st to top of ch3, sl st to next ch-sp, ch3
Rep rounds 2, 3 and 4 three times (total 9 rounds)
Rep round 4 seven times (7 rounds)
Rep rounds 2, 3 and 4 once (total 3 rounds)
Rep round 4 a total of 1, (1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4) times
Try on the cardigan to make sure you’re happy with the length and fit of the sleeve
Do not fasten off. Continue to work the sleeve cuff.
Ribbed Sleeve Cuff
Ch11
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to sleeve edge, sl st in next 2 sts on sleeve edge, ch1, turn
Row 2: sc in 1st st, sc blo to last st, sc in last st, ch1, turn
Row 3: sc in 1st st, sc blo to sleeve edge, sl st in next 2 sts on sleeve edge, ch1, turn
Rep rows 2 and 3 around sleeve edge, sl st to seam cuff closed
Rep instructions for the second sleeve
Optional no hood – continue to hem instructions
Hood
Count 9 rows down from neck edge on right and left fronts and place a st marker in the next row down
Working on RS, rejoin yarn at st marker on right-hand side, ch3
Row 1: 2 dc in same sp, [3dc, ch1] in ch-sps to shoulder seam, [3dc, ch1] between seam, [3dc, ch1] in ch-sps across back of neck, [3dc, ch1] between shoulder seam, [3dc, ch1] in ch-sps to st marker, 3dc in st marker sp, ch4, turn
Row 2: rep row 3 of pattern
Row 3: rep row 2 of pattern
Rep rows 3 and 2 for a total of 22 rows
Find the center sp and place a st marker
Row 23 (shaping hood): cont with pattern to center sp, ch1 before center sp, 1dc in center sp, ch1, cont pattern to end of row, turn
Row 24: cont with pattern to sp before center dc, sk ch-sp, dc in center st, sk ch-sp, cont with pattern to end of row, turn
Rep last row 2 more times
Try on your cardigan to make sure you are happy with the size and fit of hood before seaming.
With RS facing inwards, fold hood in half and seam the two ends of the hood together
Fasten off and weave in ends
Ribbed Hem
Change to 4mm / G-6 hook
Working on RS, rejoin yarn at bottom edge of the rhs
Ch11
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to hem edge, sl st in next 2 sts on hem edge, ch1, turn
Row 2: sc in 1st st, sc blo to last st, sc in last st, ch1, turn
Row 3: sc in 1st st, sc blo to hem edge, sl st in next 2 sts on hem edge, ch1, turn
Rep rows 2 and 3 around the bottom of the cardigan
Fasten off and weave in ends
Edging
Button placement – set out buttons with the first button 3cm from hem and following buttons 6 cm apart (OR try different placements of button until you’re happy with the layout)
Use st markers or scrap yarn to mark the placements
With a 4mm / G-6 hook and working on the RS, rejoin yarn at hem on the rhs
Rep instructions for ribbed hem but when you reach buttonhole row, work 4 sts, ch2, sk 2 sts, work to end. Next row you will work into the chs from prev row
Cont working ribbing up rhs, along edge of hood and back down lhs
Fasten off and weave in ends.
To finish, sew buttons to match buttonholes on lhs side of edging
After blocking, you’re ready to wear your new granny stitch cardigan
Happy Crocheting!
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.
