Are you ready to level up your crochet game and dive headfirst into the world of cardigans? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Even beginner crocheters can get in on the fun with these fabulous free patterns for crochet cardigans for beginners. 

Picture this: snuggling up in your very own crochet garment, feeling cozy and accomplished all at once. Sounds dreamy, right? But I know what you might be thinking: “Cardigans? They look so complicated!” Fear not, my friends, because I’m here to show you just how fun and achievable crocheting a cardigan for the first time can be.

There are a ton of great crochet cardigans for beginners out there and some designs that are not so easy too. So, how can you tell if a cardigan pattern is beginner-friendly? We’ve curated a list of designs with simple stitches, straightforward construction methods, and minimal shaping. In addition, we’ve made sure to include a few patterns that include a step-by-step video tutorial or that call for bulky yarn using a larger hook size. 

Now, that’s not to say that these designs are boring and basic. Far from it, actually! Even for a beginner, the world of crochet cardigans is vast and varied. You’ll have your pick of crochet cardigans with all sorts of lengths (cropped, regular, and extra long), sleeve length and styles (short, long, bell, and more), as well as styles (like bohemian, modern, and whimsical). The variety and stylishness of these easy crochet cardigan patterns might surprise you!

So grab your hooks and let’s get started on creating your perfect cozy cardigan! With a little bit of patience and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’ll be rocking your handmade creation in no time. Get ready to fall in love with the art of crochet all over again – cardigans, here we come! Scroll down and prepare to be inspired by all of these lovely free crochet cardigan patterns for beginners.

The Ocean Tied Cardi

Wrap yourself in the tranquility of the ocean and create a wearable piece of art that’s sure to make waves wherever you go! This design will teach you a few different kinds of easy mesh stitches to crochet. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches with some stitches worked into the back loops only.

Designer: Evelyn and Peter Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Camille Cardi

Yarn selection is a big part of making sure your handmade creations turn out the way you want them to. This simple design uses only one crochet stitch but the quality of the yarn gives the finished creation the perfect amount of polish. Doesn’t it just look like such a soft and inviting cardigan to wear? All you need to know is how to double crochet!

Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Recycle (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Strawberry Patch Hexi Cardigan

Let’s get a little playful with our next cardi design. This riff on the popular hexagon cardigan style incorporates a bright color palette and strawberry shaped pockets for an extra dash of whimsy. Simple single and double crochet stitches are joined by front and back post half double crochet stitches for the ribbed edges.

Designer: Red Heart Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free pattern!
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Raku Oversized Chunky Coat Cardigan

Many crochet cardigans for beginners cater to more casual styles, but this fitted design offers a more formal approach. The addition of buttons and a turn down color can take this style anywhere from Sunday brunch to weekday work at the office. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Kiks + Jak Crochet
Yarn: Bernat Super Value Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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All My Phases Cardigan

Dip your toes into the world of crochet colorwork with this trendy and cozy cardigan. The moon phase graphic and the generous length makes this design an instant classic. All you need to know is how to half double crochet and how to change colors. There is even a helpful video tutorial if you need an extra visual.

Designer: Happy Heartsy
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the simple crochet cardigan pattern!
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Cocoon Cardigan

Did you know that you can make a comfy and cute cardigan out of a square? It’s true! This cocoon style cardigan calls for just single and double crochet stitches. The pattern includes many step-by-step photos to ensure you success on your crocheting journey. Plus, the super bulky weight yarn makes it easier to see your stitches and it makes your project work up quickly too.

Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Forever Fleece (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lemon Peel Cardigan

Made to measure cardigans like this one offer an ideal option for folks who are between sizes or have trouble meeting the specific gauges of designers. Alternating single and double crochet stitches create the exciting texture of the lemon peel stitch while front and back post half double crochet stitches are used to make the ribbed edges. There is a helpful video tutorial if you get stuck.

Designer: Viv Crochets
Yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Fireside Crochet Cardigan

Designed with beginners in mind, this pattern offers a seamless and stress-free crocheting experience. With its clean lines and timeless design, this cardigan is a great option to complement any wardrobe, whether you’re dressing up for a night out or lounging at home. The pattern calls for just the basic crochet stitches and their extended versions. The best part is that there are pockets!

Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Solids, Heathers, Twists (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free easy crochet pattern!
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Canyons Cardigan

Prepare to slay the next day you spend running errands with this stylish long cardigan design. The mid thigh length is the perfect silhouette for pairing with leggings or skinny jeans. A pair of pockets is sure to come in handy for holding anything you can’t pack in your purse. All you need to know is how to single and half double crochet.

Designer: Mommylovesyarn for Premier Yarns
Yarn: Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Extra Fine Merino (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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The Milani Cardigan

The next one of our crochet cardigans for beginners is making me hungry! The yummy waffle stitch texture is created using single and half double crochet stitches with some stitches worked into the back loops or third loops only. There is a video tutorial of the stitch pattern so you can learn how to do it before jumping into the design.

Designer: Meghan Makes Do
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 220 Superwash® (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the simple oversized crochet cardigan pattern!
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Angel Wings Cardigan

The soft silhouette of this oversized and lightweight crochet cardigan pattern is positively dreamy. It is made with baby yarn, so you know it’s the perfect choice for a super soft crochet project. The pattern features a button front closure and those gorgeous wide puff sleeves that are totally on trend right now. All you need to know is how to half double crochet.

Designer: Selina Veronique
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby, Solids & Marls
Emu Treasure DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Katy Cardigan

Super bulky weight yarn makes short work of this warm and cozy hooded cardigan pattern. As you can tell by the vertical striping, the design is worked lengthwise. It is crocheted using the moss stitch which is really just an easy peasy alternating between single crochet and chains. This is one of my fave stitches for wearables as it has a ton of great drape and movement.

Designer: Stevie Entrekin
Yarn: Caron Anniversary Cakes (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the easy beginner-friendly cardigan pattern!
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Oversized Cropped Cardigan

Baby yarn is designed to be soft on a baby’s sensitive skin, so it’s a great choice for crafting comfy cardigans that you’ll never want to take off. The only thing softer than the yarn is the softness of the silhouette! This oversized and cropped cardi is perfect for wearing over dresses. All you need to know is how to single crochet.

Designer: Crafting on the Fly
Yarn: Bernat Baby Velvet (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Laid Back Bomber

The classic bomber style cardigan has an oversized silhouette and usually hits at the waist or higher. This is such a cute and casual style of cardigan and it looks equally amazing paired with jeans or a dress. The pattern calls for just single and half double crochet stitches. It is made using 3 different colors of yarn for a bit of extra stripey fun.

Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Chenille (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Good Vibes Cardigan

Go big or go home with this extra long duster style cardigan design. This elegant style really brings the drama and it is oh so cozy too. The lightweight nature of the stitch pattern for this design makes it ideal for wearing during the transitional seasons like spring and fall. For this easy project, you’ll be using single and half double crochet stitches along with v-stitches.

Designer: By Katerina
Yarn: Hobbii Pearly Haze (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free everyday easy crochet cardigan!
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Linden Cardigan

I’ve always been a big fan of the dolman or batwing style sleeve, so it’s no wonder that I was instantly drawn to this simple pattern. I love the vertical ridges of simple shapes and the waterfall silhouette of the hem. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches along with front post treble crochet stitches.

Designer: Make and do Crew
Yarn: Lion Brand Truboo (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the beginner crochet cardigan pattern!
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Fairy Dust Cardi

Wrap yourself in whimsy with this fairy inspired cardigan complete with dreamy bell sleeves and adorable picot stitch edging. I love the fold over collar and the belted waist. The majority of the design is made with single crochet mesh stitch which is just single crochet stitches and chains, so it’s very easy to make. It’s vintage made modern!

Designer: Happy Place: TL Yarn Crafts x Hobbii
Yarn: Hobbii Happy Place Solid (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Caramel Fog Cardigan

Crochet cardigans for beginners that are worked lengthwise offer an excellent opportunity to show off a couple skeins of ombre or self striping yarn. Plus, you get to have a fun multicolor cardigan without having to manually change any colors. The pattern for this cute pocketed cardi calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches with some stitches worked into the front loops or back loops only.

Designer: Nine Inspired
Yarn: Caron Jumbo Ombre (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Kingbird Cardigan

If you don’t have a lot of a single color of yarn, then you will need to find a pattern that incorporates multiple colors to avoid a trip to the yarn store. I love the unique color layout of this randomly striped pattern. For this design, you’ll be using single, half double, and double crochet stitches along with front and back post stitches for the ribbed edging.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Solids, Heathers, Twists (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Earth and Sky Cardi

Crochet cardigans for beginners aren’t just for the colder months. You can rock this sweet short sleeve and cropped cardi design during the spring and summer months. It pairs perfectly with a tank top and jeans or you can wear it over a sundress. The pattern calls for just basic stitches: single, half double, and double crochet.

Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Cotton Sprout DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Must Have Crocheted Cardigan

Using a thinner weight of yarn can make crochet cardigans for beginners take longer to create, but it can also be so so worth it. Sometimes crochet can be a bit stuff but this piece has plenty of movement and drape thanks to the sport weight yarn, which also contributes a slight halo of fuzzy softness. All you need to know is how to single and double crochet.

Designer: Durable Yarn
Yarn: Durable Mohair (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Olivewood Cardigan

This stunning design combines classic simplicity with modern flair, making it a must-have addition to any wardrobe. Featuring a smooth surface and graceful drape, this cardigan effortlessly transitions from casual outings to sophisticated evenings. I love the mid thigh length and the inclusion of pockets. It is made using just single crochet stitches and chains.

Designer: All About Ami
Yarn: Lion Brand Coboo (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Riptide Granny Hoodie

This design might call for the granny stitch but it’s certainly not your grandmother’s cardigan. The relaxed fit and the addition of a hood make this design decidedly modern. I like the random nature of the color changes when working with a self striping yarn and I think that also contributes to the chic style. Best of all, there are far fewer pieces to seam with granny stripes pieces versus when making granny squares. 

Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Ombre (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Snow Day Cardigan

There is a secret hiding inside the vertical lines of this long cardigan design and that secret is side seam pockets! Any cardi that has pockets gets a few bonus points in my book, and this one gets a few more from the super soft and thick recommended yarn. The pattern calls for just single and half double crochet stitches and would be great for winter months.

Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Snow Cone Light Chenille (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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We Mesh Well Cardigan

You might think that lace designs are out of reach for a beginner crocheter, but this mesh cardi is a piece of cake. Simple single and double crochet stitches combined with chain stitches are all it takes to make this marvelous mesh design. The lightweight nature of the design and the short sleeves make this cardi ideal for warmer weather and lazy days spent at the beach.

Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Final Thoughts on Crochet Cardigans for Beginners

Crocheting your first cardigan is not only achievable but also immensely rewarding. I know that crafting your first wearable can be so so intimidating, but I hope that you will take the leap and trust yourself. You will soon see that the journey of crafting your own cozy garment is filled with excitement and satisfaction.

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free crochet pattern round-up to all your crochet friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing crochet patterns. 

I’ll see you next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Crocheting!