Wrap yourself in cozy vibes with this free crochet hooded cardigan pattern that transforms simple stitches into a warm, stylish layer perfect for any day.

Ultimate Free Crochet Hooded Cardigan Pattern That Everyone’s Talking About
Snuggle up in style with this Free Crochet Hooded Cardigan Pattern. It’s soft, cozy, and perfect for chilly days when you just want to feel warm and comfy. This cardigan stands out with its relaxed fit, lightweight feel, and beautiful mustard and pumpkin spice colors that brighten up any outfit.
What makes this cardigan extra special are its fun features, like roomy sleeves that feel airy, a super cozy hood, and a neat border that ties it all together. The texture is stunning, using stacked single crochet stitches, double crochet in the back loops, and smooth color changes, giving it a polished, professional vibe.
Plus, it’s so easy to adjust the size and length to fit the way you like it. Whether you’re curling up at home or heading out in the cold, this hooded cardigan keeps you wrapped in warmth and comfort. Try making your very own—it’s as satisfying as it is stylish.
Attractive Crochet Hooded Cardigan Pattern
Necessary Materials
- Yarn:
- Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek Low Pill Fiber (Hobby Lobby):
- Color A (Mustard): 232 yards per skein (medium 4 weight yarn)
- Color B (Pumpkin Spice/Orange): Equal yardage (medium 4 weight yarn)
- Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek Low Pill Fiber (Hobby Lobby):
- Hook: 6 mm crochet hook (J sized in video tutorial)
- Other Tools:
- Stitch Markers
- Measuring Tape (For adjustments and precision since this is a made to measure project)
- Scissors
- Darning Needle
Gauge
This project uses basic medium 4 weight acrylic yarn:
- Gauge Swatch:
- 4” x 4” area = 14 stitches x 10 rows of double crochet.
- Adjust hook size to meet the gauge for accurate sizing.
Finished Size
This cardigan is made to measure, allowing full customization of length and width. The average finished cardigan size falls into these ranges:
- Body length: 43–44 inches (based on 110 double crochet stitches in 1st foundation row, adjustable for preference)
- Width: Shoulder to shoulder measurement with ease, approximately 35 rows for the back panel.
- Hood size: 9 inches wide (or customize based on head measurements).
- Sleeve circumference: Based on armhole size (23 chain stitches equals 8 inches depth).
Special Techniques
- Foundation Double Crochet (FDC): Enables a flexible start without chaining first.
- Stacked Single Crochet (SSC): Clean, flat edges replacing traditional turning chains.
- Double Crochet in Back Loop Only: Adds texture and ridge effects on the main panels.
- Double Crochet Between Posts: Provides airy stitches on sleeves and hood for added aesthetic.
- Double Crochet Two Together (DC2TOG): Used for cuff shaping and tapered hood construction.
- Magic Join: Seamlessly joins colors for professional finishes.
Pattern Instructions
1. First Front Panel
- Foundation Row: Create 110 Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)—or more/less depending on desired cardigan length. Ensure an even number of stitches.
- Chain 2, work double crochet directly into the first chain (refer to “Special Techniques” for step by step FDC tutorial).
- Mark the first stitch with a stitch marker for row tracking.
- Row 2: Use Color A (Mustard). Start with a Stacked Single Crochet to replace a turning chain. Work double crochet into back loops only across the row, except for the very last stitch, where you work into both loops.
- Rows 3–5: Repeat Row 2 (back loop double crochet).

- Row 6: Change to Color B (Pumpkin Spice):
- Start with SSC. Work DC2TOG (double crochet two stitches together): insert hook into two sequential stitches and complete the DC2TOG in each pair across the row. Add a chain 1 between every DC2TOG pair to prevent stitch decreases.
- Repeat rows 2–6 (6 row repeat) for a total of 15 rows (or desired width). Change colors at the beginning of every sixth row.

2. Back Panel
- Null Row: Begin the null row to separate the first front panel from the back panel. Change to Color B (Pumpkin Spice) if desired for aesthetic contrast. Use Extended Single Crochet (ESC) stitches across.
- Armhole Depth: Mark 8 inches depth (adjust based on personal measurements) using stitch markers. Count corresponding stitches (e.g., 23 stitches for 8 inches).
- Chain 23: Create the armhole opening with chain stitches, ensuring enough space for comfortable sleeves.
- Back Panel Rows: Restart the 6 row repeat pattern in the mustard color. Complete 35 rows for the width of the back panel (or your shoulder to shoulder measurement with ease).

3. Second Front Panel
- Null Row: Start with ESC stitches to separate the back panel from the second front panel. Create another chain of 23 stitches for the right armhole.
- Match the pattern and rows of the first front panel exactly, ensuring both panels appear symmetrical. Complete 15 rows using the 6 row repeat.
4. Joining Panels
- Lay the cardigan flat and ensure the panels align evenly.
- Use stitch markers to match row counts between front and back panels at the shoulders.
- Seam the shoulders using a whip stitch or slip stitch. Leave a 9 inch space at the neckline to attach the hood later.

5. Sleeves
- Round 1: Attach yarn to the armhole bottom edge and work 45 double crochets evenly around. Use SSC to start the round.
- Rounds 2–34: Work Double Crochets Between Posts. Change color every 6 rounds.
- Round 35: Decrease stitches with DC2TOG.
- Round 36: Work 1 final round of regular double crochet to form the cuff. Fasten off.
- Repeat steps for the second sleeve.
6. Hood
- Row 1: Attach yarn to the neckline. Work 71 double crochet stitches across. Use a stitch marker for tracking.
- Rows 2–Few: Decrease stitches by 1 every row to taper the hood slightly (optional). Then continue even rows until the hood height reaches desired dimensions.
- Finish: Fold the hood in half and seam the top edge.
7. Border
- Attach Color B (Pumpkin Spice) at the base hem. Work 1 row of double crochet across the bottom, front panels, and neckline/hood edge.

Conclusion and Important Remarks
Your Yellow Hooded Cardigan is now complete—a cozy, stylish accessory perfect for layering during cooler seasons. With its airy sleeves, ridged textures, and charming hood, this cardigan balances elegance and comfort beautifully.
Tips for Enhanced Crocheting Experience
- Customization: Adjust the foundation row, rows, or armhole depth based on your size preferences.
- Color Play: Experiment with different colors for stripes or borders to make it unique.
- Blocking: Lightly block your cardigan to relax the stitches and ensure a polished appearance.
- Weaving Ends: Spend extra time on tidying ends for a professional finish.
