Free Crochet Long Cardigan Pattern That’s So Easy and Stunning

This Free Crochet Long Cardigan Pattern Is a Game Changer

This Free Crochet Long Cardigan Pattern gives you everything you need to create a beautiful cardigan that is perfect for any occasion. The design features a cinched waist, adding shape and an elegant hourglass look, while colorful stripes make it trendy and cheerful. It’s worked in one single piece, so there’s no complicated joining, and the sleeves are added easily in the round.

This cardigan is made using soft and chunky yarn, giving it a warm and luxurious feel. With simple stitches like double crochet, cross stitch, and puff stitch, the cardigan has a lovely texture that looks unique and professional. A stretchy ribbed cuff and optional border add the final touches to make it look neat and polished.

Great for layering over casual or fancy outfits, this cardigan is comfy, easy to make, and totally customizable. It’s perfect whether you’re a beginner or just want an enjoyable crochet project.

Sung Crochet Long Cardigan Pattern

Materials

• Yarn: Hobby Lobby YNB Soft & Sleek Chunky Yarn
  • Color A: Teal
  • Color B: Spice
    (Both are bulky 5 weight, 100% low pilling acrylic yarn, each skein providing 211 yards.)
• Hook Size: 6.5 mm (O variant hook used in demo, any 6.5 mm hook works)
• Other Tools:
  • Stitch Markers (at least 6, for marking specific points like waistbands and armholes)
  • Scissors
  • Darning Needle
  • Measuring Tape (necessary to make this cardigan to measure)

Special Techniques

1. Foundation Double Crochet (FDC): Provides a stretchy starting row that serves as the first row of the cardigan.
2. Stacked Single Crochet (SSC): Used as an alternative to traditional turning chains for cleaner edges.
3. Extended Single Crochet (ESC): Gives slight height variation and texture, used in the waistband.
4. Cross Stitch Double Crochet (CSDC): Creates an “X” shape with crossed double crochet stitches for added texture.
5. Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet (FP/BP DC): Stitches worked around the post to create a ribbed effect, used for the sleeve cuffs.
6. Seamless Panel Construction: The main body (two front panels and one back panel) is worked in one piece for minimal seaming.

Pattern Overview

The cardigan consists of four main parts:

1. First Front Panel (with waistband detailing)
2. Back Panel
3. Second Front Panel
4. Sleeves (added in the round)

Instructions

1. First Front Panel

1. Foundation Row: Begin with 68 Foundation Double Crochet (FDC) stitches for a medium fit cardigan length.
   (Customize the number of stitches based on your preferred length; ensure the foundation has an even number of stitches).
2. Row 1: Start with color A (teal). Complete the foundation row using the FDC method.
3. Row 2 (Start of 9 Row Repeat):
   • Change to color B using the knot and tighten method.
   • Begin the row with a Stacked Single Crochet (SSC) in place of the turning chain. Double crochet (DC) across the row.
4. Waistband Section:
   • At the point marked with stitch markers (approximately 6 stitches wide to measure 2–3 inches), switch to Extended Single Crochet (ESC).
   • After completing the waistband section, switch back to DC for the rest of the row.
5. Rows 3 & 4: Work two more rows of double crochet (in color B) across the width of the panel.
6. Rows 5 & 6 (Cross Stitch Rows):
   • Skip one stitch, place a DC into the next stitch, then return to the skipped stitch and work a DC into it to form the cross stitch.
   • Continue with cross stitch double crochets (CSDC) across the row.
   • For the waistband section, use ESC stitches.
7. Rows 7, 8 & 9: Work three rows of double crochet.
8. Row 10 (Puff Stitch Row):
   • Work puff stitches (PS):
     • Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop. Repeat this three times, then pull through all loops except the final two, and yarn over. Pull through the last two loops.
   • Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, repeat the puff stitch across the row.
   • As always, switch to ESC for the waistband section.
9. Repeat Rows 2–10: Continue with the 9-row pattern repeat until you finish the first front panel ending in your desired width/length.

2. Back Panel

1. Start Armhole:
   • Mark 7.5 inches for the armhole depth, using stitch markers to define the armhole width. (Adjust based on personal measurements.)
   • Work across until you reach the stitch marker, then chain 19 to create the armhole opening.
2. Work Back Panel:
   • Restart the 9 row repeat pattern in color A, working the back panel for 29 rows (or to your desired width).

3. Second Front Panel

1. Use the same steps as in the first front panel but work in reverse to mirror the design.
2. Repeat the rows as needed until it matches the first front panel in length.

4. Joining Panels

1. Lay the cardigan flat and fold the front panels over the back panel.
2. Use stitch markers to align shoulder seams evenly.
3. Seam each shoulder using the whip stitch or slip stitch method with a darning needle or hook.

5. Sleeves

1. Work sleeves in the round, attaching them to the armhole created earlier.
2. Round 1: Start with 34 double crochet stitches evenly distributed around the armhole.
3. Rounds 2 to 22: Follow the 9 row repeat pattern in rounds until you reach the desired sleeve length.
4. Cuffs:
   • Switch to color A and work 4 rounds of Front Post/Back Post Double Crochet (FP/BP DC) to form a ribbed cuff.

6. Border

1. Work the bottom border in color A with one row of double crochet stitches.
2. For the front panels and neckline, use color B and work 2 rows of double crochet.
   (Customize the border as desired for additional width and flair.)

Finishing

1. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends with your darning needle.
2. Block the cardigan lightly to ensure all rows lie flat and even.
3. Turn the cardigan right sideout, and it’s ready to wear.

Final Words

This cinched waist striped cardigan combines texture and style in a single project. It’s perfect for chilly days or as a layering piece. The clean edges, multiple textures, and easy to follow construction make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.

Tips for Maintaining the Pattern

1. Use stitch markers generously to avoid stitch count errors or misalignment.
2. Always end with the same row on both panels to ensure symmetry.
3. Customize colors to reflect personal style or seasonal trends.
4. Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle and lay flat to dry to maintain the yarn’s softness.