60 Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns — Part 3 of 5
A long or chunky cardigan can change the feel of a whole outfit. It adds coverage over a fitted base layer, gives textured stitches space to stand out and makes a practical alternative to a light jacket on a cool day. These 12 free crochet cardigan patterns include dusters, cocoon shapes, generous collars, hooded layers and thicker everyday cardigans.
The designs vary in technique as well as silhouette. Some use simple rectangles and familiar stitches, while the sherpa jacket introduces Tunisian crochet. Solstice provides length with openwork and fringe rather than dense fabric, and the coatigan-style options offer more substantial coverage. Use the yarn and construction notes below to choose the kind of cozy layer you actually want to wear.
This collection contains 12 different cardigan designs. Each photo shows the original project, and every pattern button leads to the creator or publisher’s instructions.
How to get the free patterns
Yarnspirations provides free pattern PDFs: open the linked pattern page and choose Free Download or Download Free Pattern. Make & Do Crew offers free instructions online; some tutorials continue across several linked parts, and some require a free Grow account to reveal the complete instructions. Optional ad-free printable PDFs and yarn kits may cost money.
Use the original pattern for stitch counts, size charts, yarn quantities and hook sizes. The descriptions below help you choose a project; they do not replace the designer’s instructions.
Patterns in this collection
- Tunisian Sherpa Sweater Jacket
- 3 Day Chunky Cardigan
- Backpacker Belted Cardigan
- Elevation Duster Cardigan
- Backcountry Cardigan
- Solstice Long Cardigan
- Dwell Cocoon Cardigan
- Strata Hooded Cardigan
- Patons Cozy Crochet Cardigan
- Patons Cozy Collar Crochet Cardigan
- Bernat Slouchy Crochet Cardigan
- Caron Crochet Boxy Cardigan
1. Tunisian Sherpa Sweater Jacket
This sherpa jacket has the fluffy look of teddy fleece, with an open cardigan shape and a hood for extra coziness. The fabric is made with Tunisian crochet, so it asks for a different hook and working method from ordinary single or double crochet. The textured yarn softens the stitch definition, producing a plush surface that works particularly well as an outer layer over a thinner top.
- Yarn: Bulky boucle yarn; sample in Baby Soft Boucle.
- Project level: Tunisian crochet with beginner video support.
- Techniques: Tunisian simple stitch, hood and jacket assembly.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts; free account may be required.
Before you begin: Watch the Tunisian tutorials first and check the cable-hook requirements before buying your supplies.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
2. 3 Day Chunky Cardigan
The 3 Day cardigan is a substantial, oversized layer with large stitches, practical pockets and a buttoned front. Its appeal is the combination of bold fabric and a straightforward silhouette: the yarn does much of the visual work, while the finishing gives it the look of a proper everyday cardigan. The roomy cut leaves space for another layer underneath, making it especially useful when you want a casual jacket alternative.
- Yarn: Chunky yarn; see current pattern supply list.
- Project level: Quick project for experienced basic-stitch crocheters.
- Techniques: Oversized garment construction, pockets and button finishing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; free account may be required.
Before you begin: Three days is the designer’s project concept, not a guaranteed deadline; size, tension and available crochet time all matter.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
3. Backpacker Belted Cardigan
Backpacker is a cardigan with the presence of a light crochet coat. Its longer body, shawl collar and angled pockets create a practical layer for cooler days, and the optional belt lets you choose between a defined waist and a loose, open silhouette. The fronts and back begin together in one piece, using simple stitches before the finishing adds structure and detail. It is a good choice when you want a handmade layer with a little more coverage.
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn; sample in Touch of Alpaca.
- Project level: Confident beginner garment project.
- Techniques: One-piece main body, shawl collar, angled pockets.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online.
Before you begin: Check the planned finished length before starting, and decide whether you want the optional belt.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
4. Elevation Duster Cardigan
Elevation is a long duster cardigan that adds movement and coverage without relying on a complicated fitted shape. Its open front and generous length make the stitch pattern visible from shoulder to hem, and the pockets keep the design useful for everyday wear. The pattern begins with the pockets as gauge swatches, then builds the rest of the garment without seaming. That makes the preparation part of the finished project rather than a throwaway exercise.
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn; sample in Lion Brand Heartland.
- Project level: Easy construction; pay attention to gauge.
- Techniques: Seamless main construction, crossed stitches and pockets.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online.
Before you begin: Measure the pocket swatches carefully before continuing; the designer also explains how to shorten the cardigan.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
5. Backcountry Cardigan
Backcountry begins with a rectangle and becomes an oversized cardigan with sleeves, puff-stitch stripes and a soft faux-fur collar. The cocoon-like shape gives it a relaxed, enveloping fit, while the contrasting collar changes the look from a simple crochet layer to something more dramatic. It is an appealing project if you enjoy the simplicity of a flat body piece but want finishing details that make the final garment stand out.
- Yarn: Worsted body yarn with faux-fur collar yarn.
- Project level: Confident beginner; puff-stitch and finishing practice.
- Techniques: Rectangle construction, sleeve additions and collar.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts; free account may be required.
Before you begin: Swatch both the main fabric and any collar substitute; the two yarn textures serve different purposes.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
6. Solstice Long Cardigan
Solstice is a long, bohemian cardigan with an open stitch pattern, useful pockets and generous fringe. The main fronts and back are crocheted together, and the sleeves are added around the armholes, so the construction avoids most of the sewing associated with a long garment. Tall stitches and a flexible yarn give it movement rather than a heavy, coat-like structure. It works particularly well when you want length without a densely stitched fabric.
- Yarn: Drapey worsted-weight yarn; original sample in ZZ Twist.
- Project level: Confident beginner.
- Techniques: One-piece body, treble crochet, attached sleeves and fringe.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online.
Before you begin: Choose a substitute with good drape and swatch before committing; matching yarn weight alone will not reproduce the movement.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
7. Dwell Cocoon Cardigan
Dwell is a chunky cocoon cardigan that starts as a rectangle and gains its wearable shape through folding and simple joins. Crossed stitches give the fabric a more open, patterned surface than plain dense rows, while the thicker yarn creates a substantial cozy layer. The ribbed finishing helps define the sleeves and open edge. If you like blanket-style cardigans but want some stitch interest, this is an enjoyable alternative to an entirely plain body.
- Yarn: Bulky yarn; see Hue + Me and original yarn notes.
- Project level: Beginner-friendly shape; crossed-stitch practice.
- Techniques: Zeros and Crosses stitch, rectangle body and ribbing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online.
Before you begin: Practise the crossed-stitch repeat first, and use the pattern’s gauge when changing from its original yarn.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
8. Strata Hooded Cardigan
Strata has the comfort of a blanket-style cardigan, with an open front, a hood and a softly striped fabric. Yarn cakes supply the color changes, allowing the main work to stay repetitive and relaxed. The body is made in one piece with construction that forms the armholes without the usual separate-panel assembly. The result is a casual cocoon layer that can be worn open; the tutorial also discusses an optional buttoned arrangement.
- Yarn: DK/light yarn; original sample in Lion Brand Cupcake.
- Project level: Confident beginner.
- Techniques: One-piece main body, armhole openings, hood and fringe.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts; free account may be required.
Before you begin: Begin with the first free part, then continue to the hood and finishing section linked by the designer.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
9. Patons Cozy Crochet Cardigan
Patons Cozy is a coatigan-style cardigan with a lofty fabric, stepped stripes and a swingy hem. The main texture alternates familiar stitches, while post stitches give the edges more definition. A collar band is incorporated as the fronts are crocheted, and balloon-cuff sleeves contribute to the generous silhouette. It is an attractive choice when you want the coverage and presence of a light crochet coat without losing the comfort of an open cardigan.
- Yarn: Patons Norse.
- Project level: Intermediate.
- Techniques: Single and double crochet texture, post-stitch edges.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Follow the shaped side-seam guidance and compare the finished measurements with a roomy garment you already enjoy wearing.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
10. Patons Cozy Collar Crochet Cardigan
Cozy Collar emphasizes the frame around the open front, with a generous collar that makes the cardigan feel warm and enveloping. Half double crochet provides the body fabric, while front- and back-post stitches add ribbed definition. The lofty original yarn gives it a soft appearance without making the collar look flat. It is a particularly inviting design for cool-day outfits where you want a simple cardigan with one strong, practical detail.
- Yarn: Patons Norse.
- Project level: Post-stitch ribbing and garment practice.
- Techniques: Half double crochet and front/back post ribbing.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Review the garment construction and practise the front- and back-post ribbing before starting the collar.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
11. Bernat Slouchy Crochet Cardigan
Bernat Slouchy is a long cardigan designed for a loose, comfortable fit, with substantial ribbing and an all-over textured fabric. Its coverage makes it particularly suitable for cooler weather and for outfits built around a simple fitted base layer. The original roving-style yarn gives the stitches a soft, rounded appearance. The pattern combines familiar crochet stitches with a different ribbing placement, so it offers a manageable technique challenge within a classic cozy shape.
- Yarn: Bernat Roving.
- Project level: Intermediate.
- Techniques: Single/double crochet texture and lower-ridge ribbing.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Check the care instructions for your yarn and swatch the lower-ridge ribbing as well as the main fabric.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
12. Caron Crochet Boxy Cardigan
The Boxy cardigan keeps its outline simple, allowing the chunky self-striping yarn and stitch texture to supply most of the character. Its generous shape makes it useful for layering over a thinner top, and the open front keeps the garment relaxed. This is a good choice when you prefer a substantial cardigan with a straightforward silhouette to a design built around intricate shaping. The tea-cake sample adds changing tones without a separate colorwork plan.
- Yarn: Caron Tea Cakes.
- Project level: Easy.
- Techniques: Boxy cardigan shape with chunky textured fabric.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Compare the finished width with a cardigan you already own; boxy ease can feel quite different from a fitted size.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
Make a cozy cardigan that fits your wardrobe
Check length before committing
Compare shoulder-to-hem measurements with an existing garment. A duster and a hip-length cardigan can use very different amounts of yarn, even when their chest measurements are similar.
Look at the fabric’s weight
A bulky yarn is useful for quick progress, but a long garment also needs a fabric that hangs comfortably. Make a generous swatch and assess the drape as well as the gauge.
Plan the collar, hood and pockets
These details change both the appearance and the yarn requirement. Read the finishing instructions before buying yarn, and follow the designer’s guidance when adjusting length.
Frequently asked questions
Are all of these cardigan patterns free?
The linked publishers offer a free version of the instructions. Yarnspirations uses downloadable PDFs; Make & Do Crew provides online tutorials and may ask for a free account. A paid printable PDF is an optional alternative, not the free pattern link used here.
Can I use a different yarn?
Start with the designer’s substitution notes and match the stitch-pattern gauge. Check fiber, drape and finished fabric as well as yarn weight. Buy the quantity required for your size and any length adjustments.
How do I choose the right size?
Use the original pattern’s measurement chart and schematic. Compare finished chest, sleeve and length measurements with a garment you enjoy wearing. For a child’s cardigan, use the child’s measurements rather than age alone.
Explore all 60 free crochet cardigan patterns
These five collections feature 12 distinct patterns each. Continue with another style:
- 12 Easy Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Relaxed Everyday Layers
- 12 Free Hexagon and Granny Square Crochet Cardigan Patterns
- 12 Free Long and Cozy Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Cooler Days — you are here
- 12 Free Lightweight and Lace Crochet Cardigan Patterns
- 12 Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns with Color, Texture and Statement Details
Browse more projects in our Crochet Cardigan Pattern category.
