Granny squares and hexagons turn a crochet cardigan into a wearable color project. You can choose a simple two-color palette, arrange leftover yarn into a patchwork, or keep the motifs in one shade for a quieter look. This curated edit brings together 12 different cardigan patterns and tutorials, from airy cropped layers to oversized hexagon makes and classic motif jackets.
About the images: Every picture in this guide is an original AI-generated style illustration made for color and silhouette inspiration. It is not the designer’s actual sample or a stitch-accurate preview. Open each button for the maker’s real photos, materials, size chart and complete instructions. Pattern availability can change; check the linked source for current free, video and PDF options.
Why granny-square and hexagon cardigans feel so current
Visible motifs, personal color choices and handmade texture fit the wider appetite for expressive crochet clothing. Pinterest’s annual trend report discusses broad style directions, but it does not rank these exact cardigan patterns as a named trend. Treat this list as a trend-inspired project edit, with practical links to makeable designs—not as an official Pinterest ranking. See Pinterest Predicts.
Before choosing, decide whether you want to work many separate squares, join a few large shapes, or crochet a garment mostly in one piece. Motif cardigans let you plan color placement in advance and carry a small project in your bag; hexagons reduce the number of separate pieces and often create a relaxed, roomy silhouette. A gauge swatch and the designer’s finished measurements matter in either construction.
12 granny-square and hexagon cardigan patterns
1. Dutchess Cardigan: a modern granny square with a bold back
The Dutchess starts with a granny square at the center back, then builds outward into a relaxed cardigan. That gives the finished garment a strong focal point without requiring you to plan dozens of tiny motifs. It is a good choice if you enjoy classic granny clusters but want a more contemporary, substantial shape. The designer provides free online instructions and a tutorial, with an ad-free printable PDF offered separately. Before you start, compare the size notes and yarn quantities on the pattern page; a larger hook or a different yarn can change the drape and the cardigan’s finished width.
Open the Free Pattern + Tutorial
2. Tulip Square Cardi: floral motifs in a wearable layout
Wilma’s Tulip Square Cardi combines square motifs with triangular pieces to shape the front and back. The distinctive tulip stitch adds color and texture, while ribbing around the hem and neckline gives the garment a neat finish. The designer offers a free written pattern and step-by-step video in sizes XS–5XL; an ad-free PDF is also available. This is a satisfying project for someone comfortable making consistent motifs and joining pieces. Lay out the squares and triangles before seaming, and check the finished bust measurements against a cardigan you already like.
Read the Free Pattern + Watch the VideoSee Printable PDF Options
3. Airie Cropped Cardigan: airy squares in cool shades
The Airie Cropped Cardigan pairs granny motifs with a shorter length, making it easy to wear over a dress or high-waisted jeans. The designer’s page includes a free pattern and a full video walkthrough covering the squares, joining, body construction, sleeves and edging. A printable ad-free PDF is available as an optional purchase. The pattern uses US crochet terms, so check the terminology before beginning if you normally follow UK patterns. Its cropped proportions make length adjustments especially visible: try on the joined body before adding the final edging, and remember that blocking can relax the fabric.
Open the Free Pattern + VideoFind the Printable PDF
4. Reina Lacy Granny Square Cardigan: a lighter layer for warmer days
Reina uses joined granny-square motifs to create a relaxed, open cardigan with a light, lacy feel. The designer recommends cotton for breathable wear and includes instructions for assembling the motifs before adding the edging and ribbing. The free written pattern is on the blog; the ad-free printable PDF includes extra photo guidance and a motif chart. This is a useful choice if you like working a batch of repeatable squares and want a garment that can be worn across seasons. Block a sample square first, since lace and cotton can grow when washed and may affect the final fit.
Read the Free Reina PatternCheck the Printable PDF
5. Hexagon Cardigan with Granny Squares along the Back
This design brings two construction ideas together: the body begins with folded hexagon sections, while a row of granny squares creates a statement panel across the back. Alyssia’s free written guide breaks the project into manageable parts, including the hexagons, sleeves, joining and ribbing. The accompanying YouTube tutorial shows the overall process, and the designer notes that different granny-square motifs can be used for the back. That makes it a flexible option if you already have a favorite motif. Keep the square panel’s width consistent with the cardigan back before joining so it sits flat rather than pulling.
Read the Free Written PatternWatch the Cardigan Tutorial
6. Wild + Wanderful Granny Square Cardigan: playful patchwork
This cardigan is a color-planning project as much as a crochet project. The free guide includes a square planner and layout checklists, which can help keep the fronts and back balanced when you use several yarn colors. The creator assumes you already know basic crochet stitches, but links to written and video tutorials for classic and triangle granny squares, plus join-as-you-go guidance. It is especially helpful if you want to use stash yarn: choose a small palette first, then repeat each color enough times to make the garment feel cohesive. Print or save the layout resources before you start joining.
Open the Free Pattern + Square PlannerBrowse the Video Tutorials
7. Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan: join as you go
Marly Bird’s cardigan is built around a granny-square motif joined as you go, so the garment grows as the motifs are made instead of waiting for a large pile of squares to be sewn together. The free pattern is organized into sections for construction, edging, and collar and finishing. That structure makes it easier to return to the project over several sessions and track where you are. The page also provides materials and motif guidance. Read all three sections before starting, especially if you plan to change the yarn or colors, and keep the motif tension consistent so the panels meet without puckering.
Start the Free Pattern: ConstructionSee the Complete Pattern Guide
8. Bee Weniqueboutique Granny Square Cardigan: a practical classic
This free granny-square cardigan pattern includes clear material and gauge notes, chest and length measurements, and video help for the square and assembly. The designer gives a size range through 5XL and explains how to adapt the square size or number of motifs to change the fit. That makes this a useful starting point for makers who want a straightforward traditional cardigan and need a visible reference for sizing. Follow the designer’s measurement formula rather than relying on the illustration, and check how the joined panels sit on your shoulders before working the sleeves and ribbing.
Read the Free Pattern + VideoWatch the Granny Square Lesson
9. Ammonite Hexagon Cardigan: a ready-to-print PDF
Ammonite is a hexagon cardigan pattern from Yarnsmiths, shared as a downloadable PDF. The visual construction makes it an appealing pick if you prefer to keep the instructions nearby on a tablet or print them for your project bag. The designer’s PDF is the authority for the yarn, hook, size and stitch details; check those before substituting materials. Hexagon cardigans are easy to customize in length, but adding rounds also changes yarn use and sleeve proportions. Make a blocked gauge swatch and compare it with the PDF before committing to the full garment.
Download the Free Ammonite PDF
10. Sarah Maker Granny Hexagon Cardigan: made to measure
Sarah Maker’s free granny hexagon guide explains the familiar two-piece construction: crochet two hexagons, fold them into L-shapes, then join them to form the body and sleeves. The made-to-measure approach is useful if you want to customize the cardigan’s width, length or sleeve fit instead of following a fixed set of measurements. The online guide includes a photo walkthrough and notes on shaping a tapered sleeve. Its ruffled hexagons are intentional during construction; they should not lie flat like a square. Use the designer’s instructions to check the fit as you add rounds, and secure color changes neatly if you want the striped look.
Read the Free Step-by-Step PatternCheck Printable Pattern Options
11. Easy Granny Square Cardigan by My Crochet Teacher
Wendy van Leeuwen’s Easy Granny Square Cardigan is presented with a full video tutorial and a free version, making it a practical option for visual learners. The Ravelry listing notes sizes XS–5XL, US crochet terminology and an aran-weight yarn suggestion. The roomy mesh-and-stripe fabric keeps the classic granny-square look from feeling too dense. Because the free instructions are linked through the designer’s YouTube resources, open the Ravelry page and follow its video or pattern links rather than relying on a third-party copy. Pause after each panel or repeat to compare your stitch count with the video.
Open Pattern Details + Free VersionWatch the Full Video Tutorial
12. Kai Lea Granny Square Hexagon Cardigan: oversized and seamless
Kai Lea’s Granny Square Hexagon Cardigan uses a hexagon-shaped granny construction for a roomy, seamless-looking layer. The pattern is listed as free and includes a photo tutorial and video support; its bulky yarn suggestion can make the fabric grow quickly, though it will also create a warmer, heavier cardigan. Check the pattern’s hook and gauge notes before choosing a substitute yarn, especially if you want a lighter garment. This design is a good option for makers who like an oversized fit and want clear visual help while shaping and joining the cardigan.
Open the Free Pattern DetailsVisit the Designer’s Tutorial Page
How to choose the right cardigan for your next project
- Want a beginner-friendly visual guide? Start with the Bee Weniqueboutique, Tulip Square or Sarah Maker pattern pages and watch the linked lessons before buying yarn.
- Want to use leftover yarn? Try Wild + Wanderful or a motif-based design. Sort your colors into a small palette and lay out the motifs before joining.
- Want fewer seams? Look at the hexagon constructions, such as Sarah Maker or Kai Lea. Check the finished measurements often because one extra round affects both body and sleeve dimensions.
- Want a lightweight layer? Reina’s lacy cotton motifs or Airie’s cropped shape may suit spring and summer outfits better than a bulky hexagon cardigan.
- Want a printable reference? Dutchess, Tulip Square, Airie and Reina have optional ad-free PDF versions; Ammonite is available as a free downloadable PDF.
Helpful tips before you crochet
Make a swatch and block it. Granny clusters, puff stitches, cotton and wool all behave differently. A small blocked swatch tells you more about drape and final size than the hook label alone. Check the pattern’s terminology. Most links above use US terms, but confirm this before you begin. Photograph your layout. If you are making many squares, save a picture of the arrangement before joining so the fronts remain balanced. Weave in ends as you go. This is easier than tackling every tail at the end, especially in a multicolor cardigan.
Frequently asked questions
Are granny-square cardigans suitable for beginners?
They can be, if you already know the basic stitches and choose a pattern with clear joining instructions or video support. Making the squares is often repetitive; fitting the garment and joining the panels accurately take the most attention.
What yarn works best for a granny-square cardigan?
Choose yarn based on the season and fabric you want. Cotton or cotton blends make breathable layers, while wool and acrylic blends can feel warmer and softer. Use the pattern’s recommended yarn weight and check gauge before substituting.
Can I change the colors or the size?
Most motif patterns are easy to recolor, but adding or removing motifs changes garment measurements. Hexagon designs can often be adjusted by adding rounds, although that also affects yarn use and sleeve length. Follow the designer’s size guidance and measure as you go.
Are all the patterns free?
The list prioritizes free online patterns and tutorials. Some designers also offer optional paid, ad-free PDFs; one video-led pattern may have a paid printable version alongside free access. The linked pages explain the current access and any account or download requirements.
Keep exploring crochet cardigans
For more styles, visit our hexagon and granny-square cardigan pattern collection, browse 14 more crochet cardigan ideas, or explore our beginner cardigan guide.
