60 Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns — Part 2 of 5
Hexagon and granny-square cardigans are satisfying because you can watch familiar shapes become a wearable garment. These 12 free crochet cardigan patterns explore that idea in several ways: folded hexagons, large granny squares, small patchwork motifs and combinations of squares with longer rows of granny stitch. Each one has its own photo and a link to the original instructions.
The group includes adult cardigans as well as two clearly labeled children’s patterns, XO and Mini Mezzo. It also ranges from airy cotton blends to plush velour and warmer wool. The geometry may look similar at first, but those yarn choices create very different fabrics. Choose the construction and texture that suit the person who will wear the finished cardigan.
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
- XO Child’s Hexagon Cardigan
- Mini Mezzo Cardigan
- Mezzo Hexagon Cardigan
- Revival Granny Square Cardigan
- Brunch Hexagon Cardigan
- Day Date Hexagon Cardigan
- Campfire Hexagon Cardigan
- Patons Coziest Crochet Cardigan
- Caron Granny Stripes Crochet Cardigan
- Caron Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan
- Caron Crochet Hexi-Cardigan
- Red Heart Granny Trio Crochet Cardigan
1. XO Child’s Hexagon Cardigan
The XO cardigan turns two expanding hexagons into a small, wearable jacket, with the folds creating much of the body and sleeves. Its open granny fabric makes it a useful layer over a T-shirt, while the longer silhouette gives the colorful stitches room to stand out. This is a children’s pattern, with options from newborn through child size 14, rather than an adult cardigan scaled down by guesswork.
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn; sample in Feels Like Butta.
- Project level: Children: newborn to size 14.
- Techniques: Two granny hexagons, sleeve finishing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts.
Before you begin: Follow the two free tutorial parts, and use the child’s chest measurement when selecting a size.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
2. Mini Mezzo Cardigan
Mini Mezzo brings the hexagon-cardigan construction to children aged roughly four to twelve. Two crocheted hexagons become the fronts, back and sleeves, while small puff-stitch details give the surface a soft rhythm. The lighter yarn makes the fabric drape rather than stand stiffly around the body. It is a useful option for a child who likes a comfortable, open layer and for a maker who enjoys watching geometric shapes turn into clothing.
- Yarn: DK/light yarn; sample in Lion Brand Coboo.
- Project level: Children: sizes 4–12.
- Techniques: Two hexagons, puff-stitch details and finishing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts; free account may be required.
Before you begin: Use the child’s measurements and the actual size chart; this entry is the children’s version of Mezzo.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
3. Mezzo Hexagon Cardigan
Mezzo uses two hexagons to create a drapey adult cardigan, with small puff details adding interest to the otherwise airy fabric. The cotton-and-bamboo sample gives the garment a fluid look that suits dresses and relaxed summer layers. This is a multi-part crochet-along rather than a single-page pattern, so the linked overview is the place to gather the four free sections and understand the construction before you begin.
- Yarn: DK/light yarn; sample in Lion Brand Coboo.
- Project level: Hexagon construction with tutorial support.
- Techniques: Two hexagons, puff accents and sleeve finishing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts.
Before you begin: Keep the two hexagons at the same gauge; the adult Mezzo and Mini Mezzo are separately sized patterns.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
4. Revival Granny Square Cardigan
Revival combines the charm of sunburst granny squares with a longer hooded-cardigan shape. The motifs provide recognizable decorative accents, while a modern granny-stitch variation builds other sections, including the fronts, sleeves and pockets. This mix keeps the cardigan from feeling like a collection of unrelated squares and gives you both motif work and rhythmic rows to enjoy. The original tutorial is divided into stages, with videos to help you follow the assembly.
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn; sample in Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling.
- Project level: Granny motifs with multi-part video guidance.
- Techniques: Sunburst squares, granny-stitch fabric, hood and pockets.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts.
Before you begin: Collect the links for every free part before starting and make the first square a careful gauge check.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
5. Brunch Hexagon Cardigan
Brunch turns two basic hexagons into a comfortable cardigan with the plush appearance of velour yarn. The geometric construction handles much of the garment shape, leaving you to concentrate on consistent stitches and matching the two halves. Compared with an airy cotton hexagon cardigan, this version has a richer, softer-looking surface that suits cozy indoor layers or a relaxed weekend outfit. The tutorial includes the details needed to turn the hexagons into a complete cardigan.
- Yarn: Medium-weight velour yarn; original sample in Vel-Luxe.
- Project level: Accessible hexagon construction.
- Techniques: Two hexagons, plush yarn and sleeve finishing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; free account may be required.
Before you begin: Check how your chosen yarn holds its shape; plush yarn can make stitch counting harder than a smooth practice yarn.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
6. Day Date Hexagon Cardigan
Day Date turns two hexagons into an adult cardigan with roomy bishop sleeves and cozy pockets. The construction lets you check the emerging fit as you work, which is helpful when the width of a cardigan feels difficult to judge from flat panels. Its open fabric gives it a lighter appearance than a dense jacket, while the gathered sleeve shape supplies a distinctive finish. The current tutorial includes updated yarn notes alongside the original design.
- Yarn: See current sample and gauge notes; Touch of Linen is featured.
- Project level: Hexagon project with adjustable fit guidance.
- Techniques: Two hexagons, bishop sleeves and pockets.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts.
Before you begin: Follow the gauge for the version you choose; the updated sample and original yarn do not have identical characteristics.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
7. Campfire Hexagon Cardigan
Campfire is a striped, hooded cardigan built from two granny hexagons. The hexagons form the foundation of the body and sleeves, and the later tutorial parts explain how to finish the garment and add its cozy details. Earthy contrasting colors suit the outdoor feel of the original, but the structure also gives you plenty of room to create a personal palette. It is a complete cardigan project spread across three free sections, counted here as one design.
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn; see current substitution notes.
- Project level: Granny-hexagon construction.
- Techniques: Two hexagons, stripes, hood and garment finishing.
- Pattern access: Free instructions online; follow the links for all tutorial parts.
Before you begin: Follow all three parts and check the substitute-yarn notes, since the original New Basic 175 yarn was discontinued.
Read the free pattern and tutorial →
8. Patons Coziest Crochet Cardigan
The Coziest cardigan is a folded garment made from four large granny squares. The oversized motifs produce a strong graphic surface, and the generous collar-like opening makes it feel especially enveloping. Using wool gives the original design warmth and a substantial hand, so this is a different proposition from a thin cotton granny jacket. The square-based approach is satisfying if you like familiar motifs but want to see them assembled into a less conventional garment.
- Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted.
- Project level: Intermediate.
- Techniques: Four large granny squares, folding and assembly.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Block the squares to matching dimensions before assembly, following the finishing instructions in the free PDF.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
9. Caron Granny Stripes Crochet Cardigan
This Granny Stripes cardigan has a vintage feel, with the color changes of Caron Cakes bringing movement to the granny-inspired fabric. The changing shades create a more expressive look without requiring you to choose and cut a new yarn for every stripe. It is a good match for someone who enjoys familiar granny textures and wants a cardigan with plenty of visual character. Keep the original photo and the PDF together when planning your version.
- Yarn: Caron Cakes.
- Project level: Easy.
- Techniques: Granny-inspired fabric and self-striping color.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Use the cardigan PDF and its schematic for the construction details, and check how the cake colors fall across the finished pieces.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
10. Caron Crochet Quilt Style Cardigan
Quilt Style takes small granny motifs and assembles them into a roomy, button-free cardigan with a patchwork feel. Each square uses a compact double-crochet construction, while full and half motifs help the fabric fit the garment’s outline. The cotton sample gives the bright arrangement a clean, defined appearance. This is a good project if you want to crochet manageable pieces over time and enjoy arranging colors before joining them into a wearable design.
- Yarn: Caron All Day Cotton.
- Project level: Easy.
- Techniques: Small granny squares, full and half motifs, half double crochet.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Lay out the motifs before assembly and check how the half motifs fit around the garment edges.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
11. Caron Crochet Hexi-Cardigan
Caron’s Hexi-Cardigan uses two granny-cluster hexagons that are folded and seamed into an open-front body. Additional rows and rounds extend the sleeves and hem, and ribbed cuffs gather the sleeves into a more finished shape. The colorful cake yarn gives the original plenty of personality, making this an appealing option if you want the classic hexagon method with lively striping. You can see the garment develop as the two matching halves grow.
- Yarn: Caron Anniversary Cakes.
- Project level: Easy.
- Techniques: Two granny-cluster hexagons, added length and ribbed cuffs.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Decide how closely you want the colors on the two halves to match before starting the second hexagon.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
12. Red Heart Granny Trio Crochet Cardigan
Granny Trio mixes three types of motifs in one cardigan, creating a varied patchwork surface while keeping a recognizable granny-square identity. The sample uses yarn designed to supply the color sequence within the squares, reducing manual color changes. Edgings and front ribbing bring the different motifs together into a finished, open-front garment. It is a good choice if you like the idea of a square cardigan but want more variety than repeating one identical motif.
- Yarn: Red Heart All in One Granny Square.
- Project level: Easy.
- Techniques: Three motif types, single-crochet edges and ribbing.
- Pattern access: Free PDF from the publisher’s pattern page.
Before you begin: Swatch with the recommended yarn carefully; the intended color placement depends on the size and tension of your motifs.
Get the free pattern PDF on Yarnspirations →
Plan a hexagon or granny cardigan
Match the pieces before joining
Two hexagon halves should have the same gauge, and square-based cardigans depend on consistent motif dimensions. Check the first piece early instead of discovering a size difference at assembly.
Arrange colors deliberately
Self-striping cakes can give two sleeves different color sequences. Decide whether you like that variation or want to plan a closer match, and lay out separate squares before joining.
Follow the garment finishing
The starting hexagons or squares are only part of the cardigan. Sleeve extensions, cuffs, front edges, hoods and pockets help turn the geometric fabric into a finished garment.
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 — you are here
- 12 Free Long and Cozy Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Cooler Days
- 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.
