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Patchwork Cardigan Pattern

Patchwork Cardigan Pattern
4.2★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
2.3K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

👕

Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Patchwork Cardigan Pattern

This pattern creates an oversized patchwork cardigan made from vertical stripe panels and square color blocks. It uses single crochet throughout with easy color changes and optional multi-strand squares. The design is assembled with mattress stitch for neat seams and a ribbed hem and button band for a polished finish.

Patchwork Cardigan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Included are full instructions for front panels, back panel, sleeves, assembly and finishing details. Diagrams and photos guide placement so you can sew panels together confidently.

Why You'll Love This Patchwork Cardigan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple stitches with a striking patchwork aesthetic that feels both modern and cozy. I enjoy how customizable it is—colors and yarn choices completely change the mood of the cardigan. I love the vertical-strip construction because it makes sewing and assembly straightforward and satisfying. The finished cardigan is warm, wearable and receives compliments every time I wear it.

Patchwork Cardigan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Patchwork Cardigan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Patchwork Cardigan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Patchwork Cardigan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this pattern by changing colors; try alternating pastels for a spring-ready cardigan or deep jewel tones for a richer look.

I often adjust the size of the squares to make the cardigan more modern or retro — larger squares create a bolder patchwork effect while smaller squares look intricate.

Want it chunkier? Use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook to create a cozy, chunky version that works up faster and is ultra warm.

If you prefer a sleeker silhouette, work the same panels with a lighter fingering yarn and a smaller hook to achieve a more fitted drape.

I like to add embroidered initials or a small motif on one square for personalization — embroidery or surface crochet adds a lovely handmade touch.

Try substituting the ribbed bottom with a crochet rib made in half double crochet for a slightly different texture and stretch.

To make it shorter or longer, simply adjust the number of rows in each vertical stripe; remember to keep all panel lengths consistent before assembly.

I sometimes make the button band narrower or wider depending on button size — mark button placement first and adjust band width as needed.

For a subtle shimmer, hold a metallic strand with one main yarn for the multi-strand panels to add sparkle without overwhelming the colors.

If you want sleeve variation, try tapering the sleeve by decreasing rows gradually or making a bell sleeve by increasing width toward the cuff.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not changing colors at the end of a row correctly; always stop before the final yarn over, drop the old color and pull through with the new color to avoid loose floats and messy edges. ✗ Failing to count rows for each color block; mark your rows or use a notebook to track repeats so all squares and panels align properly when assembling. ✗ Skipping stitch markers for button placement leads to uneven holes; place three stitch markers and line them up with the bottom of each button before crocheting the button band. ✗ Joining strips without pinning can create misaligned seams; pin and check alignment, then use mattress stitch through the top loops only for an invisible join. ✗ Crocheting with inconsistent tension makes panels different sizes; maintain even tension and check gauge frequently to match panel dimensions before assembly.

Patchwork Cardigan Pattern

Make a cozy, oversized patchwork cardigan with vertical stripe panels and color-block squares. This pattern guides you through each panel, sleeve, and finishing step so you can confidently assemble a professional-looking cardigan. Perfect for creating a handmade wardrobe staple or a thoughtful gift using warm, autumnal yarns.

Beginner Friendly 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Patchwork Cardigan Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Lanosso Cazz 100% Acrylic, 100 gr (3.5 oz) = 180 m (197 yds) - 10 ply Medium / Aran (main yarn)
  • 02
    Kartopu Ak-Soft 100% Acrylic, 100 gr (3.5 oz) = 240 m (262 yds) - used for multi-strand square
  • 03
    Color G - Redwood: 2 balls (XS-S-M), 2 balls (L-XL), 2 balls (2-3XL)
  • 04
    Color F - Beige: 2 balls (XS-S-M), 2 balls (L-XL), 3 balls (2-3XL)
  • 05
    Color J - Brown: 2 balls (XS-S-M), 2 balls (L-XL), 2.5 balls (2-3XL)
  • 06
    Color H - Ecru: 1 ball (all sizes)
  • 07
    Color I - Mocha: 1 ball (XS-S-M), 2 balls (L-XL), 2 balls (2-3XL)
  • 08
    Color K - Mocha DK & Ecru DK (multi-strands): used as striped/multi-strand panels (1 ball each strand equivalent)
  • 09
    Total yarn required: approximately 10 balls (XS-S-M), 11 balls (L-XL), 12.5 balls (2-3XL) - total yardage varies by size

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.0 mm (for ribbing)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 5.0 mm (or any hook that meets the gauge with your tension)
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    3 buttons, 3 cm (1.1") or 3.5 cm (1.3") diameter
  • 05
    Measuring tool (ruler or tape measure)
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 08
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Sizing & Measurements :

Info :

Cardigan size: XS-S-M, L-XL, 2-3XL. WIDTH: 22"/57 cm (XS-S-M), 25"/64 cm (L-XL), 31"/78 cm (2-3XL). LENGTH: 21"/53 cm (XS-S-M), 23.5"/59.5 cm (L-XL), 25"/64 cm (2-3XL). Measurements taken flat and are approximate. Final measurements may differ depending on tension, yarn type, and blocking.

Info :

Gauge: 4 x 4" (10 x 10 cm*) = 14 sts & 16 rows in single crochet stitch with 5 mm crochet hook. *cm measurement is approximate.

Info :

Notes on the pattern: This cardigan is worked in vertical strips. You start with making the first strip then making the other stripes. Add the strips with the mattress sewing method and thus the front and back panels will be join. Each vertical strip is worked in colour blocks. The cardigan is worked in single crochet.

Info :

Abbreviations: ch = chain. sc = single crochet. slst(s) = slip stitch(es). st(s) = stitch(es). loop single crochet. inc = increase. yo = yarn over. rep = repeat. This pattern uses US terminology.

— How to Change Colors :

Info :

Stop before the final yarn over on the final stitch of row 22. Drop the "B" color of yarn. Put the new yarn "M" color on the hook and use the "M" color to pull through the last two loops on the hook. Turn and ch 1. Continue with a row of sc.

Info :

Multiple-Strands Square: For multi-strand squares, you will follow the same steps as above but when doing this, the weights of the yarns should be 8 ply / DK.

— Front Panel :

Info :

Using 5 mm hook

Row 0 :

Ch 17 (19, 23)

Row 1 :

(RS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 16 (18, 22) sc.

Row 2 - Rep :

Rep row 1 until end of row 18 (20, 22). Switch to new color. Repeat this step 4 times. Fasten off.

Info :

And you have one vertical stripes ready. Make this vertical stripes 4 times in total, 2 times for the right front and 2 times for the left front.

— Back Panel :

Info :

Using 5 mm hook

Row 0 :

Ch 17 (19, 23)

Row 1 :

(RS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 16 (18, 22) sc.

Row 2 - Rep :

Rep row 1 until end of row 18 (20, 22). Switch to new color. Repeat this step 4 times. Fasten off.

Info :

And you have one vertical stripes ready. Make 5 vertical stripes for the back panel.

— Sleeves :

Info :

(Make 2): Using 4 mm hook

Row 0 :

Ch 10

Row 1 :

sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end. Turn. (SC X 9)

Row 2 :

ch 1, sc in BLO in each st across. Turn. (BLO SC X 9)

Row 3 - Rep :

Rep row 2 until end of row 26 (28, 30)

Info :

Change to 5 mm hook

Row 4 :

Fold your crochet ribbing in half and use slip stitches to join last and first row together. Turn your crochet ribbing inside out.

Row 5 :

Ch 1, SC in the same stitch times (increase) and continue until you have 56 (58, 60) slst into the last st of the round. Turn.

Row 6 :

Ch 1, sc across, slst into the last st of the round. turn.

Row 7 - Rep :

Repeat row 6 until you have 27 rows. Fasten off. Switch to the next color from where the slip stitch was. Ch 1, and sc across. Repeat row 6 until you have 23 rows.

Info :

Fasten off leaving a long tail. Go ahead and make the other sleeve in the same way.

— Assembly :

Info :

Mattress Stitch: Using yarn needle and long tails, Start by making the first strip, and then invisible sew stitch the previous strip as you progress.

Info :

Lay work with wrong side facing down and edges to be sew side by side. Stitches will be worked through the top loop only of both sides. Insert needle from left to right through the first stitches of both panels at the bottom of your work to begin joining the two panels.

Info :

Insert needle from right to left into the next stitch of the right panel and continue through the last stitch worked on the left panel. Continue in this manner gently pulling the yarn snug as you go to close the seam. Every few stitches pull the yarn snug to secure and even out the seam.

Info :

Lay the back panel on a flat surface. Next place both front panel on top and with a yarn needle and long tails seam front panels to back panel or slip stitch them together.

Info :

Next lay entire piece out flat with the wrong side still facing up. Grab a sleeve and mark the middle st with a stitch marker. Now attach stitch marker to the shoulder seam. With yarn needle and long tail seam sleeve to main body. Rep on the other side with the other sleeve.

Info :

Fold over your cardigan and seam along under edge of sleeves and down along the sides. Turn cardigan right side out.

— Bottom Ribbing :

Info :

In Beige Yarn with a 4 mm hook,

Row 0 :

Ch 14

Row 1 :

1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. (13 sc).

Row 2 :

Ch 1, sc in BLO in each st across. Turn. (BLO SC X 13)

Row 3 - Rep :

Repeat row 2 until ribbing is long enough to go around the entire bottom edge of cardigan (that includes the bottom edges of the two front panels and the bottom edge of back panel). Fasten off leaving a very long tail. With your yarn needle and long tail sew the ribbed hem to the bottom edge of cardigan.

— Button Band :

Info :

Grab 3 stitch markers and place them where you want your three button holes to be. With the Right side facing you, space out the 3 buttons evenly along the opening edge of the neckline. Line up a Stitch Marker with the bottom of each button and place Stitch marker in corresponding st.

Info :

In Beige Yarn with a 4 mm hook, Turn cardigan right side out. Attach yarn to bottom inner corner of the cardigan.

Row 0 :

Ch 10

Row 1 :

1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. slst into next 2 sc (on the body of cardigan). Turn. (9 sc).

Row 2 :

skip 2 slsts, 9 sc in BLO, Ch 1, turn, 9 sc in BLO. slst in next 2 sc, turn, skip 2 slsts, 9 sc in BLO, ch 1, turn, 9 sc in BLO, slst in next 2 sc, turn...

Row 3 :

BUTTONHOLE ROW: Ch 1. Working sc in BLO, 1 sc in each of first 3 sts, Ch 3, skip next 3 sts, 1 sc in each of last 3 sts. Slst into next 2 sc (on the body of cardigan). Turn..

Info :

Continue to ROWS 2 until the height of ribbing reaches the next slip marker, then repeat a BUTTONHOLE ROW. Once you’ve crocheted all 3 buttonholes, continue to ROWS 2 until the ribbing measures the length of the entire neckline. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Info :

Sew buttons on the other side of the neckline opening, taking care to match buttons to button holes. *You can use stitch markers to mark the button placement. *If the neckline is ruffling – you’ve placed the button too close together and if the neckline is pulling/puckering – you’ve placed the buttons too far apart. Your cardigan is now completed!

— Assembly Diagrams :

Info :

Refer to the assembly diagrams for the back, left front and right front color placement and measurements. Diagrams show square placement, multi-strand striped square position and finished dimensions for XS-S-M, L-XL and 2-3XL.

Assembly Instructions

  • Join vertical strips using mattress stitch through the top loops only with wrong sides facing down so seams lie flat and invisible.
  • Lay the back panel flat, place both front panels on top and seam the front panels to the back panel with long tails or slip stitch them together.
  • Mark the midpoint of the sleeve with a stitch marker, align it to the shoulder seam, then sew sleeve to body using a yarn needle and long tail; repeat for the other sleeve.
  • Fold cardigan and seam under the sleeve edges and down the sides to close the body seams, then turn the cardigan right side out.
  • Sew the bottom ribbing to the bottom edge of the cardigan using a long tail and yarn needle, then attach the button band and sew buttons opposite the buttonholes. Ensure button placement matches stitch markers.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of the start of rows, shoulder seam positions and the placement of buttonholes for an even finish.
  • 💡Work with consistent tension to match the gauge so squares and panels line up properly during assembly.
  • 💡Pin panels and strips in place before sewing to ensure correct alignment and to avoid mismatched seams.
  • 💡Weave in ends as you go, especially at color changes and panel joins, to keep the back of the work tidy and easy to assemble.

This warm patchwork cardigan is a joy to create and a pleasure to wear—every square tells a little story of color and texture. 🧶 The vertical-strip construction makes assembly simple and satisfying while the ribbed edges and button band give a polished finish. ✨ Make it in autumnal tones for a cozy look or brighten it up with vibrant colors for a playful twist. 🧵

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished cardigan measures approximately 22"/57 cm wide and 21"/53 cm long for XS-S-M; larger sizes are listed in the measurements table.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can, but changing yarn weight will affect the final size and gauge. Adjust hook size accordingly and check the gauge before working full panels.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is beginner friendly (beginner/advanced beginner) and uses basic single crochet and simple techniques, though basic knowledge of color changes and mattress stitch is helpful.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

This is a multi-day project that generally takes 12-15 hours depending on skill level, size, and how many customization details you add.