The PERFECT Color Block Crochet Cardigan – New FREE Pattern

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Are you a beginner crocheter and ready for some next-level garment crocheting? Then you definitely need this Color Block Crochet Cardigan in your wardrobe!

Get the free crochet pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF.
You can also get both crochet pattern and yarn at Hobbii.com

color block crochet cardigan

This crochet cardigan pattern is part of a collaboration with Hobbii.com

Introducing The Cadence Cardigan – The PERFECT Color Block Cardigan

This new Color Block Crochet Cardigan pattern, called The Cadence Cardigan, features solid color blocking, cute balloon-shaped sleeves but all you have to know is some of the most basic stitches. Oh, and then one more important thing: it’s made from lovely chunky yarn!

All this combined creates a gorgeous oversized, fluffy-looking crochet cardigan.

The pattern is super fun and easy to follow even though it might not look like it. You only have to know how to single crochet and half double crochet to make it, and you’ll soon be ready to wear your newest addition to your crochet wardrobe!

By the time you’re done making it you can wear it in many ways. Try it out with a cute dress on a chilly summer night. Another suggestion is to pair it with jeans in fall or winter to keep warm. It’s also perfect for a relaxing day at home.

And one more thing: If you like you could certainly make it in one solid color as well.

Already loving it? Let’s make this color block crochet cardigan together ☺️


Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF 🧶☺️ Or get both crochet pattern and yarn at Hobbii.com

Let’s talk construction of this yummy color block crochet cardigan

The Cadence Cardigan is constructed in a very simple way. The pattern is also written in a very easy-to-understand way. 

So you first make two front panels and one back panel. Every panel is worked in rows and you change color as you go to create the color block effect.

When you’re done making the body panels you sew them together. Then you crochet the ribbings at the opening and the bottom directly onto your cardigan.

The pattern for your new color block Crochet Cardigan can easily be customized to fit your needs.

You can easily adjust the length of the body panels. Just add the same number of rows on all three panels before breaking the yarn and sewing them together.

When you’ve sewn the body panels together, you can try on your cardigan and get a glimpse of how it will look.

Now it’s time for the sleeves. You crochet the sleeves directly onto the cardigan and add the ribbing at the wrist so you have to do a minimum of assembling (loving it!). The sleeves are designed to have a cute balloon shape which adds a particularly great effect to the color block crochet cardigan look 🎈☺️

While you work on the sleeves you can adjust the length of them when you try the cardigan on to get the exact fit look you want. All you have to do is add or subtract rows before the decrease row.

Once you’re done making this lovely oversized crochet cardigan, there’s only one thing left to do: weaving in the ends. I know… There is a bit of weaving in to do because you change color a few times, but remember: It’s worth it!

If you like you can weave in the ends as you go – your work, your decision.

And now it’s finally time take wear your cool & cozy cardigan🤩

crochet cardigan pattern

What you need to know

All you need to know to make this fluffy color block cardigan is basically how to chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. If you’re i bit unsure about what that means though, here are the links for three easy-to-follow video tutorials. They will teach you the stitches:

Firstly, learn how to chain and make a single crochet (UK double crochet) – watch this video tutorial on how to chain and single crochet 

Secondly, learn how to make a half double crochet (UK half treble crochet) – watch this video tutorial on how to half double crochet 

oversized crochet cardigan

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginners / Lower intermediate

TOOLS

Hooks 6,5 mm and 7,0 mm
Darning needle
Scissors 

YARN

Hobbii Fluffy Day XL
Yardage: 100 grams = 140 meters (153 yds)
Color codes:
Color A: Ecru (02)
Color B: Black (05)

Hobbii Fluffy Day XL is as the name says: super fluffy. It’s a super soft, high-quality acrylic yarn and is so easy to work with. It’s light and airy and has a really cool brushed look that makes this chunky, oversized crochet cardigan so wonderful to wear.

Materials:
Color A – Ecru: S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL): 3, (5, 6) skeins
Color B – Black: S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL): 3, (5, 6) skeins

The model in the picture is wearing a size S/M.

ALTERNATIVES: Other Bulky / Chunky / 12 ply / 5-weight yarn.

free crochet cardigan pattern

GAUGE

(This is an expression of how tight your work is)
4” / 10cm square = 9 stitches wide x 9 rows tall in half double crochet using hook size 7 mm

4” / 10cm square = 12 stitches wide x 11 rows tall in single crochet back loop only using hook size 6,5 mm (used for ribbings)

Always make a test before you begin. If the gauge does not match the specified crochet hook, try changing to a larger or smaller one so that you find the hook with which you can achieve the specified gauge.

SIZE GUIDE

These are the finished measurements of your garment, not your body measurements, but please keep in mind that The Cadence Cardigan is an oversized crochet cardigan with a loose fit and lots of positive ease. Nonetheless, choose the size that matches the measurement and the look you’re going for.

Size S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)

Sizes in inches:
Length – measured from neck to bottom: 
22 (23 1/4, 24 1/2)
Width – measured just below the sleeves: 
21 2/3 (25 1/2, 29 1/2)
Sleeve length – measured towards wrist: 
17 (17, 18)

Sizes in cm:
Length – measured from neck to bottom: 
56 (59, 62)
Width – measured just below the sleeves: 
55 (65, 75)
Sleeve length – measured towards wrist: 
43 (43, 45)

Crochet balloon sleeve cardigan

PATTERN NOTES

Stitch counts for the different sizes are written in the order:

S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)

At the end of each row you can see the total number of stitches for each size as follows:

E.g. for the sleeves:
[ 50 (60, 70) ]

Note that the ch 1 at the end of each row on the body panels is a turning ch and does not count as a stitch.

Note that the ch 1 at the end of each round on the sleeves is a turning ch and does not count as a stitch.

Do not make the turning chains too tight because then your work will wrinkle and get an uneven look.

The pattern suggests weaving in ends as you crochet and as you finish each part of the cardigan, but you can also do it at the end. Nevertheless, do what’s best for you.

Always read the pattern thoroughly. You will find an explanation of all abbreviations below, both US and UK terms. The pattern uses US terms.

ABBREVIATIONS

st(s): stitch(es)
ch: chain
sc: single crochet (UK double crochet)
hdc: half double crochet (UK half treble crochet)
sl st: slip stitch
blo: back loop only

SHARE YOUR PROJECTS

I love to see your finished projects and WIPs! Use #cadencecardigan #yippieyarnyay and tag @yippieyarnyay on social media to show off your work and your process while you’re crocheting.

Let’s move on to the pattern for your new oversized crochet cardigan🥰

color block cardigan crochet pattern

PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS FOR
THE CADENCE CARDIGAN

Body

The body consists of three parts: a left front panel, a right front panel and a back panel. Sew them together once all three panels are done.

Front panel – left

Use hook 7 mm. Use color A

Ch 19 (24, 29). (The last 2 ch count as 1 hdc) 

Row 1: 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 18 (23, 28) ]

Row 2: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 18 (23, 28) ]

Row 3-15: Repeat row 2 – 13 times [ 18 (23, 28) ]

Row 16: 16 (21, 26) hdc, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc, ch 1, turn [19 (24, 29) ]

Row 17: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [19 (24, 29) ]

Row 18-19: Repeat row 17 – twice [19 (24, 29) ]

Row 20: 17 (22, 27) hdc, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc, ch 1, turn [20 (25, 30) ]

Row 21: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [20 (25, 30) ]

Row 22-25: Repeat row 21 – 4 times [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color B
Row 26: Repeat row 21 [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color A.
Row 27-28: Repeat row 21 – twice [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color B
Row 29-30: Repeat row 21 – twice [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color A
Row 31: Repeat row 21 [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color B
Row 32-37: Repeat row 21 – 6 times [20 (25, 30) ]

Only for size L/XL: 
Row 38-39: Repeat row 21 [ 25 ]

Only for size 2XL/3XL: 
Row 38-41: Repeat row 21 [ 30 ]

Break yarn and weave in ends.


Front panel – right

Use hook 7 mm. Use color A

Ch 19 (24, 29). (The last 2 ch count as 1 hdc) 

Row 1: 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 18 (23, 28) ]

Row 2: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 18 (23, 28) ]

Row 3-15: Repeat row 2 – 13 times [ 18 (23, 28) ]

Row 16: 1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in next st, 16 (21, 26) hdc, ch 1, turn [19 (24, 29) ]

Row 17: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [19 (24, 29) ]

Row 18-19: Repeat row 17 – twice [19 (24, 29) ]

Row 20: 1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in next st, 17 (22, 27) hdc, ch 1, turn [20 (25, 30) ]

Row 21: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [20 (25, 30) ]

Row 22-25: Repeat row 21 – 4 times [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color B
Row 26: Repeat row 21 [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color A.
Row 27-28: Repeat row 21 – twice [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color B
Row 29-30: Repeat row 21 – twice [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color A
Row 31: Repeat row 21 [20 (25, 30) ]

Change to color B
Row 32-37: Repeat row 21 – 6 times [20 (25, 30) ]

Only for size L/XL: 
Row 38-39: Repeat row 21 [ 25 ]

Only for size 2XL/3XL: 
Row 38-41: Repeat row 21 [ 30 ]

Break yarn and weave in ends.


Back panel

Use hook 7 mm. Use color A

Ch 51 (61, 71). (The last 2 ch count as 1 hdc)

Row 1: 1 hdc in 3rd st from hook, 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Row 2: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Row 3-25: Repeat row 2 – 23 times [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Change to color B
Row 26: Repeat row 2 [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Change to color A.
Row 27-28: Repeat row 2 – twice [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Change to color B
Row 29-30: Repeat row 2 – twice [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Change to color A
Row 31: Repeat row 2 [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Change to color B
Row 32-37: Repeat row 2 – 6 times [ 50 (60, 70) ]

Only for size L/XL: 
Row 38-39: Repeat row 2 [ 60 ]

Only for size 2XL/3XL: 
Row 38-41: Repeat row 2 [ 70 ]

Break the yarn and weave in ends.


Assembly 

Once you’re done making the body panels it’s time to sew your cardigan together.

I recommend that you use whip stitch to sew your cardigan together, but you can use pretty much any kind of stitch you like.

how to sew the body panels together

Lay the front panels on top of the back panel according to the illustration below. Remember, there are no right or wrong sides to your panels. All you have to do is make sure that you choose the same side of all the panels as the right and wrong side and that the colors are aligned. This will enhance the color block crochet effect and also give your cardigan a more even look. Then it’s time to sew.

Thread a darning needle with a piece of yarn, color A, approx. 26” / 65 cm. After that, whip stitch shoulders together as the illustration below shows.

Thread a darning needle with a piece of yarn, color B, approx.  43” / 110 cm. Whip stitch sides together, from the bottom of the cardigan towards the shoulder as the illustration shows. Sew together 21 (21, 22) rows of hdc. The part you do not sew creates the armhole. It will measure approx. 9 (10 1/2, 11)” / 23 (27, 28) cm. Turn your work inside out so you do not see the stitches.

How to sew Cadence Cardigan

Once you have sewn the three panels together turn your work inside out. 

Now your color block cardigan is starting to take form and it’s finally time to continue crocheting the ribbing at the bottom of the cardigan.


ribbing at the bottom

Add the yarn at the beginning of right front panel.

Use hook 6,5 mm. Use color B

Ch 8. 

Row 1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, 7 sc, 2 sc along the bottom, turn.

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, 7 sc blo, ch 1, turn. 

Row 3: 7 sc blo, 2 sc along the bottom, turn. 

Repeat row 2 and 3 all the way around the bottom of the cardigan. End by making row 2, but do not ch 1.

Break the yarn and weave in all ends.

Then continue marking the ribbing along the opening of the cardigan.


ribbing at the opening of your cardigan

Add the yarn at the ribbing on the right front panel.

Use hook 6,5 mm. Use color B

Ch 7. 

Row 1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, 6 sc, 2 sc along the edge, turn. 

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, 6 sc in blo, ch 2, turn. 

Row 3: 6 sc in blo, 2 sc along the edge, turn.

Repeat row 2 and 3 29 (31, 33) times each all the way along the right front panel towards the shoulder. Be aware that the work is even and doesn’t wrinkle. 

Now continue to crochet the ribbing on the back panel. When you work on the back panel work into the sts of your foundation ch.

Now connect the ribbing on the back panel to the left front panel.

Repeat row 2 and 3 29 (31, 33) times each along the edge towards the bottom of the left front panel. Be aware that the work is even and doesn’t wrinkle. End the ribbing along the left front panel by making row 2, but do not ch 2.

Break the yarn and weave in ends. 

Crochet balloon sleeve cardigan

Sleeves

Add the yarn under the arm where the front and back panels are sewn together.

Use hook 7 mm. Use color A. Be aware not to crochet the sleeves too tight.

Ch 1.

Row 1: 44 (48, 50) hdc all the way across to the beginning of the row. Sl st in the first hdc, ch 1, turn [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Row 2: 1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Row 3: Start in 4th ch from the hook. Make 1 dc in the next 46 (47, 49, 52, 54) sts. Make 1 sc in the last 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) sts, ch 1, turn. [ 51 (52, 55, 58, 61) ]

Row 3-9 (3-7, 3-6): Repeat row 2 – 7 (5, 4) times [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Change to color B.
Row 10 (8, 7): Repeat row 2 [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Change to color A.
Row 11-12 (9-10, 8-9): Repeat row 2 – twice [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Change to color B
Row 13-14 (11-12, 10-11): Repeat row 2 – twice [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Change to color A
Row 15 (13, 12): Repeat row 2 [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Change to color B
Row 16-28 (14-28, 13-29) : Repeat row 2 – 13 (15, 17) times [ 44 (48, 50) ]

Row 29 (29, 30): 2 hdc together all the way across [ 22 (24, 25) ]

Do not break yarn. Continue making the ribbing at the wrist.


ribbing at wrist

Use hook 6,5 mm. Ch 8.

You’re still using color B.

Ch 7. 

Row 1: Start in 2nd ch from hook, 7 sc, 2 sc along the wrist, turn.

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, 7 sc blo, ch 1, turn. 

Row 3: 7 sc blo, 2 sc along the wrist, ch 1, turn. 

Repeat row 2 and 3 all the way around the sleeve. You end with making row 2.

Continue like this: 
7 sc in blo towards the wrist. Sl st in the last hdc from the last row on the sleeve, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 7 sc in both loops.

When you’re done with the first sleeve make the other one just like the first, break the yarn and weave in all ends.

Oversized-chunky-sweater-cardigan-pattern

Tadaaa 🎉 You’re done with your wonderful color block crochet Cadence Cardigan. There’s only one last thing to do: Wear it, love it, and feel good.

Well done!

Please share how your cardigan turned out and what colors you chose. Leave a comment ☺️

xx Sharlene


READY FOR YOUR NEXT CROCHET PROJECT?

Then you have gotta try these crochet patterns. They’re all great beginner patterns and super fun to make.

1. The Aiden Sweater // 2. The Chunky Crochet Sweater // 3. The Everyday Easy Crochet Cardigan

Beginner crochet sweater cardigan

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