Cozy Crochet Cardigan Tutorial Using Half Double Crochet – Crochet Cardigan

If you have been dreaming of making your very first cardigan, this is the one I would hand you. It is worked in five simple panels, the back, two front pieces and two sleeves, so there is no tricky shaping to worry about, just lovely relaxing rows.

The texture is what makes it feel so special. A band of slip stitch ribbing runs along one edge of every panel, and the rest is worked in half double crochet, which gives a cozy, squishy fabric that drapes beautifully. Because the panels are simple rectangles, you can easily adjust the length and colour to make it completely your own.

We will work every panel with the same easy two-row rhythm, then join everything together at the end. Let me walk you through it.

Materials

• Medium 4 weight cotton blend yarn (the sample uses Caron Blossom Cakes)
• 6mm crochet hook
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• hdc: half double crochet
• sc: single crochet
• st/sts: stitch / stitches

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: one cozy cardigan, sized by the panel measurements below; make the panels longer or shorter for your perfect fit
• Construction: five flat panels (back, two fronts, two sleeves) seamed together, with a slip stitch ribbed edge built into every panel
• Skill level: Beginner

Back Panel Pattern

Make 1. The 12 slip stitches at the start of Row 1 form the ribbed edge of the panel, and we repeat that ribbing on every odd row.

Chain 90.

Row 1: Work in the back bumps. Slip stitch 12, then 77 half double crochet.

Row 2: No turning chain. Half double crochet in each stitch. (89 stitches)

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 60 rows.

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Front Panels Pattern

Make 2. The fronts are worked exactly like the back, just shorter.

Chain 90.

Row 1: Work in the back bumps. Slip stitch 12, then 77 half double crochet.

Row 2: No turning chain. Half double crochet in each stitch. (89 stitches)

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 26 rows.

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Sleeves Pattern

Make 2.

Chain 59.

Row 1: Slip stitch 12, then 46 half double crochet. (58 stitches)

Row 2: No turning chain. Half double crochet in each stitch. (58 stitches)

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 42 rows.

Cut yarn and fasten off.

Finishing & Assembly

Place the panels inside out with wrong sides facing.

Join the shoulders by whip stitching the front panels to the back panel.

Attach the sleeves to the armholes using whip stitch or mattress stitch.

Join the sleeves and body by slip stitching from the sleeve cuff down the side of the cardigan.

Weave in all ends and turn the cardigan right side out.

Optional: add a border of single crochet or half double crochet around the neckline and front edges for a neat finish.

Tips

Count your stitches at the end of Row 2 on your first panel. Once you know you have 89 stitches, the rest of the panel is pure relaxing rhythm.

The slip stitch ribbing section should sit at the same edge on every panel, so lay your pieces out and check the ribbing lines up before you start seaming.

Because the panels are simple rectangles, this is a wonderful pattern to customise. Work more rows on the back and fronts for a longer, cosier cardigan.