Crochet Adult Cardigan with Pockets and 2-Row Pattern

I love a cardigan that looks special but is secretly simple, and this cozy adult cardigan is exactly that! A clever two-row repeat of cross stitches and back-loop double crochet builds a lovely 3D-style texture, and you can finish it with pockets and a ribbed post-stitch border.

We will work the body in easy repeating rows, mark the middle of the foundation chain to divide the front and back panels, then add sleeves, a border and optional pockets. You can make it in one colour or two, long or short, in sizes from XS to 5XL.

It is designed with beginners in mind, so if you can double crochet and half double crochet, you can absolutely make this. Let me walk you through it!

Materials

• 3 balls of double knitting yarn (330 meters / 100g per ball) in the main colour for a medium size; larger sizes need slightly more
• 1 ball of double knitting yarn (330 meters / 100g) in a border (contrast) colour
• 4mm crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle, to weave in ends
• Scissors
• Buttons (optional)

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sk: skip
• st(s): stitch(es)
• fpdc: front post double crochet
• bpdc: back post double crochet

Special Stitches

• Cross Stitch: skip the next dc, work 1 hdc into the following dc, then return to the skipped dc and work 1 hdc into it. This creates the criss-cross pattern of Row 2.
• Front Post / Back Post Double Crochet: used for the ribbed border and sleeve finish — work the dc around the post of the stitch from the front (fpdc) or the back (bpdc) instead of into the top of the stitch.

Gauge & Size

• Finished size (Medium): each panel is 61 cm / 24 inches tall; when joined, the total width is 122 cm / 48 inches before borders; sleeve width approximately 21 inches or as per arm measurement
• Sizes XS to 5XL: work 17 rows (XS, about 8 inches per panel), 19 rows (S), 21 rows (M), 23 rows (L), 25 rows (XL), 27 rows (2XL), or 29 to 31 rows (3XL to 5XL)
• Construction: body worked in rows from a long foundation chain (multiples of 2 + 2), panels divided at the marked middle chain, sleeves and border added after
• Skill level: Beginner

Cardigan Body Pattern

Foundation chain: begin with the main colour yarn, make a slip knot and chain 200 for Medium size. The chain must be worked in multiples of 2 + 2 for custom lengths. Mark the 100th chain with a stitch marker to divide the front panel from the back panel, and add 2 extra chains to accommodate the pattern.

Row 1: Skip 3 chains from the hook, work 1 dc into the 4th chain, then 1 dc in each chain across the row. For Medium size you should have 200 dc (100 per panel side). Turn your work.

Row 2: Ch 2 and turn. Skip the next dc, work 1 hdc into the following dc, then return to the skipped dc and work 1 hdc into it to create a criss-cross stitch. Continue working criss-cross stitches across the row. At the end of the row you should have 99 cross stitches.

Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. Skip the first dc and work 1 dc into the back loop only of each stitch across the row. At the end of the row you should have 200 dc, the same count as Row 1.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3: continue alternating Row 2 (cross stitch) and Row 3 (back loop dc) until you complete the number of rows for your size (21 rows for Medium). Always finish with a Row 3 (back loop dc) to ensure smooth transitions when working the neck, sleeves and borders.

Front & Back Panels

Use a stitch marker to divide the panels at the middle of the foundation chain. Work the same number of rows for both panels. After completing the panels, fasten off and prepare for assembly.

Sleeves

Attach yarn to the armhole opening (defined during marking). Follow the same stitch pattern (Rows 2 and 3). For tapering sleeves, decrease stitches in the dc rows at the start and end of rows. Work until the desired length (33 rows for Medium). Finish with 4 rounds of front post / back post dc using the contrast colour.

Border

Reattach the contrast colour yarn to the bottom corner of the cardigan. Work dc evenly around all edges (2 dc per stitch for every row side). Turn corners with 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in the same stitch. Complete the border with 4 rounds of front and back post double crochet for a ribbed effect.

Pockets

Chain 32 for the foundation (or your desired width). Work 12 rows of pattern, ending with Row 3. Add 3 rows of contrast-coloured border using front and back post double crochet. Sew the pockets securely to the cardigan, skipping rows to align them properly.

Finishing & Assembly

Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends. Steam block or wet block the cardigan for enhanced stitch definition and smoothness. If desired, sew on buttons or additional embellishments.

Tips

Focus on maintaining even height in the cross stitches on Row 2 — that is what keeps the pretty 3D texture neat.

For a monochromatic cardigan, work it all in one colour; for extra sophistication, use a contrasting colour for the body borders as written.

Add chains to the foundation for a longer body, or use fewer chains for a cropped cardigan.

Always finish the body with a Row 3 (back loop dc) so the neck, sleeves and borders sit smoothly.