This granny square cardigan crochet pattern looks complicated, but you are only making one giant granny square — folded and seamed to create this beautiful, drapey cardi. Adding a 3-round double crochet border to the front and arm openings turns a regular granny square into a comfy, cozy cardigan you’ll actually wear. The yogi and fashionista in me both LOVE this one. The color alone makes it pop.

This is one of those rare patterns that’s beginner-friendly enough for someone who’s only ever made basic granny squares, but the finished result looks designer. Pair with skinny jeans and a tee for everyday casual, or layer over a slip dress for a boho-chic look. The drape of worsted weight wool makes it lay just right on the shoulders.

Why You’ll Love This Granny Square Cardigan

• Beginner-friendly — if you can crochet a basic granny square, you can make this entire cardigan
• One giant square + simple seaming — no complicated shaping, no sleeves to set, no decreases
• One size fits most — easily adjustable by adding or removing rounds for kids’ sizes or oversized fit
• Drapey, lightweight, layerable — perfect for spring transitional weather or summer evenings
• Customizable colors — solid for modern minimalist, ombre for boho, multi-color for vintage 70s vibe
• Free pattern — full written instructions right here on this page

Pattern Details

Materials

• 5 skeins of worsted weight #4 yarn in your color of choice. The original uses Darn Good Yarn Yak Wool in Mulberry, but any worsted weight works — try Red Heart Super Saver for an affordable option in tons of colors, or splurge on a wool/wool-blend for the most luxurious drape
• 5.5mm crochet hook (US I/9)
• Tapestry needle — for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors

For yarn weight reference and substitution guidance, the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system is a helpful resource. Any worsted weight #4 yarn will work in this pattern as long as it matches gauge.

Pattern Notes

This granny square cardigan crochet pattern is written as one size fits most, but it’s wonderfully easy to adjust. Add more rounds for a larger cardigan, work fewer rounds for a smaller fit — even a kid’s version! As you crochet, pause every few rounds to pin the square up against yourself in the mirror. This shows you exactly how the finished cardigan will fit before you commit to seaming.

The yarn substitution matters more than usual for this pattern because of the drape. A stiff, scratchy acrylic will give you a stiff, awkward cardigan. A soft wool blend with some drape gives you a designer-looking piece. If you’re between options, go with the drape-ier yarn.

Abbreviations

• Ch — Chain
• Dc — Double crochet
• Sc — Single crochet
• Sl st — Slip stitch
• Sp — Space
• St(s) — Stitch(es)
• Rep — Repeat

Granny Square Cardigan Pattern

Begin with a magic ring.

Round 1: Working into the center ring, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), 2 dc, ch 2, *3 dc, ch 2, rep from * twice more for a total of four 3-dc clusters and four ch-2 sp. Sl st to top of ch 3.

Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc into st at base of ch 3, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into ch-2 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, rep from * twice more. Sl st to top of ch 3.

Round 3: Ch 3, 2 dc into st at base of ch 3, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into ch-2 sp, ch 1, *3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, rep from * around to beginning corner, 3 dc, ch 1. Sl st to top of ch 3.

Round 4: Ch 3, 2 dc into st at base of ch 3, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 1) into each of next ch-1 sp, repeat to corner, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner, ch 1, rep from * around to beginning corner, 3 dc, ch 1. Sl st to top of ch 3.

Repeat Round 4 until each side of the granny square measures 40 inches (approximately 1.02m). Do not break yarn — you’ll continue directly into the border.

Assembly

Step 1: Seam the Sides

Fold the granny square in half with right sides facing each other. With a length of yarn and your tapestry needle, seam 7 inches inward on both sides — this creates the arm openings. See the photo above for reference. Try the cardigan on (inside out is fine) to make sure the arm openings hit comfortably.

Step 2: Front Border

With right side facing, starting at the bottom center of the cardigan, pick up and dc in every stitch up and along one front side, across the back of the neck, and down through the other side. Join with a sl st to the first dc.

Ch 3, dc in every stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first dc.

Repeat one more time for a total of 3 border rounds. Bind off and weave in ends.

Step 3: Arm Borders

Repeat the border method on each arm hole, working 3 rounds of double crochet border on each side. The borders give the cardigan a clean, finished edge and prevent the arm openings from stretching out of shape with wear.

Bind off and weave in all ends. Press lightly on low heat with a damp cloth to flatten and even out the stitches. For a more polished finish, gently wet-block the entire cardigan (see our how to block work tutorial). Enjoy your new favorite layering piece!

Tips for the Best Granny Square Cardigan

• Pin before seaming — fold the square and pin the side seams before sewing. Try it on with the pins in place to confirm the fit hits exactly where you want
• Use a yarn with drape — wool, wool blends, and bamboo all drape beautifully. Avoid stiff acrylics for a softer finished look
• Block the finished cardigan — a gentle wet block evens out the stitches and helps the cardigan settle into its final shape
• Add a closure if you want — sew on a button, hook, or ribbon tie at the center of the chest if you prefer a closed-front look
• Try color variations — solid neutral for modern, ombre stripes for boho, wide multi-color stripes for vintage 70s vibes
• Make a matching tote or wrap — using the same yarn and granny square technique, work a smaller square as a coordinating accessory

Get the Premium PDF Pattern

Love this free version but want a printable PDF with photos, schematic, and ad-free formatting? Get the premium Granny Square Cardigan PDF pattern on Etsy:

More Crochet Patterns You’ll Love

• Star Stitch Crochet Throw — free pattern, perfect companion piece
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• How to Block Knit & Crochet Work — finishing technique to make your cardigan look professional
• Browse all crochet patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level is this granny square cardigan?

Beginner to intermediate. If you can work a basic granny square you can make this — it’s literally just one giant square folded and seamed. The trickiest parts are the border and assembly, which are both straightforward with the instructions above.

How long does this cardigan take to crochet?

Most makers finish this granny square cardigan crochet pattern in 15-25 hours, depending on your speed. The granny square itself is the longest part (10-20 hours), the seaming takes about 30 minutes, and the borders add another 2-3 hours.

Can I make this cardigan in a different size?

Absolutely. Add rounds to make it larger, remove rounds for a smaller fit. A good tip: pin the square against yourself every few rounds to check the size before you commit to seaming. For a kid’s version, stop at around 24-30″ per side. For an oversized adult fit, continue to 44-48″.

What yarn works best for this pattern?

Any worsted weight #4 yarn works well. The original uses a luxe yak wool for a drapey, soft finish — but a budget-friendly worsted like Red Heart Super Saver gives great results too. Choose something with a little drape rather than a stiff acrylic for the best cardigan feel. Bamboo blends, merino, alpaca, and cotton blends are all great choices.

Do I need to know advanced crochet to make this?

No. This pattern uses just basic granny square techniques — chains, double crochets, and slip stitches. If you’ve ever made a granny square blanket, you can make this cardigan. The “advanced” part is really just patience for the size of the finished square.

Can I sell cardigans made from this free pattern?

Yes! You’re welcome to sell finished cardigans made from this free pattern. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the pattern designer. The pattern itself may not be reproduced, redistributed, or resold.

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