The Crochet Granny Square Cardigan is a stylish blend of retro charm and everyday comfort, made entirely from classic granny squares. It stands out because the tutorial showcases how to join squares effortlessly, creating a seamless design. The cardigan is not just functional but also visually striking, offering a modern twist to a timeless technique.
Crochet a Stylish Granny Square Cardigan
This cardigan design draws inspiration from vintage fashion while adding a modern shape to keep it trendy. It’s perfect for transitional seasons like spring or fall, adding warmth and layering style. You can also use festive color palettes to make it a cozy winter cardigan, great for gifts or holiday events.
Stitch Pattern & Structural Elements
The granny square uses simple double crochet clusters worked in rounds. The video demonstrates assembling individual squares into a cardigan form and shaping it with clean edges and sleeves. The design structure allows for customization with different color patterns or yarn weights, making it adaptable to anyone’s style and season.
Credit: Leonela Cevallos
Step-by-Step Pattern
Materials
To make your granny square cardigan, gather the following:
- Yarn: Use a mix of wool and alpaca for warmth. The tutorial features Nepo by Drops yarn in 3 shades, with 75 meters per 50g skein.
- Crochet Hook: 5 mm crochet hook.
- Tools:
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Pair of scissors
Stitch Guide
Before diving into the cardigan project, familiarize yourself with the stitches:
- Magic Ring: Start by creating a loop; crochet into it and pull the tail to tighten.
- Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops.
- Treble Crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops.
- Treble Three Together: Combine three treble stitches into one.
- Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yarn over, insert hook around the post from front to back, yarn over, and complete the double crochet.
- Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Yarn over, insert hook around the post from back to front, yarn over, and complete the double crochet.
- Slip Stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, and pull through all loops.
Notes
- Gauge: To fit the dimensions properly, ensure the squares match the size mentioned in the tutorial (approx. medium size requires 54 squares).
- Customization: Change yarn colors to suit your style or adjust the number of squares for different cardigan sizes.
- Tip: Weave in yarn ends as you go to save time and effort in finishing the project.
Pattern Instructions
Step 1: Crochet Round Square #1
- Foundation Round:
- Begin with a magic ring and work 2 chains (do not count as a stitch).
- Crochet 12 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
- Pull the tail to close the ring and work a slip stitch into the first double crochet. Cut the yarn.
- Round 2:
- Attach a second yarn color (e.g., white).
- Start with 3 chains (count as part of the first treble three together).
- Create 12 treble three together stitches, separated by 2 chains, to form petals of a flower.
- Slip stitch into the first treble three together to close the round and cut yarn.
- Round 3:
- Attach pink yarn to any chain space.
- Work 3 double crochets into the space, followed by 3 half double crochets into remaining chain spaces.
- Create corner spaces at every fourth chain space by crocheting 3 double crochets, 2 chains, 3 double crochets into the same chain space.
- At the end of the round, secure the square with a slip stitch and cut yarn after completing four sides and corners.
Step 2: Assemble Squares to Form Panels
- Make 54 squares for medium size.
- Layout your squares:
- Back Panel: 5 rows of 4 squares.
- Front Panels: 2 rows of 4 squares for each side.
- Horizontal Assembly:
- Place two squares with the right sides together.
- Use the pink yarn to attach squares with single crochet stitches worked into paired stitches.
- Repeat for all rows.
- Vertical Assembly:
- Rotate your layout and repeat the process to join columns.
Step 3: Attach Sleeves
- Fold the sleeve panel (columns of squares) in half.
- Locate the center top edge and align it with the shoulder seam.
- Use whip stitches with a tapestry needle to sew together sleeves and body panels.
- Fold the cardigan along the shoulder edge and join side seams using single crochet stitches to form the underarm and sides.
Step 4: Add the Border and Neckline
- Attach pink yarn to the bottom edge.
- Work a row of front post double crochets (fpdc) followed by back post double crochets (bpdc) to create a ribbed effect.
- Continue for five rows.
- Insert five buttons along the left side rib. Use ribbing spaces as buttonholes for convenience.
Step 5: Create Sleeves Cuffs
- Attach yarn to the sleeve edges and work double crochet two together stitches to decrease the size of the cuff.
- Follow with front post/back post double crochet ribbing for six rows.
Step 6: Weave Ends & Final Touches
- Weave in all yarn ends for a clean finish.
- Add additional decorations like embroidery or tassels if desired.
Pattern Question:
Q: How many squares are needed to make the cardigan for a medium size?
A: You will need 54 squares (5 rows of 4 columns for the back and 2 rows of 4 columns for each front panel).
