Clear a space in your wardrobe for this season’s must-hook item! Whether you’re after festival fashion, a cover-up that’ll take you from beach to bar, or an oversized cardi to throw on as the sun sets, this granny square cardigan by Anna Wilkinson ticks all the boxes. Designed in a one-size-fits-all style, this eye-catching make gives off serious retro vibes - and is the perfect make to celebrate Granny Square Day!
Follow our yarn shade suggestions, or use as many or as few colours as you like to make yours. And, be open-minded about the layout of the garment pieces, too – with the construction working like a granny square, you’ll find you need to twist it around and start from a different edge occasionally.
You will need
DMC Natura XL Just Cotton (100% cotton, 100g/75m per ball), or alternative super-chunky weight yarn;
- Two balls in Citrus (82) - Yarn A
- Three balls in Lagon (07) - Yarn B
- Nine balls in Fuchsia (43) - Yarn C
Tension
11 sts and 6.5 rows (3 groups of 3tr and 2 1ch-sps) to 10cm (4") square
Abbreviations
You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This free granny square cardigan crochet pattern is written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.
Measurements
Finished size One size to fit bust up to 104cm (41"), length 50cm (19¾")
Notes
The garment is made using granny stitches. The front and back start with two sides of a granny square and finish in straight rows. The sleeves are made in straight rows.
If you're new to granny squares, you can always check out our how to crochet a granny square tutorial!
Free granny square cardigan crochet pattern
Back
Using Yarn A, ch4 and join into a ring with a ss
Row 1 ch2 (counts as first tr here and throughout), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) into the ring, turn
Row 2 ch3 (counts as first tr and ch1 here and throughout), (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into 2ch-sp, ch1, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 3 ch2, 2tr into 1ch-sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into 2ch-sp, ch1, 2tr into 1ch-sp, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 4 ch3, 3tr into 1ch-sp, ch1, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into 2ch-sp, ch1, 3tr into 1ch-sp, ch1, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 5 ch2, 2tr into 1ch-sp, ch1, (3tr, ch1) in each 1ch-sp to corner, (3tr, ch2, 3tr, ch1) in corner 2ch-sp, (3tr, ch1) in each 1ch-sp up to and including penultimate one, 2tr into final 1ch-sp, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 6 ch3, (3tr, ch1) in each 1ch-sp to corner, (3tr, ch2, 3tr, ch1) in corner 2ch-sp, (3tr, ch1) in each 1ch-sp up to and including last one, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Repeat Rows 5 and 6 once more
Change to Yarn B and work a further 8 rows in the pattern as set by Rows 5 and 6
Change to Yarn C and work a further 13 rows in the pattern
Fasten off.
Twist the work so the yellow square sits at the bottom right
Row 30 reattach yarn at the top right edge and work in pattern up to corner 2ch-sp, 1tr into first ch, turn
Shoulder shaping
Row 31 ch2, 2tr into first 1ch-sp, *ch1, 3tr into next 1ch-sp; repeat from * a further 2 times, ch1, 2tr into next 1ch-sp.
Fasten off.
Reattach yarn at other side of neck, giving yourself 5 1ch-sps to work into before the end of the row. 2tr in the first 1ch-sp, ch1, *3tr into next 1ch-sp, ch1; repeat from * a further 2 times, 2tr into final 1ch-sp, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row
Right front
Work as for Back until you have worked 7 rows of Yarn B
Row 16 work in pattern up to corner 2ch-sp, 1tr into first ch, turn
Change to Yarn C
Working just along this side now and continuing in the pattern, work a further 10 rows. Fasten off.
Neckline shaping
Row 27 with RS facing (yellow square sitting at bottom left corner of work) reattach yarn along the row giving yourself 5 1ch-sps to work into before the end of the row (ch2, 1tr) in the first 1ch-sp, ch1, *3tr into next 1ch-sp, ch1; repeat from * a further 2 times, 2tr into final 1ch-sp, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 28 ch3, *3tr into next 1ch-sp, ch1; repeat from * to end, finishing with 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Work in this pattern as set for a further 3 rows. Fasten off.
Left front
Work as Right front, using Yarn C throughout, until neckline shaping
Neckline shaping
Row 1 work in pattern as set across 4 1ch-sps (so you will have 4 groups of 3tr), work 2tr into next 1ch-sp, turn
Row 2 ch3, *3tr into next 1ch-sp, ch1; repeat from * to end, finishing with 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Work in this pattern as set for a further 3 rows. Fasten off.
If you fancy hooking up a whole wardrobe full of chic granny garments, then you might want to try our free granny square crochet fringed top pattern or our free granny square vest top crochet pattern. And if you're feeling really summery, you could try out free granny square crochet halter top pattern!
Right sleeve
Using Yarn A, ch36
Set up row 1tr into 3rd ch from hook, 1tr into next ch, *miss 1 st, ch1, 1tr into each of next 3 ch; repeat from * to end of row, turn
Row 1 ch3 (counts as 1tr, ch1), *3tr into 1ch-sp, ch1; repeat from * to end finishing with 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 2 (increase row) ch3 (counts as 1tr, ch1), 3tr into first 1ch-sp, *ch1, 3tr into next 1ch-sp; repeat from * to end finishing with ch1, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row, turn
Row 3 ch2, 2tr into 1ch-sp, *ch1, 3tr into next 1ch-sp; repeat from * to final 1ch-sp, 2tr into this 1ch-sp, 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row
Row 4 ch3, *3tr into next 1ch-sp, ch1; repeat from * to end, finishing with 1tr into top of 2nd ch from start of prev row
Row 5 As Row 3
Change to Yarn B
Row 6 as Row 4
Row 7 as Row 2 – increase row
Row 8 as Row 3
Row 9 as Row 4
Row 10 as Row 3
Row 11 as Row 4
Row 12 as Row 2 – increase row
Row 13 as Row 3
Change to Yarn C
Row 14 as Row 4
Row 15 as Row 3
Row 16 as Row 4
Row 17 as Row 2 – increase row
Rows 18-22 work as Rows 8-12
Row 23 as Row 3
Row 24 as Row 4
Rows 25-28 repeat Rows 23-24 twice
Fasten off.
Left sleeve
Work as Right sleeve but just work using Yarn C throughout
Joining
To finish off, weave in all ends.
Lay out all the garment pieces. The Right front colours will join up with the Back colours along the side seam and the beginning point (the ch4 loop) of the Left front will sit at the side seam.
Begin by sewing together the shoulder seams using mattress stitch. Then, stitch the sleeve heads in place. Finish by stitching the side seams up all the way up to the armhole and down the sleeves, joining them together.
Trims
Work 2 rows of multicolour trims in double crochet around the cuffs and neckline, central bands and bottom of the cardigan
Row 1 work using Yarn A when crocheting into an edge of Yarn C, work using Yarn B when crocheting into an edge of Yarn A, and work using Yarn C when crocheting into an edge of Yarn B – change as and when you meet another patch of colour
Row 2 work using Yarn B when crocheting into an edge just worked in Yarn A, work using Yarn C when crocheting into an edge just worked in Yarn B, and work using Yarn A when crocheting into an edge just worked in Yarn C
Weave in all ends and lightly steam to complete.
Now that you've finished your epic granny square cardigan, we've got loads more fun granny squar eprojects for you to try! Check out our pick of the best granny square projects, and choose from our library of free granny square patterns if you fancy getting creative and mixing up your squares!
We hope you've enjoyed this free granny square cardigan crochet pattern, don't forget if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you're looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks and the best crochet kits for beginners.
