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Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern
4.6★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
1.8K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

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Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

This pattern creates an adult crew neck buttoned cardigan worked in a textured two-row pattern repeat. It features ribbed hems, a shaped armhole and neck, and a neat button and buttonhole band for a polished finish. Multiple sizes are provided and the cardigan is worked flat and seamed for a classic, comfortable fit.

Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The instructions include full ribbing, shaping, sleeve construction, and finishing details to assemble and sew the cardigan. Suitable for intermediate crocheters who want a wearable wardrobe piece.

Why You'll Love This Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple stitch pattern into a cozy, wearable cardigan with beautiful texture. I appreciate how the ribbed edges and button band give the piece a professional finish without overly complicated techniques. Working it flat makes construction straightforward, and the clear shaping instructions let me customize fit easily. I enjoy that the pattern includes multiple adult sizes so I can make it for family or myself and still get a great fit.

Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I like to change yarn colors to make the cardigan more playful; try a heathered yarn for subtle depth or a solid bright for a statement piece.

I sometimes adjust the length by adding or subtracting pattern repeats to make a cropped or longer duster version.

I will swap to a bulkier yarn and a larger hook to create a chunky, cozy version that works up faster and is very warm.

I also reduce the yarn weight and use a smaller hook to make a delicate, lighter spring cardigan suitable for layering.

I enjoy adding elbow patches in a contrasting color for a classic, tailored look and extra durability on the sleeves.

I sometimes change button styles—wooden, metal, or decorative—to alter the cardigan’s personality from rustic to modern.

I sew in a strip of light interfacing behind the button band if I want firmer button support on a softer yarn.

I add embroidery or surface crochet along the edges for a custom decorative touch that makes the piece uniquely mine.

I often modify the sleeve length to three-quarter or short sleeves for seasonal variations and greater wearability.

I create matching accessories like a simple beanie or cowl in the same stitch pattern to complete a coordinated set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers at the armhole and shoulder shaping can lead to uneven shaping; place markers at each end of the last row and at armhole points to maintain symmetry. ✗ Not measuring your gauge before starting results in incorrect sizing; check 13 sts and 11 rows = 4" [10 cm] in pattern and change hook size if needed. ✗ Forgetting to leave unworked stitches when shaping neck and shoulders will distort the neck edge; carefully follow skip and leave unworked instructions exactly as written. ✗ Sewing sleeves in without aligning markers will create mismatched armholes; place rows above markers along unworked sts and pin before sewing to ensure square armholes.

Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

Make a cozy, textured crew neck cardigan with this clear crochet pattern. Youll create a classic buttoned sweater worked in a simple two-row pattern repeat and finished with ribbed edges and a neat button band. The pattern includes full sizing for multiple adult sizes and complete finishing instructions so you can sew and button the cardigan with confidence.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Caron Simply Soft (Heathers): 5 oz/141.7 g; 250 yds/228 m — 5 (6-7-8-9-10) balls depending on size
  • 02
    OR Caron Simply Soft (Solids): 6 oz/170.1 g; 315 yds/288 m — 5 (5-6-7-8-9-10) balls depending on size

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size U.S. H/8 (5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 02
    4 stitch markers
  • 03
    7 buttons
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Yarn needle for sewing
  • 06
    Measuring tape
  • 07
    Pins for assembly

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Notes :

Info :

Use the same color throughout the pattern. When only one number is given in black, it applies to all sizes.

— Back :

Row 0 :

Ribbing: Ch 10.

Row 1 :

(RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 9 sc.

Row 2 :

Ch 1. 1 sctbl in each st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Rep last row until Ribbing (when slightly stretched) measures 18½ (20¼-22¼-24½-27½-31½)" [47 (51.5-56.5-62-70-80) cm], ending on a WS row. Do not fasten off. Do not turn.

Row 3 :

(WS). Ch 1. Work 61 (67-73-81-91-103) sc evenly across long edge of Ribbing. Turn.

Info :

Proceed in pattern as follows:

Row 4 :

(RS). Ch 1. 1 sc in first st. *1 dc in next st. 1 sc in next st. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 5 :

Ch 3 (counts as dc). *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 6 :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first dc. *1 dc in next sc. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from * to end of row, working last sc in top of ch 3. Turn.

Info :

Rep last 2 rows for pat until work from lower edge measures 16 (16-16-16½-16½-16½)" [40.5 (40.5-40.5-42-42-42) cm] for Her Version or 17 (17-17-17½-17½-17½)" [43 (43-43-44.5-44.5-44.5) cm] for His Version, ending on a WS row. Fasten off.

Row 7 :

Shape armholes: (RS). Skip first 6 (8-10-12-14-18) sts. Join yarn with sl st to next dc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Pat across next 48 (50-52-56-62-66) sts. Turn. Leave rem 6 (8-10-12-14-18) sts unworked.

Info :

Cont even in pat over 49 (51-53-57-63-67) sts until armhole measures 8½ (9-9½-10-10½-10½)" [22.5 (23-23-24.5-25.5-27.5) cm], ending on a WS row. Fasten off.

Row 8 :

Shape neck: 1st row: (RS). Ch 1. Pat across 19 (19-20-21-24-24) sts (neck edge). Turn. Leave rem 6 (6-7-8-7-9) sts unworked.

Row 9 :

2nd row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. Pat to end of row. Turn.

Row 10 :

3rd row: Ch 1. Pat to last 2 sts. Sc2tog. Turn.

Info :

Rep last 2 rows twice more. 13 (13-14-15-18-18) sts rem. Work 1 row even in pat. Fasten off.

Row 11 :

Shape left shoulder: Next row: (RS). Skip first 6 (6-8-8-10-10) sts. Join yarn with sl st to next dc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Pat to end of row. Fasten off.

— Left Front :

Row 1 :

**Ribbing: Ch 10.

Row 2 :

1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 9 sc.

Row 3 :

2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sctbl in each st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Rep last row until Ribbing (when slightly stretched) measures 9 (10-11-12-13)" [measurement as given for size]. Do not fasten off. Do not turn.

Row 4 :

(WS). Ch 1. Work 31 (33-37-41-45-51) sc evenly across long edge of Ribbing. Turn.

Row 5 :

Proceed in pat as follows: 1st row: (RS). Ch 1. 1 sc in first st. *1 dc in next st. 1 sc in next st. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 6 :

2nd row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 7 :

3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first dc. *1 dc in next sc. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from * to end of row, working last sc in top of ch 3. Turn.

Info :

Rep last 2 rows for pat until work from lower edge measures 16 (16-16½-16½-16½)" [40.5 (40.5-40.5-42-42-42) cm] for Her Version or 17 (17-17-17½-17½-17½)" [43 (43-43-44.5-44.5-44.5) cm] for His Version, ending on a WS row. Fasten off.

Row 8 :

Shape armholes: Next row: (RS). Skip first 6 (8-10-12-14-18) sts. Join yarn with sl st to next dc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Pat across next 23 (25-25-27-27-29) sts. Fasten off.

Row 9 :

Next row: Skip first 7 (7-6-7-8-8) sts. Join yarn with sl st to next st. Pat across next 23 (25-25-27-27-29) sts. Fasten off.

— Right Front :

Info :

Work from ** to ** as given for Left Front. Do not fasten off.

Row 1 :

Shape armhole: Next row: (RS). Skip first 6 (6-8-10-10) sts. Join yarn with sl st to next dc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Pat to end of row. Fasten off.

— Sleeves :

Row 1 :

Ribbing: Ch 10.

Row 2 :

1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 9 sc.

Row 3 :

2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sctbl in each st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Rep last row until Ribbing (when slightly stretched) measures 9½ (9½-10-10½-10½-11)" [24.5 (24.5-25.5-25.5-26.5-26.5) cm], ending on a WS row. Do not fasten off. Do not turn.

Row 4 :

(WS). Ch 1. Work 31 (31-33-33-35-37) sc evenly across long edge of Ribbing. Turn.

Row 5 :

Proceed in pat as follows: 1st row: (RS). Ch 1. 1 sc in first st. *1 dc in next st. 1 sc in next st. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 6 :

2nd row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 7 :

3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first dc. *1 dc in next sc. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from * to end of row, working last sc in top of ch 3. Turn.

Row 8 :

4th row (inc row): Ch 1. (1 sc, 1 dc) in first sc. *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next dc. (1 dc, 1 sc) in last sc. Turn.

Row 9 :

5th row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.

Row 10 :

6th row (inc row): Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 sc in first dc. *1 dc in next sc. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 dc in next sc. (1 sc, 1 dc) in top of ch 3. Turn.

Info :

Rep 3rd to 6th rows 2 (3-3-4-6-7) times more. 43 (47-49-53-63-69) sts.

Info :

Sizes XS/S, M, L, XL and 2/3XL only: Next row: (RS). Ch 1. 1 sc in first dc. *1 dc in next sc. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from * to end of row, working last sc in top of ch 3. Turn. Next row (inc row): Ch 1. (1 sc, 1 dc) in first sc. *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next dc. (1 dc, 1 sc) in last sc. Turn.

Info :

Rep 3rd to 6th rows to shape sleeve until specified stitch count is reached and as given for sizes. Final stitch counts will be 43 (47-49-53-63-69) sts depending on size.

— Finishing :

Info :

Next row: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *1 sc in next dc. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn. Rep last 3 rows 5 (5-4-3-0) time(s) more. 55 (59-59-61-65) sts.

Info :

All sizes: Cont even in pat until work from lower edge measures 17 (17-17-16½-16-16)" [40.5 (40.5-40.5-42-42-42) cm] for Her Version or 18 (18-18-17½-17-17)" [43 (43-43-44.5-44.5-44.5) cm] for His Version, ending on a WS row. Place markers at each end of last row. Work a further 6 (6-8-10-12-14) rows in pat. Fasten off.

Info :

Sew shoulder seams.

— Neckband :

Row 1 :

Neckband: Ch 7.

Row 2 :

1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 6 sc.

Row 3 :

2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sctbl in each st to end of row. Rep last row until Neckband (when slightly stretched) measures length to fit along neck edge, sewing in place as you work, taking care to allow stretch in seam.

— Button Band :

Row 1 :

Button Band: 1st row: (RS). Join yarn with sl st and work 71 (73-73-77-77-81) sc for Her Version up Left Front edge to top of neckband or 75 (77-77-81-81-85) sc for His Version down Right Front to lower edge. Turn.

Rows 2-5 :

2nd to 5th rows: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Place markers on band for 7 buttons, having bottom button ½" [1 cm] above lower edge, top button in center of neckband and rem 5 buttons spaced evenly between.

— Buttonhole Band :

Row 1 :

Buttonhole Band: 1st row: (RS). Join yarn with sl st and work 71 (73-73-77-77-81) sc for Her Version down Right Front to lower edge or 75 (77-77-81-81-85) sc up Left Front edge to top of neckband for His Version. Turn.

Row 2 :

2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.

Row 3 :

3rd row: Ch 1. *1 sc in each sc to next button marker. Ch 2. Skip next 2 sc. Rep from * 6 times more. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.

Row 4 :

4th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp to end of row. Turn.

Row 5 :

5th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Fasten off.

Info :

Sew in sleeves, placing rows above markers along unworked sts of Front and Back to form square armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew shoulder seams together matching stitch pattern at the shoulder seams and weaving in ends before attaching neckband.
  • Sew in sleeves by aligning the rows above markers along the unworked sts of Front and Back to form square armholes, then pin and sew sleeve cap into the armhole.
  • Sew side and sleeve seams from the lower edge up, ensuring seams are smooth and stitches match on both sides for an even finish.
  • Attach neckband by working it to fit along the neck edge, sewing in place as you work and allowing a little stretch for comfort in the seam.
  • Sew button and buttonhole bands in place: attach the button band up the Left Front edge and the buttonhole band down the Right Front edge, then mark and cut buttonholes as instructed and fasten off.

Important Notes

  • 💡Check your gauge: 13 sts and 11 rows = 4" [10 cm] in pattern to ensure correct sizing.
  • 💡Place markers at each end of the last row and for button positions to make assembly and button placement accurate.
  • 💡Work ribbing slightly stretched to reach the indicated measurements for a proper fit before joining and working in pattern.
  • 💡Sew the neckband in place as you work to allow for controlled ease and avoid overstretching the seam.

This adult crew neck cardigan is a versatile wardrobe staple with lovely texture and clean finishing details. Its ribbed hems and neat button band make it wearable and timeless. Make it in your favorite Simply Soft color for a cozy, everyday sweater. 🧶👕

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished bust/chest measurements are given: Extra-Small/Small 37" [94 cm], Medium 40½" [103 cm], Large 44½" [113 cm], Extra-Large 49" [124.5 cm], 2/3 X-Large 55" [140 cm], 4/5 X-Large 63" [160 cm].

What gauge do I need to achieve?

Gauge is 13 sts and 11 rows = 4" [10 cm] in pattern; change hook size to obtain correct gauge.

Can I make this cardigan in a different yarn?

Yes, you can substitute another worsted weight yarn but check gauge and adjust hook size as required; the yardage per size is provided for Caron Simply Soft options.

How are the sleeves set in?

Sleeves are sewn in by placing rows above markers along the unworked stitches of Front and Back to form square armholes, then sewing side and sleeve seams.

How many buttons and what spacing is required?

Place markers on the button band for 7 buttons with the bottom button ½" [1 cm] above the lower edge, top button centered on the neckband, and remaining 5 buttons spaced evenly between.