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Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern
4.1★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
2.3K 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.

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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 cardigan worked in a textured two-row pattern with ribbed hem, cuffs and button bands. Instructions are provided for multiple adult sizes from Extra-Small/Small through 4/5 X-Large. The cardigan is designed to be worked in one color throughout using Caron Simply Soft yarn and finishes with seven buttons for a classic look.

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

Written for the smallest size with clear notes for larger sizes placed in parentheses. The pattern uses only basic stitches plus a simple texture repeat, making a polished garment with minimal shaping.

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

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a simple stitch into a beautifully textured fabric that looks far more complex than it is. I enjoy the balanced construction — the piece is mostly worked in straight rows with thoughtful shaping for armholes and neck, which makes it straightforward to follow. The multiple sizes mean I can easily make this for family members of different shapes, and the ribbed edges give a professional, finished look that I am proud to gift. Sewing the sleeves in place gives the cardigan clean lines and durability that holds up well to everyday wear.

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 love experimenting with color in this cardigan — try changing yarn colors every few inches to create stripes or use a contrast color for the ribbing and button bands for a modern look.

You can easily make a chunkier cardigan by using a bulky weight yarn and a larger hook; this will create a cozier, warmer garment and reduce working time.

If you'd like a smaller, daintier version, use a lighter weight yarn and smaller hook to create a more fitted silhouette perfect for layering.

I often swap the basic two-row pattern for a lacy openwork repeat if I want a lighter spring/summer cardigan — choose a simple shell or V-st pattern and keep the ribbing the same.

For a masculine look, pick a solid neutral shade and omit decorative buttons or choose wooden buttons to keep the style rustic and classic.

Want a cropped version? Shorten the body length before beginning the armhole shaping and adjust the placement of the bottom button to suit the shorter length.

I sometimes add elbow patches or crocheted pockets in a contrast color for functional details and extra style points; sew them on after finishing and blocking.

To make the cardigan reversible, work the buttonband and buttonhole band with a slip-stitch edgings and choose a pattern stitch that looks good on both sides, then use hidden seams for assembly.

I like adding decorative trims like a picot edge on the neckband or a simple crab stitch along the button bands to give a handcrafted finishing flourish.

Don't be afraid to adjust ease — if you prefer a closer fit, reduce the number of starting stitches slightly and check the measurement after working a few inches to fine-tune the fit.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers at the start and end of rows can make shaping confusing; place markers and count stitches regularly to ensure correct armhole and shoulder shaping. ✗ Failing to check gauge results in a cardigan that is too large or small; make a 4"x4" gauge swatch in pattern and adjust hook size until your tension matches the listed gauge. ✗ Fastening off or turning at the wrong point will interrupt the pattern continuity; follow the instructions exactly and do not fasten off where the pattern specifies to keep sections joined. ✗ Pulling yarn too tightly when joining or seaming creates puckers and distorted edges; use a gentle even tension and pin pieces before stitching for accurate alignment.

Adult's Crochet Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern

Make a cozy, textured crew neck cardigan worked in a simple two-row pattern repeat. This versatile pattern includes full instructions for multiple adult sizes and features ribbed edges, an easy button band, and comfortable set-in sleeves. You will enjoy the rhythmic stitch pattern and the polished finish with seven buttons. Perfect for gifting or adding a handmade staple to your wardrobe.

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 — Balls: XS/S 5, M 6, L 7, XL 8, 2/3XL 9, 4/5XL 10
  • 02
    Caron Simply Soft (Solids): 6 oz / 170.1 g; 315 yds / 288 m — Balls: XS/S 5, M 5, L 6, XL 7, 2/3XL 8, 4/5XL 9

— 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
    Tape measure
  • 07
    Pins for assembly (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Back :

Info :

When only one number is given in black, it applies to all sizes. The instructions are written for smallest size; changes for larger sizes are given in parentheses.

Ribbing :

Ch 10.

1st row :

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

2nd row :

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.

Next row :

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

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.

2nd row :

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

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 (16-16-16½-16½-16½)" [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.

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 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.

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.

2nd row :

Ch 1. Sc2tog. Pat to end of row. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 1. Pat to last 2 sts. Sc2tog. Turn. Rep last 2 rows twice more. 13 (13-14-15-18-18) sts rem. Work 1 row even in pat. Fasten off.

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.

— Right Front :

Info :

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

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 48 (50-52-56-62-66) sts. Turn. Leave rem 6 (8-10-12-14-18) sts unworked.

Cont :

Cont even in pat over 25 (25-27-29-31-33) sts until armhole measures 8 rows less than Back to shoulder, ending on a WS row.

Shape neck :

With RS facing, skip first 6 (6-7-8-7-9) sts. Join yarn with sl st to next st and pat to end of row. Next row: Ch 3. Pat to last 2 sts. Sc2tog. Turn. Next row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. Pat to end of row. Turn. Rep last 2 rows twice more. 13 (13-14-15-18-18) sts rem. Work 1 row even in pat. Fasten off.

Shape shoulder: Next row :

(RS). Ch 1. Pat across first 6 (6-8-8-10-10) sts. Fasten off. Leave rem sts unworked.

— Left Front :

Ribbing :

Ch 10.

1st row :

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

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 (10-10½-10½-11-12)" [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.

Next row :

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

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.

2nd row :

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

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 (16-16-16½-16½-16½)" [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.

Shape armhole: 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.

Shape shoulder: Next row :

(RS). Ch 1. Work 31 (33-37-41-45-51) sc evenly across long edge of Ribbing. Turn. Proceed in pat as follows and continue shaping as for Back to match shoulder and neck shaping.

— Sleeves :

Ribbing :

Ch 10.

1st row :

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

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.

Next row :

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

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.

2nd row :

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

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.

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.

5th row :

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

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. 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.

Cont even :

Cont even in pat until sleeve measures 8 rows less than Back to shoulder, ending on a WS row.

Shape armhole: Next row :

(RS). Pat to last 6 (8-10-12-14-18) sts. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked. Cont even in pat over 25 (25-27-29-31-33) sts until armhole measures 8 rows less than Back to shoulder, ending on a WS row. Fasten off.

— Finishing :

Finishing :

Sew shoulder seams.

Neckband :

Ch 7. 1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 6 sc.

2nd row :

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

2nd to 5th rows :

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

2nd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.

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.

4th row :

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

5th row :

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

Sew :

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 neatly, aligning pattern rows and matching edges for a smooth neckline.
  • Sew sleeves into armholes, placing rows above markers along the unworked stitches of Front and Back to form square armholes before stitching.
  • Sew side seams and sleeve seams from ribbing to underarm, matching pattern rows and easing fullness as needed.
  • Attach neckband by sewing in place along neck edge as you work to allow stretch in the seam and a flat finish.
  • Sew on buttons to Button Band using the placed markers, spacing seven buttons with the bottom button ½" [1 cm] above the lower edge and the top button centered on the neckband.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark button positions and the edges of armholes to ensure accurate placement during assembly.
  • 💡Do not fasten off at specified times where instructions say to keep sections joined; follow the pattern notes exactly for a continuous edge.
  • 💡Check gauge before starting — 13 sts and 11 rows = 4" [10 cm] in pattern — and change hook size if necessary for accurate sizing.
  • 💡Pin all parts in place before sewing to ensure correct alignment and even seams across shoulders and sides.

This Adult Crew Neck Cardigan pattern brings a cozy, everyday wardrobe staple to life with a simple textured pattern and clean finishing touches. The design is versatile for many sizes and works beautifully in Caron Simply Soft yarn for a soft, wearable drape. Make one for yourself or gift it to someone special — handmade warmth and style in every stitch. 🧶✨😊

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished bust/chest sizes are provided: 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].

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute yarns, but this will change the final size and drape; make a gauge swatch (13 sts and 11 rows = 4" in pattern) and adjust hook size as needed.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; familiarity with single crochet, double crochet, working in pattern repeats, and basic shaping is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crafters take a multi-day effort, approximately 12-15 hours in total, depending on experience, size made, and finishing time.