About This Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern
This pattern creates a cozy, textured Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan worked in Bernat Forever Fleece Tweeds for a plush, tweed finish. The fabric uses a simple single crochet/chain-1 pattern that is fully reversible and great for beginners. The cardigans are made in separate pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves) then seamed together for a neat finish.
Sizes are included from XS/S up to 4/5XL with yarn quantities for each size noted. The pattern features clear photos and a mattress stitch finishing guide to help you assemble the cardigan neatly.
Why You'll Love This Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it turns super-bulky, cozy yarn into a fashionable everyday cardigan that feels like a warm hug. I enjoy how the simple single crochet/chain-1 pattern creates a reversible, textured fabric that looks far more complex than it is. Sewing the pieces together with the mattress stitch gives a professional finish that I always feel proud of. It is a beginner-friendly design that still yields a stylish, wearable result I love gifting to friends and family.
Switch Things Up
I love how easily this cardigan can be customized by changing the yarn color — try stripes or a two-color yoke for a bold look.
I often make a longer or shorter version by adding or subtracting repeats of the Sc/Ch-1 pattern rows to alter the body length for different styles.
You can change sleeve length by crocheting fewer or more rows before seaming; three-quarter sleeves or full-length both look great.
If you want a denser fabric, use a smaller hook and keep the same yarn; conversely, a larger hook gives an even slouchier, softer drape.
I sometimes add buttons and buttonbands by single crocheting an edge or making a narrow band to sew on for a classic closure option.
I like to add pockets by crocheting small rectangles in the same pat and sewing them onto the front pieces before seaming for a functional detail.
Try using a tweed or marled yarn for extra texture, or a smooth bulky yarn for a cleaner stitch definition depending on the look you prefer.
I occasionally replace the simple collar with a shawl-like collar by adding extra rows to the neck extension before seaming to create more roll and body.
For a more fitted silhouette, reduce the starting chain and adjust side seam placement, or for oversized, increase the starting chain and add width evenly across panels.
I recommend testing a small swatch when changing yarns or hooks so I can adjust stitch counts and ensure the finished piece meets my preferred measurements.
I also enjoy embellishing with embroidered motifs, crocheted appliques, or sewn-on trims to personalize each cardigan uniquely.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping stitch markers at shoulder placement can lead to mismatched shoulders; place markers exactly 16 (20-22-24-26) sts in from each side and double-check placement before seaming.
✗ Working into the chain instead of the ch-1 space will distort the edge; insert the hook right under the ch-1 space as noted and do not work into the actual chain.
✗ Not counting sc and ch-1 spaces as stitches can cause the piece to end with the wrong stitch count; always count both single crochets and chain-1 spaces as sts when checking your count.
✗ Fastening off too short an end makes seaming difficult; leave a 16" [40.5 cm] tail where indicated to have enough yarn to sew seams securely and comfortably.
✗ Uneven tension changes the drape and measurements of the cardigan; maintain consistent tension and check gauge (9 sts and 8 rows = 4" [10 cm]) before making larger sizes.
✗ Failing to pin or align pieces before sewing results in lumpy seams; pin or use stitch markers to align edges and markers prior to mattress stitching for smooth seams.
