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Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern

Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern
3.9★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
3.4K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

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 Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern

This pattern creates a colorblock oversized dream cardigan worked in separate panels — two front panels, two sleeves and a back panel — then joined together. It uses simple stitches (hdc, dc and BLO techniques) and offers clear step-by-step guidance with photos. You can customize colors, sizes and the colorblock layout to make this cardigan uniquely yours.

Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Designed as a beginner-friendly written pattern, it is easy to resize and recolor for different looks. The instructions include mattress stitch seaming, cuff ribbing, and tips for changing colors while working.

Why You'll Love This Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it is endlessly customizable — you can mix and match as many colors as you like to create a bold, wearable statement piece. I enjoy the way the simple hdc rows build up quickly, giving satisfying progress while remaining relaxing to make. The mattress stitch finishing creates a neat, professional join that always makes me proud of the end result. I also appreciate that this design is approachable for beginners but offers room for creative tweaks, so I can make multiple versions with different color layouts and fits.

Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this cardigan by changing colors; try swapping one block for a neutral to make the colors pop or use a gradient for a softer look.

To make a chunky, cozy version I would use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook — this will speed up the work and give a squishier fabric.

Want a lighter summer version? Use a cotton-linen blend in a lighter weight and reduce the hook size for a drapier finish.

For a cropped look, simply reduce the number of rows for the front and back panels evenly until you reach your desired length.

If you want a more fitted sleeve, decrease the number of increase rounds while keeping the cuff ribbing the same size.

I often add embroidered motifs or sewn-on appliques to personalize the front panels after assembly; try simple florals or initials for a crafted touch.

To make a child size, adjust chain counts following the sizing guide and decrease the number of rows proportionally; check gauge and measure as you go.

You can change the ribbing style by using single crochet in back loop only for a subtler cuff or use a taller rib by adding rows of BLOhdc.

I sometimes replace buttons with toggles or a zipper for a different closure style — just measure spacing carefully and test before sewing.

Consider adding pockets by crocheting small rectangles, finishing edges, and mattress stitching them onto the front panels for a practical and stylish variation.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not measuring your gauge before starting; make a 5" x 5" swatch (17 hdc x 12 rows) and adjust your hook to match the gauge for accurate sizing. ✗ Skipping stitch markers when doing the alternating decrease rows; place a marker at your hdc2tog to remember which side to decrease and to count rows accurately. ✗ Changing colors without securing tails properly; weave in or leave working tails long enough for a neat join and to avoid tangles later. ✗ Failing to match rows between panels before seaming; always count and mark rows on front, back and sleeves so panels align correctly when you mattress stitch them together.

Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern

Make a vibrant, cozy colorblock oversized cardigan using this beginner-friendly written pattern. You will create separate front panels, sleeves and a back panel, then join them with mattress stitch for a professional finish. The pattern is designed for customization — choose as many colors as you want and adjust sizing easily. Clear step-by-step instructions and photos help you through each stage so you can confidently crochet your own statement cardigan.

Beginner Friendly 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Colorblock Oversized Cardigan Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (#4) - originally recommended 5-ply milk cotton (80% cotton, 20% acrylic)
  • 02
    XS - approximately 400 g total yarn
  • 03
    S - approximately 600 g total yarn (example: 150 g of each of 4 colors for size S)
  • 04
    M - approximately 800 g total yarn
  • 05
    L - approximately 1,000 g total yarn
  • 06
    XL - approximately 1,200 g total yarn
  • 07
    XXL - approximately 1,400 g total yarn
  • 08
    Use equal amounts of each color for a balanced colorblock layout (example shown: 150 g per color for size S with 4 colors)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 5.0mm
  • 02
    Stitch markers
  • 03
    Tapestry needle
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Measuring tape
  • 06
    Buttons (for front closure)

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— Front Panels :

Info :

For the front panels, you will start working from the bottom all the way up until you start doing the alternating decrease - non-decrease rows to create the V-shape on the upper half of the cardigan.

— Front Panel 1 :

Using your color of choice:

Step 1 :

Chain 35 (39, 43, 47, 51, 55).

Step 2 :

Skip 2ch then hdc on the 3rd ch from the hook.

Step 3 :

Hdc on each ch until you reach the end of the row. You should have a total of 33 (37, 41, 45, 49, 53) hdcs.

Step 4 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row.

Step 5 :

Repeat Step 4 until you make a total of 24 (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) rows.

Info :

You will now start working on the upper part of the cardigan. To do the V-shape you will start making the alternating decrease – non-decrease rows.

Step 6 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the last 2 sts. For the last 2 sts, make an hdc2tog (decrease row).

Info :

To make an hdc2tog, yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook), yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (5 loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the hook.

Step 7 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row (non-decrease row).

Step 8 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then make an hdc2tog on the first 2 sts. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row (decrease row).

Step 9 :

Repeat steps 7-8 until you make a total of 18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) rows starting from the row where you placed the stitch marker. Include the row with the stitch marker when counting.

Step 10 :

After the last hdc on the last row, ch 1 and fasten off. If you ended the row on the outer side of the panel (the one with a straight edge), leave a tail that is 3x longer than the length of the last row of the front panel. If you ended the row on the inner side of the panel (the one with the V-Shape), leave a tail long enough for weaving.

— Front Panel 2 :

Using your color of choice: For the lower half of the front panel 2, repeat steps 1-5 of the front panel 1. You will now start working on the upper part of the cardigan. To do the V-shape you will start making the alternating decrease – non-decrease rows.

Step 6 :

Ch 1. Flip your work then make an hdc2tog on the first 2 sts. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row (decrease row).

Info :

Put a stitch marker on your hdc2tog to remind you which side you are going to do the hdc2tog. The stitch marker will also help you count the rows for the upper part of the cardigan.

Step 7 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row (non-decrease row).

Step 8 :

Ch 1. Flip your work then make an hdc2tog on the first 2 sts. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row (decrease row).

Step 9 :

Repeat steps 7-8 until you make a total of 18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) rows starting from the row where you placed the stitch marker. Include the row with the stitch marker when counting.

Step 10 :

After the last hdc on the last row, ch 1, cut yarn and fasten off. If you ended the row on the outer side of the panel, leave a tail that is 3x longer than the length of the last row of the front panel. If you ended on the inner side (V-shape), leave a tail long enough for weaving.

— Sleeves :

Info :

For the sleeves, you will start working from the cuff ribbing then to the sleeve which is worked in rows and shaping is done by increases to widen the sleeve.

— Cuff Ribbing :

Using your color of choice:

Step 1 :

Chain 10.

Step 2 :

Hdc on the 3rd chain from the hook. Hdc until you reach the end of the row. You should now have a total of 8 hdcs.

Step 3 :

Ch 2. Flip your work. Do a BLOhdc until you reach the end of the row. Make sure you have a total of 8 hdcs.

Step 4 :

Repeat step 3 until you make a total of 12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) rows or until the length of the cuff ribbing when stretched covers your entire wrist. Make sure you are comfortable; some materials stretch less so you might want extra rows.

Step 5 :

Now you will attach both ends of the cuff ribbing by doing a sl st on the inner loops only (align edges and sl st inner loops to form the cuff ring).

Step 6 :

Once you reach the end of the row, make 2 sc on the 1st hdc post then 1 sc on the next hdc post.

Step 7 :

Place alternating 2 sc then 1 sc on each of the next hdc posts until you reach the end. When you reach the end of the row, sl st on the st before the 1st sc that you created.

Info :

End of the cuff ribbing - you have created the base to start the sleeve. Continue to the sleeve instructions below depending on whether you change color or keep same color.

— Sleeves (if using the same yarn as cuff) :

If you are using the same yarn that you used for the cuff: Ch2 then dc on the same st (then go to Step 2 below).

— Sleeves (if using a different color than cuff) :

If you are using a color different from the cuff:

Step 1 :

Insert the hook into any st in the row. Sl st. Ch2 then dc on the same st.

Step 2 :

2dc on the next st. Do the alternating 1dc and 2dc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row. Sl st on the 1st dc of the row. (End of the row)

Step 3 :

Ch2. Dc on the next st then 2 dc on the next st.

Step 4 :

Do the alternating 1dc and 2dc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row. If you ended your row with 1dc, add 2dc on the same stitch where you placed the ch2 at the start of the row. Sl st on the 1st dc of the row. If you ended your row with 2dc, add 1dc on the same stitch where you placed the ch2 at the start of the row. Sl st on the 1st dc of the row.

Step 5 :

Ch2. DC on the same st. 1dc on each of the next 2 sts. Then 2dcs on the next st.

Step 6 :

Place 1dc into each of the next 3 sts then 2dcs on the next st. Repeat this step until you reach the end of the row. Sl st on the 1st dc of the row.

Step 7 :

Ch2. DC on the next st then 1 dc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of your row. Add another dc on the same stitch where you placed the ch2 at the start of the row. Sl st on the 1st dc of the row.

Step 8 :

Ch2. DC on the same st then 1 dc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row. Sl st on the 1st dc of the row.

Step 9 :

Repeat steps 7-8 until you reach your desired sleeve length.

Step 10 :

After the last dc on the last row, ch 1, cut the yarn leaving a tail with a length that is equal to 4x the length of your front panels. You will use this tail later when you attach the different panels together.

Info :

Repeat Step 1 from the cuff ribbing until Step 10 of the sleeves to create the 2nd sleeve (make both sleeves the same).

— Back Panel :

Info :

For the back panel, you can design it in two ways: horizontal layers or a colorblock pattern. Make sure the total number of rows of the back panel match the total number of rows of your front panel.

— DESIGN 1: Horizontal Layers :

NOTE: Identify how you want to layout your colors first, as well as how you want to match it with the front panels and sleeves. To make sure that the rows of the back panel will match with the rows of the front panel, start working from the bottom, all the way up.

Step 1 :

Chain 76 (84, 92, 100, 108, 116). Hdc on the 3rd chain from the hook. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row.

Step 2 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row.

Step 3 :

Repeat Step 2 until you reach your desired length for that color. Cut the yarn and fasten off.

Step 4 :

To start with your new color, create a slip knot with your new yarn color, sl st on the st where you ended.

Step 5 :

Ch2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row. Repeat steps for additional colors as needed.

Step 6 :

Repeat Steps until you reach your desired length for each color. Ch1, cut the yarn and fasten off.

— DESIGN 2: Colorblock Pattern :

For this design, you are basically doing the same steps for Design 1 except you create 2 separate back panels and sew them together.

Step 1 :

Chain 39 (43, 47, 51, 55, 59). Hdc on the 3rd chain from the hook. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row.

Step 2 :

Ch 2. Flip your work then hdc on the same st. Hdc on each of the next sts until you reach the end of the row.

Step 3 :

Repeat Step 2 until you reach your desired length for that color. Cut the yarn and fasten off. Create the other half of the back panel repeating steps 1-6 and then connect the two halves using the mattress stitch.

— Doing the Mattress Stitch :

Info :

The mattress stitch is like tying your shoelaces; you work from side to side, inserting the yarn from the bottom going up. Align the rows that you want to connect and choose a yarn color you want to use. Work facing the correct side of the panels (correct side means the side that should be facing outside).

Step 1 :

Cut a yarn with a length equal to 3x the length of your back panel.

Step 2 :

Using your tapestry needle, insert the yarn through the first stitch on the right panel from the bottom going up. Leave enough end (1-2 inches) for weaving.

Step 3 :

Then insert the yarn through the first stitch on the left panel from the bottom going up.

Step 4 :

To secure your first stitch, insert the yarn once more through the first stitch on the right panel from the bottom going up, then to the first stitch on the left from the bottom going up. You can make a single knot to make sure that the ends are secured.

Info :

From this point forward, work on the outermost post of each row (for rows where the outermost stitch is the ch2, work on the ch2). When inserting the needle, always get at least 2 loops from the outermost post to make sure the connection will be sturdy and secure.

Step 5 :

Insert the needle to the outermost post of the opposite panel, from the bottom going up, do the same to the other panel. Continue until you reach the post on the last row. Make sure the rows match while stitching them together.

Step 6 :

To end the mattress stitch, repeat the same steps as when you started: insert the yarn through the first stitch on the right from the bottom going up, then through the first stitch on the left from the bottom going up. Secure with a single knot then fasten off. (Stitches should be invisible; pull gently to ensure sturdy connection.)

— Attaching the Panels and Sleeves :

Attaching the front and back panels together :

You will start by attaching the top portion of the front panel to the top portion of the back panel through the mattress stitch. Make sure that the rows match. Work facing the correct side of the panels.

Step 1 :

Start sewing from the outer edge going to the middle part of the cardigan by doing steps 1-3 under 'Doing the Mattress Stitch'.

Step 2 :

For the next stitches, continue stitching from side to side, inserting from the bottom going up, until you reach the last stitch in your front panel.

Step 3 :

Make a single knot then fasten off. Repeat the same for the other side to create the shoulder part of your cardigan.

Attaching the sleeve to the body :

Use mattress stitch to attach the sleeves to the front and back panel then down to attach the sides of the cardigan. Work facing the correct side.

Step 1 :

Fold your sleeves so that the seam will be positioned at the bottom (underarm area).

Step 2 :

Using your stitch markers, mark the topmost portion of the sleeves, then mark the rows in your front and back panel where you want to attach the sleeves. Make sure the positions in front and back are similar (e.g., if you put the stitch marker on the 20th row of the front panel, put the stitch marker on the 20th row of the back panel).

Step 3 :

Attach the sleeves to the front panel first by doing the mattress stitch starting from the underarm area and working up to the shoulders. Use the long tail you left to start the mattress stitch by inserting the needle to the outermost post of your marked row in the front panel, continue all the way up, matching topmost stitch of the sleeve to the topmost portion of the cardigan.

Info :

Tip: When attaching the sleeve, 1 post in the panel is not necessarily equal to 1 stitch in the sleeve; you may have to make 2 mattress stitches into a single post to match stitches in the sleeve.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the top portion of each front panel to the top portion of the back panel using the mattress stitch, starting from the outer edge and sewing to the middle until shoulders are formed.
  • Use the long tail left on the sleeve to mattress stitch the sleeve to the armhole, working from the underarm up to the shoulder and matching marked rows for proper alignment.
  • Join the two halves of a colorblock back panel using mattress stitch so seams are invisible; work from bottom to top and pull yarn gently to secure seams.
  • Sew the sides of the cardigan and underarm seams using mattress stitch or sc/sewing method of your choice, ensuring rows match and tension is even.
  • Attach cuffs and ribbings: sew cuff ribbing ends together and join cuff to sleeve base if not already joined, then weave in ends securely.
  • Add buttonband or ribbing to the front edges and sew on buttons evenly spaced to match buttonholes or wrap overlap measurements.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of your hdc2tog decrease side and to mark rows for sleeve placement so everything aligns during assembly.
  • 💡Maintain consistent tension throughout the project; differences in tension will change panel widths and make seaming difficult.
  • 💡Leave long tails when fastening off: front panel outer edges need tails about 3x the length of the last row and sleeves need 4x the front panel length for seaming.
  • 💡When doing the mattress stitch, work on the outermost post or ch2 post and make sure you grab at least two loops for a sturdy, invisible join.

This Colorblock Oversized Cardigan pattern gives you a fun and modern handmade piece to cherish and wear. Mix bold colors and soft neutrals to create your perfect palette, and enjoy the relaxing rhythm of hdc rows and simple shaping. Whether you make one for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, it will become a favorite wardrobe piece. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished cardigan size depends on the size chosen (XS to XXL) and your gauge; the pattern provides chain counts and row counts for XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL so follow those numbers and check the measurements table for finished widths and lengths.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but using a different yarn weight will change the final size and drape; if you change yarn weight, make a gauge swatch and adjust hook size and stitch/row counts accordingly to match measurements.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner-friendly and uses basic stitches (hdc, dc, ch, sl st) and simple shaping, so basic crochet skills are recommended and the included step-by-step photos help guide you through the process.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project across multiple sessions; plan for a 12-15 hour multi-day project depending on experience, color changes and finishing time.