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Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern
4.1★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
1.6K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

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

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Casual Chic

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

About This Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern

This pattern makes a relaxed, open-front crochet cardigan worked in a simple alternating stripe pattern. It features a V-st pattern with a rib-like neckband and slightly puffed sleeves for a soft, modern silhouette. The instructions are written for size XS/S with larger size adjustments provided in parentheses.

Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Worked in Bernat Lattice, the cardigan uses alternating 2-row stripes to create subtle color changes. Easy skill level and clear row-by-row shaping make this a satisfying project.

Why You'll Love This Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines a relaxed, wearable silhouette with a simple stitch pattern that looks much more complex than it is. I enjoy the gentle stripe effect created by alternating the yarn colors, which gives the cardigan depth without complicated colorwork. The construction is straightforward — worked in one piece to the armholes and then divided — which I find makes assembly quick and satisfying. The slightly puffy sleeves and ribbed neckband add charming details that make this piece feel special when finished.

Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this cardigan by switching yarn colors for different striping effects; try using three colors instead of two for a playful gradient.

I often change the sleeve length to make a 3/4 sleeve by stopping at a shorter length—measure on the wearer to get the perfect fit.

If you want a more fitted look, reduce the foundation chain by one multiple of 3 and adjust the length accordingly; be sure to re-check your gauge.

To make a chunky cozy version, use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook; this will create a thicker fabric and a shorter finished size, so check gauge and adjust yarn amounts.

I sometimes add crochet or embroidered patches to the fronts for a personalized touch; small flower motifs or initials look great over the chest area.

Consider adding buttons and buttonholes if you prefer a closed-front cardigan; you can create buttonholes by skipping a V-st and chaining the required number of chains for the button size.

I like to change the neckband depth by working more or fewer neckband extension rows; more rows give a taller ribbed look while fewer rows create a modest finish.

For a lighter summer version, use a linen blend yarn and a smaller hook for a more open drape and breathable fabric.

Try crocheting shorter or longer overall body lengths depending on your style; add or subtract repeats of the V-st pattern to adjust length in increments of the pattern repeat.

I recommend blocking the pieces lightly before assembly to even out the V-st pattern and make matching sleeve and body rows easier during sewing.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the initial chain count or miscounting chains causes the body width to be incorrect; recount your foundation chain and ensure it matches the multiple of 3 + 16 as specified. ✗ Forgetting that Ch 2 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch can throw off your stitch count; always treat Ch 2 as a turning chain and count the stitches that follow explicitly when counting rows. ✗ Changing color incorrectly and leaving long floats can make the edge messy; work to the last 3 loops on the hook and draw the new color through the last 3 loops to change color cleanly. ✗ Not using stitch markers when dividing for fronts and back leads to mismatched shaping; place a marker at the end of the dividing row to keep track of the marked row and shaping. ✗ Failing to check gauge will lead to a finished cardigan of incorrect size; make a gauge swatch in the V-st pattern and adjust hook size as needed to obtain 5½ V-sts and 9½ rows = 4" (10 cm).

Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Make a relaxed, easy-to-wear crochet cardigan using Bernat Lattice yarn. This pattern creates a cozy open-front cardigan with subtle striping and a soft ribbed neckband. Youll enjoy the simple V-st pattern and easy construction that works up into a comfortable, everyday layering piece. Perfect for gifting or adding a handmade staple to your wardrobe.

Beginner Friendly 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Ocean Mix Relaxed Crochet Cardigan Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Bernat Lattice (7.8 oz/220 g; 389 yds/356 m) main yarn
  • 02
    Contrast A: Teal Mix (19010) - XS/S: 2 balls (635/572 yds/m), M: 2 balls (692/630 yds/m), L: 2 balls (775/705 yds/m), XL: 3 balls (845/768 yds/m), 2/3XL: 3 balls (946/865 yds/m), 4/5XL: 3 balls (1067/970 yds/m)
  • 03
    Contrast B: Ocean Blues (19011) - XS/S: 2 balls (635/572 yds/m), M: 2 balls (692/630 yds/m), L: 2 balls (775/705 yds/m), XL: 3 balls (845/768 yds/m), 2/3XL: 3 balls (946/865 yds/m), 4/5XL: 3 balls (1067/970 yds/m)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) Susan Bates Silvalume or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 02
    Susan Bates stitch markers
  • 03
    Susan Bates yarn needle
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Measuring tape
  • 06
    Pins for blocking/assembly

Progress Tracker

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— Notes :

Info :

Body is worked in one piece to armholes, then divided into Back and Fronts.

Info :

Ch 2 at beg of row does not count as st.

Info :

To change color, work to last 3 loops on hook and draw new color through last 3 loops, then proceed in new color.

— Stripe Pat :

Info :

With A, work 2 rows. With B, work 2 rows. These 4 rows form Stripe Pat.

— Body :

Info :

With A, ch 172 (187-205-223-241-262) (multiple of 3 + 16). See diagram on page 3.

1st row :

(RS). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each of next 6 ch. Skip next ch. *V-st in next ch. Skip next 2 ch. Rep from * to last 9 ch. V-st in next ch. Skip next ch. 1 hdc in each of last 7 ch. Turn. 52 (57-63-69-75-82) V-sts.

2nd row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. *V-st in next V-st. Rep from * to last 7 hdc. 1 hdchb in each of last 7 hdc. Turn.

Info :

First 2 rows of Stripe Pat are complete.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last row for V-st Pat until work from beg measures 15" [38 cm], ending on WS row.

— Divide for Right Front and shape V-neck :

1st row :

(RS). Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. (V-st in next V-st) 12 (14-15-17-18-20) times. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.

2nd row :

Ch 2. V-st in each V-st to last 7 hdc. 1 hdchb in each of last 7 hdc. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. 1 hdc in next V-st. V-st in each V-st to end of row. Turn. 11 (13-14-16-17-19) V-sts.

4th row :

Ch 2. V-st in each V-st to last 8 hdc. Skip next hdc. 1 hdchb in each of last 7 hdc. Turn.

5th row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. V-st in each V-st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep 2nd to 5th rows 1 (3-2-4-3-4) time(s) more. 10 (10-12-12-14-15) V-sts.

Next row :

(WS) Ch 2. V-st in each V-st to last 7 hdc. 1 hdchb in each of last 7 hdc. Turn.

Next row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. V-st in each V-st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last 2 rows until work from dividing row measures 10 (10-11-11-12-13)" [25.5 (25.5-28-28-30.5-33) cm], ending on a WS row. PM at end of last row.

— Neckband extension :

1st row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. 1 hdc in first hdc of next V-st. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.

2nd row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 8 hdc. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last row until neckband extension from marked row measures 3 (3¼-3¼-4-4-4½)" [7.5 (8.5-8.5-10-10-11.5) cm], ending on a RS row. Fasten off.

— Back :

1st row :

With RS facing, join appropriate color with sl st to first hdc of next unworked V-st. (RS). Ch 2. V-st in same sp as last sl st. V-st in each of next 27 (28-32-34-38-41) V-sts. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked. 28 (29-33-35-39-42) V-sts.

2nd row :

Ch 2. V-st in each V-st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last row until work from dividing row measures 10 (10-11-11-12-13)" [25.5 (25.5-28-28-30.5-33) cm], ending on a WS row. Fasten off.

— Left Front and shape V-neck :

1st row :

With RS facing, join appropriate color with sl st to first hdc of next unworked V-st. (RS). Ch 2. V-st in same sp as last sl st. V-st in each V-st to last 7 hdc. 1 hdchb in each of last 7 hdc. Turn.

2nd row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. V-st in each V-st to end of row. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 2. V-st in each V-st to last V-st. 1 hdc in next V-st. 1 hdchb in each of last 7 hdc. Turn. 11 (13-14-16-17-19) V-sts.

4th row :

Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 7 hdc. V-st in each V-st to end of row. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, proceed as for Right Front, working corresponding shaping for V-neck until left front measures same as right and neckband extensions are made as directed. Fasten off when instructed.

— Sleeves :

Note :

Foundation ch for Sleeve is different than for Body to create "puffy cuff".

Info :

With A, ch 25 (25-26-26-27-28).

1st row :

(RS). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. *V-st in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 23 (23-24-24-25-26) V-sts.

2nd row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in first hdc. V-st in each V-st to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Info :

First 2 rows of Stripe Pat are complete. Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last row 4 (4-2-2-0-0) times more.

Shape sides: 1st row :

(RS). Ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. V-st in each V-st to last hdc. 2 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

2nd row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in each of first 2 hdc. V-st in each V-st to last 2 hdc. 1 hdc in each of last 2 hdc. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc. V-st in each V-st to last 2 hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc. 2 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

4th row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in each of first 3 hdc. V-st in each V-st to last 3 hdc. 1 hdc in each of last 3 hdc. Turn.

5th row :

Ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. V-st in each V-st to last 3 hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

6th row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in each of first 4 hdc. V-st in each V-st to last 4 hdc. 1 hdc in each of last 4 hdc. Turn.

7th row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in first hdc. Skip next hdc. V-st in next hdc. Skip next hdc. V-st in each V-st to last 4 hdc. Skip next hdc. V-st in next hdc. Skip next hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Turn. 25 (25-26-26-27-28) V-sts.

8th row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in first hdc. V-st in each V-st to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last 8 rows 1 (1-2-2-3-3) time(s) more. 27 (27-30-30-33-34) V-sts.

Next row :

Ch 2. 1 hdc in first hdc. V-st in each V-st to last hdc. 1 hdc in last hdc. Turn.

Info :

Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last row until work from beg measures 16" [40.5 cm], ending on a RS row. Fasten off.

— Finishing :

Info :

Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeve seams. Sew in Sleeves. Sew neckband extensions across back neck edge, meeting them at center back neck edge. Sew back seam.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew shoulder seams together matching V-st rows so the front edges align neatly and the neck shaping sits evenly at the shoulders.
  • Sew sleeve seams, then align sleeve top to body armhole, easing sleeve cap if needed, and sew in sleeves securely using a whipstitch.
  • Sew neckband extensions across the back neck edge, meeting them at the center back neck edge, then sew the back seam to finish the neckband.
  • Sew side seams of the body from hem up to the armhole markers, and sew the underarm seam of the sleeve to the body seam for a neat finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark the dividing row and the end of the last row before dividing to keep track during shaping.
  • 💡Work to the last 3 loops on hook before changing color and draw new color through the last 3 loops for a clean color join.
  • 💡Check gauge in V-st Pattern before starting; the correct gauge is 5½ V-sts and 9½ rows = 4" (10 cm) to ensure correct sizing.
  • 💡Leave rem sts unworked when instructed and join for Back and Fronts with slip stitch to the first hdc of the next unworked V-st.

This relaxed crochet cardigan is designed for effortless layering and everyday comfort, worked in Bernat Lattice for soft texture and gentle striping. The simple V-st pattern and clear shaping make it a satisfying project that grows quickly on your hook. Make one in contrasting colors for a modern look or tone-on-tone for understated elegance. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished chest measurements are provided in the pattern: XS/S 42" [106.5 cm], M 45½" [115.5 cm], L 50" [127 cm], XL 54" [137 cm], 2/3XL 58½" [148.5 cm], 4/5XL 63½" [161.5 cm].

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can substitute yarns but the finished size will change; make a gauge swatch and adjust hook size to obtain 5½ V-sts and 9½ rows = 4" (10 cm) before proceeding.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated Easy and is beginner friendly, but familiarity with half double crochet, V-stitch, and working into horizontal bars (hdchb) will be helpful.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this cardigan in about 8-10 hours, depending on experience, size made, and finishing time.