Crochet Cardigan Pattern, Free Cabled Shawl Collar Cardigan
This is the cardigan you’ll reach for every single day. Our free crochet cardigan pattern pairs a soft, nubbly texture stitch with a beautiful cabled collar that wraps around your neckline like a cosy shawl. It’s relaxed, open front and made to be lived in, in sizes from XS/S all the way to 4/5XL.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Cardigan
Some cardigans are pretty but impractical. This one is both beautiful and endlessly wearable. The relaxed, oversized fit layers easily over a T shirt or a dress, and the open front means no buttons to fuss with. Just slip it on and go.
The real showstopper is the collar. A wide band of crossing cables runs around the neckline and down both fronts, giving a simple cardigan a polished, boutique look. Meanwhile, the body and sleeves are worked in an easy two row texture that becomes wonderfully relaxing once you find the rhythm.
It’s the kind of handmade piece people ask about. And you’ll love being able to say, “I made it.”
What’s Inside the Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Your PDF download is a full garment pattern, laid out to guide you piece by piece:
- Six sizes from XS/S to 4/5XL, with each size shown clearly throughout
- A sizing chart with bust measurements and finished bust measurements
- A step by step guide to the four post stitches used in the cable panel
- A stitch diagram for both the texture pattern and the cable panel
- Instructions for the back, fronts, sleeves and cabled collar
- A finishing guide for seaming and assembling your cardigan
- US crochet terms throughout
Materials for Your Cardigan
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | 100g / 155yd (142m) balls, shown in an oat shade |
| Balls needed | XS/S 9 · M 10 · L 11 · XL 12 · 2/3XL 14 · 4/5XL 16 |
| Crochet hook | 6mm (US J/10), or size needed for gauge |
| Gauge | 11 sts × 10 rows = 4in (10cm) in texture pattern |
| Notions | Stitch markers, yarn needle |
| Skill level | Easy |
| Crochet terms | US |
A soft, smooth yarn in a neutral shade shows off the cables beautifully. Oat, cream, soft grey or a warm camel all make a versatile cardigan you’ll wear with everything. Not sure how much yarn to buy for your size? Our Yarn Calculator can help you plan.
Find Your Perfect Size
This cardigan is designed to hang open with a relaxed, oversized fit, so choose your size by the finished bust measurement you’d like to wear.
| Size | To fit bust | Finished bust |
|---|---|---|
| XS/S | 28 to 34in (71 to 86.5cm) | 41in (104cm) |
| M | 36 to 38in (91.5 to 96.5cm) | 45in (114.5cm) |
| L | 40 to 42in (101.5 to 106.5cm) | 48in (122cm) |
| XL | 44 to 46in (112 to 117cm) | 52in (132cm) |
| 2/3XL | 48 to 54in (122 to 137cm) | 58in (147.5cm) |
| 4/5XL | 56 to 62in (142 to 157.5cm) | 64in (162.5cm) |
If you love a closer fit, consider sizing down. For an extra cosy, cocoon style drape, size up.
The Easy Texture Stitch You’ll Love
The body and sleeves use a simple two row repeat. One row is half double crochet all the way across. The next alternates double crochets and slip stitches, which creates soft little bumps. Repeat those two rows, and a lovely nubbly fabric builds up that’s warm, squishy and full of character.
Because it’s just two rows on repeat, it’s perfect for watching a favourite series or chatting with friends. Once you’ve done a few rows, you’ll hardly need to glance at the pattern.
The Cabled Shawl Collar
This is where your cardigan really shines. The collar is made as two separate strips, each worked in rows with a column of cables down the centre. The cables come from post stitches, worked around the stems of the stitches below rather than into their tops, which makes them rise beautifully from the fabric.
On every crossing row, you work a few stitches out of order, some behind and some in front, which twists the columns into a braided look. The pattern explains each post stitch step by step, so even if cables are new to you, you’ll feel confident quickly. Each strip is then sewn from the front edge around to the centre back neck, where the two meet.
A Cardigan for Every Season
This cardigan is made for layering. In autumn, wear it over a simple tee with jeans. In winter, pull it over a turtleneck for extra warmth. On spring evenings, it’s the perfect soft layer over a dress. The open front and relaxed shape mean it never feels bulky, just comfortably cosy.
It also makes a truly special gift. A handmade cardigan in someone’s favourite colour is something they’ll treasure for years. Looking for more cosy layers? Explore our Crochet Sweater Patterns collection.
How Your Cardigan Comes Together
The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces: a back, two fronts and two sleeves. Working in pieces keeps each section manageable and makes it easy to check your size as you go.
The back is worked straight up, with simple shaping for the armholes and neck. The fronts shape gently along the neckline to create the open front, and the left front is simply a mirror image of the right. The sleeves widen gradually from cuff to shoulder. Finally, you sew the shoulders, set in the sleeves, close the side and sleeve seams, and attach the cabled collar.
Why Gauge Matters for This Cardigan
With a garment, gauge is your best friend. Because the cardigan is made from several pieces, a small difference in your stitch size adds up across every panel and can change how the finished cardigan fits.
Before you begin, crochet a small swatch in the texture pattern and measure it. If you have more than 11 stitches over 4in, try a larger hook. If you have fewer, go down a size. It’s a few minutes of work that makes sure your cardigan fits just the way you want it to.
Make It Your Own
Love the shape but want your own twist? Try a bold colour like rust, sage or deep teal for a statement piece. You can also make the collar in a contrasting shade for a striking finish.
Adjust the length to suit you. Work extra rows before the armhole shaping for a longer, duster style cardigan, or fewer rows for a cropped look. You can also lengthen or shorten the sleeves by working more or fewer rows before the sleeve cap.
When Something Doesn’t Look Quite Right
If your pieces come out larger or smaller than expected, check your gauge first. A slight change of hook size usually solves it. If the cable collar feels tight against the fronts, stretch it gently as you sew, since the pattern is designed to be worked slightly stretched for a smooth fit.
If your cables look flat, make sure you’re working around the post of each stitch rather than into its top. And once your cardigan is assembled, a gentle steam block helps the texture and cables relax into a beautiful, finished drape.
Keep Learning
Building your skills? These guides pair beautifully with this pattern: How to Crochet Cables With Post Stitches, How to Block a Crochet Sweater and Why Crochet Gets Wider or Curls.
A Few Tips Before You Start
- Read the whole pattern once, so the shaping makes sense before you begin.
- Make a gauge swatch in the texture pattern.
- Highlight your size throughout the PDF so the numbers are easy to follow.
- Practise post stitches on scrap yarn before starting the collar.
- Steam block the finished cardigan for the best drape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick up your hook and let’s bring your next crochet project to life!
