Looking for a free crochet cardigan pattern that is modern, comfortable, and a timeless piece you will wear for years to come? The MJ’s Signature Cardigan was designed to be exactly that.

I always knew I wanted to create a true signature MJ’s Off The Hook Designs cardigan. A design that represented my personal style, my love for timeless colours, and the classic, effortless pieces I reach for in my own wardrobe.

When I had the opportunity to create my own signature yarn line, Timeless Tones in collaboration with Mary Maxim, I knew this cardigan had to be part of the collection.

The beautiful striped design showcases my brand colours and highlights everything I love about Timeless Tones. The yarn has a soft feel, excellent stitch definition, a lofty twist, and anti-pilling fibres, making it the perfect choice for a crochet garment you will enjoy wearing season after season.

This free crochet cardigan pattern includes sizes XS to 5X and comes with a full step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through the process.

Meet the MJ’s Signature Cardigan

The MJ’s Signature Cardigan is a lightweight DK-weight crochet cardigan with a slightly relaxed fit and thoughtful details that make it both beautiful and comfortable to wear.

Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern

• Modern, timeless striped crochet cardigan design
• Slightly relaxed fit with approximately 0 to 5 inches of positive ease
• Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
• Designed with subtle shoulder shaping for an improved fit
• Button-up front with a beautiful ribbed collar
• Lightweight DK-weight construction, perfect for layering
• Full step-by-step YouTube video tutorial included
• Designed with my signature Timeless Tones yarn line
• A wardrobe staple you can enjoy for years

About the Timeless Tones Signature Collection

The MJ’s Signature Cardigan is one of seven beautiful designs in my Timeless Tones Signature Collection.

Timeless Tones is my signature anti-pilling DK-weight yarn line created in collaboration with Mary Maxim. With 24 gorgeous colours to choose from, this yarn was designed to inspire timeless crochet projects with beautiful stitch definition, softness, and durability.

The Signature Collection includes:

• MJ’s Signature Sweater
• MJ’s Signature Cardigan
• Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan
• Timeless Star Stitch Blanket
• Mini Star Stitch Cardigan
• Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat
• Sailboat Mosaic Baby Blanket

If you love this cardigan, I encourage you to explore the entire collection and create your own coordinated handmade wardrobe and home pieces.

Video Tutorial

Yarn

MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Timeless Tones (CDN)

DK Weight #3, 100% Premium Acrylic

273 yds/100 g, Shown in Snowflake, Seabreeze, Petal Pink, Sunflower Field and Eucalyptus

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) See size chart below for yarn requirements.

Size Chart

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

To Fit Bust (in):
28–30 (32–34, 36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50, 52–54, 56–58, 60–62)

Finished Bust (in):
30 (34, 39, 43, 47.5, 52, 56.25, 60.5, 65)

Balls Required

White (MC):
3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6)

Blue (A):
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2)

Pink (B):
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Yellow (C):
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Green (D):
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Yardage

White (MC):
640 (725, 805, 930, 1020, 1100, 1190, 1275, 1365) yds

Blue (A):
130 (150, 165, 190, 210, 225, 240, 260, 280) yds

Pink (B):
70 (80, 90, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155) yds

Yellow (C):
75 (85, 95, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 165) yds

Green (D):
80 (90, 100, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 170) yds

Total Yardage:
995 (1130, 1255, 1450, 1590, 1715, 1850, 1985, 2135) yds

Fit and Ease

Designed with a lightly relaxed fit and approximately 0–5″ of positive ease. Choose a size based on your preferred finished bust measurement. For a more fitted look, choose a size with less ease. For a more relaxed fit or layering, size up. Model shown is wearing size Medium with a 36″ bust.

Yarn Quantity Note

Yarn amounts are approximate and based on the sample size Medium. Yardage includes a small buffer for Colour A but may vary depending on gauge, tension, and any length adjustments. Additional yarn may be required when modifying the body or sleeve length.

Crochet Hook

US H/8 (5 mm)

US I/9 (5.5 mm)

or the size needed to obtain the gauge

Hook Tray

Materials

Yarn Needle

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Measuring Tape

4 Buttons 25mm or desired size

Blocking Pins

4-6 Blocking Mats 24″x 24″

Woolwash

Gauge

Taking the time to check your crochet gauge is one of the most important steps when making a crochet garment. A correct gauge ensures your cardigan will fit as intended.

If you are new to garment making, be sure to check out my complete guide on how to crochet a gauge swatch and why gauge matters before starting.

Pattern Gauge:

14.5 stitches and 13 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in extended single crochet using a 5.5 mm hook

Ribbing Gauge:

10 stitches and 10 rows = 2 inches (5 cm) in single crochet worked in the back loop only using a 5 mm hook

Construction

This cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces. The back panel is worked first, including shoulder shaping. Two front panels (left and right) are worked separately from the hem up, with shaping along the neckline and shoulders. Sleeves are worked separately from the cuff up with shaping throughout. All pieces are sewn together, and the front edges are finished with a button band and collar.

Abbreveations

Blo – Back Loop Only

Ch – Chain

Esc – Extended Single Crochet

Incr – Increase

MC – Main Colour

Pm – Place Marker

Rep – Repeat

RS – Right Side

Sc – Single Crochet

Sk – Skip

Sl St – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s)

St(s) – Stitch(es)

WS – Wrong Side

( ) – Work step in parentheses in the indicated stitch

[ ] – Work step in brackets the number of times indicated

Extended Single Crochet (esc): Insert hook in indicated stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 1 loop on hook, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.

Extended Single Crochet Decrease (esc2tog): Insert hook in indicated stitch and pull up a loop, pull up a loop in next st, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.

Project Tips for the Best Results

• Block your panels to the finished measurements before seaming for the most accurate fit
• Keep your colour changes consistent by changing colours on the final yarn over of the last stitch
• Leave yarn tails unwoven until all seaming is complete and you are happy with the fit
• Match your striped sections carefully while seaming for a professional-looking finish
• Slightly stretch the sleeve when attaching it to the armhole to distribute the fullness evenly

A Timeless Crochet Cardigan You’ll Wear Again and Again

The MJ’s Signature Cardigan is so much more than just another crochet cardigan pattern. It represents my style, my brand colours, and the beginning of my Timeless Tones yarn journey.

I designed this cardigan to be a piece you can proudly wear, style, and enjoy for years to come. Whether you choose my signature colour palette or create your own combination from the 24 beautiful Timeless Tones colours, I cannot wait to see your version.

Pattern

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

This Cardigan is worked flat in pieces, including the back panel, front panels, and two sleeves. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with larger sizes shown in parentheses ( ). A step-by-step video tutorial is included and demonstrates the medium size. When changing colours, work the new colour on the last yarn over of the final stitch of a wrong side row, then continue with the new colour on the following right side row for a clean, consistent finish throughout. Yarn tails can be crocheted over as you work in one direction; at the end, weave them back in the opposite direction to secure.

Back

Band

Row 1:

With the smaller hook and MC, ch 13 work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—12 sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1 (not included as a st here and throughout), work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—12 sts.

Rows 3-55 (63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 103, 111, 119):

Rep Row 2. After the final Row, turn.

Body

Setup Row(RS):

Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—55 (63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 103, 111, 119) sts. Change to larger hook.

Front left

Row 1 (RS):

With D, 1 esc in each st across to last 2 sts, 1 esc2tog across last 2 sts, turn—22 (26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54) sts.

Rows 2-4:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—22 (26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54) sts. Last row change to MC, Cut D.

Row 5:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across to last 2 sts, 1 esc2tog across last 2 sts, turn—21 (25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53) sts.

Row 6:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *ch 1, sk st, 1 esc in next st; rep from across, turn—21 (25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53) sts.

Row 7:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across, turn—21 (25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53) sts.

Row 8:

Rep Row 6.

Row 9:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across to last ch-1 sp and st, 1 esc2tog across ch-1 sp and last st, turn—20 (24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts.

Row 10:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to A, cut MC, turn—20 (24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts.

Row 11:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—20 (24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts.

Row 12:

Ch 1, 1 esc2tog across first 2 sts, 1 esc in each st across, turn—19 (23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51) sts.

Rows 13-14:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—19 (23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51) sts. Last row change to MC, Cut A.

Row 15:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across to last 2 sts, 1 esc2tog across last 2 sts, turn—18 (22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50) sts.

Row 16:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first 2 sts, *ch 1, sk st, 1 esc in next st; rep from across, turn—18 (22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50) sts.

Row 17:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across to last 2 sts, 1 esc2tog across last 2 sts, turn —17 (21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49) sts.

Row 18:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *ch 1, sk st, 1 esc in next st; rep from across, turn—17 (21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49) sts.

Row 19:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across, turn—17 (21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49) sts.

Row 20:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—17 (21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49) sts.

Shoulder Shaping – Short rows

Row 1 (RS):

With MC, join yarn in 2 (6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34) st from right edge with a sl st. Ch 1, work 1 sc in each of next 16 sts, turn—16 sts.

Rows 2-5:

Follow the instructions for Back Right shoulder shaping.

Sleeves – Make 2

Band

Row 1:

With the smaller hook and MC, ch 13 work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—12 sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1 (not included as a st here and throughout), work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—12 sts.

Rows 3-27 (29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43):

Rep Row 2. After the final Row, turn.

Body XS (S, M, L, XL)

Setup Row (RS):

Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—27 (29, 31, 33, 35) sts. Change to larger hook.

Row 1 (WS):

With larger hook, ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to A, cut MC, turn—27 (29, 31, 33, 35) sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—27 (29, 31, 33, 35) sts.

Rows 3-4:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—27 (29, 31, 33, 35) sts.

Row 5 (Incr):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, 1 esc in each st across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—29 (31, 33, 35, 37) sts. Change to MC, Cut A.

Row 6:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—29 (31, 33, 35, 37) sts.

Row 7:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *ch 1, sk st, 1 esc in next st; rep from across, turn—29 (31, 33, 35, 37) sts.

Row 8:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across, turn—29 (31, 33, 35, 37) sts.

Rows 9:

Rep Row 7.

Row 10 (Incr.):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—31 (33, 35, 37, 39) sts.

Row 11:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to B, cut MC, turn—31 (33, 35, 37, 39) sts.

Rows 12-51:

Work Rows 2–11 for stripe/Increase pattern. Each stripe section is worked as follows: Rows 2–5 in contrast colour, then Rows 6–11 in MC.

Work colour sequence as follows: A, B, C, D, then repeat A,

ending with a final MC section.

Sleeve stitch counts ending in 47 (49, 51, 53, 55) sts.

Body 2X (3X, 4X, 5X)

Setup Row(RS):

Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—37 (39, 41, 43) sts. Change to larger hook.

Row 1 (WS):

With larger hook, ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to A, cut MC, turn—37 (39, 41, 43) sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—37 (39, 41, 43) sts.

Row 3 (Incr):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, 1 esc in each st across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—39 (41, 43, 45) sts.

Rows 4-5:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—39 (41, 43, 45) sts. Last row change to MC, Cut A.

Row 6 (Incr):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, 1 esc in each st across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—41 (43, 45, 47) sts.

Row 7:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *ch 1, sk st, 1 esc in next st; rep from across, turn—41 (43, 45, 47) sts.

Row 8:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across, turn—41 (43, 45, 47) sts.

Rows 9:

Rep Row 7.

Row 10 (Incr.):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—43 (45, 47, 49) sts.

Row 11:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to B, cut MC, turn—43 (45, 47, 49) sts.

Rows 12-51:

Work Rows 2–11 for stripe/Increase pattern. Each stripe section is worked as follows: Rows 2–5 in contrast colour, then Rows 6–11 in MC.

Work colour sequence as follows: A, B, C, D, then repeat A, ending with a final MC section.

Sleeve stitch counts ending in 67 (69, 71, 73) sts.

Blocking (optional)

Wet block to shape and size. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of wool wash. Submerge the pieces and allow it to soak thoroughly. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Roll the pieces in a clean towel to

remove additional moisture, then lay flat on blocking mats. Shape to measurements and pin in place. Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

Shoulder Seaming Directions

With a smaller hook, place a slip knot on your hook. Lay shoulder panels side by side with right sides facing up. Working through the inside loops of both panels, insert your hook into the back loop only (blo) of the first stitch on the front left shoulder, then into the blo of the first stitch on the back right shoulder. Keeping the working yarn at the back and centred between the panels, yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook to complete the slip stitch. Continue slip-stitching in this manner across. Fasten off and weave in tails. Repeat for the second shoulder.

Attaching Sleeve to Body

Fold the sleeve in half and place a stitch marker at the centre of the sleeve cap. With right sides facing, align the marked centre of the sleeve to the shoulder seam and secure with a stitch marker or pin. Match sleeve edges evenly along the armhole, using the body rows as a guide. Slightly stretch the sleeve as needed to distribute fullness evenly. Whip stitch the sleeve to the body panel across. Repeat for the second sleeve. Weave in tails once satisfied with placement.

Side and Sleeve Seaming

With right sides facing, fold the cardigan so the front and back panels align. Using a whip stitch, sew the side seams and continue down the sleeves. Leave a yarn tail approximately 2 times the length of the seam.

As you seam, place stitches carefully within the colour sections to prevent the MC from showing through. Work through small sections of yarn on each side for a clean finish.

Alternatively, use a mattress stitch for a more hidden seam.

Fasten off and weave in all remaining tails.

Edging

With smaller hook, place a slip knot on the hook. Join yarn at the bottom of the right front band edge. Work single crochet evenly around the edge of the cardigan. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Join-As-You-Go Collar

The collar is joined as you go to the edge.

Mark Buttonholes

With RS facing at the front right side, count 3 sts from the bottom edge, pm in 3rd st, *count 14 sts, pm in 15th st; rep from *, making as many buttonholes as desired. The sample is made with 4 buttonholes.

Buttonhole Row:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo 4 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in blo last 4 sts.

Next Row:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo 4 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, 1 sc in blo last 4 sts. As you work the collar rows and come to a place marker, use these two rows in place to create the buttonhole.

Row 1 (RS):

With RS facing and smaller hook, join yarn to the front right edge with a sl st, ch 11, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at the edge, sl st in blo next 2 sts, turn—10 sts.

Row 2:

Sk sl sts, 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—10 sts.

Row 3:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, sl st in blo next 2 sts (edge), turn—10 sts.

Rep Row 2 & 3 around the collar edge. After the last row, fasten off and weave in tails. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes on the front left ribbed collar.

I hope you love our Free Striped Cardigan Pattern. You might also love these crochet patterns:

• Waffle Stitch Cardigan
• Autumn’s Charm Mosaic Cardigan
• Everyday Ragg Cardigan
• Granny Stitch Cardigan
• Cabot Trail Cardigan

This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc., based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on June 15th, 2026.

Thank you for visiting MJ’s Off The Hook Designs! I hope you enjoyed this pattern and feel inspired to pick up your hook and start creating.

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