Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern: Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan

Looking for a beautiful free crochet cardigan pattern with modern style, cozy texture, and inclusive sizing? The Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan is a stylish, oversized crochet cardigan featuring a gorgeous star-stitch texture, a classic button-front design, and cozy pockets!

Whether you’re creating a lightweight layering piece for spring and fall or a cozy everyday cardigan, this textured crochet cardigan is designed to become a timeless staple in your handmade wardrobe.

Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern

This modern crochet cardigan combines beautiful texture with a comfortable oversized fit.

Features:

• Free crochet cardigan pattern on the blog
• Sizes XS to 5X included
• Designed with approximately 4 to 6 inches of positive ease
• Beautiful textured star stitch fabric
• Comfortable oversized fit perfect for layering
• Worked flat in one piece with built-in sleeves
• Minimal seaming
• Ribbed button-front band and collar
• Optional pockets
• Delicate shell stitch sleeve edging
• Full step-by-step YouTube video tutorial included
• Designed with beginner garment makers in mind who are comfortable with intermediate stitches

Is the Star Stitch Difficult to Crochet?

The star stitch creates a stunning textured fabric that looks much more complicated than it really is. While this cardigan is rated as an intermediate crochet pattern, the included video tutorial walks you through the stitch pattern and construction step by step.

The star stitch can feel slightly tighter to work into than traditional crochet stitches, so maintaining a relaxed tension and checking your gauge is especially important.

Video Tutorial

Join Our Timeless Tones Summer Crochet Along

The Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan is part of our Timeless Tones Summer Crochet Along starting June 15th, 2026, where you can crochet at your own pace alongside our wonderful community.

This pattern is also included in the Timeless Tones Star Stitch Collection Ebook, featuring four coordinating star stitch designs, and the Timeless Tones Signature Collection Ebook, which includes all seven patterns in the collection:

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

Whether you make one pattern or the entire collection, we’d love to have you crochet along with us!

Meet Timeless Tones DK Yarn

The Timeless Star Stitch Blanket was designed using Timeless Tones DK Weight #3 yarn.

Timeless Tones is our exclusive anti-pilling acrylic yarn created in partnership with Mary Maxim.

What makes it special?

• Soft and luxurious feel
• Beautiful stitch definition
• Lightweight but warm
• Excellent drape
• Machine washable
• Anti-pilling construction
• Perfect for garments, blankets, and baby projects
• Available in a carefully curated collection of timeless colours

Yarn Requirments

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

DK Weight #3, 100% Premium Acrylic

273 yds /100 g, Shown in Sweet Peony

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

Size Chart

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)	34.75	38.25	41.75	45.5	49	52.5	56	60	63.25
Balls	7	8	9	10	11	11	12	13	14
Yards	1900	2075	2325	2525	2750	3000	3200	3450	3625

Fit and Ease

Designed with a relaxed fit and approximately 4 to 6″ of positive ease. Choose a size based on your preferred finished bust measurement and desired fit. For a more fitted look, size down. For a more relaxed, oversized fit or layering, size up. The model shown is wearing a size Medium with a 36-inch bust.

Yarn Quantity Note

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

Hook Size

US H/8 (5 mm)

US I/9 (5.5 mm)

or hook sizes needed to obtain the gauge

Hook Tray

Supplies

Yarn Needle

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Measuring Tape

6 Buttons 25mm or desired size

Blocking Pins

4-6 Blocking Mats 24″x 24″

Woolwash

Yarn Substitutes

This pattern was designed using Timeless Tones DK Weight #3 yarn

273 yds / 100 g = 2.73 yds per gram

When substituting yarn, look for a DK-weight yarn with a similar yards per gram ratio to achieve comparable results.

Suggested Substitutions

Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK (CDN) : 284 yds / 100 g = 2.84 yds per gram

Knit Picks Brava Baby: 273 yds / 100 g = 2.73 yds per gram

Premier Basix DK (CDN): 306 yds / 100 g = 3.06 yds per gram

Lion Brand Color Theory: 246 yds / 100 g = 2.46 yds per gram

Adjust hook size if needed to achieve the correct gauge and maintain a soft, flexible fabric suitable for garment wear.

Gauge

Pattern: 18 sts (9 stars) and 10 rows equal to 4″ in star stitch pattern with 5.5 mm hook

Ribbing: 10 sts and 10 rows equal to 2″ in sc blo pattern with 5 mm hook

Construction

The cardigan is worked flat in one piece, beginning with the back band and back panel. Chains are added at each side to create the sleeves, which are built into the body. The first half of the sleeve width is worked, then the neckline is marked and each front is completed separately, finishing the sleeves and front panels. The cardigan is then folded and seamed at the sides. A ribbed button band is added along the front edges, and the sleeves are finished with a shell stitch edge.

Abbrevations

Blo – Back loop Only

Ch – Chain

Dc – Double Crochet

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

Lp – Loop

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

Yo – Yarn over

( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch

Special Stitches

Beg Star – Pull up a lp in the 2nd ch from hook, pull up a lp in each of the next 4 chs (or next ch and next 3 sts when working into a row), with 6 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1 (creates the eye of the star).

Star Stitch – Pull up a lp in the eye of the previous star, pull up a loop by going through the leg of the last loop of previous star, pull up a lp in the base st of the previous star, pull up a loop in the next 2 sts, with 6 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1.

End Star – Pull up a lp in the eye of the previous star, pull up a loop by going through the leg of the last loop of previous star, pull up a lp in the base st of the previous star, pull up a loop in the last st, with 5 loops on the hook, yo, pull through all 5 loops, ch 1, turn.

Shell Stitch (shell st): Work 6 dc in the indicated stitch or space.

FAQ & Terms

Pattern

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

This pattern is worked flat in one piece from the back, with sleeves built in as you go. 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. Watch the tutorial.

Back

Band

Row 1:

With the smaller hook, 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 3-74 (82, 90, 98, 106, 114, 122, 130, 138):

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)—74 (82, 90, 98, 106, 114, 122, 130, 138) sts. Change to larger hook.

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 up the right front panel, placing approximately 3 sc per 2 rows, and 1 sc in each stitch across the band. Continue working sc sts evenly across the neck edge, placing approximately 1 sc per st. Work down the left front panel, placing approximately 3 sc per 2 rows, and 1 sc in each stitch across the band. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Mark Buttonholes:

Note: Buttonholes are evenly spaced along the front edge. For best results, use approximately 6 buttons, adjusting as needed based on size and preference. Place stitch markers along the right front edge to indicate desired buttonhole placement, spacing them evenly from the desired top position to the bottom.

Buttonhole Row

Work in collar pattern to marker.

Buttonhole Placement:

Work the buttonhole in the centre of the band width at the marked position.

Buttonhole:

• For small buttons: ch 1, skip 1 st
• For larger buttons: ch 2, skip 2 sts

Continue in pattern to next marker and repeat.

Next Row

Work in pattern, placing stitches into each chain space to maintain stitch count.

Collar

The collar is joined as you go to the edge. With smaller hook, place a slip knot on the hook. Join yarn at the bottom of the right front edge.

Row 1:

Ch 11, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at edge, sl st next 2 sts (edge), turn—10 sts.

Row 2:

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

Row 3:

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

Rep Rows 2 and 3, ending at the final edge stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends. After seaming, sew buttons opposite buttonholes on the left collar edge.

Blocking

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

Roll the cardigan 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.

Pockets

Row 1 (RS):

With larger hook, loosely ch 31, beg star in 2nd chain from hook, Star st across to last ch, end star, turn—14 stars.

Row 2 (WS):

Ch 1, work 1 hdc in the eye of the first star, 2 hdc in each eye across, hdc in the last sp, turn—28 sts.

Row 3:

Ch 3, beg star, star st next 2 sts across to the last st, end star, turn— 14 stars.

Rows 4-14:

Rep Rows 2 & 3 ending with Row 2.

Pocket Ribbing

Row 1:

With smaller hook, ch 6, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at edge, sl st next 2 sts (edge), turn—5 sts.

Row 2:

Sk sl sts, 1 sc in blo of each st across, turn—5 sts.

Row 3:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in blo of each st across, sl st next 2 sts (edge), turn—5 sts.

Rep Rows 2 and 3, ending at the final edge stitch. Fasten off with a tail for sewing the pocket to the cardigan.

Sleeve and Side Seams

With right sides facing, fold the cardigan, aligning the sleeves and front and back panel edges. Cut a length of yarn approximately twice the length of the seam. Using a yarn needle, sew the sleeve and side seams together from the sleeve edge to the underarm and down the side of the body.

Repeat on the opposite side.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Finishing

Once seaming is complete, sew buttons opposite the buttonholes. Position pockets evenly on each front panel, approximately 2 rows above the bottom ribbed band, and sew securely in place.

Sleeve Edging – Right and Left Sleeves

With RS facing and smaller hook, join yarn at the sleeve seam.

Round 1:

Work 1 sc in seam, *work 1 shell st in the side edge of the next star stitch row, work 1 sc in the star st row; rep from * around, sl st in first sc to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

More Star Stitch Patterns

• Chunky Star Stitch Throw
• Little Star Baby Hat
• Sahara Stripes Afghan
• Star Stitch Dishcloth
• Star Stitch Towel Holder
• Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat

I hope you love our Star Stitch 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 12th, 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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