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The Granny Square Cardigan crochet pattern is the perfect blend of cozy and trendy. Designed using a classic granny square pattern, this cardigan comes in sizes XS-5X, ensuring a flattering fit for everyone.
With the genius join-as-you-go granny square technique (JAYGO), the final round of the granny square is seamlessly connected, eliminating the need for tedious seaming.
Follow along with the included video tutorial to easily master this join-as-you-go technique, which is often used for blankets.
Key Takeaways
- The Granny Square Cardigan features a classic design with sizes XS-5X, ensuring a cozy and trendy fit for all.
- Utilizing the join-as-you-go (JAYGO) technique, this cardigan eliminates tedious seaming for a streamlined crochet process.
- The pattern includes a free written version, video tutorial, and detailed yarn requirements for easy crafting.
- Granny squares are back in style, making this cardigan a fashionable choice for the Spring season.
- Support for the pattern is available through affiliate links and a Facebook community for crochet enthusiasts.
Project Overview
The Granny Crop Cardigan is a cozy yet trendy design featuring classic granny squares in a flattering cropped silhouette, available in sizes XS to 5X. Using a seamless join as you go technique to eliminate tedious seaming, this polished piece is finished with three buttons and snug ribbed cuffs, collar, and band for a refined touch. Crocheted in soft lightweight DK yarn in five coordinating shades, it’s the perfect stylish layer for spring and includes a full video tutorial to guide you through the process.
Hook Sizes: US G/6 (4mm), US G+/7 (4.5mm) Crochet Hook
Construction: In the round
Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/cKtnocz8wNY
This charming granny square cardigan is adorned with three buttons, snug ribbed cuffs, and a ribbed collar and band, adding a touch of sophistication to your sweater.
Crocheted using five shades of Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK yarn, it is not only stylish but also wonderfully soft and lightweight—ideal for the Spring season.
Below, you will find everything you need to crochet this granny square cardigan, including the yarn, hook, materials, a free written pattern for blog subscribers, pictures, and a video tutorial. If you love this free granny square pattern, please share!
Mary Maxim Yarn
This granny square cardigan is designed in Mellowspun DK (CDN) provided by Mary Maxim (cdn). This yarn captured my heart long ago. The selection of colour combinations available for this granny square cardigan is limitless. The hues within this yarn line blend together effortlessly, offering endless creative possibilities.
This affordable yarn is a silky, soft, lightweight yarn that is perfect for baby and children’s projects, light wearables, soft blankets, cozy hats, and home decor. Plus, it’s washable and dryable; how can it get any better than that?
Join-As-You-Go Granny Squares
Have you ever come across the join-as-you-go Granny Square joining technique? Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! If you’re not a fan of seaming, this method is a godsend for creating granny square garments without the hassle of extensive seaming at the end. Say goodbye to tedious seaming and weaving in countless tails. It’s remarkably straightforward. For a detailed walkthrough, check out the video tutorial demonstrating this technique.
Are Granny Squares in Style?
Granny squares have made a comeback! They’re everywhere these days, from dominating my social media feeds to adorning people’s outfits in public. Whether it’s a cozy sweater, a stylish tank top, or a trendy bag, granny squares are making their mark even in big retail stores.
However, this resurgence isn’t always positive; machines can’t replicate crochet as they can knit, and companies often fall short of ensuring fair wages for those who create these handmade pieces.
It might be cool to see a gorgeous crochet top in a store for example $24.99, but let’s face it: when it is being sold so cheaply, we crocheters know how much time and money goes into crochet. The person who crocheted it was likely not paid fairly to make it.
Are Granny Squares Easy to Make?
One of the best details about traditional granny square cardigans is that anyone can make one! A traditional granny square is one of the simplest things to master. With just basic crochet stitches, even beginners can create stunning pieces. Plus, the versatility of granny squares allows for endless customization.
Whether you prefer bold colours or subtle hues, a granny square cardigan is the design for you! Plus, with the join-as-you-go method, you don’t have to worry about seaming all those motifs together.
Video Tutorial
Follow along with this tutorial to create the Granny Crop Cardigan for size M/L
Yarn Requirements
DK Weight #3
284yds/100g, 100% Acrylic Shown in
MC – Taupe / White
A – Cream / Stream
B – Berry / Mauve
C- Soft Pink
D – Dark Oak / Slate
See the size chart directly below for yarn requirements
Size Chart
Yarn Substitutes
CotLin DK – 123 yards/50g
Bernat Softee Baby (CDN) – 362 yds/140g
Paintbox Cotton DK – 137yds/50g
Brava Recycle -306yds/100g
Sizes Included for the Granny Square Cardigan
XS (S, M/L, XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X)
Crochet Hook Requirments
US G/6 (4mm) Crochet Hook or size needed to obtain gauge
US G+/7 (4.5mm) Crochet Hook or size needed to obtain gauge
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Gauge
Granny Square: 4 rounds equal to 4″ x 4″ with 4.5mm hook, 4 rounds equal to 3.5″ x 3.5″ with 4mm crochet hook
Ribbing: 10 sts and 10 rows equal to 2″ with 4mm crochet hook in sc blo
Abbreviations
Blo – Back Loop Only
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
MC – Main Colour
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 indicated stitch
[ ] – Work step in brackets number of times indicated
Granny Square Cardigan Construction
Begin crocheting your granny square motifs by crocheting them in the round, completing a total of three rounds for each square. Once you have made the necessary number of squares based on your desired size, utilize the join-as-you-go granny square technique to crochet the final round, seamlessly connecting the motifs as you go. Next, assemble the cardigan by seaming together the sides and sleeves. Finally, add the band, collar, and cuffs to complete the project with a polished finish.
Suggested Colour Combinations
COMBINATION #1 (white center)
Colour A – 6 Squares Round 1
Colour B – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour C – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour D – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
COMBINATION #2 (dark pink center)
Colour B – 6 Round 1
Colour A – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour C – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour D – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
COMBINATION #3 (light pink center)
Colour C – 6 Round 1
Colour B – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour A – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour D – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
COMBINATION #4 (brown center)
Colour D – 6 Round 1
Colour B – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour C – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
Colour A – 2 Round, 2 Round 3
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Granny Square Crop Cardigan
Pattern
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Granny Square:
XS (S, M/L, XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X)
Make 60 (64, 64, 101, 101, 106) squares
Please refer to the suggested colour combinations above for guidance. If you wish to create a longer cardigan or sleeves, you can make additional squares as needed to achieve the desired length.
Round 1:
With 4 (4, 4.5, 4, 4.5, 4.5)mm hook, Magic Ring, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 1, *3 dc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, pull ring tight, sl st across to ch-1 sp and fasten off.
Round 2:
Put a slip knot on the hook, join new colour in ch-1 sp, ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp and fasten off.
Round 3:
Put a slip knot on the hook, join new colour in ch-1 sp, (corner), ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc)in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp and fasten off. Weave in tails.
The final round and main colour yarn are incorporated using the join-as-you-go Granny square technique. Our video tutorial on YouTube provides a detailed explanation of this process. If you prefer an alternative seaming method, simply work the final round in the main colour yarn, as outlined.
Only complete this round if you are NOT doing the join-as-you-go method.
Round 4:
Join MC colour in ch-1 sp (corner), ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 2 ch-1 sps, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 2 ch-1 sps; rep from * 2 more times, sl st in first dc to join and fasten off. sl st across to ch-1 sp and fasten off. Weave in tails and block.
Seaming: Join-as-you-go
Watch the tutorial for the join-as-you-go technique or if you have completed round 4 as normal, use your preferred seaming method. For written join-as-you-go instructions and a joining chart, purchase the PDF.
Seaming Charts
Blocking:
Immerse the cardigan in lukewarm water with a small amount of woolwash. Let it soak for approximately 25-30 minutes. After soaking, gently squeeze out excess water. To eliminate further moisture, wrap in a towel and press to absorb excess water. Next, lay the damp cardigan out on blocking mats and carefully pin it to the desired measurements. While pinned, allow to air dry completely. Once dry, remove the pins.
Seaming:
To assemble the cardigan, fold it together with the right sides facing each other. Using the main colour (MC) yarn, whip stitch the sides of the cardigan and the sleeves together. Once the stitching is complete, weave in any remaining yarn tails for a clean finish.
Bottom Band:
Notes: To customize the length of the cardigan, you can adjust the number of chains. If you prefer a wider band, add more chains; for a thinner band, reduce the number of stitches. To create a snug fit at the waistband, skip chain spaces between clusters. Alternatively, for a looser fit, work stitches into the chain spaces. This flexibility allows you to tailor the cardigan to your preferred style and fit.
Setup Row (RS):
With RS facing and 4 (4, 4.5, 4, 4.5, 4.5)mm hook, put a slip knot on the hook, join to the bottom left corner. Sc in the blo of each st and across and 1 sc at the corner between squares, turn.
Base Row (WS):
With 4mm hook, ch 1, 1 sc in each st across, turn.
Join-As-You-Go Ribbing
Directions are for a 3″ band.
Row 1:
With the 4mm hook, ch 15, 1 sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at the base row, sl st in the next 2 sts (base row), turn—14 sts.
Row 2:
Sk sl sts, 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—14 sts.
Row 3:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, sl st in next 2 sts (base row), turn—14 sts.
Rep Row 2 & 3 across the bottom edge of the cardigan. Don’t fasten off, continue to collar.
Collar
Setup Row (RS):
With RS facing and 4 (4, 4.5, 4, 4.5, 4.5)mm hook, continue from the bottom corner of the right front panel. Ch 1, sc in the blo of each st and ch across ending at the bottom left panel, turn.
Base Row (WS):
With 4mm hook, ch 1, 1 sc in each st across, turn.
Join-As-You-Go Ribbing
Notes: For split sizes, you may want to increase the width of the ribbing for additional ease (refer to size chart for finished bust). For sizes L, 3X and 5X, chain 15-19 instead of 11.
Mark Buttonholes:
Watch the tutorial for directions.
With RS facing at the front right side, count 4 sts from the bottom edge, pm in the 5th st, *count 18 sts, pm in the 19th st; rep from * [one more time] for crop length. Add additional buttons if needed for a longer cardigan. For large 40mm buttons, the buttonhole will be 4 sts.
Buttonhole Row:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in the blo 2 sts, 1 sc next st, ch 4, sk 4 sts, 1 sc in next st, 1 sc in the blo last 2 sts.
Next Row:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in the blo 3 sts, 4 sc in ch-4 sp, 1 sc in last 3 sts.
The collar is joined as you go to the edging base row.
Row 1:
Ch 11, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at the edge, sl st in 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 next 2 sts, turn—10 sts.
Rep Row 2 & 3 for the entire edge of the cardigan working buttonhole row at each marked st. Fasten off and weave in tails. Sew buttons opposite the buttonholes.
Sleeve Cuff:
Repeat for left and right sleeves.
Sleeve Edge:
With RS facing and the smaller hook join yarn to the seamed edge of sleeve, ch 1, *work 1 sc in ch-1 sp, sk 1 dc, 1 sc in the 2nd dc, sk 1 dc; rep from * around, sl st in first sc to join—32 (32, 32, 48, 48, 48 )sts.
Cuff
The cuff is joined as you go to the sleeve edge.
Row 1:
Ch 19, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at the sleeve edge, sl st in next 2 sts (sleeve edge), turn—18 sts.
Row 2:
Sk sl sts, 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—18 sts.
Row 3:
Ch 1, work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, sl st in next 2 sts (sleeve edge), turn—18 sts.
Rows 4- 32 (32, 32, 48, 48, 48):
Rep Rows 2 and 3, ending on Row 2. After the last row, ch 1, with RS facing sl st band together by going through the starting ch and blo. Fasten off and weave in tails.
Finishing:
Lightly steam the cardigan to finish.
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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 April 22nd, 2024.
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