12 Granny Square Cardigan Patterns and Ideas
A granny square cardigan is the easiest way to crochet your first sweater. You make simple squares, join them into panels, and add sleeves and edging. There is very little shaping, and you can test the fit as you go.
This list is for crocheters who can make a basic granny square and want to wear one. You will find beginner-friendly cardigans, a cropped style, a chunky festival layer, size-inclusive patterns up to 5XL, and a few flexible “recipes” you can adjust to your own body. All are free to read online.
Granny Square Cardigan Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Worsted, DK or cotton yarn in your chosen colors
- Crochet hook set (4 mm to 7 mm)
- Soft measuring tape
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needles for seaming
- Blocking mats and pins
1. Granny Square Cardigan (XS to 5XL)
Photo: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
A size-inclusive jacket made from six-color granny squares, put together using photos and a schematic. Edging goes around the wrists, hem and fronts. Janne notes that granny squares are a good fit for beginners, and the hook changes with size to adjust the fit.
- Designer: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I) or 6.5 mm (K), depending on size
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Easy Beginner Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Sharon “Shaz” Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
One large granny square makes the back, smaller squares make the fronts, then you add sleeves and edging. It is made to measure from your chest size, so it fits without a size chart. A great first garment.
- Designer: Sharon “Shaz” Goodwin / Jera’s Jamboree
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Aran / worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Airie Cropped Cardigan
Photo: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
A cropped cardigan in soft merino squares in blues and grays. It comes in four size ranges from XS to 4XL, and the video covers the squares, assembly, sleeves and trim. Lovely over a slip dress or high-waisted jeans.
- Designer: Lindsey Roe / Off the Beaten Hook
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (Malabrigo Worsted used)
- Hook: 6.5 mm (K) body, 5.5 mm (I) trim
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Wildflower Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
A flowy boho cardigan made from flower-centered squares in a light bamboo yarn, so it works from spring to fall. The squares are seamed into panels and the sleeves are crocheted right onto the body.
- Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: see pattern (light bamboo yarn)
- Hook: 6 mm (J)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Mikey’s Granny Cardigan
Photo: Michael Sellick / The Crochet Crowd
Fifty-four granny squares in random color combos, joined with slip stitch, make an open cardigan in cotton. It is written for XL to 3XL and includes a tutorial and assembly diagram.
- Designer: Michael Sellick / The Crochet Crowd
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (cotton)
- Hook: 5 mm (H) and 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Super Chunky Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Anna Wilkinson / Simply Yarn
A retro, one-size cardigan in super-chunky cotton that fits up to a 41-inch bust. Big yarn means big squares, so it comes together fast. Wear it as a festival layer or beach cover-up.
- Designer: Anna Wilkinson / Simply Yarn
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super chunky
- Hook: 7 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Sunflower Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Lisa Auch / LisaAuch Crochet
Sunflower squares and half-squares are joined into a cardigan with a ribbed border and buttonholes. Lisa uses body measurements to size the squares, so you can adapt it to fit.
- Designer: Lisa Auch / LisaAuch Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Two-Color Granny Square Jacket
Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
A graphic black-and-white jacket made with granny stitch and single crochet edging. It comes in six sizes, from XS/S to 4/5XL, and you can swap in any two contrasting colors.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Granny Square Candy Cardigan
Photo: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Bright, candy-colored squares in cotton make a fun summer cardigan in sizes S to XXL. The designer says wool would make a warmer winter version.
- Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (cotton)
- Hook: 4 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Granny Square Cardigan With Pockets
Photo: Emily Ann (Ravelry)
Pockets make any cardigan better. This one starts with a large square for the back, and you size the whole thing by changing your hook until that square fits your back width.
- Designer: Emily Ann (Ravelry)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Aran (#4)
- Hook: 4.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Granny Square Cardigan Recipe
Photo: Kristen Salzer-Frost (Ravelry)
Not a row-by-row pattern but a “recipe” that explains how Kristen builds and sizes her cardigan by fitting the squares to the wearer. Good for confident crocheters who like to customize. The designer notes it is not formally graded or tested.
- Designer: Kristen Salzer-Frost (Ravelry)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Everyday Granny Square Cardigan
Photo: Cintia / My Poppet Makes
A hip-length cardigan with cropped sleeves made from 5.5-inch squares joined with whip stitch. It is written for an average medium, with tips for adjusting the size.
- Designer: Cintia / My Poppet Makes
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First cardigan ever? Start with #2. It is made to measure and uses classic squares.
- Need a wide size range? Pick #1 (XS to 5XL) or #8 (XS/S to 4/5XL).
- Want something quick? Go for #6 in super chunky yarn.
- Dreaming of a summer layer? Try #4 or #9.
- Like to customize? Make #10, #11 or #12.
FAQ
Is a granny square cardigan good for beginners?
Yes. If you can make a granny square, you can make most of these cardigans. The main new skills are joining squares and adding simple edging. Start with a made-to-measure pattern like #2 so the fit is easy to control.
How many granny squares do I need for a cardigan?
It depends on the pattern and your size. Some designs use one big square for the back, while others use 50 or more small squares, like #5. Measure your chest and follow the layout in your pattern before you start.
What yarn is best for a granny square cardigan?
Choose a yarn with good drape so the cardigan does not feel stiff. Cotton and bamboo are great for warm weather. Wool or wool blends are warmer for fall and winter. Acrylic is affordable and easy to wash.
Pick your favorite style, gather your colors, and get ready to wear your squares.