Oh, the joy of creating a granny square cardigan! 🌼 There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about crocheting these delightful little squares and watching them come together into a cozy, handmade garment. If you’ve ever dabbled in crochet, you know that each stitch carries the warmth and love that transforms simple yarn into something truly magical. Granny squares are like the ultimate crochet puzzle pieces—versatile, charming, and a fantastic way to play with colors and textures. The best part? They’re beginner-friendly! So, whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, crafting a granny square cardigan is a fun and rewarding journey.
The process of creating a granny square cardigan is a delightful dance between creativity and technique. 💃 First, I choose my yarn, reveling in the rainbow of colors that will eventually become my cozy masterpiece. Then, it’s time to master the classic granny square, a series of double crochets that form a charming little square. Each square becomes a building block, and like a personal patchwork quilt, I arrange them into a design that sings to me. Sewing or crocheting them together is where the magic happens—seeing those individual squares transform into a wearable piece of art. Adding buttons, perhaps a quirky border, and voilà—you’ve made a cardigan that’s not just a garment but a joyous expression of creativity!
🧥 Granny Square Cardigan Crochet Pattern
This vibrant, modern take on a classic granny square cardigan is perfect for expressing your creativity and staying cozy in style. Let’s bring this beauty to life!
🧶 Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate – Familiarity with granny squares, seaming, and basic shaping required.
📏 Finished Size
Pattern written for Women’s Medium (US 8–10)
Adjustable by adding or removing squares and rows.
🧵 Materials
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Worsted weight yarn (Category 4), approx. 1,000–1,200 yds total
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Colors used: White, Magenta, Pink, Yellow, Turquoise, Black, Purple, Blue
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Crochet hook: 5.0 mm (H-8)
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Scissors
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Yarn needle
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Stitch markers
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Measuring tape
🧷 Abbreviations (US Terms)
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ch – chain
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sl st – slip stitch
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sc – single crochet
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dc – double crochet
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sp – space
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st – stitch
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FO – fasten off
🧶 Instructions
🌸 Make Granny Squares
You’ll need:
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20 squares total
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6 squares for the back
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4 squares for each front panel (8 total)
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2 squares for each sleeve (4 total)
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2 for underarm gussets (optional for fit)
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Standard 6-Round Granny Square:
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With center color:
ch 4, sl st to join into ring -
Round 1: ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc, repeat from * 2 more times, ch 2, sl st to top of ch-3 (4 clusters)
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Round 2: sl st to corner sp, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (first corner), (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp x3, sl st
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Rounds 3–6: Continue granny pattern around with 3 dc clusters in each side space and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corners
Color changes: Switch color every round for a striped, bold look
Final round: Use light gray or border color for cohesion on all squares
FO and weave ends.
🧵 Assembly
Layout the squares:
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Back Panel: 3 squares across x 2 rows
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Front Panels (Left & Right): 1 square wide x 2 squares tall
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Sleeves: 2 squares sewn end-to-end per sleeve
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Underarm Gussets: 1 small granny or triangle (optional)
Join squares using:
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Slip stitch or mattress stitch (right sides facing together)
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Work from bottom to top, attach fronts to back at shoulders
👕 Sleeves
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Fold sleeve strip and sew side edge to form a tube
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Attach to armholes
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Add extra rows of granny stripes in-the-round if you want longer sleeves
📏 Edging & Finishing
Front border & neckline:
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Attach border color yarn at bottom front
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sc evenly around both front panels and neckline
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ch 1, turn, and sc for 2–3 more rows for a neat finish
Cuffs & Hem (Optional):
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Add 1–2 rows of sc or ribbing in border color
Optional button band:
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Add buttonholes with ch spaces in sc edging
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Sew buttons opposite
🧼 Blocking (Recommended)
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Lightly steam or wet block squares before joining to ensure uniform size
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Final blocking after assembly for perfect drape
🧵 You’ve made a bold and cozy Granny Square Cardigan!
Style it over jeans and a tank for a cheerful, crafty statement.
