Cozy Hexagon Crochet Cardigan: Free Beginner-Friendly Pattern

If you’ve ever wanted to crochet your own garment but felt intimidated by complex shaping and sizing, the Cozy Hexagon Crochet Cardigan is exactly what you need. This pattern has taken the crochet world by storm for one simple reason: it’s incredibly easy, almost like magic! Instead of working intricate front and back panels, you simply crochet two large granny hexagons. When you fold them in half, they instantly form the body and sleeves of your sweater.

Using a plush chunky yarn in warm, earthy autumnal tones, this cardigan works up remarkably fast. Whether you’re curling up with a book by the fireplace or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this oversized, squishy layer will quickly become your favorite handmade wardrobe staple.

Materials You’ll Need

Because we want this cardigan to be thick, warm, and quick to make, we are opting for a bulky weight yarn. Feel free to use a solid color, or have fun striping it with different earthy shades!

• Yarn: Bulky (Weight 5) or Super Bulky (Weight 6) acrylic or wool-blend yarn. You will need roughly 800-1200 yards depending on your size. For our cozy autumnal version, we used a mix of Burnt Orange, Mustard Yellow, Deep Teal, and Cream.
• Hook: 8.0 mm (L) or 10.0 mm (N/P) ergonomic wooden crochet hook (depending on your yarn choice; check your gauge!).
• Notions: A large-eye tapestry needle, vintage brass scissors, stitch markers, and a soft linen measuring tape.

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp: space
• cluster: 3 dc worked into the same space

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• Size: This pattern is fully customizable! You simply keep crocheting your hexagons until the folded side matches your desired sleeve length and shoulder width.
• Construction: You will make two identical hexagons. When folded in half, each hexagon forms one side of the front, one side of the back, and one sleeve. You will seam the back and the top of the sleeves, then add length to the bottom and cuffs if desired.

The Hexagon Cardigan Pattern

Make 2 identical hexagons. Change colors every 3-4 rounds if you are striping.

Round 1: Make a MR. Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc into the ring. *Ch 2, 3 dc into the ring. Repeat from * 4 more times. Ch 2, sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join. You should have 6 clusters of 3 dc, separated by 6 ch-2 corner spaces.

Round 2: Sl st over to the first ch-2 corner space. Ch 3 (counts as dc). In the same space, work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). *Ch 1, skip the next 3 dc. In the next ch-2 corner sp, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Repeat from * around. Ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

Round 3: Sl st to the first corner space. Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner. *Ch 1. In the next ch-1 side sp, work 3 dc. Ch 1. In the next corner sp, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Repeat from * around. Ch 1, sl st to join.

Subsequent Rounds: Continue this traditional granny pattern: work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every corner space, and work 3 dc in every side space (separated by ch 1). Keep growing your hexagon until it is large enough.

How to measure: Fold the hexagon in half so it looks like an “L” shape. Try it on! The top horizontal part should reach from your neck to your wrist, and the vertical part should meet comfortably in the middle of your back. Once it fits, fasten off.

Seaming and Finishing

1. Seaming: Fold both hexagons into their “L” shapes. Place them side-by-side so the back panels meet. Using a tapestry needle and a whip stitch (or a slip stitch crochet seam), seam the two back panels together. Next, seam the top of the sleeves from the neck down to the wrist.

2. Adding Length & Cuffs (Optional): If you want your cardigan longer, attach yarn to the bottom edge and work rows of granny stitch back and forth until you reach your desired length. For tighter sleeves, attach yarn at the wrist, decrease evenly around, and work a few rows of single crochet ribbing.

3. The Collar/Front Band: To give your cardigan a polished look, attach your yarn to the bottom front corner. Work rows of double crochet evenly up the front edge, around the back of the neck, and down the other front edge. Work 3-4 rows to create a thick, cozy collar.

Care Instructions

Handmade garments deserve lots of love! Because this cardigan is bulky, it can hold a lot of water weight in the wash. I highly recommend hand-washing in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Support the weight of the sweater when lifting it out of the water, gently press out the excess (do not wring!), and lay it completely flat on a dry towel to air dry. Hanging a heavy wet crochet sweater will cause it to stretch out of shape.