**You can purchase an INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Etsy HERE or LoveCrochet HERE! This beautifully formatted PDF includes the step-by-step pictures and is a total of 17 pages including the cover page. This pattern is also available in the “Daisy Granny Square Crochet PATTERN BUNDLE” which includes all my lovely daisy designs at a discounted price – check out the bundle HERE! Lion Brand Yarn has put together a convenient kit HERE that contains all the yarn you need to make this gorgeous chunky cardigan (choose any color combination you want)!
Please note that this is PART 1 of the pattern which includes all the materials, notes and instructions for the back and front panel assembly. Part 2 HERE contains the instructions for the bottom ribbing and collar. Part 3 HERE includes the instructions on how to crochet the sleeves!
Pattern Description: Crochet this gorgeous chunky cardigan made of daisy granny squares! This statement cardigan includes modern ribbing, sleek cuffs and a sophisticated collar using bulky yarn. Choose your own color combination and work up your own cozy cardigan!
Materials:
- 8 mm crochet hook (for the granny square) and 7 mm (for the bottom ribbing) and 10 mm (for the collar)
- Hue + Me Yarn (Bulky level 5): Color A (Rose Water), Color B (Salt) and Color C (Mustard); see required number of skeins below – convenient kit available HERE
- Lock ring stitch markers
- Bent tip tapestry needle
- Steamer for blocking (optional for blocking granny squares and final cardigan)
Each granny square uses:
- Color A (Rose Water): 17 g/19 yds
- Color B (Salt): 7 g/8 yds
- Color C (Mustard): 3 g/3 rds
Number of Skeins of Hue + Me Yarn Required (each skein is 125 g/137 yds):
- Small & Medium: 5 skeins of Color A, 2 skeins of Color B, 1 skein of Color C
- Large, XL & 2X: 6 skeins of Color A, 2 skeins of Color B, 1 skein of Color C
- 3X & 4X: 7 skeins of Color A, 2 skeins of Color B, 1 skein of Color C
- 5X: 8 skeins of Color A, 2 skeins of Color B, 1 skein of Color C
Number of Granny Squares Required:
Sizing Chart (in inches):
Notes:
- Gauge: Granny Square: 7”/18 cm x 7”/18 cm
- This cardigan is constructed of daisy granny squares that are seamed together for the back panel, front panels and sleeves. Various amounts of daisy granny squares are used for each part depending on the size. Please reference the chart to see how many granny squares you will need for each size.
- Use the 8 mm crochet hook to crochet the granny squares and to add double crochet rows to increase the width and length of the panels and sleeves. Use the 7 mm crochet hook for the bottom ribbing and 10 mm hook for the slip stitch collar.
- Three different shades of Hue + Me yarn are used to crochet the daisy granny square. Color A is the background frame color (“Rose Water” in this pattern), Color B is the color of the petals (“Salt”) and Color C is the color of the daisy center (“Mustard”). You can change the colors such as: crocheting the entire cardigan in one color, working color blocks (using a different color for each entire granny square), or use a contrast color for the collar, bottom ribbing or ribbed cuff.
- If you are using one color for the entire cardigan, you can follow the same instructions for the daisy granny square but do not cut the yarn when going from round to round. When finishing Round 3, you can slip stitch to the next ch-3 space and then begin Round 4.
- The daisy granny square consists of 5 rounds: Rounds 1 and 2 are the center of the daisy (single crochet stitches), Round 3 consists of the petals (clusters), and Rounds 4 and 5 are the background frame (half double crochet and double crochet stitches). This daisy granny square is the exact same one used in the “Cozy Days Daisy Blanket” crochet pattern.
- You can crochet over the yarn tails when switching yarn colors. I like to crochet over the yarn tails and also weave them in the opposite direction for added security.
- Since Hue + Me yarn is 20% wool/80% acrylic, you can felt your yarn ends together when you want to add a new skein. You can also felt your yarn ends into place after weaving them in to ensure that they will not pop out!
- You can choose how you would like to seam your granny squares together. Using the slip stitch technique results in visible raised edges – you can choose to have these edges visible on either the front or back of the cardigan. I chose not to have raised edges for my cardigan, so I whip stitched my granny squares together (going through BOTH the front and back loops).
- When you are using the whip stitch, have the wrong sides of the granny squares facing you so that the seam is less visible on the right side.
- When whip stitching the granny squares together, I split the chain 2’s in each corner: one chain 1 belongs to one side of the granny square while the other chain 1 belongs to the other side of the granny square.
- Seam the number of granny squares together as indicated by the chart for the back panel and front panels. Depending on your size, you may need to add more width to the front and back panels by crocheting rows of double crochet stitches along the sides (each row adds 1”/2.5 cm).
- Each granny square has 16 stitches along one side: 14 double crochet stitches, one chain 1 on one side and one chain 1 on the other side.
- Please reference the “Cozy Days Daisy Blanket” YouTube video HERE to see how to crochet the daisy granny square and the “Cozy Days Daisy Cardigan” YouTube video HERE to see how to crochet the other sections.
Sizing Notes:
- This drop sleeve cardigan is slouchy and oversized with about 8-10” of positive ease for sizes S, M, L, XL and 5X and 6-8” of positive ease for sizes 2X, 3X and 4X. For example, this means that if your actual bust is 32” (size small), the cardigan bust is 10” larger.
- Part of the front and back panels become part of the sleeve as they bend past the shoulders. The sleeve length remains the same for all sizes, but the increased width in the front and back panels help lengthen the sleeves of the larger sizes.
- If you would like the cardigan to be wider, you can either add more rows of double crochet to the front and back panels or add additional granny squares, keeping in mind that each granny square adds 7”/18 cm of width.
- If you would like the cardigan to be longer, you can add rows of double crochet stitches to the front and back panels after they have been seamed together or you can increase the height of the bottom ribbing. You can also add more granny squares, keeping in mind that each granny square adds 7”/18 cm of length.
- You can combine sections of various sizes (e.g. large front panel with 2X size sleeve) to customize your fit.
- Note that there is a “Sleeve Width Alternative” section in the pattern if you want to add more width to the top of the sleeve (upper arm to increase arm hole size) but not to the bottom of the sleeve (lower arm and wrists).
- I am wearing a size Small, and I am about 5’6 for height reference.
- This pattern is written for the following sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X and 5X.
- As you crochet and seam parts of your cardigan together, it is very important that you try it on throughout the process to see how you are liking the width and length of the cardigan. You can make adjustments as necessary.
- If you will be making adjustments to your cardigan (e.g. wider collar, longer sleeves, etc), it is recommended that you have an additional skein of the main color on hand to ensure you have enough yardage.
Assembly Notes:
- Once your back panel and front panels are complete, you will seam the front panels to the back panel at the shoulders and along the sides, leaving a space for the arm holes.
- Be sure not to whip stitch too tightly as this can cause bunching in this cardigan design.
- After the front and back panels have been seamed together, we will work the bottom ribbing using a 7 mm hook. The bottom ribbing is crocheted along the bottom edge by working single crochet stitches in the front loops only in turned rows. You can increase the length of the bottom ribbing by chaining more stitches.
- To begin the collar, single crochet stitches are picked up along one side of the front panel, along the back panel, and along the other side of the front panel using an 8 mm hook (right side of the cardigan should be facing you). Subsequent rows consist of slip stitches in the front loops only using a 10 mm hook. Work loosely when crocheting the slip stitches, otherwise it will bunch up. You can work single crochet stitches in the FLO if you find that the slip stitches are too tight. To increase the width of the collar, continue adding more rows. You can also use the same technique and pattern of the bottom ribbing for the collar if you prefer this look as well!
- Once the granny squares have been seamed together for the sleeves, some width might need to be added depending on your size (double crochet stitches). Next, length is added to the sleeves by adding a row of double crochet stitches (you can choose to add more length to the sleeve here if desired).
- Next, a slip stitch is worked to join the sleeve in a round (right side facing outwards) so that we can begin working in joined rounds. Double crochet decrease stitches are used to narrow the sleeve towards the cuff.
- To finish off the sleeves, a ribbed cuff is crocheted using an 8 mm hook by crocheting slip stitches in the back loops only. You can adjust the length of the ribbed cuff by adding more chain stitches. The last row is then seamed to the first row to close up the ribbed cuff.
- Before fastening off, try on the cardigan by attaching the sleeves to the back and front panels using stitch markers. You can still adjust the sleeve length by adding more rows of double crochets or making a longer ribbed cuff.
- Weave in all your ends before seaming the sleeve as it is easier to do it before.
- Using the same long strand of yarn, seam the sleeve closed lengthwise and then seam the sleeve into the arm hole. You can add extra seams in the armpit area for extra security.
- It is important to block the entire cardigan, including all the granny squares, seams, collar, bottom ribbing and ribbed cuff to relax the fibers and smooth out the stitches.
- You can add buttons and button holes in the collar if you would like the front to close!
Abbreviations & Special Stitches:
- Magic Ring (MR): Make a loop. Hold yarn where ends cross. Insert hook into loop and pull up working yarn. Yarn over and work beginning chains. Work subsequent stitches in magic ring and then pull tight to close. See how to do the Magic Ring HERE.
- Beginning cluster: Ch 2, [YO, insert hook in st, YO, pull up a loop, YO, draw through 2 loops], rep 2 times in same st, YO, draw through 3 loops on hook.
- Cluster: [YO, insert hook in st, YO, draw up a loop, YO, draw through 2 loops on hook], rep 3 times in same st, YO, draw through 4 loops on hook.
- Extended single crochet: Insert hook through next stitch. Pull up a loop and extend the loop to desired height (elongate it to match the height of the rest of the stitches). YO, pull through both loops on hook.
- Double crochet decrease: YO, insert hook in first stitch, YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). YO and draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). YO, insert hook in next stitch, YO and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). YO, draw through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), YO and pull through 3 remaining loops.
- Front loop only (FLO): Work the stitch in the loop closest to you.
- Back loop only (BLO): Work the stitch in the loop farther away from you.
PATTERN:
Daisy Granny Square:
Please reference the “Cozy Days Daisy Blanket” blog post to see how to crochet the daisy granny squares. The granny square is worked exactly the same for this cardigan. Reference this YouTube video HERE or the embedded video below to see how to crochet all five rounds of the daisy granny square! Crochet the number of granny square as listed in the chart for your size.
You can reference this YouTube video HERE or the embedded video below to see how to crochet the rest of the cardigan! This video shows how to whip stitch the granny squares together, the assembly, bottom ribbing, collar, sleeves, felting the yarn ends in and steaming the final cardigan:
Back Panel:
For sizes S-XL, arrange 9 granny squares in a 3 x 3 square layout. For sizes 2X-4X, arrange 12 granny squares in a 4 x 3 layout (4 granny squares is the width). For size 5X, arrange 15 granny squares in a 5 x 3 layout (5 granny squares is the width).
Seam the granny squares together by whip stitching through both the front and back loops of both granny squares. Reference this YouTube video HERE to see how to whip stitch the granny squares together!
When whip stitching the granny squares together, I split the chain 2’s in each corner: one chain 1 belongs to one side, and the other chain 1 belongs to the other side. I seamed all my squares horizontally together first and then vertically. You can add extra seams to the corners to ensure there are no holes.
Front Panels (make 2):
For sizes S-4X, arrange 3 granny squares together for each front panel. For size 5X, arrange 6 granny squares in a 2 x 3 layout (2 granny squares is the width). Whip stitch the granny squares together in the same manner as the back panel.
Adding Width to the Panels:
If your back and front panels need to be wider, we will pick up stitches along the sides of the panels and crochet double crochet stitches in turned rows. You will add width to only one side of the front panels. You will add width to both sides of the back panel for symmetry.
Please find your size below and see how many inches/number of rows you will add to each side of the back panel:
Small: None
Medium: 1
Large: 2
XL: 3
2X: None
3X: 1
4X: 2
5X: None
Please find your size below and see how many inches/number of rows you will add to one side of the front panel:
Small: None
Medium: 1
Large: 2
XL: 3
2X: 4
3X: 5
4X: 6
5X: None
Once again, each side of the granny square has 16 stitches. Work 1 double crochet in each junction/seam where the granny squares meet. To do this:
We will rejoin the yarn in one of the chain stitches of the chain 2 gap corner with the right side of the panels facing you. Make a slip knot, insert hook in chain and pull through.
R1: Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc). Work 1 double crochet in each stitch across, including 1 double crochet in each junction (between the chains). There will be 50 double crochet stitches.
Fasten off if no further width is needed.
If more width is needed:
R2: Chain 2, turn. Work 1 dc in each stitch across.
Repeat R2 if more width is required. Fasten off when finished.
Seaming Front Panels & Back Panel:
Whip stitch tops of front panels to back panel, going through both the front and back loops. For the sizes that have extra width added to the front panels, ensure that the added rows of double crochet stitches are positioned towards the outer edges of the cardigan (not towards the center where the collar will be worked).
Whip stitch sides of front panels to back panel, making sure to leave an arm hole (reference size chart for height of arm hole).
Do not fasten off yarn in case you need to adjust the arm hole once it is time to attach the sleeves.
If you would like to make your cardigan longer, you can add some rows of double crochet stitches to the bottom of the front panels and back panel at this point before working the bottom ribbing. You can also choose to increase the height of the bottom ribbing if you would like to increase the length of the cardigan.
It is recommended for sizes 2X-5X that you add at least one row of double crochet stitches to increase the length. To do so, flip the cardigan upside down with the right side facing you. Rejoin the yarn in the right corner of the first front panel (same place where we will start the bottom ribbing in the next section – see picture in Part 2 for visual) and add double crochet stitches as indicated in “Adding Width to the Panels” section.
Please go to Part 2 of the pattern HERE to see how to crochet the bottom ribbing and collar next!
{This post is sponsored by Lion Brand Yarn! I’ve loved working with their yarn throughout the years and I’m thrilled that I get to collaborate with them every month!}
This pattern is an original pattern by Stephanie Lau of All About Ami. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for your own personal use but please DO NOT sell the pattern or distribute it.
You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Stephanie Lau of All About Ami, and provide a link to my blog www.AllAboutAmi.com. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you for being respectful and for your understanding!
