This pastel striped crochet cardigan features bold color blocking in soft pink, lavender, light blue, and cream. The chunky single crochet construction creates a cozy, modern silhouette with a cropped fit and ribbed button band. Here’s the complete pattern to make your own.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), approximately 800 to 900 yards total
– Cream: 200 yards
– Soft pink: 200 yards
– Lavender: 200 yards
– Light blue: 200 yards
- Hook: 6.0mm (J/10)
- Notions: 3 gold shank buttons (20mm), yarn needle, stitch markers
Gauge
14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Check gauge before starting.
Finished Measurements
- Bust: 40 inches (relaxed fit)
- Length: 18 inches (cropped)
- Sleeve length: 18 inches
Adjust by adding or removing rows and stitches proportionally.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
Stripe Sequence
Each stripe is 8 rows. Work in this order: cream, pink, lavender, blue. Repeat as needed.
Back Panel
Foundation: With cream, ch 72.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (71 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.
Repeat Row 2, following the stripe sequence. Change colors every 8 rows. Work until piece measures 18 inches from foundation (approximately 72 rows total). Fasten off.
Left Front Panel
Foundation: With cream, ch 38.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (37 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.
Continue in pattern, following the same stripe sequence as the back. Work until piece measures 18 inches. Fasten off.
Neckline Shaping
Begin shaping at Row 60 (or when piece measures approximately 15 inches).
Row 60: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 30 sts. Leave remaining 7 sts unworked.
Row 61: Ch 1, turn. Skip first st, sc in each st across. (29 sts)
Rows 62 to 72: Continue in pattern, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every other row. (24 sts remain)
Fasten off.
Right Front Panel
Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping. Begin neckline decreases at the opposite edge.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Foundation: With blue, ch 36.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (35 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.
Row 3 (increase): Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st. (37 sts)
Continue in stripe sequence, working increase rows every 6th row until you have 51 sts. Work even until sleeve measures 18 inches.
Stripe Order for Sleeves
Start with blue, then work pink, lavender, cream. Repeat. This creates the offset stripe effect visible in the finished cardigan.
Ribbed Button Band
Foundation: With cream, ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Working in back loops only, sc in each st across.
Repeat Row 2 until band measures the full length of both front edges plus the back neck (approximately 54 inches). Fasten off.
This creates the vertical ribbed texture visible in the image.
Assembly
Joining Shoulders
Place back and front panels with RS together. Using cream, sl st across 24 sts on each shoulder, leaving center back open for neck.
Attaching Sleeves
Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise. Mark the center top. Align center of sleeve cap with shoulder seam. Pin in place. With RS together, sl st sleeve to body along armhole opening, easing as needed.
Side and Sleeve Seams
Starting at cuff, sl st up sleeve seam and continue down side of body to hem. Repeat for other side.
Attaching Button Band
Pin ribbed band along right front, around back neck, and down left front. The band should lay flat without stretching. Sl st or whip stitch in place using cream yarn.
Mark button placement on left front: position first button 1 inch from top, last button 1 inch from bottom, middle button centered between them. Sew buttons through button band only.
Create button loops on right front by chaining 6 at each button position, then joining to the band edge.
Tips for Clean Color Changes
Change colors on the last pull through of the final stitch in each stripe section. This keeps the color transition crisp on the RS.
Carry yarn loosely up the side when working stripes. If the gap between uses exceeds 8 rows, cut and rejoin to avoid tight edges.
Customization Options
Longer length: Add rows to all body panels equally before beginning neckline shaping.
Different stripe width: Try 4 rows per stripe for thinner bands or 12 rows for bolder blocks.
Pocket addition: Crochet two 4 by 4 inch squares in a contrasting color. Sew to fronts at hip level.
Finishing Touches
Weave in all ends, working along color change rows where possible to hide tails. Block gently by steam or wet blocking, laying flat to dry. This evens out the stitches and gives the cardigan its polished look.
The gold buttons add a vintage touch to the pastel palette. Choose buttons with shanks rather than holes for easier attachment to the thick ribbed band.
This cardigan works beautifully for spring layering or cool summer evenings. The chunky single crochet construction makes it a satisfying, quick project. Grab your favorite pastel palette and start stitching.