Looking for a crochet project that’s both stylish and beginner-friendly? This Easy Granny Hexagon Cardigan Crochet Pattern is the perfect combination of fun and functionality. Made with just two yarn colors and a simple granny stitch, this cozy cardigan works up quickly and looks amazing. Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how effortlessly this cardigan comes together.
This unique sweater looks great on, especially with the poplin sleeves. They look puffy and hit just below the elbow. So dang cute! Sign up for my newsletter to download the free pattern and start crafting your new favorite crochet cardigan today!
Why You’ll Love This Cardigan
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple granny stitch construction using the basic double crochet stitch.
- Customizable Fit: Adjust yarn, colors, and sleeve length easily.
- Perfect Layer: Great for cool weather or layering year-round.
What can I say? Making crochet cardigans or sweaters (whatever you call them) is so interesting and fun to do. I’m not too sure yet how they will wash up but let’s worry about that later. Granny hexagons are so clever, it makes perfect sense to use them in garment construction. There are six sides and when you fold in half, it folds in half in two directions or two half panels for your garment.
Classic granny hexagon cardigan
Why is this a great pattern? Hexagon shapes are perfect for crochet garments. Once the hexi’s get large enough, you can fold them in half using the 6 side of the hexagon. This means you have a beautiful, almost one piece, crochet cardigan that only needs to be connected at the top of the sleeves. That’s really the best thing about this sweater.
The rest of the sweater is just adding granny stitch rows to make larger. For the tapered sleeves and cuffs the process if half double crochet stitches with lots of decreased to quickly take the large sleeve down to a snug fit at the arm.
In this blog post, I will show you the step-by-step process to make this beauty, trying to make clear instructions for you to follow. Then you add more to the back to make it wide enough, same with the two front half panels. Then make it longer if needed. Add tapered sleeves to the elbow or all the way to the wrist. Ribbed cuffs and collar are optional. Ribbed waistband is optional too.
There are only two yarn colors for this pattern but feel free to change colors as often as you like. You can also alternate colors every row or try a gradient yarn for a unique effect and less yarn tails to weave in for your crochet hexagon sweater. My color changes were minimal because I did two rounds of the same color before changing. This makes the granny stitch look bigger and is stunning when you add to the back, front and bottom to make larger. More on this below.
It’s Trendy, Funky and On Point
My sample has a full half sleeve that is tapered quickly to fit around the wrist. It stops just below the elbow and is such a young and fresh look. I went back and forth on adding a ribbed neck line but decided to not include. This granny hexagon cardigan looks great as an open cardigan and wear a basic t-shirt underneath. It’s cute, funky and so in style that you don’t need to over do it with lots of extras. I’m absolutely smitten with it and you will be too when you see how easy it is to make.
Make sure you check this out!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn To Crochet for Absolute Beginner’s. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Granny Hexagon Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Ready to Crochet?
Grab your yarn, hook, and pattern, and let’s make this easy, stylish Granny Hexagon Cardigan together! You will be putting the sweater on and taking if off a lot during the construction to make sure you have the perfect fit. Please note that the hexagons don’t have to cover half of your front and back. You will be adding granny stitches to make it wider. You only want to make the hexagons large enough for your arm to fit into the sleeve and have ample room in the arm pit. This is important!
The basic techniques used for this pattern is the granny cluster which is 3 double crochets in the same chain space. You will also be stitching the granny stitch to make portions of the cardigan wider or longer. So if you love making granny squares, you are going to be in your sweet spot and comfort zone.
Supplies Needed
- Choice of Yarn: Two colors of DK weight yarn. My sample has Pound Of Love White and Basic Stitch Royal Blue by Lion Brand Yarn.
- Crochet Hook: Select your crochet hook size that matches the yarn weight you’ve chosen. My sample used a H or 5.00 mm crochet hook.
- Scissors: For changing colors of yarn only when you run out of a color.
- Soft Tape Measure: For measuring your chest circumference and other body measurement. This allows you to customize the crochet cardigan sweater pattern.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Step 1: Make Two Hexagons
These instructions are generic and you will need to customize to fit your specific size. My sample is a large, so any specific information on number of rows are for this size.
Magic Circle: In magic circle, ch 3, 2dc, (ch 1, 3dc) 5 times, ch 1, close ring, join with sl st in top of turning ch. (You will have 6 clusters total)
2 Round: Ch 3, 2dc in sp at base of ch, [ch 1, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch-1 sp]. Repeat 5 times, ch 1, 3dc in same sp as starting cluster, ch 2, join with sl st in top of turning ch. (You will have 12 clusters total)
3 Round: Ch 3, 2dc in sp at base of ch, [ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch-2 sp]. Repeat 5 times, ch 1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3dc in same sp as starting cluster, ch 2, join with sl st in top of turning ch. (You will have 18 clusters total)
4 Round: Ch 3, 2dc in sp at base of ch, [ch 1, (3dc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to corner, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch-2 sp]. Repeat 5 times, ch 1, (3dc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to starting corner, 3dc in same sp as starting cluster, ch 2, join with sl st in top of turning ch. (You will have 24 clusters)
Keep repeating round 4 until the hexagon is large enough when folded to cover your upper arm and comfortable in the arm pit. Tie off and leave a tail to weave in later when done. Make two identical hexagons.
Step 2: Sweater Construction
Fold Hexagons
Take hexagon’s and fold in half. These will form two halves of the main body of the cardigan. Use a whip stitch at the shoulder seams (along the top of the sleeves) to close. Don’t make your whip stitch too tight.
Join the Shoulder Seams
With wrong side facing up, join both hexagon separately at the shoulder using a whip stitch. Starting at the right and working to your left. Turn inside out when done and check your work. Keep your whip stitch a little loose but not too loose. You don’t want it too tight or else it will distort the shape of the cardigan. Leave a long tail to weave in later.
Adding Granny Stitch Rows
After you have joined the two hexagons at the shoulder, you will be adding granny stitch rows to different parts of the cardigan to make it larger. See pattern for instructions.
Back of the Cardigan
Measure around your body and across your bust to get the measurement for the full width of the cardigan. Use a soft tape measure to do this step. Take this measurement and divide in half. One half is the total back measurement you need, the other half is the total front measurement you need. If you want a loose fitting sweater, add those extra inches before you divide the number in half.
Now place hexagons side by side but not overlapping. Measure how wide the are for the front. Back will be the same measurement. Most people will need to add more granny stitch rows to make wide enough. To get this number do the following.
Take the back measurement you need and minus the actual measurement. This is how much you need to add to the back. Now divide in half again and this is how much you need to add to each hexagon in the back before you join the back seam together with whip stitch. It will be the same in most cases for the front but will depend on your bust size.
See pattern for stitch information. Then join back panels with whip stitch once you are done. Make sure the wrong side if facing you, then turn right side out when done. Weave in the tail.
Front of the Cardigan
It will be the same in most cases for the front but will depend on your bust size. For my sample, I added the same amount to the front as I did for the back. Follow the same instructions as the back of the cardigan.
Lengthening the Cardigan
To lengthen the cardigan so it’s longer and hits your body where you want it to, add granny stitch rows following pattern instructions. Stop when you reach your desired length.
Step 3: Sleeves
Now let’s adjust the sleeve length. Always work with the right side facing you when adding rows. Continue working rounds until sleeves reach your desired length. Then begin tapering. See pattern for instructions.
Step 4: Add Edging
Last step is the add one finishing granny stitch row that goes all around the front panels and neckline. This creates a cute Chinese collar and it’s so comfortable around the neck. This creates a polished, finished look.
Want a fancier border, then try one of these simple and easy crochet borders for any project.
If you like this pattern, you may also want to try my Ugly Christmas Sweater and the Granny Square Table Runner.
Get the Full Free Pattern!
Sign up for my newsletter to receive the full, printable pattern and stay updated on all my latest crochet tutorials and free patterns.
Granny Hexagon Cardigan Sweater – How to Customize
A hexi cardi is the perfect way to make a sweater because there are less seam lines in the finished product. You can use the mattress stitch or I prefer the whip stitch to join sides of the panels for a seamless finish. All you need is a tapestry needle, I prefer the metal ones. You don’t need to be a seasoned crocheter to complete this either. It is beginner friendly once you are comfortable making single crochets and yarn tension. There are lots of hexagon cardigan patterns available to you, but I’ve never seen one like this for free.
This sweater has lots of airy space in between granny stitches. That’s because I crochet a little loosely and used a 5 mm hook. For a tighter stitch with less space showing, just use a smaller size hook. Beginners are encouraged to use stitch markers for the sleeves when you taper them. You won’t need them for the other sections of this pattern. And make sure your crochet hexagons have 6 sides, not 5 sides. I used two different yarn brands that were the same weight, a soft 4 ply. Worsted weight yarns like Red Heart and Caron One Pound may be too thick and heavy for this project.
Ways to Customize Your Sweater
You can add a ribbed neck line that goes around the neck and down both sides of the front panels. Once this is done you can sew on buttons if you like so you can button it closed.
Add straight or tapered sleeves. Have them covering above your elbow, slightly below your elbow or long sleeves to your wrist. You can taper the sleeves at the wrist with a half double crochet or by using a ribbed cuff.
Add to the bottom of the sweater to make it different lengths or keep it cropped or just below the waist. You can leave as is or add a half double crochet edge along the entire sweater or add ribbing to the waistband. The possibilities are endless, this is what makes crocheting garments so much fun.
If making for someone else, try to get their measurements. You would need bust measurement (tape measure wrapped around body and around bust area), sleeve length, and neck to just below waist. Their wrist measurement may be very helpful too!
Pin It for Later!
Save this post on Pinterest so you can find it easily when you’re ready to start your cardigan!
This post contains ads and affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. While the ads are annoying, it helps keep this blog going. See my full disclosure here.
ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. Long time crocheter and weekend quilter with a super small sewing space. Taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
I hope you enjoyed my blog post and my Easy Granny Hexagon Cardigan Crochet Pattern. This sweater is trending now and you will be the new “It Girl”. Crochet patterns are so fun to create and this one is a winner.
If you make this hexi cardigan, I’d love to see your version! Share your photos and tag me on social media @SewNikki6. Happy crocheting!
Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when I post new patterns and tutorials.
Want to learn how to quilt? Then check out this post, Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginner’s.
Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!
This is cute!