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Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern
4.7β˜… Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.0K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern

This pattern creates a warm, textured Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan worked in single crochet with chain-1 spaces for an easy, reversible fabric. The design features a generous collar, simple sleeve shaping, and comfortable fit across multiple sizes. Its made with Bernat Forever Fleece Tweeds for a soft, tweedy finish that looks polished with minimal effort.

Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Written for multiple sizes from XS/S to 4/5XL, the instructions include clear stitch patterns, shaping notes, and finishing steps. The fabric is reversible and easy to sew together, making assembly straightforward for new crocheters.

Why You'll Love This Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms bulky yarn into a sophisticated, wearable cardigan with minimal stitches. I enjoy how the simple sc/ch-1 motif creates a plush, reversible texture that looks far more complex than it is. I also appreciate that it is written for a wide range of sizes, so you can make it for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. The finishing steps are straightforward and rewarding, giving you a polished garment at the end of your work.

Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this cardigan by changing yarn color and texture; try a solid bulky yarn for a cleaner look or a variegated tweed for extra visual interest.

I sometimes lengthen the body by repeating more Sc/Ch-1 pat rows until Ive added a few extra inches to suit my height.

I will adjust sleeve length by making the sleeve measurement shorter or longer depending on whether I want cuffed or full-length sleeves.

I also like to add patch pockets by crocheting small rectangles in the same pat and sewing them to the fronts for functionality and style.

For a more fitted shape, I decrease a few sts along the side seams before seaming to taper at the waist.

I occasionally add buttons or a single large toggle to the front for closure; add buttonholes by skipping a ch-1 sp when working the front edge rows.

If I want a chunkier collar, I extend the neck extension rows or fold the collar over and stitch in place for extra bulk.

I recommend trying different hook sizes to change drapeβ€”bigger hooks give a more open, slouchy cardigan while slightly smaller hooks make a denser, more structured fabric.

I like to experiment with contrasting cuffs or collar by working a few rows in a different color for a subtle trim effect.

For a summery version, I use a lighter weight yarn and smaller hook, then reduce the number of rows to keep the cardigan lightweight and breathable.

I also enjoy making matching sets by crocheting a beanie or scarf in the same Sc/Ch-1 pattern to coordinate with the cardigan.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

βœ— Skipping the ch-1 spaces and working into the chain will distort the reversible texture; insert your hook into the space created under the ch-1 and work single crochet there. βœ— Not counting sc and ch-1 spaces as stitches can make pieces too wide or narrow; always count sc and ch-1 spaces as sts and check stitch counts after each row. βœ— Failing to place shoulder markers will make seaming imprecise and misaligned shoulders; place markers 16 (20-22-24-26) sts in from each side for accurate shoulder placement. βœ— Cutting yarn too short for seams causes difficulty during finishing; leave a 16" (40.5 cm) tail at the end of body and sleeve pieces to sew seams comfortably.

Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Make a cozy, chunky cardigan using Bernat Forever Fleece Tweeds. This beginner-friendly pattern walks you through a simple sc/ch-1 stitch pattern to create a warm, reversible jacket with easy seaming. Youll enjoy the plush texture and quick progress while making a timeless wardrobe piece.

Beginner Friendly 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan Pattern

β€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Bernat Forever Fleece Tweeds (8.8 oz/250 g; 158 yds/145 m) - Balsam Tweed (79001)
  • 02
    Yarn quantity by size (Balsam Tweed 79001): XS/S - 6 balls (approx 930 yds/846 m), M/L - 7 balls (approx 1050 yds/956 m), XL - 8 balls (approx 1200 yds/1092 m), 2/3XL - 9 balls (approx 1320 yds/1201 m), 4/5XL - 10 balls (approx 1450 yds/1320 m)

β€” Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size U.S. N/15 (10 mm) Susan Bates or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 02
    Susan Bates stitch markers
  • 03
    Susan Bates yarn needle
  • 04
    Tape measure
  • 05
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

β€” Back :

Chain :

Chain (Ch) 50 (58-64-68-74).

1st row :

[Right Side (RS)]. 1 single crochet (sc) in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 1. Skip next ch. 1 sc in next ch. Repeat (Rep) from * to end of chain. Turn. 49 (57-63-67-73) stitches (sts) – count sc and ch-1 spaces (sps) as sts.

2nd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *Ch 1. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * to last 2 sts. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

Info :

Note: Insert hook into the space created right under the ch-1 when working sc. Do not work sc into the actual chain.

Pattern :

Rep last 2 rows for Sc/Ch-1 pattern (pat) until piece measures 25 (25-26-26-27)" [63.5 (63.5-66-66-68.5) cm], ending on a RS row.

Info :

Fasten off leaving a 16" [40.5 cm] end for seams.

Info :

Place markers 16 (20-22-24-26) sts in from each side for shoulders.

β€” Fronts :

Info :

Note: Make 2 pieces alike, noting RS and WS will reverse to create Left and Right Front. Fabric is reversible.

Chain :

Ch 32 (36-38-40-42).

1st row :

(RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 1. Skip next ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from * to end of chain. Turn. 31 (35-37-39-41) sts – count sc and ch-1 spaces (sps) as sts.

2nd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * to last 2 sts. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

Pattern :

Rep last 2 rows for Sc/Ch-1 pat until piece measures same length as Back, ending on a RS row.

Shape Neck Extension - Next row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. (1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc) 6 times. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in next sc. Turn. Leave remaining (rem) sts unworked for shoulder.

Continue :

Continue working across 15 sts in Sc/Ch-1 pat as follows:

Next row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. (Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp) 6 times. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

Next row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. (1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc) 6 times. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in next sc. Turn.

Next row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. (Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp) 6 times. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

Pattern :

Rep last 2 rows until Neck Extension measures 34 (34-44-44-44)" [9.5 (9.5-11-11-11) cm]. Fasten off leaving a 16" [40.5 cm] end for seams.

β€” Sleeves :

Chain :

Ch 40 (42-42-44-46).

1st row :

(RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 1. Skip next ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from * to end of chain. Turn. 39 (41-41-43-45) sts – count sc and ch-1 spaces (sps) as sts.

2nd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Skip next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

3rd row :

Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * to last 2 sts. Ch 1. Skip next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.

Pattern :

Rep last 2 rows for Sc/Ch-1 pat until Sleeve measures 17 (18-18-17-16)" [43 (45.5-45.5-43-40.5) cm] ending on a RS row.

Info :

Fasten off leaving a 16" [40.5 cm] end for seams.

β€” Finishing :

Info :

Note: Sew all seams using mattress stitch technique.

Info :

Use fasten off yarn ends where applicable to sew seams.

Info :

Sew shoulder seams to markers using mattress stitch.

Info :

With Wrong Side (WS) facing, sew center back seam of neck extension.

Info :

With RS facing, sew sides of neck extensions to back neck edge, having neck extension seam at center back.

Info :

Place markers on side edges of Body pieces 82 (9-9-92-10)" [21.5 (23-23-24.5-25.5) cm] down from shoulders.

Info :

Sew top of Sleeves to Body pieces between markers.

Info :

Sew side and sleeve seams.

Info :

Weave in ends. Fold back Sleeve cuffs as desired.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew shoulder seams to markers using mattress stitch, matching markers placed 16 (20-22-24-26) sts in from each side for shoulders.
  • With Wrong Side (WS) facing, sew center back seam of neck extension and then, with RS facing, sew sides of neck extensions to back neck edge so the neck extension seam is centered.
  • Place markers on side edges of Body pieces 82 (9-9-92-10)" [21.5 (23-23-24.5-25.5) cm] down from shoulders and sew top of Sleeves to Body pieces between these markers.
  • Sew side seams of the body and sleeve seams using mattress stitch, then weave in all ends and fold back sleeve cuffs as desired.
  • Use the remaining 16" [40.5 cm] yarn tails at the ends of pieces to complete seams neatly and securely.

Important Notes

  • πŸ’‘Use stitch markers to mark shoulders and sleeve attachment points for accurate seaming and placement.
  • πŸ’‘Insert your hook into the space created under the ch-1 when making single crochet; do not work into the actual chain.
  • πŸ’‘Leave a 16" [40.5 cm] tail at the end of each piece to make mattress stitch seaming easy and tidy.
  • πŸ’‘Fabric is reversibleβ€”make two front pieces alike knowing RS and WS will reverse to form left and right fronts.
  • πŸ’‘Weave in ends as you go to keep finishing fast and avoid a large tail-threading job at the end.

This cozy Building Blocks Crochet Cardigan uses Bernat Forever Fleece Tweeds to create a plush, textured jacket perfect for cooler days. The reversible sc/ch-1 stitch pattern is beginner-friendly and gives beautiful, wearable results every time. Make it in your favorite tweed color and enjoy a quick, satisfying garment project. 🧢✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished chest measurements vary by size; for example XS/S finished chest is 44" [112 cm], M/L 50" [101.5 cm], XL 56" [119.5 cm], 2/3XL 60" [137 cm], and 4/5XL 64" [155 cm].

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

You can substitute yarn weights but the finished size and drape will change; adjust to a larger or smaller hook to obtain the stated gauge of 9 sts and 8 rows = 4" [10 cm] in single crochet/chain 1 pattern.

Do I need experience with garment construction?

This is a beginner-friendly garment pattern; basic knowledge of single crochet, chain, counting stitches, and simple mattress stitch seaming is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in about 8-10 hours depending on size and speed, making it an ideal all-day crochet adventure.

How should I attach the sleeves to the body?

Place markers on body side edges as instructed and sew the top of the sleeves to the body between those markers using mattress stitch for a neat, secure join.