Sunset Lace Beginner Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Have you ever crocheted something for yourself?  Like a crocheted garment or a lace cardigan?  

I have always wanted a drapey, soft in-between, lacy cardigan – and when approached to participate in the ‘Gift-to-Myself-Crochet-Along’, I decided it is a great way to spoil myself with what I’ve always wanted.  So, today I am sharing this easy beginner pattern with you.

Sunset Lace Beginner Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Free crochet pattern using simple stitches, consisting of three rectangles, sewn (or crocheted) together at the shoulders and sides.

What makes this pattern easy enough for a beginner crocheter?

• You can crochet this easy project in less than a week.
• This crochet cardigan is made up of three simple rectangles – the back and two front panels.
• Minimal seaming is involved, which translates to less intimidating steps for a beginner.
• The one-row pattern is meditative and helps you build confidence as you construct a wearable piece of art (for yourself).
• This easy crochet pattern is made up of mostly double crochet stitches (in combinations).  If you know how to double crochet and how to make chains, nothing is holding you back! 

Gift to Myself Crochet Along

I designed the beginner crochet cardigan for the 2024 Gift to Myself Crochet Along (CAL) hosted by Underground Crafter.

Spoil yourself with the perfect cardigan for those chilly fall days or the early spring days when a little protection against the cold is still necessary.

The Crochet Along is done and the pdf download is no longer available.

MATERIALS NEEDED: 

• 4 skeins (400g) of pure cotton in rust. I used Raeesah, 100% soft cotton by Kismet Yarns
• Crochet hook size H-8 or 5mm hook. 
• Scissors.
• Measuring Tape.
• Tapestry Needle.
• The Pattern.

SKILL LEVEL:

Basic crochet stitches and crochet techniques required: How to

• chain stitch
• double crochet (rest of the crochet project)
• Joining with a slip stitch (sl st)

WHERE CAN YOU FIND CROCHET SUPPLIES?

For more crochet Ideas and Books, I have a collection of related items in my Amazon Shop:

AMAZON SHOP

Some of the links are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make any purchase.  If you do, thank you so much!

GAUGE:

Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches & 6 rows in 4×4” or 10 cm in stitch pattern (not blocked).

NOTES

• This crochet poncho summer top is made from the top down
• The pattern provided is for a medium size cardigan.
• Each row starts and ends with 2 double crochet stitches (trebles in UK terms).
• 3 chains at the start of the row count as the first dc.

ABBREVIATIONS – US TERMS

ch    – chain

dc    – double crochet

sc    – single crochet

sk    – skip

sl st – slip stitch

st    – stitch

Sunset Lace Crochet Cardigan 

(Stitch Pattern)

US terms 

Use 1 color of cotton yarn in rust.

Written Instructions 

You will crochet three separate pieces:  The back panel, the first front panel, and then the second front panel.

BACK PANEL FOR CARDIGAN

Chain 103 +2 = 105

1st Row 1 – In the fourth chain from your hook, dc, *ch1, sk 4 chains, cluster, ch1, sk4, V-stitch**, repeat the pattern from * to **, until the last cluster, ch1, dc into second (or last) st, dc in last st, ch 3, turn.  (I’m saying second or last st because if you’ve messed up and end with only one st, make both dc’s into that st.

Remember, it is only the first time that you make the double crochet in the fourth chain.  Onwards, you’ll skip 4 stitches and complete the cluster or shell in the fifth stitch or chain.

2nd Row   – dc into the second dc from the previous row, *ch1, make a cluster in the middle of the sets of 3 dc’s from the previous row (in other words – in the ch2-space), ch1, V-stitch in the middle of the V-stitch from the previous row**, repeat the pattern from * to **, until the last cluster, ch1, dc into second (or last) st, dc in last st, ch 3, turn.

Repeat row 2 until your work is the required length.

I crocheted 30 rows in pattern stitch, which measures 20″ long and 26″ wide.

Fasten off.

FINISHING YOUR SIMPLE CROCHET CARDIGAN

Assembly:

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1. Lay out your pieces with the right side facing.
2. You can either sew the pieces together or crochet them.  I opted to crochet the pieces together with a single crochet stitch.  In each 4-chain space, I made 2 single crochets.
3. Sewing it together with your tapestry needle and length of yarn, seam the shoulders to the back (leaving the 4″ opening between the two front panels).
4. Crochet the shoulder together as described above.
5. Measure between 9″ and 12″ from the shoulder alongside the side seams, and place a marker. Crochet or sew from your marker to the bottom.
6. Repeat for the other side seam.
7. Tie off and weave in ends.

To make the Crossed edge:

Attach your yarn to the bottom of the right front panel.  Ch1, skip an opening, and in the next opening, make 1 double crochet, ch1, go back to the skipped opening, 1dc, ch1, and repeat alongside the front panel, the opening between the front panels and down the left front panel.

Tie off and weave in the ends.

Repeat for the cuffs or sleeve openings.