Crochet Adult Cardigan with Pockets and 2-Row Pattern

This is a soft, cozy adult crochet cardigan that looks stylish and feels gentle on the skin. It’s made with a simple 3D-style texture, so it looks special without being hard to make. You can wear it at home, to work, for a walk, or over a dress on a cool day. It’s neat, modern, and comfortable, and it’s crochet designed especially with beginners in mind. One of the best things about this adult crochet cardigan is that its elegant look comes from surprisingly simple techniques that almost anyone can learn.

Crochet Cardigan With Pockets

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You can crochet a cardigan in one or two colors, customize the length to be long or short, and enhance it with pockets or buttons for added detail. The crochet cardigan is built from easy repeating rows, so you don’t have to remember many steps. Whether you make it long or short, this crochet cardigan is practical, stylish, and a great confidence booster for those new to crochet.

Credit Craft & Crochet

Materials & Tools Needed

Materials

1. Yarn
   • Main color: 3 balls of double knitting yarn (330 meters / 100g per ball).
     For medium size, 3 balls are sufficient. Larger sizes might require slightly more.
   • Border color (contrast color): 1 ball of double knitting yarn (330 meters / 100g).
     • Main Color Code: CE062
     • Border Color Code: CE039

   You can choose any color combination (single color or two colors).

Tools

• Crochet Hook: 4mm (recommended size for all sizes).
• Stitch Markers.
• Tapestry Needle (to weave ends).
• Scissors.

Finished Size & Customization Ideas

Default Finished Size (Medium)

• Height: 61 cm or 24 inches for one panel (front or back). When joined, the total width of the cardigan is 122 cm or 48 inches before borders.
• Width for Sleeves: Approx. 21 inches or as per arm measurement.

Alternate Sizes

This pattern provides instructions for sizes ranging from Extra Small (XS) to 5XL. Adjustments are made by working fewer or extra rows as follows:

You can also increase or decrease the width by adjusting the foundation chain, which is worked in multiples of 2 plus 2.

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Customization Ideas

1. Colors
   • Create a monochromatic cardigan with one color.
   • Use contrasting colors for the body and borders to add sophistication.
2. Length Adjustments
   • Add chains to the foundation for a longer body or fewer chains for a cropped cardigan.
3. Additional Features
   • Add buttons for closure.
   • Attach pockets for functionality and style.

Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology

Terminology: US crochet terms.

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Follow this detailed step-by-step breakdown. Ensure proper stitch counts at every stage for accurate results.

1. Foundation Chain

1. Begin with the main color yarn.
2. Create a slip knot, then crochet your chain:
   • For Medium size, chain 200.
   • The chain must be worked in multiples of 2 + 2 for custom lengths.
3. Mark the 100th chain with a stitch marker to divide the front panel from the back panel.
4. Add 2 extra chains to accommodate the pattern.

Size Reference:

• Medium size: Chain 200 (48 inches total width after panels are joined). Adjust the number of chains for other sizes.

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2. Row 1: Double Crochet Across

1. Skip 3 chains from the hook.
2. Into the 4th chain, create 1 double crochet (dc).
3. Continue working 1 dc in each chain across the row.
4. At the end of the row:
   • For Medium size: You should have 200 dc stitches (100 per panel side).
5. Turn your work.

3. Row 2: Cross Stitch (V-Stitch)

1. Begin with chain 2 and turn your work.
2. Skip the next dc, and into the following dc, make 1 hdc.
3. Return to the skipped dc and work 1 hdc into it. This creates a criss-cross pattern.
4. Continue working criss-cross stitches across the row.
5. At the end of the row: Ensure you have 99 cross stitches.

Tip: Focus on maintaining even height in the cross stitches.

4. Row 3: Double Crochet Using Back Loop Only

1. Start with chain 3 and turn your work.
2. Skip the first dc and work into the back loop only of each stitch with 1 dc across the row.
3. At the end of the row: Ensure you have 200 dc (same count as Row 1).

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5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 

• Continue alternating Row 2 (Cross Stitch) and Row 3 (Back Loop DC) until you complete your required number of rows for the body of the cardigan (e.g., 21 rows for Medium).
• Always finish with a Row 3 (Back Loop DC) to ensure smooth transitions when working the neck, sleeves, and borders.

6. Front Panel and Back Panel Separation

1. Use a stitch marker to divide the panels at the middle of the foundation chain.
2. Work the same number of rows for both panels.
3. After completing the panels, fasten off and prepare for assembly.

7. Sleeves

1. Attach yarn to the armhole opening (defined during marking).
2. Follow the same stitch pattern (Rows 2 and 3).
3. For tapering sleeves, decrease stitches in Rows using DC at the start and end of rows.
4. Work until the desired length (e.g., 33 rows for Medium).
5. Finish with 4 rounds of Front Post/Back Post DC using the contrast color.

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8. Border

1. Reattach the contrast color yarn to the bottom corner of the cardigan.
2. Work double crochet evenly around all edges (2 dc/stitch for every row side).
3. Turn corners with 2 dc, chain 1, 2 dc in the same stitch.
4. Complete the border with 4 rounds of front and back post double crochet for a ribbed effect.

9. Pockets (Optional)

1. Chain 32 for the foundation (or desired width).
2. Work 12 rows of pattern (ending with Row 3).
3. Add 3 rows of contrast-colored border using front and back post double crochet.
4. Sew pockets securely to the cardigan by skipping rows to align properly.

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10. Finishing

1. Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends.
2. Steam block or wet block the cardigan for enhanced stitch definition and smoothness.
3. If desired, sew buttons or additional embellishments.

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Video Tutorial