Create a stylish and practical garment with this simple yet classic two-tone crochet cardigan pattern. This design features a top-down construction, which means you can easily customize the fit and length as you go. The combination of a solid-colored yoke and a contrasting lower body creates a modern, chic look that’s perfect for any wardrobe. This pattern is written for a child’s size, approximately 2-3T, but can be easily adjusted.
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 150-200 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in a dark blue or gray for Color A.
- Contrast Yarn: Approximately 100-150 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in cream or white for Color B.
- Hook: A 4.5 mm (G/7) crochet hook.
- Accessories: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
Stitches Used (US Terms)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- inc: Increase (work two stitches in the same stitch)
Part 1: The Yoke (Color A)
The cardigan is worked from the top down, starting with the back panels and then joining them to work in the round.
Initial Chain: Ch 50. This is the starting chain for the back panels of the cardigan.
Row 1: Hdc in the second ch from the hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (49 hdc)
Row 2-5: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (49 hdc)
Row 6: Hdc in the next 12 sts (this is a back panel). Ch 18 (this creates the armhole and connects to the next panel), hdc in the next 25 sts (this is the front section). Ch 18 (the second armhole), hdc in the next 12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Hdc in each st and in each ch across. (85 hdc)
Row 8-10: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (85 hdc)
Row 11: Hdc in the next 12 sts, inc in the next st. Hdc in the next 11 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat * to * three more times. Hdc in the next 12 sts. Ch 1, turn. (90 hdc)
Row 12-15: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (90 hdc)
Row 16: Hdc in the next 15 sts, inc in the next st. Hdc in the next 14 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat * to * three more times. Hdc in the next 15 sts. Ch 1, turn. (95 hdc)
Row 17: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (95 hdc)
Row 18-20: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (95 hdc)
Part 2: The Body (Color B)
Now, we will transition to the cream yarn (Color B) and begin working in the round. This creates a seamless join and a uniform pattern.
Change to Color B: Do not fasten off Color A. Cut it with a long tail, and attach Color B with a sl st to the end of the last row.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Dc in each st around, joining with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (95 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (95 dc)
Round 3: Ch 2, inc in the next st, dc in the next 9 sts. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (104 dc)
Round 4-10: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (104 dc)
Round 11: Ch 2, inc in the next st, dc in the next 10 sts. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (113 dc)
Round 12-15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (113 dc)
Final Round (Optional): For a ribbed look, you can work a round of alternating Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc). Ch 2, FPdc, BPdc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 3: The Sleeves (Color A & B)
The sleeves are worked in the round, starting at the armhole.
Start with Color A.
Round 1: Join Color A with a sl st at the bottom of the armhole. Ch 2, hdc in each st around the armhole, including the stitches you skipped earlier. Join with a sl st. (36 hdc)
Round 2-5: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36 hdc)
Round 6: Ch 2, hdc2tog (decrease), hdc in the next 8 sts. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (32 hdc)
Round 7-9: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (32 hdc)
Change to Color B.
Round 10-14: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (32 dc)
Final Round: Ch 2, FPdc, BPdc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat this process for the second sleeve.
Video Tutorial:
Final Touches
Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. Gently block the finished cardigan to help it lay flat and showcase the stitches. You can add buttons or a clasp to the front if desired, but the open-front style is equally charming.
This two-tone cardigan is a versatile and stylish piece that’s perfect for layering. The simple stitches and classic design make it a rewarding project, and the end result is a high-quality, handcrafted garment that will be cherished for years to come.
