Lightweight Crochet Cardigan – The Overlook Cardigan

The Overlook Cardigan is a lightweight crochet cardigan using basic stitches and simple construction and is designed for layering in all weather. Featuring sportweight cotton blend yarn, longer length, and three-quarter sleeves, this feminine and delicate cardigan is an easy project that will undoubtedly become a wardrobe essential!

Scroll down for the Overlook Cardigan free crochet pattern and click HERE to pin this for later!

Inspiration and Design Details – The Overlook Cardigan

Recently, we took a trip to the NC mountains for a weekend getaway and the weather was amazing for outdoor activities. The gorgeous views from Grandfather Mountain especially made for a stunning photoshoot backdrop. Naming this lightweight crochet cardigan The Overlook Cardigan was the obvious choice because of the jaw-dropping views. Even more, wearing it was perfect for a breezy sunny day! My favorite part of this cardigan is the front panel detail of crossed double crochet stitches, different from the back panel. I loved this detail so much that I considered redoing the entire back panel to match the front panels! Ultimately, I love the overall look of the cardigan with the slightly different front and back panels. The three-quarter length sleeves keep the cardigan from being too warm to wear while providing that layering you need inside with the air conditioning on.

Scroll down for the Overlook Cardigan free crochet pattern and click HERE to pin this for later!

Cotton Blend Yarn for a Lightweight Crochet Cardigan

I love working with cotton in warm weather months, but most 100% cotton or cotton blend yarn comes in worsted weight. While worsted yarn is a great spring and summer garment choice (check out the Fireflies Cardigan featuring 100% Pima cotton worsted weight yarn!), sometimes you want something more light and delicate. WeCrochet has a great selection of both lighter-weight yarn and cotton blends. Comfy Sport is the perfect choice for this lightweight crochet cardigan! I even waited an extra two weeks for the Flamingo colorway to become available because it was exactly what I wanted for this design. Comfy Sport is a Pima cotton/nylon blend that is so soft and easy to work with, creating a light and delicate garment with incredible drape. Don’t love pink? This yarn line comes in a gorgeous selection of colors both bright and saturated and pale and neutral.

Want the ad-free PDF version of the Overlook Cardigan?  Visit my ETSY or RAVELRY pattern stores!

Perfect for Beginners!

In conclusion, the Overlook Cardigan uses basic stitches and simple construction for a beginner-friendly lightweight crochet cardigan project. In fact, if you make only one spring or summer garment this year, this is the one! Not only is this cardigan a great choice for spring or summer, but it can also be worn in any transitional season. Want more lightweight warm-weather garments? Try the Nadia Cardigan or the Clarity Top!

Scroll down for the Overlook Cardigan free crochet pattern and click HERE to pin this for later!

Want the ad-free PDF version of the Overlook Cardigan?  Visit my ETSY or RAVELRY pattern stores!

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The Overlook Cardigan – Free Pattern for a Lightweight Crochet Cardigan

SKILL LEVEL:  Advanced Beginner

MATERIALS:

US Size G/7 4.5 mm crochet hook

WeCrochet Comfy Sport:  #2/Sport Weight 75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic – 123 yards/50 grams

• Flamingo – 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) (12, 13, 14, 15) hanks; approximately 861 (984, 1107, 1230, 1353) (1476, 1599, 1722, 1845) yards.

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Yarn needle

Measuring Tape

SIZES:

	FITS CHEST*	FINISHED CHEST (including collar)*	LENGTH (PANELS DOWN TO BOTTOM)**	BACK PANEL WIDTH (shoulder to shoulder)	FRONT PANEL WIDTH (including collar)	ARMHOLE DEPTH	SLEEVE LENGTH
XS	28-30”	30”	24”	16”	6”	6.5”	10.75”
S	32-34”	34”	25.5”	18”	7”	7”	11”
M	36-38”	38”	27”	20”	8”	7.5”	11.5”
L	40-42”	42”	28.5”	22”	9”	8”	12”
XL	44-46”	46”	30”	24”	10”	8.5”	11.5”
2X	48-50”	50”	31.5”	26”	11”	9”	11”
3X	52-54”	54”	31.5”	28”	12”	9.5”	11”
4X	56-58”	58”	33”	30”	13”	10”	10.25”
5X	60-62”	62”	33”	32”	14”	10.5”	10.25”

*FITS CHEST refers to the measurement of the intended wearer.  FINISHED CHEST refers to the measurements of the finished garment (back panel plus both front panels and collar).

*This lightweight crochet cardigan is intended to have a relaxed and open fit with 3-4 inches of positive ease in the main body (back panel) of the cardigan and is meant to be worn open at the front.

**The length of the back and front panels can be lengthened or shortened as preferred for fit by adding or removing rows. 

**Make sure to purchase enough yarn if you are adding rows. 

GAUGE:  15 hdc/dc stitches X 10 rows (5 dc/5 hdc) = 4 inches

The model is wearing a size LARGE and is 5’4” with a 40” bust.

ABBREVIATIONS: 

ch(s) – chain(s)

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

dc – double crochet

sk – skip

st(s) – stitch(es)

sl st – slip stitch

FLO – front loop only

BLO – back loop only

Dc2tog – double crochet two together (decrease)

Hdc2tog – half double crochet two together (decrease)

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

YO – yarn over

PM – place marker

Special Stitches

Double Crochet Two Together (dc2tog):  YO, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).  Next, YO, pull through two loops (two loops on the hook).  YO, insert hook into next stitch, YO and pull up a loop (four loops on the hook).  Lastly YO, pull through two loops, YO pull through remaining three loops. 

Half Double Crochet Two Together (hdc2tog):  YO, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook). Insert hook into next stitch, YO and pull up a loop (four loops on the hook).  YO and pull through all four loops. 

OVERALL PATTERN NOTES:

• Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parentheses:  XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). 
• The cardigan is worked in alternating rows of half double and double crochet, creating three panels for the main body that are then seamed together at the shoulders and sides. 
• For the front panels, a textured row of crossed double crochet stitches is added.  If preferred, the back panel can also be made in this fashion by following the stitch instructions for the front panel.
• ¾ length sleeves are crocheted onto the armholes and worked in turned rounds ending with a simple cuff. 
• A simple collar is added to the front of the cardigan in turned rows. 
• Ch 1 and Ch 2 do NOT count as stitches.
• The foundation chains for the panels should be worked with a loose tension in order to prevent curling at the bottom of your cardigan.

BACK PANEL

Foundation Row:  Ch 61 (69, 75, 83, 91) (99, 105, 113, 121)

Row 1:  Hdc in 2^nd ch from hook and each ch across.  Turn.  [60 (68, 74, 82, 90) (98, 104, 112, 120) hdc sts]

Row 2 (RS):  Ch 2, dc in first st.  Dc in each st across.  Turn.  [60 (68, 74, 82, 90) (98, 104, 112, 120) dc sts]

Row 3 (WS):  Ch 1, hdc in first st.  Hdc in each st across.  Turn.  [60 (68, 74, 82, 90) (98, 104, 112, 120) dc sts]

Row 4 – 59 (63, 67, 71, 75) (79, 79, 83, 83):  Repeat Rows 2 and 3.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

FRONT PANELS (make 2)

Foundation Row:  Ch 23 (27, 31, 35, 39) (43, 45, 49, 53)

Row 1:  Hdc in 2^nd ch from hook and each ch across.  Turn.  [22 (26, 30, 34, 38) (42, 45, 48, 52) hdc sts]

Row 2 (RS):  Ch 2, dc in first st.  Dc in each st across.  Turn.  [22 (26, 30, 34, 38) (42, 45, 48, 52) dc sts]

Row 3 (WS):  Ch 1, hdc in first st.  Hdc in each st across.  Turn.  [22 (26, 30, 34, 38) (42, 45, 48, 52) hdc sts]

Rows 4 – 5:  Repeat Rows 2 and 3.

Beginning of repeat rows 

Row 6:  Ch 2, dc in first st.  *Sk next st, dc in next st.  Working behind this st, dc into skipped st (crossed double crochet stitch made).*  Repeat from * to * until one st remains.  Dc in last st.  Turn.  [22 (26, 30, 34, 38) (42, 45, 48, 52) dc sts]

Row 7:  Repeat Row 3. 

Rows 8 – 11:  Repeat Rows 2 and 3. 

Row 12 – 59 (59, 65, 71, 71) (77, 77, 83, 83):  Repeat Rows 6 – 11.  

Sizes XS (-, -, L, -) (-, -, 4X, 5X): Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Sizes – (S, -, -, XL):  Repeat Rows 6 – 9.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.  (63, 75 total rows) 

Sizes – (-, M, -, -) (2X, 3X, -, -):  Repeat Rows 6 – 7.  Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.  (67, 79, 79 total rows)

Reference Photos – Main stitch pattern and crossed stitches

SEAMING THE PANELS TOGETHER

Lay the back panel flat with RS facing up and place the front panels on top with WS facing up. Seaming is done with the cardigan inside out.  Line up the stitches across the shoulders so as to pin in place with stitch markers.  Line up the rows down the sides of the cardigan and pin the sides together. Leave approximately 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches for each armhole. 

Try your cardigan on at this point to determine if you want to add/remove length and to ensure the fit is as desired. 

Using the yarn tail, seam the shoulders with your preferred seaming method and fasten off.  I used the whip stitch for my lightweight crochet cardigan. 

Attach yarn at the armpits and seam down the sides of the cardigan.  For my cardigan, I did not seam all the way down to the hem and left several inches open at the bottom.    

Reference Photos – Completed Panels

SLEEVES

• Sleeves are worked directly onto the armholes in turned rounds that decrease by two stitches per the below chart.  You will work one foundation round of evenly spaced half double crochet, working this round with loose tension to prevent puckering (too few stitches) or rippling (too many stitches) around the armhole.
• Decrease rounds will be either a double crochet round (even numbered right side round) or a half double crochet round (odd numbered wrong side round), depending on the size being made. 
• Make sure to count your stitches after Round 1 to ensure you have the number indicated for your size. 
• It is not as important to keep your tension relaxed for the single crochet rounds and last slip stitch round at the cuff. These rounds will naturally draw in a little tighter by design to achieve a polished finish to your sleeve. 

LEFT SIDE SLEEVE: 

With the cardigan lying flat and wrong side (inside of cardigan) front panels facing up, join yarn at the armpit of the armhole on your left side.  Working up the BACK side of the cardigan along the back panel towards the shoulder:    

Round 1:  Ch 1, hdc evenly (see note above) work hdc into ends of rows, PM in first st worked.  Hdc evenly back around to marked st, sl st in marked st.  Turn.  See note re: sleeve st count above.  [48 (52, 56, 60, 64) (68, 72, 76, 80) hdc sts]

Round 2 (RS):  Ch 2, dc in first st and PM in this st.  Dc in next st and each st around back to marked st, sl st to marked st.  Turn.  [48 (52, 56, 60, 64) (68, 72, 76, 80) dc sts]

Round 3 (WS):  Ch 1, hdc in first st and PM in this st.  Hdc in next st and each st around back to marked st, sl st to marked st.  Turn.  [48 (52, 56, 60, 64) (68, 72, 76, 80) hdc sts]

Reference Photos – Sleeve Rounds

Decrease Rounds:

Round 4 (all sizes):  Double Crochet Decrease Round as per below, ending with [46 (50, 54, 58, 62) (66, 70, 74, 78) dc sts] for this round:    

• Double Crochet Decrease Round (even numbered RS round):  Ch 2, dc in first st and PM in this st.  Dc2tog in next two sts.  Dc in each st until 3 sts remain.  Dc2tog in next two sts, dc in last st.  Sl st to marked st.  Turn. 
• Half Double Crochet Decrease Round (odd numbered WS round):  Ch 1, hdc in first st and PM in this st.  Hdc2tog in next two sts.  Hdc in each st until 3 sts remain.  Hdc2tog in next two sts, hdc in last st.  Sl st to marked st.  Turn. 

Rounds 5 – 27 (28, 29, 30, 29) (28, 28, 26, 26):  Repeat Rounds 2 and 3, working hdc/dc decrease rounds as indicated in the chart below. 

DECREASE ROUNDS

Size	Decrease Round #	Decrease Stitch Count		Size	Decrease Round #	Decrease Stitch Count		Size	Decrease Round #	Decrease Stitch Count
XS	4 8 11 14 18 21 24	46 44 42 40 38 36 34		S	4 7 10 14 18 22 26	50 48 46 44 42 40 38		M	4 8 12 16 20 24 27	54 52 50 48 46 44 42
L	4 8 12 16 20 24 28	58 56 54 52 50 48 46		XL	4 7 10 13 16 20 24 27	62 60 58 56 54 52 50 48		2X	4 7 10 14 17 20 23 26	66 64 62 60 58 56 54 52
3X	4 7 10 13 16 19 23 26	70 68 66 64 62 60 58 56		4X	4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25	74 72 70 68 66 64 62 60		5X	4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25	78 76 74 72 70 68 66 64

Reference Photos – Sleeve Decrease Rounds

Finishing the Sleeve

After completing Round 27 (28, 29, 30, 29) (28, 28, 26, 26), sl st to marked st and do not turn. [34 (38, 42, 46, 48) (52, 56, 60, 64) sts]

Round 1:  Ch 1, sc in marked st and PM in this st.  Sc in each st around, sl st in marked stitch and do not turn.

Round 2:  Repeat Round 1. 

Round 3:  Sl st to marked st and PM in this st.  Sl st BLO in each st around, sl st in marked stitch and fasten off. 

RIGHT SIDE SLEEVE: 

With the cardigan lying flat and wrong side (inside of cardigan) front panels facing up, join yarn at the armpit of the armhole on your right side.  Working up the FRONT side of the cardigan along the front panel towards the shoulder, repeat instructions as for left side sleeve. 

Reference Photos – Finished Sleeves and Cuff

COLLAR EDGING

The collar is worked in turned rows by attaching yarn to the bottom corner of the cardigan. Then, work up the side of the front panel, across the top of the back panel, and down the side of the other panel.

Working in turned rows, the collar can be widened as preferred by repeating Row 2 repeats until the desired width is reached, before working the final Row 3 half double crochet row.  Total stitch count for the edging is not important so long as you are working the single crochets evenly. 

As noted for the sleeves, you will evenly work single crochets into the edge of each row end so that there is no puckering (too few stitches) or rippling (too many stitches) around the collar of your cardigan.  This is approximately one single crochet stitch for every half double crochet row and two single crochet stitches for every double crochet row.

Still working with your cardigan inside out and laying the cardigan flat, join yarn at the bottom right corner. This will be the right side of your cardigan when you are wearing it. 

Row 1:  Ch 1, evenly work sc along the edges of front panel, across the top of back panel and down other front panel.  Turn.

Row 2:  Ch 1, sc in first st, PM in this st.  Sc FLO in next and each st across back to marked st. Turn. 

Row 3:  Ch 1, hdc in first st, PM in this st.  *Sk next st, 2 hdc in next st.*  Repeat from * to * back to marked st.  If one st remain, hdc in last st.  If two sts remain, sk next st hdc in last st.    Fasten off.    

Reference Photos – Collar

Weave in all your ends and you are done with your lightweight crochet cardigan! 

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Want the ad-free PDF version of the Overlook Cardigan?  Visit my ETSY or RAVELRY pattern stores!