Cozy Crochet Cardigan – The Stella Cardigan

The ultimate in elegant coziness and perfect for fall – The Stella Cardigan is here! This cozy crochet cardigan is a beginner-friendly and easy wearing garment designed for layering and effortless style and is available for nine sizes.

Scroll down for The Stella Cardigan FREE crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

Cozy Crochet Cardigan Inspiration

I recently shared on my social media that we had to say goodbye to our 11-year-old black lab mix Stella. It was sudden and unexpected, and our entire family is still processing it. She was the perfect dog for our family, and I will miss her every day.

As I was working on the blog post and editing photos and doing all the administrative parts of a typical pattern release, it occurred to me that this cardigan was the last project I worked on while she was still with us. I spent many evenings and weekends working on projects with her in the room. Even though she was way too big to lay on the couch with me, she was a constant presence in our house. I won’t be able to look up from my crochet anymore and watch her dreaming her doggie dreams from her bed in the living room.

This cardigan will always remind me of her and how special she was to us, and so it should have her name.

Scroll down for The Stella Cardigan FREE crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

Design Details

The Stella Cardigan features the iris stitch, one of my favorite stitch combos! This versatile stitch is so easy to do and creates gorgeous texture and dimension. It’s a great stitch to relax with while you are crocheting and bingeing your favorite fall movies and series. The back and front panels and sleeves are crocheted separately and then seamed together before adding edging to the hem and the cardigan opening. The length of the cardigan panels and the sleeves can easily be customized for your preferred fit and style.

The Stella Cardigan is probably the most customizable design I have made so far. From the length of the panels to the arm openings to the sleeve length, you can adjust all the components for the specific fit you want. The iris stitch combo is same throughout the pattern, and there are no shaping rows for the panels or the sleeves. The model, my beautiful daughter Addison, has longer arms and wanted the cardigan to hit at a certain point on her wrists. She wanted slightly longer sleeves for her cozy crochet cardigan and this was easy to do.

With its relaxed silhouette and cozy vibe, this cozy crochet cardigan pairs beautifully with jeans, leggings, or even layered over a dress. It’s the kind of piece that makes you feel put together!

Want the ad-free PDF version of The Stella Cardigan? Visit my ETSY and RAVELRY shops!

All the Cozy Yarn!

I love making lightweight garments that are not heavy and bulky, so I don’t normally reach for worsted weight yarn, even in the cooler months. Color Theory by Lion Brand Yarn is the exception to that rule! It’s lightweight for a worsted yarn and so soft and easy to work with. I love the stitch definition, and with a name like Color Theory, there is a color match for everyone! It was the obvious choice for this cozy crochet cardigan. I have worked with Color Theory several times, the most recent being for the Embrace Cardigan made using the yummiest peacock green.

Scroll down for The Stella Cardigan FREE crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

Want the ad-free PDF version of The Stella Cardigan? Visit my ETSY and RAVELRY shops!

Scroll down for The Stella Cardigan FREE crochet pattern, and CLICK HERE to pin this for later!

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The Stella Cardigan – Free Cozy Cardigan Crochet Pattern

SKILL LEVEL:  Advanced Beginner

MATERIALS:

US Size H/6 5.00 mm crochet hook

Featured Yarn:  Lion Brand Color Theory, Weight #4/Worsted (100% Acrylic – 246 yards/225 meters, 3.5 ounces/100 grams)

• Nutmeg – 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) (9, 10, 11, 12) skeins; approximately 1476 (1476, 1722, 1722, 1968) (2214, 2460, 2706, 2952) yards.

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Yarn needle

Measuring Tape

SIZES:

	FITS CHEST	FINISHED CHEST	LENGTH OF FRONT AND BACK PANELS (including one inch hem edging)	FINISHED BACK WIDTH (shoulder to shoulder)	FRONT PANEL WIDTH (including one inch collar edging)	ARMHOLE DEPTH	SLEEVE LENGTH
XS	28-30”	32”	21”	16”	6”	6.5”	17”
S	32-34”	36”	22”	18”	7”	7”	17.5”
M	36-38”	40”	23”	20”	8”	7.5”	18”
L	40-42”	44”	24”	22”	9”	8”	18”
XL	44-46”	48”	24”	24”	10”	8.5”	17.25”
2X	48-50”	52”	25”	26”	11”	9”	17.25”
3X	52-54”	56”	25”	28”	12”	9.5”	17.25”
4X	56-58”	60”	26”	30”	13”	10”	16.25”
5X	60-62”	64”	26”	32”	14”	10.5”	16.25”

*FITS CHEST refers to the measurement of the intended wearer.  FINISHED CHEST refers to the measurements of the finished garment. 

*This cardigan is intended to have a relaxed, comfortable fit with 4-6 inches of positive ease in the main panels of the cardigan and is meant to be worn open in the front. The cardigan can be customized in the length of the panels and the sleeves.

The cardigan pictured is a size Medium and the model is 5’9” with a 34” bust.

GAUGE:          

• 4 iris stitches (16 double crochet stitches) X 8 rows = 4 inches

It is recommended to work a gauge swatch to ensure your finished garment fits the way you want.    

GAUGE SWATCH:

Foundation Row:  Ch 31.

Row 1 (WS):  Sc in 2^nd st from hook and in each st across.  Turn.  (30 sts)

Row 2 (RS):  Ch 3 (counts as a stitch), sk next 2 sts.  *Work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st – iris stitch made.  Sk next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * until 3 sts remain.  Sk next 2 sts, dc in last st.  Turn.  (30 sts)

Row 3 (WS):  Ch 3, sk next 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-sp from iris stitch below.  *Sk next 4 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-sp.* Repeat from * to * until two sts and tch remain.  Skip next 2 sts and dc in top of tch.  Turn.  (30 sts)

Repeat Row 3 to create a gauge swatch large enough to measure four inches WITHIN the gauge swatch.  If gauge is not met, adjust your hook size. 

ABBREVIATIONS: 

ch(s) – chain(s)

st(s) – stitch(es)

ch-sp – chain space

sc – single crochet

sc2tog – single crochet two together (decrease stitch)

hdc – half double crochet

hdc BLO – half double crochet in BACK loop only

dc – double crochet

dc FLO – double crochet in FRONT loop only

sl st – slip stitch

PM – place marker

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

YO – yarn over

OVERALL PATTERN NOTES:

• Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parentheses:  XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). 
• This cozy crochet cardigan is worked from the bottom up to create three panels for the main body (back panel and two front panels) that are then seamed together at the shoulders and sides. 
• Edging is added to the bottom hem of the cardigan after seaming that will add one inch to the overall length of the cardigan.  The first row of stitches is worked into the foundation chain of the front and back panels. 
• After completing the hem edging, you will turn your work and use your working yarn to crochet a one-inch width collar edging; the first row of collar edging is crocheted into the ends of the panel rows. 
• Sleeves are full length to the wrists and are crocheted separately and then seamed onto the armholes.  There are no increase rows for the sleeves, they are same width from the wrist to the arm opening.  The sleeves are finished with two rows of decreasing single crochet stitches that will draw in the sleeves at the wrists. 
• Your sleeve length can easily be customized as desired by removing or adding rows prior to seaming. 
• Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
• Ch 3 does count as a stitch. 
• It is recommended to place a stitch marker on a right side (RS) row so that RS can be distinguished from wrong side (WS) for seaming.

Special Stitches

Single Crochet Two Together (sc2tog):  Insert hook into intended stitch, YO and pull up a loop (two loops on the hook).  Insert hook into next stitch, YO and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).  YO and pull through all three loops. 

BACK PANEL

Foundation Row:  Ch 67 (75, 83, 91, 99) (107, 115, 123, 131).

Row 1 (WS):  Sc in 2^nd st from hook and in each st across.  Turn.  [66 (74, 82, 90, 98) (106, 114, 122, 130) sts]

Row 2 (RS):  Ch 3 (counts as a stitch), sk next 2 sts.  *Work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st – iris stitch made.  Sk next 3 sts.*  Repeat from * to * until 3 sts remain.  Sk next 2 sts, dc in last st.  Turn.  [66 (74, 82, 90, 98) (106, 114, 122, 130) sts]

Row 3 (WS):  Ch 3, sk next 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-sp from iris stitch below.  *Sk next 4 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch-sp.* Repeat from * to * until two sts and tch remain.  Skip next 2 sts and dc in top of tch.  Turn.  [66 (74, 82, 90, 98) (106, 114, 122, 130) sts]

Rows 4 – 40 (42, 44, 46, 46) (48, 48, 50, 50):  Repeat Row 3.  Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.

Reference Photos – Beginning Rows

FRONT PANELS (make two)

Foundation Row:  Ch 23 (27, 31, 35, 39) (43, 47, 51, 55).

Repeat Rows 1 – 3 as for back panel.  [22 (26, 30, 34, 38) (42, 46, 50, 54) sts]

Rows 4 – 40 (42, 44, 46, 46) (48, 48, 50, 50):  Repeat back panel Row 3.  Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.

SEAMING THE PANELS TOGETHER

Lay the back panel flat on your workspace with RS facing up and position the front panels on top with WS facing up.  This means that the cardigan will be seamed together with the inside (WS) facing out.  

Make sure to line up the iris stitches across the top of the cardigan; secure with stitch markers.  Line up the sides of the sweater and pin, leaving 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches for the armholes.  Make sure the iris stitch rows are in line with each other from the back panel to the front panels.   Try your cardigan on at this point to determine if the length of the panels and width of the arm opening is as desired.  Adjustments should be made prior to seaming.  If you have made adjustments to the armhole depth to achieve your desired sleeve size, please make sure to read the sleeve instructions very carefully prior to beginning your sleeves. 

Using the yarn tails, seam across the shoulders.  I used the whip stitch to seam the shoulders of my cardigan.  Join yarn at the armpit and seam down the side of the cardigan; repeat this for the other side.  I used the mattress stitch to seam the cardigan sides as this creates a smooth join. 

Reference Photos – Panels and Seaming

SLEEVES

Sleeves are crocheted separately and then seamed onto the armholes.  There are no increase rows for the sleeves, they are same width from the wrist to the arm opening.  Your sleeve length can easily be customized to your specific desire by removing or adding rows.  IMPORTANT:  If you have adjusted the width of your arm opening to a measurement that does not correspond to the size you are making, make sure to follow the sleeve instructions for your adjusted armhole depth, to ensure the sleeve width will match. 

Foundation Row:  Ch 55 (59, 63, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87).

Repeat Rows 1 – 3 as for back panel.  [54 (58, 62, 66, 70) (74, 78, 82, 86) sts]

Rows 4 – 34 (35, 36, 36, 34) (34, 34, 32, 32):  Repeat back panel Row 3.  Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming that is twice the length of the arm opening and the inner seam of the sleeve. 

SEAMING THE SLEEVES TO THE CARDIGAN

Lay the sleeve flat with the RS facing up.  Fold the sleeve down along the long side to create the sleeve that will be attached to the arm opening.  The WS of the sleeve is now facing out.  Using stitch markers, pin along the long side of the sleeve (this will be the underarm seam when you are wearing your cardigan), making sure to line up the iris stitch rows. 

Lay your cardigan flat on your workspace with the WS facing out and front panels facing up.  Attach the sleeve to the arm opening with stitch markers; the last iris stitch you worked for the sleeve should be the end you are attaching to the arm opening.  The pinned seam of the sleeve should be facing down, creating that underarm seam. 

Try your cardigan on after pinning the sleeve to the panels to determine that the length is as desired.  Adjustments should be made prior to seaming. 

Using the extra-long yarn tail, secure the sleeve to the armpit and seam the sleeve to the arm opening using the mattress stitch.  After you have seamed your way back to the armpit, do not break your yarn;continue seaming down the pinned underarm stitch to the wrist.  Fasten off.

Repeat for the other sleeve. 

Reference Photos – Sleeves and Seaming

HEM EDGING

Add edging to the bottom hem of the cardigan in turned rows to add an additional one inch of length to the cardigan.  You will crochet the first row into the stitches from the foundation row of the back and front panels; overall stitch count is not important, as long as your stitches are worked evenly so that there is no puckering or bunching. 

Stitch markers can be placed in the first stitch of each hem edging row and collar edging row to better determine the last stitch of the next row. 

Turn your cardigan RS out.  With the cardigan lying flat and RS facing out and front panels facing up, join yarn at the bottom corner of the panel to your left. 

Row 1:  Ch 1, sc in same st as join, PM in this st.  Working along the bottom of the panel to your left, sc into each st.  Continue to work sc sts along back panel and other front panel.  Turn.    

Row 2:  Ch 2 (counts as a st), dc in both loops of same st, PM in this st.  Dc BLO in next st and each st across, ending with last dc worked in both loops of marked st.  Turn. 

Row 3:  Ch 1, hdc in both loops of same st.  Hdc FLO in next st and each st across, ending with last hdc worked in both loops of marked st.  DO NOT TURN.   

You will end this row at the bottom corner of the panel to your right.  DO NOT FASTEN OFF, you will now turn your work to begin the collar edging with your working yarn. 

Reference Photos – Hem Edging

COLLAR EDGING

Edging is added to the cardigan opening in turned rows.  Overall stitch count is not important as long as stitches are crocheted evenly so the first row does not pucker or curl. 

With the cardigan still lying flat and RS facing up, turn your work so that stitches can now be worked into the ends of the front panel rows in the direction of the shoulders.  Working from the bottom corner of the panel to your right and working towards the shoulder: 

Row 1:  Ch 1, sc in same st as join, PM in this st.  Sc evenly into the ends of the right panel rows, sc into each stitch along the top of the back panel, and sc evenly into the row ends of the panel to your left back and to the bottom corner of the panel to your left.  Turn. 

Rows 2 – 3:  Repeat Rows 2 – 3 as for hem edging, fastening off at the end of Row 3.    

Reference Photos – Collar Edging

CUFF EDGING

A simple cuff is crocheted directly onto the sleeves at the wrists in decreasing rounds that do not turn.  This will cinch in the sleeves slightly at the wrist.  You can omit this step if you desire your sleeves to be more open at the wrists. 

You will be crocheting the first row into the stitches from the foundation row of the sleeves; overall stitch count is not crucial.

With the cardigan lying flat on your workspace and RS facing up, join yarn at the seam of the wrist cuff. 

Round 1:  Ch 1, sc in same st, PM in this st.  *Sc2tog in next 2 sts, sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * back to marked st.  If one st remains, sc in last stitch.  If 2 sts remain, work sc2tog over last 2 sts. Sl st to marked st, do not turn.

Round 2:  Repeat Round 1.  Fasten off.

Repeat the above instructions for the other sleeve.  You are done! 

Reference Photos – Sleeve Cuff Edging

Want the ad-free PDF version of The Stella Cardigan? Visit my ETSY and RAVELRY shops!

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