Find the best crochet sweater patterns that are both fabulous and free in this handy guide to the best crochet sweater patterns available today.
Yes, summer is great but can we talk about fall for a second? It’s right around the corner and I for one am here. for. it. Fall leaves, campfires, hot apple cider, pumpkin spice and don’t forget your cozy sweaters! You can never have too many of them. If you have never made a sweater before, don’t sweat it! Most of these free crochet patterns use basic crochet stitches so you will be learning how to crochet a sweater in no time!
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Featured Video for Crochet Sweater Patterns
How to Crochet: Split Sleeve Tee
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Tips for Amazing Crochet Sweater Patterns
There are several things to keep in mind when crocheting sweaters that you don’t necessarily have to worry about when working with things that don’t have to actually fit anyone.
First, choose a great pattern. These here on the list are all ones I recommend. When choosing a pattern, look for one that is well written and has clear guidelines. Read through the entire pattern to ensure you understand the directions.
Second, be sure you know what size you are. Aren’t sure? The best way to figure out what size sweater you need is to measure a favorite one from your closet. Lay the sweater (or other top if you don’t have a sweater) flat and measure the bust/chest width. Double this number to get the circumference and that’s the size you should be making (or as close as possible). You might also want to measure length to see how long you like your sweaters.
Third, you can’t skimp out on gauge, gauge gauge!! This intimidates a lot of people, but it shouldn’t. Getting gauge is just making sure your stitches and rows match the size of the pattern – or you will be very surprised and unhappy once you put in all the work.
To make a gauge swatch, you will make at least a 4″ x 4″ square in the stitch pattern called for in the pattern. (It is best to make them larger, but I know you are itching to get going on that sweater!!) Then, you measure how many stitches and rows you are getting to 4″. This ensures your hard work will result in a sweater that fits as it should.
What are the best yarns for crochet sweater patterns?
Really the sky is the limit here!! So many yarns are good for making sweaters. There are a few things that I’ve found from experience (I’ve made a lot of sweaters!) that I want to share with you here.
First, the all-wool sweaters I’ve made (NOT superwash) have tended to pill and become really “hairy” at the underarm area from the movement of my arms. Not attractive and it’s led me to abandon two of my favorite sweaters.
Second, keep in mind how the yarn feels against the skin. If it’s the least bit scratchy, you might want to think twice. I’m not saying you can’t use acrylic because there are some amazing acrylic yarns out there (Berroco Comfort, anyone?) and they hold up super well to the washing machine.
So, my advice is to buy one skein (especially if it’s expensive), and work up a gauge swatch with it. Then you can run some tests on it.
Here are some tests I recommend:
1. Wash it according to the care instructions on the ball band. (Then measure gauge… because it can change…)
2. While it is wet, rub it against white fabric. Does it bleed onto the fabric?
3. Rub it together to simulate your arm rubbing against your body. Do you see the fibers starting to mat together (called pilling)? Bad sign.
Don’t put all that work into a sweater and then have the yarn ruin it! Be sure to choose a quality yarn that will hold up well to wear. And that doesn’t have to mean expensive!!
Now, on to the patterns!!
12 Cozy Crochet Sweater Patterns that are Fabulous and Free!
1. Sweater Weather Cardi
This stunning full-length cardigan is the perfect statement piece for all your fall layering. Making this sweater won’t be as hard as you might think. The pattern mostly uses super basic single crochet and double crochet stitches.
Designer: TL Yarn Crafts
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease (Medium Weight #4)
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2. Mountaintop Cardigan
Make a statement with a bold graphic cardigan. Doesn’t it just make you want to curl up next to a campfire? Single crochet and half double crochet will be your go-to stitches for this sweater.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn: Hue & Me (Bulky Weight #5)
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3. Sunset Sweater
Learn a new stitch – the trinity stitch – and make this cozy color block sweater while you’re at it! I love the color choices here of navy, light rose, mustard and cream but you could totally switch it up with your favorite fall colors.
Designer: ChristaCoDesign
Yarn: Big Twist Value (Medium Weight #4) – available at JoAnn
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4. Strata Sweater
Wrap yourself in luxury with this southwestern fringed cardigan. Don’t be intimated. This sweater is much easier than it looks and only using double crochet stitches. Oh, and did I mention it has a hood!?
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn: Lion Brand Cupcake (DK Weight #3)
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5. Weekend Snuggle Sweater
You can pair this extra-long sweater with your favorite jeans or leggings for the ultimate fall layering look. This pattern is super easy and only uses single crochet stitches.
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss (DK Weight #3) – available at We Crochet
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6. September Sweater
This classic v-neck sweater is worked in vertical rows of single crochet and herringbone half double crochet stitches. Both width and length can be customized for your perfect fit.
Designer: Two Brothers Blankets
Yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Merino (DK Weight #3)
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7. Valentina Sweater Top
The difference is in the details with this feminine open back sweater. The body of the sweater is made with single crochet and double crochet stitches. Staggered puff stitches line the neckline and beautiful lacework makes up the stunning bell sleeves.
Designer: Fiorelila
Yarn: Phildar New Phil Light (Fingering Weight #1) – available at Love Crafts
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8. Bat Wings Sweater
The humble half double crochet is the star of the show in this eye-catching batwing sweater. I would honestly wear this cute and casual sweater every day if I made it.
Designer: By Katerina
Yarn: Katia Saigon (Sport Weight #2) – available at Katia.com
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9. Pretty in Peplum Sweater
This perfect peplum sweater is worked from the top down in one piece. The best part of this approach is that you can try the sweater on as you make it to ensure a great fit. You could never tell by looking at it that it’s just single crochet and half double crochet stitches.
Designer: Mijo Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Vel-Luxe (Worsted Weight #4)
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10. Granny Square Sweater
If you make a granny square then you can make this cute granny square sweater. Pictures every step of the way really help you visualize this pattern so your sweater will turn out great.
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
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11. Rainer Sweater
Crochet this casual collared pullover for your next cold-weather getaway. Trusty single crochet stitches will be your best friend when making this raglan sleeve sweater.
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Worsted Weight #4)
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12. Kelby Sweater
Grab a big crochet hook and your softest medium weight yarn for a beautiful drapey off the shoulder sweater with the ultimate slouch appeal. For me, fall is all about cozy and this sweater perfectly sums that up.
Designer: Hooked on Tilly Life
Yarn: Lion Brand Vel-Luxe (Medium Weight #4)
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Crochet Sweater Patterns:
Bonus # 13!
For more free crochet pattern goodness make sure to explore my website! Here’s one of my own sweater designs: the Perfect Layering Sweater. You can turn simple single crochet and double crochet stitches into a darling sweater with a few flicks of your magic crochet hook.
Designer: Love. Life. Yarn.
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rastita (DK Weight #3)
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Are you feeling fall yet? Let me know in the comments below which of these crochet sweater patterns is your favorite! Don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can come back when you’re ready to make your next crochet sweater…..and don’t blame me if all your friends ask for one too!
