Looking for a fun and easy granny square cardigan project? We’ve collected more than 35 granny square cardigan patterns for every skill level.
Granny squares are a classic motif in crochet because they’re quick and easy to make and can be made to coordinate or use your leftover yarn from other projects.
Using these building blocks to make cardigans is on trend right now and so fun to do. Check out these crochet granny square cardigan patterns and you’ll be well on your way to your new favorite sweater, one block at a time.
Why Crochet a Granny Square Cardigan?
Granny squares are one of the first things that many crocheters learn to make, but that doesn’t make them basic. Squares can be combined in all sorts of ways to make different projects, including cardigans, cropped or long.
You can use the same colors throughout your project for a cohesive look, or head into your stash and make a cardigan of many colors.
Granny square cardigans are very popular right now and have been popping up on runways and on celebrities. But even if you don’t care about fashion, these warm and cozy cardigans and sure to brighten your day.
They’re also great to work on while traveling because you can work one square or section at a time and don’t have to carry around the whole sweater as you work.
How Many Granny Squares Does it Take to Make a Cardigan?
How many squares you need to make a granny square crochet cardigan will depend on the size of your squares and the size of the sweater you want to make.
According to Joy of Motion Crochet, you’ll need as few as 38 and as many as 70 or more squares to make a basic crochet cardigan with granny squares. Of course the pattern will tell you how many squares you need, but the actual number may vary if, for instance, you are making your sweater longer or shorter than the pattern suggests.
How to Join Granny Squares for a Cardigan
There are many great ways to join granny squares together to make a cardigan, blanket, or other project. Here are three of the most popular, and simplest methods, but as you work with granny squares you will discover your favorite.
- Single crochet join: stack two squares with right sides together and crochet the edge together using single crochet (sc).
- Join as you go: join your yarn to the corner of the first granny square, chain 2, then double crochet twice into the same ch pace. Do 3 dc into each of the ch spaces and (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) into the corner ch space. You Should Craft has a great tutorial for this method.
- Slip stitch join: place two squares next to each other, right side up, and use slip stitches (sl st) on the edge to join them together. A Crocheted Simplicity has a tutorial showing how to do this one.
Supplies Needed to Crochet a Granny Square Cardigan
The Best Yarns for Crochet Granny Stitch Cardigans
There are so many great options for yarn you can use to crochet a granny square cardigan. You’ll want to choose yarn that is soft and comfortable on your skin, first of all.
When it comes to yarn weight, heavier weight cardigans are a great choice for fall and winter wear, but lighter weight cardigans can be worn throughout the year. It’s up to you if you want or need your yarn to be machine washable.
Here are a few of our favorite yarns in different weight categories if you need more guidance.
(1) Super fine
(2) Sport
(3) DK
(4) Worsted
- Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
- Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
- Lion Brand Basic Stitch
- Knit Picks Brava
- Red Heart With Love
(5) Bulky
(6) Super Bulky
- Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Bulky
- Bernat Softee Chunky
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
- Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Thick & Quick
How much yarn you will need for your cardigan will of course depend on the size you are making and how intricate the squares are. Consult the pattern you want to use for guidance on how many skeins of yarn to buy.
Notions and Other Tools
In addition to your yarn, you will need a few other things to successfully complete your granny square cardigan crochet pattern, including:
- Crochet hook in the size called for in the pattern or that you need to get gauge (make sure you swatch to ensure your squares come out the size you need)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and possibly sewing pieces together
- Stitch markers to mark the end of the round as you work your squares
- Pair of scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking tools to ensure your squares are all the same size (such as a blocking board and pins or a granny square blocking board)
Granny square cardigans are great first sweater projects for those new to crochet, but if you need any help with the instructions or techniques in any of these patterns, check out our Crochet Fundamentals course. These easy to follow videos will help boost your confidence and ensure your project looks just like the ones in the photos every time.
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Granny Square Cardigan Patterns
If you’ve never crocheted a sweater before – granny square or otherwise! – this collection of patterns is a great place to start. Just building square by square you’ll have a finished cardigan to add to your wardrobe in no time.
Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Originally Lovely
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Nuboo
This sweet classic granny square cardigan is modernized with a cropped length and sleeves with a bit of shaping to make it a little easier to wear. It’s a great first granny square cardigan project.
Crochet Cozy Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: HayHay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Bigger squares make for an oversized fit for this cozy cardigan, which has a cropped length and ribbed edgings. The free pattern shows XS/S size, however, you can customize this project to your size by adding more squares.
The Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This colorful cardigan is quick to stitch in worsted weight yarn and has a classic look and length. This is a size-inclusive jacket pattern with sizes from XS to 5XL.
Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Leonela Cevallos
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania
This pretty cardigan has a bit of an oversized look for extra comfort, and the lightweight yarn makes it comfy to wear throughout the year. The free crochet pattern has only one size given, but there are instructions on how to customize the size.
Everyday Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: My Poppet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
This project shows you what it looks like to make granny squares in different colors to use in the same project. Of course you can make yours all match if you want, or pull out your odd balls to make a wild design.
Two-Color Granny Jacket
Designer: Yarnsipirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go
The black and white design of these granny squares is striking and unique, but you can use whatever colors you want for this fun jacket that can be dressed up or down as you like.
Candy Cardigan
Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: DROPS Paris
This fun pattern combines granny stitch and floral granny squares for a different look that’s made with fewer pieces than a traditional granny square cardigan. Choose pastel colors and cotton yarn for a spring cardigan or go with wool and jewel tones for winter.
Easy-to-Follow Textured Granny Square Cardigan Crochet Patterns
The squares used in these granny square cardigan patterns bring a bit more texture to the party with floral designs, bobbles, and more that add interest and a different skill to your project.
Granny Square Cardigan “Rose”
Designer: Colour Ceilidh Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
The granny square blocks used in this pattern feature a sort of stylized rose design at the center, which the designer says is made to look more artistic than literal. The pattern includes a step-by-step video tutorial to help you make the squares.
Tulip Square Cardi
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Turn your squares on their side to make this cardigan with tulip-inspired squares. It also includes some half squares (aka triangles) to fill in the gaps. So fun!
One Color Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Colour Ceilidh Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
These bobble stitch squares are so full of texture, you don’t even need to change colors for your cardigan to have a dramatic impact. The pattern comes in nine sizes and includes a video tutorial.
Wildflower Cardigan
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Truboo
Here’s a flowy, soft, and cool boho-inspired granny square cardigan for you to make. This is great to wear at the beach or for a stroll in the city. The sleeves are worked in double crochet in the round after the cardigan is assembled so you can make them as long as you like.
Hooded Granny Square Vest
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
Here’s another fun black and white design that’s different from the other patterns we have looked at in a couple of ways. First, it’s a sleeveless vest, perfect for layering through the year. And it has a hood for extra warmth or sun protection.
All Eyes On You Cardi
Designer: HayHay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Lazy Days
Do you ever get the feeling that someone is watching you? This pattern is sure to bring all eyes to you, as its made with more than 40 eyeball-inspired granny squares.
Daisy Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Colour Ceilidh Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Give your grannies a spring and summer twist with these fun daisy granny squares. The pattern comes in nine sizes and combines squares and granny stitch for a fun project perfect to wear to a garden party.
Tulip Square Shrug
Designer: Wimade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
While the designer calls this one a shrug, since it has sleeves we’ll call it a cardigan. It uses a tulip square to form the back, while the fronts and sleeves are made with double crochet stitches.
Fun and Engaging Granny Square Shrug Patterns
Stitching up a granny square shrug can be even easier than making a cardigan, because they’re often made from bigger squares and don’t include sleeves. Check out these granny square shrugs next time you need a cozy project to stitch.
Granny Cocoon Shrug
Designer: Rove Handmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Re-Tweed
This granny square shrug pattern is made out of one big square folded in half and joined together to make the “sleeve.” Close it with a button or pin, or wear it open for a relaxed look.
Self-Stripping Granny Square Cocoon Cardigan
Designer: Nina Nicholson, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cakes
Snuggle up with this advanced-beginner crochet pattern. This self-stripping cocoon cardi is made with one big granny square. Using a self-striping yarn is the key, or you can change colors when you want using yarn from your stash.
Granny Twister Cardigan
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Flowers
Turn heads with this simple yet elegant-looking granny square cardigan. This project uses fingering weight which makes it lightweight and easy to wear throughout the year.
Coziest Crochet Cardigan
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool Worsted
This cozy crochet granny cardigan is made from four large granny squares. This is the perfect cover-up for a chilly dinner out or a movie night with the family.
Long Crochet Granny Square Cardigan Patterns
If you don’t like the cropped look or even a standard length cardigan, these long granny square cardigan patterns are for you. Make them even longer by adding more squares to the bottom if you like!
Granny Squares Cardigan
Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Alize Cotton Gold
This pattern combines granny squares and granny stitch for a perfect boho look. Make it in all the colors in your stash or choose a few of your favorite shades for a toned-down look.
Bobble Flower Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Colour Ceilidh Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This duster length granny square pattern uses flower squares made with bobbles for a casual look. The pattern comes in nine sizes, and the side seams are split at the bottom to make walking easier.
Revival Cardigan
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Pilling
This cozy cardi has floral granny squares on the pack panel and hood, while the fronts and sleeves use a cluster stitch and a single color of yarn, which makes the project go faster. And it has pockets!
Arlo Granny Square Cardigan
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This monochrome, extra long cardigan uses classic granny squares for an easy project you’ll want to wear all year. The sleeves are big and boxy since they are made from the same sized squares as the body panels.
Lakeside Coatigan
Designer: Coco Crochet Lee
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
It’s a long coat, and a cardigan, so why not call it a coatigan? This granny square jacket pattern is made with lots of bright colors, but the borders pull it together into a cohesive look with ease.
Coatigan in Grannies
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Combine neutrals into something that’s anything but plain with this pretty car coat made of granny squares. Or choose bolder shades to make your new favorite, wear everywhere crochet jacket cardigan. This pattern includes sizes S-3XL.
The Kit Cardigan
Designer: Kitz Knitz
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks High Desert Worsted
This design is made with lots of little squares, so it’s easy to customize to the fit you want. But take the designer’s advice and weave in your ends as you go to save yourself some time and frustration at the end of the project.
Throwback Thursday Jacket
Designer: I Like Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Satin
Crochet cardigans are one example of something being a throwback and a current trend at the same time. The colors are perfect on this ‘70s-inspired square sweater pattern has classic vibes that will never go out of style.
Cool Crochet Hexagon Cardigan Patterns
Granny squares don’t always have to be square! You can use the same stitches to make hexagon patterns, which give your project a different look that’s a lot of fun and no more difficult to stitch.
The Campfire Cardigan
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Get the hang of crocheting hexagons and make this cozy cardigan worked in medium weight yarn. It’s constructed of two hexagon panels that are seamed together, then you add length with granny stitches. Stitch on sleeves, a hood, and a border to complete the look.
Super Chunky Hexagon Cardigan
Designer: The Snugglery
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
This project is super quick and easy using super bulky yarn. Stitch up two hexagons and you’ll have the body and sleeves all in one! The color swapping on this one is lots of fun, or you can make them match. This pattern includes a video tutorial.
Art Class Cardi
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Craft Cake
Multicolored yarn makes simple stitches look that much more interesting, which is definitely the case with this candy colored cardi. The pattern has one size but you can make the hexagons bigger or smaller as needed.
Land & Sea Cardi
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Dreamy
Make two granny hexagons in three colors to make this pretty, oversized cardigan. The pattern is in several parts as it was designed for a crochetalong; search the website to find all the details.
The Sweet Dreams Hexagon Cardigan
Designer: Selina Veronique
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Be pretty in pink or whatever other color you like when you stitch up this cozy cardigan with cuffs and a hem stitched in a contrasting color after the cardigan is assembled. The pattern includes a video tutorial.
Granny Square Cardigan Step-By-Step Video Tutorials
If you like a video tutorial rather than a written pattern, these crochet granny square cardigan patterns are for you. Stitch along as you learn how to make these great sweaters!
Continuous Granny Square Shrug
Designer: The Snugglery
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cakes
Watch how you can transform a single granny square into a comfy cardigan. This is as easy as granny square garments get, and it’s so fun to make and to wear.
Granny Hexagon Cardigan
Designer: PassioKnit Kelsie
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Softfun
Try your hand at a hexagon cardigan with this tutorial. After stitching the hexagons and joining them you’ll add length to the body and sleeves, plus a colorful border.
G.G (Gorgeous Gal) Cardigan
Designer: YARNutopia
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Feel like a celebrity with a free granny square jacket tutorial. The squares shown in the pattern have a total of nine different yarn color combinations and 60 granny squares are used to make the cardigan.
Are You a Beginner Crochet Who Would Like Some Extra Help to Learn How to Crochet?
These crochet cardigan patterns use pretty simple techniques to make the squares and construct the cardigans, but if you need help with any of the techniques in these or other patterns, our Crochet Fundamentals course is the place to go to learn what you need to know.
These videos cover everything from choosing the best yarn for your project (and how to hold it when you work) to basic stitches, finishing techniques, and more. Plus you’ll get skill-building patterns to help you gain confidence.
Want to Learn What Else You Can Make with Squares?
Squares and rectangles are the most basic shapes you can stitch, but as we’ve seen here, basic doesn’t have to mean boring. There are so many different kinds of projects you can make just by crocheting squares and rectangles.
Check out our Crochet Anything with Rectangles workshop to discover 24 different projects you can make with these simple shapes, from bags to blankets, sweaters, and more.
