Are you looking for free crochet cardigan pattern for beginners? Then, the lightweight, size-inclusive Bahama Breeze cardigan is just the project for you!
This post contains affiliate links. Therefore, should you make a purchase, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. View my Privacy + Disclosures Policy here.
Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:
- This is a free crochet cardigan pattern, but if you want an ad-free PDF of this pattern, then you can find it on Ravelry and Etsy OR get an even bigger discount HERE where you can get 2 PATTERNS for the price of 1!
- Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here.
- Shop Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK here!
- Shop Furls Streamline Hook here!
- If you have any crochet pattern questions, then please email herrstitches@gmail.com.
- Do you want another easy crochet pattern? Check out my other crochet cardigan patterns here.
- Good news! Each season I’ll be adding a new free crochet cardigan pattern, so be sure to follow along on the blog!
Inspiration Behind the Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern
“Coooooold ice cream!” bellows the Fudgy Wudgy vendor as he pushes his cart down the beach. To the right of me, a gull squawks and chases a smaller seabird away from its discarded French fry treasure, and it lifts off, flying away low over the restless waves. I am now fully awakened from my brief nap, and I pull my Bahama Breeze cardigan tight around me. A sweater at the beach? Well…it’s still a little crisp this Memorial Day.
The shoreline-inspired Bahama Breeze cardigan is the perfect garment to reach for when you have that last minute “maybe I should bring a sweater” thought as you leave the house for a cool summer night out. Made with lightweight DK yarn, its breezy design is ideal for sundown walks on the beach and boardwalk. It’s constructed with the classic moss stitch, which creates a breathable meshwork pattern. And while it looks complicated and challenging, it’s actually a beginner stitch! If you’re a big fan of the moss stitch (like me!), check out the Calla Lily Cardigan – a breezy, beautiful lightweight crochet cardigan!
Stitch Abbreviations
- beg = begin(ning)
- BPdc = Back Post double crochet
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- FPdc = Front Post double crochet
- rem = remain(ing)(s)
- rep = repeat
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = sc 2 sts together
- sk = skip
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Finished Bust Approximately 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60, 64) in. (81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122) (132, 142, 152.5, 162.5) cm) with edging
Finished Length Approximately 18.5 (19, 20, 20.5, 22) (22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25) in. (47 (48.5, 51, 52, 56) (57, 60, 62, 63.5) cm), including lower edging
Note: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.
Fit: Classic fit with some positive ease of approximately 2-4 in.
Yarn
Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK in Aquamarine or similar DK weight yarn that matches gauge (Note – although this yarn is categorized as a DK weight yarn, it is quite light, close to fingering weight)
Amount of Yarn Needed: 1080 (1230, 1390, 1570, 1820) (2060, 2290, 2570, 2730) yards of a similar DK weight yarn that matches gauge
Hook
G/4mm Crochet hook (or hook to obtain gauge)
My hook of choice for this was a Furls Streamline in their “Café” colorway. This particular hook is a thicker hook that excels in working with thin, lightweight yarn. By preventing hand cramps, its hefty grip allows you to crochet longer and more comfortably. Not to mention, the hook is gorgeous with its coffee-and-milk pattern, and no two look the same.
Notions
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers
Special Stitches
Moss Stitch Directions:
Ch number of desired sts + 1
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch, rep from * across
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc.
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in last sc.
- Rep rows 2 and 3 until you reach desired length
BPdc (Back Post double crochet) Yarn over, insert hook from back to front then to back, going around post of indicated st, draw up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Skip top of st in front of the BPdc.
FPdc (Front Post double crochet) Yarn over, insert hook from front to back then to front, going around post of indicated st, draw up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Skip top of st behind the FPdc.
sc2tog (sc 2 sts together) (Insert hook in next st and draw up a loop) twice, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook – 1 st decreased.
Pattern Notes
- Cardigan is worked from lower edge upwards
- Piece is divided at underarms, then front and back panels are worked separately up to shoulders
- Sleeves are worked in rnds directly into armholes.
Gauge
19sts by 20 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Moss Stitch (see directions above)
Difficulty = Skilled Beginner
Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Body
Ch 138 (158, 176, 196, 214) (234, 252, 272, 290)
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch, rep from * across – 137 (157, 175, 195, 213) (233, 251, 271, 289) sts.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in last sc.
Rep rows 2 and 3 until the cardigan measures 10.5 (10.5, 11, 11, 12) (12, 12.5, 13, 13) in. ending on an odd row.
Division for Front and Back
First Front Panel
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, until you have worked a total of 34 (38, 44, 48, 52) (58, 62, 68, 72) sts in this row, sc in next st, place marker in next stitch to denote where to start the back panel in next section; leave rem sts unworked – 35 (39, 45, 49, 53) (59, 63, 69, 73)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in last sc.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until the first front panel after division measures 2 (2.5, 3, 3.5, 4) (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6) inches [5 (6.5, 7.5, 9, 10) (11.5, 12.5, 14, 15) cm] ending on an odd row.
Next Row (Decrease): Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across to last 2 sc, sc2tog – 34 (38, 44, 48, 52) (58, 62, 68, 72) sts.
Next Row: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc.
Rep previous 2 rows 10 more times – 24 (28, 34, 38, 42) (48, 52, 58, 62) sts.
Fasten off.
Back Panel
Join with sl st to stitch marked with stitch marker in the First Front Panel section.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first ch-1 sp (Note – this should be the st you joined with sl st to begin the back panel), *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across until you have worked a total of 67 (79, 85, 97, 107) (115, 125, 133, 143) sts, sc in next st, place marker in next st to denote where to start the second front panel in next section; leave rem sts unworked – 68 (80, 86, 98, 108) (116, 126, 134, 144) sts
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across to last st, sc in last sc.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across to last st, sc in last sc.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until the back panel after division measures 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches [16.5 (18, 19, 20.5, 21.5) (23, 24, 25.5, 26.5) cm]
Note – you will complete the same number of rows as you completed for the left front section above.
Fasten off.
Second Front Panel
Join with sl st to stitch marked with stitch marker in the Back Panel section.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first ch-1 sp (Note – this should be the st you joined with sl st to begin the right front panel), *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across the rem sts in the row – 35 (39, 45, 49, 53) (59, 63, 69, 73)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in first ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across the rem sts in the row.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until the second front panel after division measures 2 (2.5, 3, 3.5, 4) (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6) inches [5 (6.5, 7.5, 9, 10) (11.5, 12.5, 14, 15) cm] ending on an odd row.
Next Row (Decrease): Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last sc – 34 (38, 44, 48, 52) (58, 62, 68, 72) sts.
Next Row: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * across, sc in last st.
Rep previous 2 rows 10 more times – 24 (28, 34, 38, 42) (48, 52, 58, 62) sts.
Note – you will complete the same number of rows as you completed for the first front section above.
Fasten off.
Shoulder Seams
Turn cardigan inside out. The cardigan is reversible and thus inside vs outside is at your own discretion. Join with sl st at outside edge of one of the shoulders, working through both thicknesses, sl st evenly spaced along the edge of each shoulder.
Note – If desired, shoulder seams can be sewn together instead of crocheted together.
Turn Body right side out, so that sl st seams are on inside of cardigan.
Sleeves
Join with sl st at underarm of one armhole.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 61 (67, 71, 75, 81) (85, 89, 99, 99) sc evenly spaced all the way around armhole edge; join with sl st in first st.
Note – If desired, place a marker in first st of rnd to help keep track of sts. Move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2 (Dec): Ch 1, turn, (sc2tog) 2 times, ch 1, sk next sc, *sc in next st, ch1, sk next sc, rep from * across to last 4 stitches, (sc2tog) 2 times, join with sl st in first st – 57 (63, 67, 71, 77) (81, 85, 95, 95) sts.
Size 3XL proceed to All Sizes
Rnd 3 (Dec): Ch 1, turn, (sc2tog) 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, N/A, 1, 1) times, *sc in next st, ch 1, sk next sc, rep from * across to last 5 (5, 5, 5, 5) (5, N/A, 3, 3) sts, sc in next st, (sc2tog) 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, N/A, 1, 1) times, join with sl st in first st – 53 (59, 63, 67, 73) (77, N/A, 93, 93) sts.
Sizes 4XL and 5XL proceed to All Sizes
Rnd 4 (Dec): Ch 1, turn, (sc2tog) 1 (3, 3, 3, 2) (N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A) times, ch 1, sk next sc, *sc in next st, ch1, sk next sc, rep from * across to last 2 (6, 6, 6, 4) (N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A) stitches, (sc2tog) 1 (3, 3, 3, 2) (N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A) times, join with sl st in first st – 51 (53, 57, 61, 69) (N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A) sts
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL proceed to All Sizes
All Sizes
Next Rnd: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next sc, rep from * around, sc in last sc, join with sl st in first st – 51 (53, 57, 61, 69) (77, 85, 93, 93) sts
Next Rnd: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next ch-1 sp, rep from * around, join with sl st in first st
Rep previous 2 rnds until sleeve measures approximately 15 (15.5, 15.5, 16, 16) (16.5, 16.5, 17, 17) inches.
Next Rnd (Decrease): Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, (sc2tog) 24 (26, 27, 30, 34) (38, 42, 46, 46) times, sc in any remaining sts (if any), join with sl st in first st – 27 (27, 30, 31, 35) (39, 43, 47, 47) sts.
Proceed to Cuff.
Cuff
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn, dc in each st around; join with sl st in first st.
Rnds 2-4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; rep from * around; join with sl st in first st.
Fasten off.
Rep around second armhole for second sleeve.
Trim
Lower Edging
Join with sl st in one lower front corner so that you are ready to work along the lower edge of body.
Row 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc evenly spaced along lower edge of body to next lower front corner, taking care to work an even number of sts.
Rows 2-4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; rep from * across.
Do not fasten off.
Front Edging
Row 1: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), do not turn, work dc sts evenly spaced up front edge, along back neck, and down next front edge to opposite lower front corner, taking care to work an even number of sts.
Rows 2-4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; rep from * across.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends.
I hope you loved this free crochet cardigan pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it!
So as you plan your fun in the sun this summer, just remember one thing: it can get chilly after the sun sets. And when it does, the Bahama Breeze cardigan is the perfect way to stay comfortable – and fashionable!
xo,
Jessica
P.S. I absolutely LOVE seeing your makes! If you make any Herr Stitches patterns, then tag me and then I’ll share them!
P.P.S. If you love this free crochet cardigan pattern, then don’t forget to Pin this to save for later!
