Boho Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Beginners

Materials and supplies

• DK or light worsted garment yarn
• 4-5 mm hook or size needed for gauge
• Flexible tape measure
• Locking stitch markers
• Blocking supplies and yarn needle
• Four removable markers for shoulders and armholes

Crochet terms used

The instructions in Boho Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Beginners use US terms: ch (chain), sl st (slip stitch), sc (single crochet), hdc (half double crochet), dc (double crochet), inc (two stitches in one), and dec (decrease). Counts in parentheses show the stitches expected after that row or round.

Made-to-measure construction

This open-front drop-shoulder cardigan uses one back rectangle and two front rectangles. Make a washed 15 cm square swatch in hdc and record stitches and rows per 10 cm.

Calculate the panels

Measure the fullest chest and add 10-15 cm of ease. The back width is half that finished circumference; each front width is one quarter. Multiply each width by stitches per centimeter and round all three counts to the same complete stitch repeat. Add two turning chains to each foundation.

1. Row 1: Hdc in the third chain from the hook and across. Turn.
2. Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in every stitch. The turning chain does not count. Turn.
3. Repeat row 2 until the back reaches the desired shoulder-to-hem length. Make two front panels with the calculated front count and the same row count.
4. Block all three panels. On the back top edge, mark a centered 18-25 cm neck opening. With right sides together, seam each front to the corresponding back shoulder from the outer edge to a neck marker; leave the inner portion of each front top edge unseamed.
5. Seam each front to the back from the hem upward, leaving an armhole depth equal to half the upper-arm circumference plus 2.5-4 cm ease.

Sleeves and finish

Join yarn at the underarm and hdc evenly around the armhole. Count the first round and match it on the second sleeve. Calculate a wrist target from the measured wrist plus 3-5 cm ease. Subtract that target stitch count from the first sleeve-round count; because each decrease round removes two stitches, half the difference is the number of decrease rounds required. Distribute those decrease rounds evenly over the measured sleeve length, always decreasing once on each side of the underarm marker. Add sc cuffs and a continuous sc band up one front, around the back neck, and down the other front. Try on before fastening off.

S/M/L measurement plan

Use the table as a planning reference, not a substitute for measuring the wearer. The finished range adds 5-10 cm of positive ease for a classic fit.

Size	Body bust	Classic finished bust
S	81-86 cm / 32-34 in	86-96 cm / 34-38 in
M	91.5-96.5 cm / 36-38 in	96.5-106.5 cm / 38-42 in
L	101.5-106.5 cm / 40-42 in	106.5-116.5 cm / 42-46 in

For a relaxed layer, add 10-15 cm to the actual bust instead. For an oversized sweater, add at least 15 cm and check shoulder width and sleeve length so the whole garment grows intentionally.

Convert the chosen size to stitches

Wash and dry a generous swatch. Divide its stitch count by its measured width to get stitches per centimeter. Multiply that number by the target panel width, then round to a complete stitch repeat. Use row gauge in the same way for length, and compare the work to a well-fitting garment before seaming.

For this open cardigan, use 10-15 cm of positive ease. Divide the finished circumference between one back and two fronts, then add only the band allowance to the fronts.

Tips & troubleshooting

Keep the two fronts equal

Count the rows in the first front and use that count for the second. After washing and blocking, compare both widths and shoulder-to-hem lengths before sewing; a stretched panel should not be used to hide a missing row.

Check the armhole before adding a sleeve

Temporarily join the shoulders and sides with spare yarn. Try the cardigan over the intended layer and confirm that the underarm opening feels comfortable before picking up sleeve stitches.

Record each sleeve decrease

Write down the starting sleeve count, target wrist count, and rounds where you decrease. Use the same sequence on the second sleeve, and measure both sleeves after blocking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the S/M/L labels fixed stitch-count sizes?

No. This cardigan uses your measurements and washed hdc gauge to calculate the panels. Use the size table for planning, then use the 10-15 cm ease specified for this open cardigan when calculating its body.

Why is the front band rippling?

Too many stitches picked up along a row edge can make the band flare. Undo the affected section and pick up fewer stitches while keeping the edge flat; test a short section before working the whole opening.

May I sell the finished item?

Small-scale sales of finished items from this pattern are allowed with credit to Boho Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Beginners. Do not copy, sell, or republish the written instructions or site images.

Keep exploring

To build on Boho Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Beginners, continue with Cottagecore Crochet Dress Pattern, Cozy Oversized Crochet Sweater Pattern (Free), Crochet Co-ord Set Pattern: Top & Shorts. For an openwork layer without cardigan seams, try the rectangular lace crochet shawl. For a broader route through the site, use the Ultimate Free Crochet Pattern Library.