18 Crochet Granny Square Cardigan

Granny square cardigans are such a satisfying mix of nostalgia and modern style. They’re stash-friendly, easy to customize, and surprisingly simple once you’ve made a few motifs. Below are eighteen tried-and-true cardigan and shrug projects that range from super-beginner to more detailed, with options for adults and kids. You’ll find classic square constructions, hexagon “magic” cardis, and cuddly cocoon shapes. Pick your favorite silhouette, choose colors that feel like you, and let the squares do the styling work for you.

Colorful Rose Granny Square Cardigan

This soft, drapey granny square cardigan is all about cozy comfort and easy color play. Toni’s pattern walks you through measuring, planning your layout, and seaming the squares so the fit feels tailored, not boxy. It’s written to be customizable, so you can lengthen sleeves or body just by adding rows of squares. Use a cohesive palette of muted tones or go full scrap-buster. Read through once, then batch your squares for relaxing TV crochet and follow the detailed step photos in the Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight yarn in 4–6 coordinating colors
• 5.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers and measuring tape

Why it’s great: A relaxed, size-inclusive granny square cardigan that’s easy to customize in both length and color.

Never Off Oversized Granny Squares Cardigan

If you love autumn palettes and squishy texture, this oversized cardigan built from chunky floral-style granny squares is a dream. Squares in deep navy, caramel, rust, taupe, and cream join into a long, wrap-around layer with ribbed bands and cuffs. The pattern includes sizes XS–4XL and explains how much ease is built in so you can choose between roomy and extra slouchy. Make the squares first, then enjoy the rhythmic continuous joining and ribbing while you binge your favorite show and follow the Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight wool-blend yarn (5 colors)
• 5.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers and blocking tools

Why it’s great: Chunky textured squares, rich fall colors, and a super-cozy, size-inclusive fit.

Caron Bright & Bold Granny Square Cardigan

This statement cardigan combines neon pink, chartreuse, olive, and tan granny squares into a retro, collared jacket style. Worked in Caron Simply Soft, the fabric has gorgeous sheen and drape while staying lightweight. Squares are seamed into a boxy, button-front shape with ribbed cuffs and hem. The pattern is fully written with multiple sizes, plus clear notes about gauge and fit. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a wow piece for festivals or weekends and appreciate having yardage and schematic details in the Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Caron Simply Soft worsted weight acrylic yarn (4 neon/neutral shades)
• 5.0 mm Crochet hook
• Buttons for front closure
• Yarn needle and stitch markers

Why it’s great: Loud, joyful colorwork in easy granny squares, with a polished, collared cardigan finish.

Airie Cropped Granny Square Cardigan

Airie is a cropped, boxy granny square cardigan in cool merino blues and grays that feels both airy and warm. This pattern focuses on an “airy” granny square motif joined with a flat slip-stitch seam, so the inside looks neat and comfortable against skin. Instructions cover sizing, seaming order, and how to tweak the length by adding or removing rows of squares. It’s perfect if you want a slightly shorter layer over high-waisted jeans and a tee and like having a video-supported Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight merino wool in gray and teal tones
• 6.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers and measuring tape

Why it’s great: A modern, slightly cropped granny cardi with polished seams and gorgeous hand-dyed color.

Aunt Lydia Cropped Granny Square Cardigan

This lacy, cropped granny square cardigan uses Aunt Lydia’s crochet thread held to create airy motifs that feel like vintage doilies turned into modern fashion. The pattern includes a full size range and elegant shaping through clever square placement rather than complex decreases. Pair it over dresses or high-waisted skirts for a light, dressy layer. Because it’s thread-based, it packs down tiny for travel. Follow the yardage chart, swatch for drape, and let the pattern walk you through assembly in the Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Aunt Lydia crochet thread (Classic 10 or as specified)
• Steel or small Crochet hook size per pattern
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers and blocking boards

Why it’s great: A delicate, dressy take on granny squares with full sizing and a breezy cropped silhouette.

Everyday Granny Square Cardigan

This cardigan is designed to be that throw-on-with-everything sweater you actually wear daily. Squares are worked in a palette of teal, mustard, rust, lilac, and cream, then laid out to create a hip-length, straight-front jacket with bracelet-length sleeves. The blog post walks through square size, layout diagrams, and assembly for any body size, plus tips for weaving ends and reinforcing seams. It’s a brilliant project for leftover wool and looks great over jeans or dresses, with a relaxed neckline that doesn’t need buttons. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• DK or light worsted wool yarn in 5–6 colors
• 4.0–4.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Blocking mats and pins

Why it’s great: Clear assembly guidance lets you build a perfectly sized everyday granny cardigan from simple squares.

Patons Textured Granny Cardigan

This design uses DK superwash wool and textured granny motifs for a more refined, wardrobe-ready cardigan. Instead of classic gaps, the pattern layers stitches to create dense, warm squares that join into a mid-length, buttonless cardigan. Because it’s DK, the fabric feels lighter on the body but still cozy. Sizes are fully graded with a strong emphasis on gauge so the finished garment hangs correctly. Make a neutral version for work or a jewel-tone mix for weekends, following the careful instructions in the Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash or similar DK wool
• 4.0 mm Crochet hook
• Buttons (if you add a closure)
• Yarn needle, stitch markers, blocking tools

Why it’s great: A polished, wooly granny cardigan that reads “handmade sweater,” not “blanket,” thanks to textured motifs.

Yarnutopia Cozy Cocoon Granny Square Cardigan

This classic cocoon cardigan starts as one giant continuous granny square, then folds into a circular shrug with sleeves. Yarnutopia uses warm buff for the main body and a deep burgundy border, giving serious blanket-coat vibes. The video tutorial makes this extremely approachable for confident beginners; the written instructions explain how to adjust the square size to match your body length. Slip it over long sleeves for chilly walks or movie nights. Once you understand the fold, you’ll want to make more. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight acrylic yarn in buff and burgundy
• 8.0 mm Crochet hook (per pattern)
• Yarn needle
• Optional shawl pin or brooch

Why it’s great: One big zen granny square turns into a dramatic, swirly cocoon cardigan with almost no shaping.

Join-As-You-Go Granny Square Cardigan

This cardigan uses join-as-you-go squares, meaning your final round connects each motif as you work it—no tedious pile of seaming at the end. The pattern is size-inclusive, written from XS–5X, and uses DK acrylic in a soft, modern palette of taupe, cream, berry, mauve, teal, and pink. Detailed yarn charts, color suggestions, and a full video guide make it feel like a guided mini-course. If you usually dread assembly, this construction style will convert you quickly. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• DK weight acrylic yarn in 6 coordinating shades
• 4.0–4.5 mm Crochet hooks (two sizes as specified)
• Yarn needle
• Buttons and stitch markers

Why it’s great: Join-as-you-go construction and clear sizing remove the scariest parts of granny garments.

Cozy Autumn Block Granny Square Cardigan

This cardigan leans into chunky autumn vibes with warm blocks of cream, olive, mustard, terracotta, and deep berry. Instead of tiny motifs, each “square” section is generously sized, so the project works up quickly in worsted yarn. Ribbed cuffs and waistband hug the body, while the V-neck keeps things flattering. The pattern includes full sizing, yardage, and a video tutorial, plus notes on how many rows to add if you’d like extra length. It’s a snuggly, weekend-ready layer you’ll reach for constantly. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight yarn in 5 autumn shades
• 5.0 mm Crochet hook
• Buttons for front closure
• Yarn needle and stitch markers

Why it’s great: Big, cozy granny sections mean fast progress and a super-warm cardigan with bold, earthy color blocking.

Classic Granny Hexagon Cardigan

This design uses the magic hexagon method: two oversized granny hexagons fold into a swingy cardigan with dramatic bell sleeves. HayHay’s version features half in muted olive and half in silvery gray with a delicate scalloped border in a pale contrasting shade. It’s particularly good for beginners who want a garment without worrying about individual squares. The pattern explains how to adjust hexagon size for toddler through adult fits and has an accompanying video walkthrough. Great over dresses or tanks. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight yarn in two coordinating colors plus border color
• 6.0 mm Crochet hook (or as specified)
• Yarn needle
• Measuring tape and stitch markers

Why it’s great: Two granny-stitch hexagons become a dramatic, size-flexible cardigan with almost no seaming.

Mandala Baby Granny Hexagon Cardigan

Sarah’s granny hexagon cardi takes advantage of Mandala Baby’s long, gentle color changes for striping without ends to weave. Two large hexagons in the Echo Caves colorway—soft teal, aqua, lime, and blue—fold into a comfy, mid-length cardigan with optional buttons. The pattern is extremely detailed, covering gauge, measurements, and adjustments for sizes XS–5X. If you’ve never made a hexagon cardigan before, the diagrams and photo support guide you through each fold. It’s meditative Crochet with a big reward at the end. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• DK weight self-striping acrylic (Lion Brand Mandala Baby, Echo Caves)
• 5.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers, optional buttons

Why it’s great: Self-striping yarn and a clear, size-inclusive pattern make this hexagon cardi both simple and striking.

Candy-Colored Planner Granny Square Cardigan

This cardigan is pure joy: bright candy-colored granny squares framed with bold hot-pink bands. The pattern includes a printable square planner so you can map out colors before you start, making it extra fun for scrap-using or thoughtful palettes. Construction is straightforward, using same-size squares for body and sleeves, then a wide front band worked around the opening. It’s cropped and boxy, great over tees and dresses, and the detailed blog post reads like a friendly chat plus pattern. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted or aran acrylic yarn in many bright colors plus contrast band color
• 5.0 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Square planning printout and stitch markers

Why it’s great: A playful, color-planning granny cardigan with tools that help you design your own layout.

Child’s Ombre Caron Granny Jacket

This hooded child’s jacket is built from large, soft granny squares in Caron Jumbo Ombre. The gradient yarn creates ice-blue, teal, and cream panels without constant color changes. Squares form the body and hood, while sleeves are worked in granny stitch rows for smooth stripes. Sized to fit ages 4–8 with guidance on making it bigger, it’s a sweet project for gifting. The pattern is easy, with simple stitches and straightforward assembly, ideal if you want a quick win for a kiddo. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Caron Jumbo Ombre worsted yarn in “White Water” or similar
• 5.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Measuring tape and stitch markers

Why it’s great: A cozy hooded granny jacket that uses ombre yarn to do all the color work for you.

Continuous Granny Square Shrug Cocoon

This cocoony shrug is formed from one continuous granny square, worked in wide stripes of beige, taupe, white, and bright turquoise. After reaching your target size, you seam two short edges to form sleeves—no separate motifs, no complicated shaping. The pattern includes a handy size chart so you know exactly how big to make your square for different bodies, plus a video link. It’s an excellent first garment if you’re comfortable with granny stitch and want something wearable quickly. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Aran or worsted weight self-striping or cake yarn
• 5.5 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers and tape measure

Why it’s great: One big striped granny square becomes a drapey cocoon with minimal seams and clear sizing guidance.

Ten-Step Cropped Granny Square Cardigan

This tutorial-style pattern breaks the process into ten digestible steps, from square design and color planning to seaming and finishing a cropped cardigan. The sample uses soft gray for the background with teal and green centers in the squares, creating a cool, botanical feel. Instructions emphasize measuring and trying on as you go so you can tweak sleeve and body length. If you like a structured walkthrough rather than just a written pattern, this guide-style post is perfect. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight yarn in main gray plus 2–3 accent colors
• 5.0 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers, measuring tape, optional buttons

Why it’s great: A step-by-step, photo-rich approach that demystifies building your own cropped granny cardi.

Tulip Square Shrug Cardigan

This shrug combines floral-inspired tulip granny squares into a wide rectangle that’s folded into a cardigan-style cocoon. The design uses soft pastel tones and a relaxed fit, making it a great transitional layer over tanks or dresses. Wilmade includes a full video tutorial plus written pattern, and shares tips on sizing the rectangle for different busts. It’s a lovely project if you want your granny motifs to feel a bit more delicate and floral without sacrificing the simplicity of square construction. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted or DK yarn in background and tulip colors
• 5.0 mm Crochet hook (or per pattern)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers and blocking supplies

Why it’s great: Floral granny motifs and cocoon shaping create a feminine, drapey shrug that still uses simple squares.

Modern Patchwork Crochet Cardigan

This patchwork cardigan isn’t traditional granny squares, but it uses simple squares and rectangles to create a modern, color-blocked look that feels granny-adjacent. The pattern cleverly minimizes seaming and ends, relying on straightforward stitches and smart construction. Color planning is the fun part—choose earthy neutrals or bold brights, and let the layout diagram guide you. Full sizing, yardage, and a video tutorial make it accessible even if it’s your first sweater. It’s a perfect bridge between classic and contemporary Crochet style. Tutorial.

Supplies:

• Worsted weight yarn in 4–6 colors
• 5.0 mm Crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers, measuring tape

Why it’s great: Simple stitched squares, minimal seaming, and modern color blocking create a wearable everyday patchwork cardigan.

Conclusion

If granny squares have been on your “someday” list, one of these cardigans can absolutely be your first wearable project. Start with a cocoon or hexagon if you want minimal seaming, or dive into full patchwork color play with classic squares. Each tutorial walks you through yarn, sizing, and assembly, so you can focus on enjoying the stitches. Save or bookmark this roundup, pick a favorite tonight, and let your next cozy layer grow one square at a time.

FAQs

1. What yarns work best for granny square cardigans?
Medium-weight (worsted or DK) acrylic or wool-blend yarns are ideal—they’re durable, warm, and not too heavy. Choose smoother yarns rather than fluffy novelty ones so your squares seam neatly and the granny stitch texture shows clearly.

2. Should I machine wash or hand wash these cardigans?
Always check your yarn label. Superwash wool and most acrylics can go in a gentle machine cycle, then lay flat to dry to avoid stretching. Non-superwash wools and delicate fibers should be hand washed in cool water, then rolled in a towel and dried flat.

3. How can I scale a pattern up or down in size?
For square-based designs, you can add or subtract squares in width or height, or make each square larger by working extra rounds. For hexagon and cocoon styles, work more rounds until the folded piece matches your body measurements across the back and from neck to hip.

4. What fibers are safest for warm layers and kid cardigans?
Acrylic, cotton, and washable wool blends are great for everyday wear. For kids, choose soft, non-itchy yarns that can handle frequent washing. Avoid fibers that felt or shrink easily unless you’re comfortable with strict hand-wash care.

5. How do I make seams and joins durable for daily use?
Use sturdy joining methods like slip-stitch join, single-crochet join, or a whipstitch worked through both loops. Weave in ends generously in different directions, and lightly block the finished cardigan so seams relax without stretching.

6. How much yarn and time do these cardigans usually take?
Most adult granny cardigans use 700–1500 yards depending on size, yarn weight, and length; child sizes use far less. Time varies widely—simple cocoon or hexagon styles might take a weekend of focused crocheting, while multi-color square layouts can take a couple of weeks of casual evening sessions.

7. How can I photograph my finished cardigan nicely?
Hang it on a plain wall or wear it against a simple background with good natural light from the side. Avoid harsh overhead lighting. Take a straight-on photo of the front, a back shot to show the squares, and a close-up of the Crochet stitches so the texture and colors are easy to see.

8. How do I fix curling, stretching, or wavy edges?
First, block the cardigan—wet or steam block according to fiber. If fronts curl, add a simple border of single crochet or ribbing to stabilize them. If hem or cuffs feel too loose, work a few rows of smaller-hook ribbing. Wavy edges often mean too many stitches; on your next project, swatch and check your tension more closely.