22 Modern Granny Square Cardigan Ideas
Granny squares have gone seriously glow-up. These cardigans mix classic motifs with clean shapes, curated color palettes, and better fits than the old couch-blanket vibe. Below you’ll find twenty-two modern granny square cardigans and shrugs: some use full motifs, others use hexagons or continuous squares for cocoons and hoodies. Most are size-inclusive with clear tutorials and often videos. Pick one silhouette you love—boxy, cocoon, cropped, or longline—then let the squares and colors do all the styling for you.
Revival Modern Granny Square Cardigan
The Revival Modern Granny Square Cardigan uses sunburst squares as an accent panel, paired with solid olive granny-stitch fabric for a sleek, wearable layer. Squares in Olive, Ecru, Gold Heather, Pomegranate, Prism, and Tan/White Lion Brand Basic Stitch are joined as-you-go, then framed by a hood, pockets, and cozy ribbing. The fit is relaxed with generous ease and full size range. If you want something that looks boutique but is still pure granny, this is the place to start. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic (Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling in Olive + 5 accents)
- Hook: 5.75 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, buttons (optional), blocking pins
Why it’s great:
A hooded, pocketed statement piece that uses granny squares as a modern feature, not an all-over blanket.
Campfire Hexagon Granny Square Cardigan
The Campfire Hexagon Granny Square Cardigan looks like complex patchwork but is built from just two oversized granny hexagons. Using Lion Brand New Basic 175 in Juniper, Café Au Lait, Thyme, and Camel, you get muted, woodsy stripes that feel very wearable. Fold, seam, then add cuffs and a collar for a slouchy, boho layer. This pattern is hugely popular for first garments because the construction is simple, and the tutorial photos walk every step. Perfect “cabin weekend” cardigan. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight wool-blend in Juniper, Café Au Lait, Thyme, Camel
- Hook: 6.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape
Why it’s great:
Two granny hexagons give you a modern, drapey cardigan without juggling dozens of motifs.
Join-As-You-Go DK Granny Square Cardigan
MJ’s Join-As-You-Go DK Granny Square Cardigan is a polished, buttoned cardi that feels light but cozy. The Join-As-You-Go DK Granny Square Cardigan uses floral granny squares in taupe/white, cream/stream, berry/mauve, soft pink, and dark oak/slate Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK, joined on the final round so there’s almost no seaming. A ribbed button band, cuffs, and collar bring it firmly into “real wardrobe” territory. Sizes XS–5X and detailed color charts make planning your palette easy and fun. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: DK acrylic (Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK in 5 coordinated shades)
- Hook: 4.0 mm & 4.5 mm crochet hooks
- Notions: Yarn needle, wooden buttons, stitch markers, blocking mats
Why it’s great:
Join-as-you-go squares and clear grading create a super wearable, modern granny cardigan.
Cozy Patchwork Granny Square Cardigan
The Cozy Patchwork Granny Square Cardigan from HayHay Crochet is a relaxed, hip-length cardi packed with warm autumnal squares. The Cozy Patchwork Granny Square Cardigan combines cream, caramel, rust, mustard, and deep forest blocks with a neutral join and ribbed cuffs/hem. The pattern includes a video tutorial and yarn amounts by size, so you can scale up or down confidently. If you like the look of a vintage patchwork but want it cleaner and more modern, this one hits the sweet spot. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic or wool blend in 5 fall shades
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, buttons (optional)
Why it’s great:
Chunky, warm squares and modern ribbing make this feel like a wearable blanket-coat.
Halloween Modern Granny Square Cardigan
The Halloween Modern Granny Square Cardigan is a fun seasonal piece that still reads stylish, not costume-y. The Halloween Modern Granny Square Cardigan from HayHay Crochet uses black as the main frame with squares in pumpkin orange, lime green, purple, and white—classic spooky palette. Simple construction, a V-neck, and ribbing keep it wearable beyond October if you love bold colors. The pattern includes sizes, yardage, and a full video so you can confidently plan your own eerie color combo. Tutorial
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic in black, orange, purple, lime, white
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape
Why it’s great:
A playful, holiday-ready cardigan that still has a clean, modern fit and simple shaping.
Classic Cropped Granny Hexagon Cardigan
HayHay Crochet’s Classic Cropped Granny Hexagon Cardigan uses the ever-popular hexagon method but trims it into a shorter, boxy length. The Classic Cropped Granny Hexagon Cardigan features solid-color granny stitch hexagons in soft beige, with contrast cuffs and edging, for a minimal look that still nods to tradition. It’s a great choice if you’re nervous about multi-color squares but want granny texture. The free pattern plus video walk you through folding, seaming, and extending the body or sleeves. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight solid-color yarn (neutral or pastel)
- Hook: 6.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, tape measure
Why it’s great:
All the drama of a hexagon cardi with a stripped-back, neutral aesthetic that goes with everything.
Easy Classic Granny Hexagon Cardigan
The Easy Classic Granny Hexagon Cardigan is HayHay Crochet’s beginner-friendly take on the famous two-hexagon sweater. The Easy Classic Granny Hexagon Cardigan uses simple granny stitch in a self-striping or solid yarn so you get visual interest with minimal color changes. The pattern explains how to adjust hexagon size for different fits and how to extend body and sleeves. A full video tutorial makes it very approachable if you’re making your first wearable project. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn, solid or self-striping
- Hook: 6.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape
Why it’s great:
Minimal shaping, lots of drape, and instant gratification from watching the granny hexagon grow.
Airie Cropped Granny Square Cardigan
The Airie Cropped Granny Square Cardigan from Off The Beaten Hook focuses on soft, hand-dyed tones and neat finishing. The Airie Cropped Granny Square Cardigan uses airy floral squares in taupe, mint, and teal with a neutral join, then finishes with a slim button band and cuffs. The pattern is detailed but friendly, with eco-conscious yarn suggestions and a full video. If you want something slightly cropped that feels thoughtfully handmade rather than “crafty,” this is a beautiful choice. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight merino or wool-blend in 2–3 soft colors
- Hook: 6.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, buttons, blocking tools
Why it’s great:
Airy motifs plus quality yarn give a lightweight, elevated granny cardigan perfect for layering.
Rose Colorful Granny Square Cardigan
TLYarnCrafts’ Rose Colorful Granny Square Cardigan is full-on color joy with thoughtful fit. The Rose Colorful Granny Square Cardigan uses stash-friendly granny squares in curated palettes laid out in a planned grid, then adds clean ribbed bands and cuffs. Toni walks you through sizing, yardage, layout planning, and seaming so the finished piece feels intentional, not random. It’s a perfect pattern if you want a statement cardigan that still sits nicely on the body without bulk. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic or wool blend in multiple colors
- Hook: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, buttons (optional), measuring tape
Why it’s great:
A stash-busting showpiece with smart layout tips for a truly modern patchwork look.
Everyday Multicolor Granny Square Cardigan
The Everyday Multicolor Granny Square Cardigan from My Poppet is designed to be your grab-and-go layer. The Everyday Multicolor Granny Square Cardigan uses medium-sized squares in teal, mustard, rust, lilac, cream, and gray, joined into a hip-length jacket with three-quarter sleeves. The post includes layout diagrams and smart notes on adjusting square size and count for any body. It’s an excellent option for leftover yarns and looks fantastic over jeans and dresses alike. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: DK or light-worsted wool in 5–6 colors
- Hook: 4.0–4.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, blocking mats, stitch markers
Why it’s great:
A straightforward square layout plus flexible sizing make this a true everyday wardrobe workhorse.
Never Off Oversized Granny Square Cardigan
CJ Design Blog’s Never Off Oversized Granny Square Cardigan leans into cozy textures and fall tones. The Never Off Oversized Granny Square Cardigan uses floral-style granny squares in navy, rust, camel, taupe, and cream assembled into a long, open-front cardigan with deep ribbed edges. Built with 10″ of positive ease, it’s meant to be roomy and snuggly; the pattern includes a full size range and notes on adjusting length. It’s basically a wearable autumn blanket with structure. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight wool blend in 5 autumn shades
- Hook: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, blocking tools
Why it’s great:
Oversized fit plus textured motifs create that high-end “grandpa cardigan” look in granny form.
Cocoon Granny Square Cardigan
Yarnutopia’s Cocoon Granny Square Cardigan turns one giant square into a swirly, cocoon-style sweater. The Cocoon Granny Square Cardigan uses buff-colored Red Heart yarn with a burgundy border, folded and seamed into sleeves for a shrug-meets-cardigan feel. It’s fantastic TV crochet: round after round of granny stitch until you reach size, then a simple border and cuffs. The blog post plus full video tutorial keep it beginner-friendly and explain how to adjust for different body measurements. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic in Buff and Burgundy
- Hook: 8.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, large decorative brooch (optional), stitch markers
Why it’s great:
One giant square gives you a dramatic cocoon cardigan with almost zero shaping to worry about.
Modern Granny Shrug Cardigan
The Crochet Modern Granny Shrug from The Crochet Crowd uses a big square recipe by Maria Valles to create a comfy shrug-style cardigan. The Modern Granny Shrug Cardigan starts as a continuous granny square in self-striping yarn, then folds into a cocoon with ribbed cuffs. Mikey’s write-up explains size adjustments and links to the original recipe. It’s perfect if you like simple, meditative rounds and want a layer that feels like a blanket while still looking intentionally styled. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted or bulky self-striping yarn
- Hook: 7.0 mm crochet hook (or size to get drapey fabric)
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, tape measure
Why it’s great:
Continuous granny construction makes color changes flow beautifully without lots of ends.
Continuous Granny Square Shrug Cardigan
The Continuous Granny Square Shrug from The Snugglery is a minimalist cocoon cardigan built from one continuous square. The Continuous Granny Square Shrug Cardigan uses neutral or cake yarn to make a large square, then seams arm openings and adds textured cuffs. No motifs to join; just pure, rhythmic granny stitch. The pattern includes a size chart for square dimensions and a full tutorial on collar and sleeve finishing. It’s a great “first garment” if you already love grannies. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Aran or worsted-weight yarn (solid or cake)
- Hook: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape
Why it’s great:
All the drama of a cocoon with no separate squares—just one big, satisfying granny.
Echo Caves Granny Hexagon Cardigan
Sarah Maker’s Echo Caves Granny Hexagon Cardigan uses Lion Brand Mandala Baby in Echo Caves for effortless self-striping color. The Echo Caves Granny Hexagon Cardigan works two large granny hexagons in teal, aqua, lime, and blue, then folds them into a mid-length cardigan with optional buttons. Sizes XS–5X and very clear diagrams make it a fantastic entry into hexagon construction. If you like granny stitch but prefer smooth stripes over high-contrast squares, this one’s for you. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: DK acrylic (Mandala Baby, Echo Caves)
- Hook: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, buttons (optional)
Why it’s great:
Self-striping yarn + hexagon construction = maximum visual impact with minimal yarn management.
6-Day Hexagon Granny Cardigan
Betty McKnit’s 6-Day Hexagon Cardigan adapts her famous 6-Day Kid Blanket stitch into a wearable garment. The 6-Day Hexagon Granny Cardigan uses two three-dimensional hexagons with textured shells, folded and seamed to create a cozy, slightly boxy sweater. The pattern is a written “recipe” with measurements, making it easier to customize to your yarn and gauge. It’s a great way to explore a non-traditional granny-style texture while still enjoying the simplicity of hexagon shaping. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn (DK also possible with adjustments)
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, measuring tape, stitch markers
Why it’s great:
Textured blanket stitches become a cushy, modern cardigan with hexagon construction.
Horizon Hexagon Granny Cardigan
Hobbii’s Horizon Cardigan uses two made-to-measure hexagons for a clean, contemporary cardigan. The Horizon Hexagon Granny Cardigan is worked in Horizon self-striping yarn, giving long, sweeping gradients across the body and sleeves. Instructions focus on trying on as you go, so you can customize length and sleeve width easily. The look is softly boho but polished, especially in muted gradient colorways that blend blues, mauves, and creams. It’s a great choice if you want a hexagon cardi with a lighter feel. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Hobbii Horizon self-striping worsted yarn
- Hook: 6.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, tape measure
Why it’s great:
Made-to-measure hexagons and beautiful gradients create a cardigan that looks store-bought.
Bright & Bold Neon Granny Square Cardigan
Yarnspirations’ Bright & Bold Granny Square Cardigan is retro fun with a modern cut. The Bright & Bold Neon Granny Square Cardigan uses Caron Simply Soft in neon chartreuse, hot pink, olive, and tan, arranged in floral-style squares joined with bright chartreuse. A collared neckline, ribbed cuffs, and buttoned front bring it fully into “statement jacket” territory. Sizes are clearly graded and the pattern lists yarn amounts by size. It’s festival-ready, street-style-ready granny goodness. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Caron Simply Soft worsted acrylic in 4 bright/neutral shades
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Buttons, yarn needle, stitch markers
Why it’s great:
Bold, shiny colors plus a structured collar make this feel like designer fashion from granny squares.
All-in-One Granny Square Coatigan
The Red Heart All-in-One Granny Square Coatigan takes advantage of pre-printed “all-in-one” yarn to mimic motifs with minimal ends. The All-in-One Granny Square Coatigan uses Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn so each section looks like joined motifs, but you’re mostly working straightforward rows and panels. The result is a knee-length, open-front coatigan with strong vintage energy but an updated silhouette. It’s an ideal pattern if you love the granny aesthetic but dread sewing squares. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn
- Hook: 6.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, tape measure
Why it’s great:
Faux-granny color changes mimic motifs while you work simple fabric panels—very clever and modern.
Two-Color Granny Square Jacket
The Two-Color Granny Square Jacket from Yarnspirations is a modern exercise in restraint. The Two-Color Granny Square Jacket uses just two shades of Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn arranged to create big color-blocked sections of faux granny motifs. The silhouette is boxy and jacket-like, perfect over jeans and boots. This pattern is great for those who want a graphic, high-contrast piece without managing lots of small motifs or ends. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Red Heart All in One Granny Square in two coordinating colorways
- Hook: 6.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers
Why it’s great:
Limited colors and clever yarn printing create big impact with simple construction.
All-In-One Granny Square Cardigan
This Red Heart pattern uses the same special yarn in a shorter, more everyday silhouette. The All-In-One Granny Square Cardigan is a hip-length cardigan worked in Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn, giving rows that look like joined motifs without any square assembly. The fit is relaxed with a straight front opening and simple cuffs. The pattern includes updated sizing notes and gauge reminders so the faux-granny patterning lines up nicely across the body. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn
- Hook: 6.5 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape
Why it’s great:
A throw-on everyday cardigan that still celebrates the granny look in a very modern way.
Candy-Colored Planner Granny Square Cardigan
Wild & Wanderful’s Candy-Colored Planner Granny Square Cardigan is a rainbow dream with a very intentional layout. The Candy-Colored Planner Granny Square Cardigan uses bright squares—turquoise, sunshine yellow, royal blue, orange, purple, white—framed in hot pink, plus a printable square planner so you can map your design before you hook. The shape is cropped and boxy with wide bands and cuffs. It’s perfect for confident beginners who want to dive into color in a structured way. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic in many brights plus hot pink border
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, printable planner, stitch markers
Why it’s great:
Color-planning tools plus simple squares = maximalist fun with minimal guesswork.
