The Perfect Summer Cardigan - Free Crochet Pattern & Video Tutorial

 

Prairie Breeze Cardigan Crochet Pattern

I loved making this cardigan so much and haven't stopped wearing it. I know you will love it too. So if you’re looking for a lightweight crochet cardigan pattern that’s comfortable, wearable, and easy to style, the Prairie Breeze Cardigan is the perfect project. This beautiful crochet cardigan pattern for women features a relaxed fit, breathable fabric, practical patch pockets, and a beautiful texture created using the simple Prairie Stitch.

Made with a super soft cotton blend DK yarn, this cardigan is perfect for layering during spring, summer, and early autumn. Whether you’re searching for a beginner-friendly crochet garment pattern, a cosy handmade layering piece, or a stylish everyday cardigan, this design really hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Cardigan Pattern

The Prairie Breeze Cardigan combines comfort, simplicity, and style in one easy-to-wear design. The textured Prairie Stitch creates a beautiful lightweight fabric with lovely drape while still being repetitive and relaxing to crochet.

This cardigan is designed with:

• A relaxed open-front fit

• Flattering three-quarter sleeves

• Handy patch pockets

• Soft ribbed edging

• Lightweight breathable fabric

• Multiple size options from XS to XXXL

Because the stitch pattern is easy to memorise, this project is perfect for relaxing crochet sessions while still producing a super cute finished cardigan.

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A beautifully designed ad free pdf pattern is available in my online stores. Will be coming to Ravelry at the weekend...

Looking for more summer makes?

A Beautiful Lightweight Crochet Cardigan for Layering

One of my favourite things about this cardigan is how versatile it is. The breathable cotton blend makes it ideal for layering over dresses, tops, and lighter clothing without feeling bulky or heavy. I love wearing it with my jeans (I live in jeans most of the time).

The relaxed fit gives the cardigan an effortless everyday style making it easy to wear everyday.

If you love modern crochet cardigan patterns, easy crochet garments, or wearable crochet projects, this is a fantastic addition to your handmade wardrobe.

Yarn Used for the Prairie Breeze Cardigan

The Prairie Breeze Cardigan is made using Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK, a soft and practical blend of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic.

Each 100g ball contains approximately 245m (268 yds), and the yarn is machine washable, making it ideal for everyday wear.

The lightweight breathable texture works beautifully with the Prairie Stitch and helps create the cardigan’s soft drape and comfortable fit.

Yarn Substitutes

If you can’t get Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK, these alternatives work beautifully:

• King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK

• Lion Brand Coboo

• Sirdar Stories DK

Pin it!

Choosing Colours for Your Crochet Cardigan

This cardigan works beautifully in both neutral and colourful palettes. Soft earthy shades, creams, greys, and muted greens give the design a timeless look, while brighter shades can create a more modern statement piece.

The sample in the pattern uses Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK in Khaki and Clear Sky.

Is This Crochet Cardigan Beginner Friendly?

Yes! If you already know the basic crochet stitches and want to try your first garment project, this is a wonderful introduction to crochet cardigans.

The construction is straightforward, and the stitch pattern is repetitive and easy to learn.

The cardigan is worked:

• From the bottom up

• In one piece until the armholes

• With sleeves worked directly onto the arm openings

• Finished with ribbed edging and patch pockets

If you’re searching for an easy crochet cardigan pattern for beginners, this is a great project to build confidence with garment making.

Crochet Hooks & Supplies

Hooks

• 4.00 mm hook

• 4.50 mm hook

• 5.00 mm hook

Other Supplies

• Yarn needle

• Scissors

• Stitch markers

Prairie Breeze Cardigan Size Chart

This women’s crochet cardigan pattern includes seven sizes from XS to XXXL and is designed with approximately 4–6 inches of positive ease for a relaxed comfortable fit.

If you prefer a more oversized cardigan or want extra room for layering over thicker clothing, you may wish to size up.

Prairie Stitch Crochet Pattern

The Prairie Stitch creates the gorgeous textured fabric used throughout this cardigan while still keeping the design light and breathable.

Prairie Stitch Instructions

Ch an even no.

Row 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn.

Row 2 ch1, hdc in 1st st, [sk1, 2hdc in next st] repeat across. Turn.

Row 3 ch1, sc in 1st st and each st across. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3.

Gauge

14 sts x 14 rows = 4 inches in Prairie Stitch using a 5.00 mm hook

9.25 rows = 4 inches in ribbing stitch using a 4.50 mm hook

Getting the correct gauge is important for achieving the intended fit and drape of your cardigan. Crochet a small swatch in the Prairie stitch pattern to check your gauge.

Gauge Tips

• Too many stitches → go up a hook size

• Too few stitches → go down a hook size

The stitch count is more important than row count because the cardigan is worked to measurements.

Prairie Breeze Cardigan Video Tutorial

If you prefer to crochet along with me you can follow step by step with the video tutorial.

Prairie Breeze Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• blo - back loop only

• ch - chain

• hdc - half double crochet

• pm - place marker

• sc - single crochet

• sk - skip

• sl st - slip stitch

• sl st2tog - slip stitch 2 together

• sp - space

• st(s) - stitch(es)

• yo - yarn over

Pattern notes:

• Read pattern carefully all the way through before starting.
• Ch1 at start of row does not count as a stitch.
• We recommend using the reverse sl st joining method for this pattern.

Special Stitches:

Reverse slip stitch join: insert hook from back to front through the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.

Slip stitch 2 together: pull up a loop in the next stitch, pull up a loop in the following stitch, then pull the last loop through both loops.

Bottom Ribbing

With 4.50 mm hook

Row 1 ch11, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (10hdc)

Row 2 ch1, hdc in blo in each st across. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until you have worked a total of 80 [86, 94, 104, 111, 122, 132] rows and ribbing measures approx. 34 [36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56] inches. Do not fasten off.

Cardigan Body

Change to 5.00 mm hook.

Row 1 (right side) ch1, work across top of ribbing edge, sc 121 [129, 141, 157, 167, 183, 199] sts (approx. 3sc per 2 rows ribbing). Turn.

Row 2 ch1, hdc in 1st st, [sk1, 2hdc in next st] repeat across. Turn. (121 [129, 141, 157, 167, 183, 199] hdc)

Row 3 ch1, sc in 1st st and each st across. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 until piece measures 20 [20, 21, 21, 22, 22, 23] inches (including ribbing) ending with a row 2.

If you would like a shorter or longer cardigan adjust this measurement to your own requirements.

Split For Arms

With right side facing, PM1 in 30th [32nd, 34th, 38th, 40th 44th, 48th] st from the right and PM2 in the 30th [32nd, 34th, 38th, 40th 44th, 48th] st from the left.

Front Right

Row 1 ch1, sc in next 29 [31, 33, 37, 39, 43, 47] sts. Turn. (29 [31, 33, 37, 39, 43, 47] sc)

Working on these sts only.

Row 2 ch1, hdc in 1st st, [sk1, 2hdc in next st] repeat across. Turn. (29 [31, 33, 37, 39, 43, 47] hdc)

Row 3 ch1, sc in 1st st and each st across. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 until front right measures 6 [6.5, 7, 7.75, 8.5, 8.75, 9] inches, ending with a row 3. Fasten off.

Back

Row 1 with right side facing and sl knot on hook, join with sc in 1st st to the left of 1st marked st (leaving marked st unworked), sc in next 60 [64, 72, 80, 86, 94, 102] sts. Turn. (61 [65, 73, 81, 87, 95, 103] sc) 

Working on these sts only.

Row 2 ch1, hdc in 1st st, [sk1, 2hdc in next st] repeat across. Turn. (61 [65, 73, 81, 87, 95, 103] hdc)

Row 3 ch1, sc in 1st st and each st across. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 until back measures 6 [6.5, 7, 7.75, 8.5, 8.75, 9] inches, ending with a row 3. Fasten off.

Front Left

Row 1 with right side facing and sl knot on hook, join with sc in 1st st to the left of 2nd marked st, sc in next 28 [30, 32, 36, 38, 42, 46] sts. Turn.

Working on these sts only.

Row 2 ch1, hdc in 1st st, [sk1, 2hdc in next st] repeat across. Turn.

Row 3 ch1, sc in 1st st and each st across. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 until front left measures 6 [6.5, 7, 7.75, 8.5, 8.75, 9] inches ending with a row 3. Fasten off.

Seam Shoulders

Lay the cardigan flat with right sides together and seam the shoulders using whip stitch, making sure the stitch pattern stays aligned neatly across both sides.

Sleeves (Repeat For Both Sides)

The sleeves are worked directly onto the arm openings in the round using the Prairie Stitch pattern. This creates a lightweight sleeve with beautiful texture and drape that perfectly matches the cardigan body.

Sleeve Instructions

Round 1 With 5.00 mm hook and right side facing join with sc in skipped st under the arm (marked st), sc 37 [41, 43, 49, 53, 54, 57] more sts evenly around the armhole and join with sl st to 1st st. Turn. (38 [42, 44, 50, 54, 56, 58] sc)

For a wider sleeve add an extra 2, 4 or 6 sc here.

Round 2 ch1, sk 1st st (the sl st), [2hdc in next st, sk1] repeat around, join with sl st to 1st st. Turn. (38 [42, 44, 50, 54, 56, 58] hdc)

Round 3 ch1, sc in 1st st (the sl st) and each st around, join with sl st to 1st st. Turn.

Rounds 4-13 [13, 15, 15, 15, 15, 15] repeat rounds 2 & 3, (add more or less rounds for a longer or shorter sleeve).

Round 16 repeat round 2.

Sleeve Decreases

Note: it is essential that the 1st st of the round is in the correct place or the st pattern will become unaligned.

Round 1 ch1, sk 1st st (the sl st, 1st decrease), sc in next st and each st around until last 2 sts, sc2tog, join with sl st to 1st st. Turn. (36 [40, 42, 48, 52, 54, 56] sc)

Round 2 ch1, hdc in 1st st (the sl st), [sk1, 2hdc in next st] repeat around ending with hdc in sl st (other side of ch1). Turn. (36 [40, 42, 48, 52, 54, 56] hdc)

Round 3 ch1, sc in 1st st (the sl st) and each st around, join with sl st to 1st st. Turn.

Round 4 repeat round 2.

Round 5 repeat round 1, (34 [38, 40, 46, 50, 52, 54] sts)

Round 6 ch1, sk 1st st (the sl st), [2hdc in next st, sk1] repeat around, join with sl st to 1st st. Turn. (34 [38, 40, 46, 50, 52, 54] hdc)

Round 7 repeat round 3 once more, do not fasten off and do not turn.

Sleeve Ribbing

The sleeve ribbing is worked directly onto the cuff edge using back loop half double crochet stitches. This creates a stretchy comfortable cuff that gives the cardigan a polished finished look.

Sleeve Ribbing Instructions

Change to a 4.50 mm hook.

Row 1 ch9, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, sl st2tog in next 2 sts across sleeve cuff, sl st in next st. Turn. (8hdc)

Row 2 sk sl sts, hdc in blo in each st across. Turn. (8hdc)

Row 3 ch1, hdc in blo in each st across, sl st2tog in next 2 sts at sleeve cuff, sl st in next st. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have worked all the way around the cuff (if you have 4 sts at the end sl st2tog twice then continue last row of ribbing).

Fasten off leaving a long tail, use this to sew both ends of ribbing together with whip stitch and repeat entire process for other sleeve.

Bands Ribbing Prep

The front bands help frame the cardigan beautifully and add a lovely professional finish to the neckline and front opening.

Bands Ribbing Prep Instructions

1. With the cardigan right side facing, start at the front right bottom edge.

2. Use a measuring tape and stitch markers to mark points along the front edge every 4.50 inches.

3. Place a slip knot on your hook.

4. With 5.00 mm hook, join with a single crochet (sc) into the front right bottom corner stitch.

5. Work sc evenly along the front edge up to the first marker.

6. Place 15 sc between each marker, adjusting as needed to keep the stitches evenly spaced along the front opening.

7. Continue working sc evenly around the entire front opening to the bottom left corner.

8. Fasten off.

Note: The last section may not be exactly 4.50 inches, so space your stitches evenly. The total stitch count along the edge should be a multiple of 3 plus 1 to work the ribbing pattern correctly.

Band’s Ribbing

The ribbed edging is worked directly onto the cardigan edge in the same style as the sleeve ribbing to create a cohesive finished look.

Band Ribbing Instructions

1. Continue with 4.50 mm hook.

2. Join with sl st to 1st st (bottom right front of cardigan with right side facing) and ch9. Work ribbing as for sleeves joining to the cardigan edge as you go. (8hdc for each row).

3. Continue up front right edge of cardigan, across back of neck and down front left edge of cardigan.

4. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Blocking Your Crochet Cardigan

Blocking helps improve the drape, shape, and overall finish of your cardigan.

You can use:

• Wet blocking

• Steam blocking

• Spray blocking

A light steam after finishing helps the cardigan relax beautifully and enhances the stitch definition.

Final Thoughts

The Prairie Breeze Cardigan Crochet Pattern is the perfect combination of comfort, simplicity, and everyday style. With its lightweight texture, relaxed fit, and timeless design, it’s a cardigan you’ll reach for again and again.

Whether you’re looking for an easy crochet cardigan pattern, a lightweight crochet sweater, or a modern crochet garment pattern, this project is both relaxing to make and incredibly wearable.

Looking for your next project?

I hope you enjoy crocheting your own Prairie Breeze Cardigan as much as I enjoyed designing it.

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