The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan Pattern is a great crochet pattern for women in size XS to 5XL.
It features the Spider Lace Stitch on the back and has short sleeves.
The pattern is worked from the back panels forwards, then the sleeves and front edge are crocheted directly on the main piece.
Find more: 44+ crochet cardigan pattern collection.
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How To Crochet The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan
The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan is worked starting with the back panel. The back panel is crocheted in two colors, with intarsia crochet, 3 skeins of yarn at a time. This is to make the Spider Lace Stitch a feature.
Then you crochet the front panels directly, continuing from the back panel.
The front edge are crocheted as ribbing in the back loops, with double crochet and chain stitches.
Finally the short sleeves are crocheted directly onto the main crochet piece.
Then you whip stitch the sides of the cardigan together with a needle. Alternatively you can slip stitch (sl st) the sides together if that’s your method of choice.
Yarn For The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan
The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan uses two yarn colors. You could essentially use any yarn colors you’d like, but it looks great with contrasting colors.
The yarn featured is a 4 medium yarn, using a thinner yarn like sport weight yarn may affect the sizing.
When substituting yarn, make sure you make a gauge swatch.
Women’s Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan With Lace
The lace crochet cardigan works well with any outfit. Wear it over a tank top or v-neck t-shirt and jeans during summer.
It is one of the great summer cardigan sweater crochet patterns that is lightweight and easy to wear.
The lace stitch details on the back guarantees compliments.
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How Long Does It Take To Crochet That?
How long it takes to crochet something varies depending on your skill & how fast you crochet. But that isn’t a helpful answer is it?
Well, I’ve developed a yarn calculator to help you get the answer to this question.
It will help you calculate exactly how much time you’ll spend crocheting a project.
All you need to know is how much yarn you will use on the project in either meters, yds or skeins. Then crochet your test square & time it.
Calculate how long it takes to crochet that.
Buy the Short Sleeve Cardigan Pattern
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The Free Short Sleeve Cardigan Crochet Pattern
The Lace Detail Cardigan Crochet Pattern Summary
The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan with lace details are a great garment crochet pattern for women.
It comes in sizes XS to 5XL and features only basic crochet stitches.
The Spider Lace Stitches on the back are the main feature, and is shown off in a different colored yarn.
Project Level
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Materials Needed For The Short Sleeve Crochet Cardigan
Crochet Hook
Size 6 mm / US: J – 10 / UK: 4
Hook I used: Symphonie Rose Crochet Hooks from Knitpro
Yarn
Yarn used:
Lion Brand Yarn – Touch of Cashmere in color Moonlight (CA) & Gull Grey (CB).
How much yarn needed for the crochet cardigan:
Color A (CA):
- XS: 3 skeins / 250 g / 500 m / 540 yards
- S: 3 skeins / 275 g / 550 m / 600 yards
- M: 4 skeins / 325 g / 650 m / 715 yards
- L: 4 skeins / 305 g / 605 m / 665 yards
- XL: 4 skeins / 360 g / 715 m / 780 yards
- 2XL: 4 skeins / 390 g / 775 m / 845 yards
- 3XL: 5 skeins / 405 g / 800 m / 875 yards
- 4XL: 5 skeins / 430 g / 860 m / 940 yards
- 5XL: 5 skeins / 460 g / 910 m / 995 yards
Color B (CB):
- XS, S & M: 1 skeins / 60 g / 125 m / 135 yards
- L, XL & 2XL: 1 skeins / 90 g / 180 m / 200 yards
- 3XL, 4XL & 5XL: 2 skeins / 120 g / 240 m / 265 yards
Yarn characteristics:
- 4 medium yarn, Aran yarn.
- 90 % acrylic, 10 % cashmere
Other Materials Needed
- Yarn Needle, find one here
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- Stitch Markers
Gauge
Measured on double crochet stitches crocheted in rows:
13 stitches & 8 rows per 10 cm / 4”.
Crochet Pattern Notes
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
- All measurements given are unblocked.
- Note that measurements are given as exact as possible. But crochet tension & technique might give variations in the result, that changes from person to person.
- Read pattern instructions carefully before beginning to make sure you understand everything. It might save you hours frogging your work & crocheting it again!
- Make a swatch that measure at least 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches using the stitch the gauge is given for. If your swatch matches the gauge, you’re good to go. If the gauge is wrong, you might need to change your hook. Go up in crochet hook size if your stitches are smaller & go down in crochet hook size if your stitches are bigger. Learn more about testing gauge.
- Check yarn info if you want to find an alternative or test your yarn against the gauge. Learn more about substituting yarn.
- his pattern is written for 9 sizes, where the different sizes is given in parenthesis like this: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL. If just one number is given, it applies to all sizes. I recommend that you highlight or circle the size you’re making before you begin to make the pattern easier to follow. Size adjustments are added under the heading “Sizes & Measurements”.
- At the end of each row, the stitch count is given in parenthesis.
- There’s no clear right side or wrong side on this crochet cardigan. When assembling, make sure to weave in ends on the same side and use this as the wrong side.
Sizes and Measurements
| Sizes | Bust/Waist/Hip Circumference | Armhole Circumference | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 88 cm / 34.5 inches | 26 cm / 10.3 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| S | 94 cm / 36.9 inches | 27.5 cm / 10.9 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| M | 106 cm / 41.8 inches | 29 cm / 11.5 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| L | 115 cm / 45.4 inches | 31 cm / 12.1 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| XL | 128 cm / 50.3 inches | 35.5 cm / 13.9 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| 2XL | 134 cm / 52.7 inches | 40 cm / 15.7 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| 3XL | 149 cm / 58.8 inches | 43 cm / 17 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| 4XL | 155 cm / 61.2 inches | 47.5 cm / 18.8 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
| 5XL | 162 cm / 63.5 inches | 49 cm / 19.4 inches | 67.5 cm / 26.6 inches |
Size Adjustments
- Add/reduce the number of rows you crochet at the front and back of the cardigan to adjust length.
- Add/reduce the number of rows you crochet on the sleeves to adjust length.
- Adjust width by adding/reducing the number of stitches in CA you start with on the back on each end.
Abbreviations
- BLdc = back loop double crochet
- CA = color A
- CB = color B
- ch = chain(s)
- ch-sp = refers to a space previously made with chains
- dc = double crochet
- FSC = foundation single crochet
- PM = place marker
- sc = single crochet
- sk = skip(ped)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- yo = yarn over
We try our best to include all crochet abbreviations in the list above for the crochet pattern, but sometimes we may forget one or two.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Special Stitches Used In The Crochet Pattern
Spider Lace Stitch
The featured stitch on the back of the cardigan is the Spider Lace Crochet Stitch (full tutorial).
Foundation Single Crochet
Written description:
Step 1: Ch 2 st.
Step 2: Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Yo and pull through first loop (making “chain”). Yo and pull through both loops on hook.
Step 3: Insert hook into previous “chain” you made (It should look like you go through a resemblance of a “normal” st, with 2 strands of yarn), pull up a loop, yo and pull through first loop (making “chain”). Yo and pull through both loops on hook.
Repeat step 3 until you’ve made enough stitches. *2nd ch in step 1 makes 1 st, step 2 makes 1 st & every time step 3 is repeated you make 1 st.
Tutorial: Foundation Single Crochet Stitch
Spider Lace Cardigan Instructions
Back Panel
On the back you will work with 3 skeins at a time, 2 skeins of CA at each end and 1 skein of CB in the middle.
With CA FSC 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, with CB FSC 29 (29) 29 (43) 43 (43) 57 (57) 57 st, with CA FSC 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st.
Row 1: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 29 (29) 29 (43) 43 (43) 57 (57) 57 st, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 2: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 1 in next st, *dc 1 in next st, ch 3, sk 3 st, sc 1 in the next 5 st, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 1 in the next 2 st*, repeat from *to* until end of CB, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 3: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 1 in next st, *dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, sc 1 in the next 3 sc, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch space**, ch 1*, repeat from *to* until you have 1 CB st left, ending last repeat at **, dc 1 in last CB st, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 4: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 1 in next st, *ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 1 in next sc, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 1 in next ch-space/st*, repeat from *to* until end of CB, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
*Last repeat will be worked in the last stitch, not a ch-space.
Row 5: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB sc 1 in next st, *sc 1 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 5 st, dc 3 in next ch space, ch 1, sk 5 st, dc 3 in next ch space, ch 3, sk 5 st, sc 1 in next ch space, sc 1 in next st*, repeat from *to* until end of CB, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 6: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB sc 1 in next st, *sc 1 in next sc, sc 1 in next ch-space, ch 3 st, sk 5 st, dc 3 in next ch space, ch 3 st, sk 5 st, sc 1 in next ch space, sc 1 in next 2 sc*, repeat from *to* until end of CB, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 7: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB sc 1 in next st, *sc 1 in next sc, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 1, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, sc 1 in next 2 sc*, repeat form *to* until end of CB, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 8: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 1 in next st, *ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 1 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 3 in next ch-space, ch 3, sk 3 st, dc 1 in next sc*, repeat from *to* until end of CB, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 9: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 1 in next st, *dc 3 in next ch space, ch 3, sk 5 st, sc 1 in next ch-space, sc 1 in dc, sc 1 in next ch space, ch 3 st, sk 5 st, dc 3 in next ch space**, ch 1**, repeat from *to* until you have 1 CB st left, ending last repeat at **, dc 1 in last CB st, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 10: With CA ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in the next 13 (15) 19 (15) 19 (21) 19 (21) 23 st, with CB dc 1 in next st, dc 1 in same st, *ch 3, sk 5 st, sc 1 in next ch-space, sc 1 in the next 3 sc, sc 1 in next ch-space, ch 3 st, sk 5 st**, dc 3 in next ch space*, repeat from *to* until you have 1 CB st left, ending last repeat at**, dc 2 in last CB st, with CA dc 1 in the next 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st, turn (=57 (61) 69 (75) 83 (87) 97 (101) 105 st).
Row 11-53: Repeat row 3-10, ending last repeat at row 4.
Row 54: Repeat row 1.
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Front Panels
Crocheted in CA.
Work fronts directly onto the back piece, over the 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 dc stitches in CA.
Row 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1st st), dc 1 in each st until end of row, turn (= 14 (16) 20 (16) 20 (22) 20 (22) 24 st).
Row 2-54: Repeat row 1.
Repeat instructions on second front.
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Front Edge
Crocheted in CA.
Work front edge directly onto the back & front piece, along the middle edge of first front, over lace stitch pattern on back and along middle edge of second front.
Attach yarn in lower front corner on one of the fronts.
Row 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1st st), *ch 1, dc 1 stitch in next dc row*, rep from *to* until top of front edge (112 sts), **ch 1, sk 1 st, dc 1 in next st across lace**, rep from **to** until end of lace (29 (29) 29 (43) 43 (43) 57 (57) 57 sts), ***ch 1, dc 1 stitch in next dc row***, rep from ***to*** until end of front edge (112 sts), turn (= 141 (141) 141 (155) 155 (155) 169 (169) 169 st).
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1st st), *ch 1, sk 1 st, BLdc 1 in next st*, repeat from *to* until end of row, turn (= 141 (141) 141 (155) 155 (155) 169 (169) 169 st).
Row 3 – row 10 (10) 10 (14) 14 (14) 19 (19) 19: Repeat row 2.
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Sleeves
Crocheted in CA.
Sleeves will be crocheted directly onto the crocheted piece back & forth in rows.
Count 45 (45) 44 (44) 42 (41) 40 (38) 38 rows up from the bottom of each front piece and PM. Then count the same number rows up the back piece on each side and PM. You have now marked off the armholes.
- To crochet the left sleeve attach yarn in PM on left front.
- To crochet right sleeve attach yarn in PM on back.
Otherwise follow the instructions below the same way for both sleeves.
Row 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 33 (35) 37 (39) 45 (51) 55 (61) 63 st evenly* between the 2 PM, turn (= 34 (36) 38 (40) 46 (52) 56 (62) 64 st).
*That is approximately 2 stitches per dc row.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc), dc 1 in each dc until end of row, turn (= 34 (36) 38 (40) 46 (52) 56 (62) 64 st).
Row 3-5: Repeat row 2.
Fasten off & cut yarn.
Finishing & Assembly
Sew cardigan together with a long tail of the yarn used & whip stitches along sides & underarm.
Fasten threads & weave in ends.
