Free Checkered Crochet Sweater Pattern Step By Step

This checkered crochet sweater pattern is perfect for beginners who love playful designs and modern texture. Worked using three colors with alternating clusters of double crochet and chain spaces, it creates a bold and stylish checkerboard look that stands out in any wardrobe.

Crochet Checkered Sweater

The pattern includes two body panels and sleeves, finished with ribbing around the neckline for a polished and cozy fit. You can easily adjust the width using multiples of six, making it customizable for any size. Whether you're crafting a statement piece for yourself or gifting something handmade, this sweater offers the satisfying rhythm of repeat rows and a beautiful final result.

Materials

• Weight 4 yarn
• 5 mm or 5.25 mm hook
• Three colors of yarn
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Darning needle

Foundation

• Use Color 1
• Chain a number in multiples of 6 to your desired width
• Small 20", Medium 22", Large 24", XL 26"

Body Panels Make 2

• Row 1
• Go into 5th chain from hook and work 1 dc
• Dc into next 2 chains to complete a 3 dc cluster
• Ch 3
• Skip 3 chains
• Work 3 dc into 4th chain
• Repeat ch 3 skip 3 work 3 dc across
• End with 3 dc cluster
• Cut yarn and change color
• Row 2 Color 2
• Turn attach Color 2
• Ch 4
• Skip first cluster

• Work 3 dc in next ch 3 space over chain post
• Ch 3
• Repeat ch 3 3 dc over post across
• End ch 3 slip stitch into top of chain from Row 1
• Cut yarn
• Row 3 Color 3
• Turn attach Color 3
• Ch 3 counts as first dc
• Dc in next 2 stitches to make cluster
• Ch 3
• Skip cluster below
• Work 3 dc over next chain 3 post
• Repeat across
• End with 3 dc cluster
• Cut yarn
• Repeat Row 2 and Row 3 until panel reaches about 56 rows or 23 inches

Neckline and Shoulders

• Continue pattern ending on Color 2
• Mark neckline 8 to 9 inches wide
• Work final full row with Color 3 normally until first marker
• Ch 3 sc into next cluster top no gap
• Alternate dc into gaps and sc into cluster tops to second marker
• Remove marker continue normal pattern to end
• Cut yarn

Shoulder Sections

• Side 1 Color 1 attach Ch 4 work Row 2 pattern to neckline opening cut yarn
• Side 2 same as Side 1
• Attach Color 2 Ch 4 work pattern on both shoulders cut yarn
• Attach Color 3 Ch 2 counts as sc work solid row sc in gaps dc in posts
• Leave long tail on one panel for sewing

Sleeves Make 2

• Start Color 1
• Leave long tail
• Chain multiple of 6 example 54
• Work Row 1
• Repeat Row 2 and Row 3 total 47 rows ending Color 2
• Attach Color 3 Ch 2 sc in gaps dc in posts for last row
• Leave long tail for sewing

Assembly

• Lay both body panels right sides together
• Use tails to sew shoulder seams
• Mark center of sleeve between cluster 4 and 5
• Line sleeve center to shoulder seam
• Sew sleeve using long tail
• Fold sweater right sides facing
• Sew down sleeve through armpit and down body
• Repeat for second side turn right side out

Neckline Ribbing

• Attach yarn at neck opening
• Sc around join
• Ch 6
• Sc down chain 5 stitches
• Slip stitch into next 3 stitches on border
• Turn sc up 5 stitches ch 1 turn
• Sc back down 5 stitches
• Slip stitch into next 3 stitches
• Repeat around neck
• Slip stitch first and last ribbing rows together
• Weave in all ends