This two toned crochet cardigan top is a beautifully structured garment featuring a tapered body, curved neckline shaping, and a bold collar finish. Inspired by the tutorial from JasmineTea, the design combines textured back loop stitches with strategic increases and decreases to create a flattering silhouette.
Crochet Cardigan
The construction begins from the side and works inward, allowing the fabric to naturally contour around the waist and chest. With delicate tie straps and a contrasting collar, this lightweight crochet cardigan is perfect for layering or wearing as a statement top on its own. The combination of shaping techniques and clean finishing details makes it an excellent project for crocheters ready to move into garment construction with confidence.
Materials
- Lightweight size 3 yarn
- Kobu yarn by Lion Brand used in sample
- 4 mm crochet hook for main body
- 3 mm crochet hook for straps
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Front Panels Make 2
- Using 4 mm hook, chain 32 or measure from underarm to desired waist length
- Row 1: Chain 2
- Place 2 double crochets in the 3rd chain from hook
- Work double crochet across
- Place 2 double crochets in last chain
- Row 2: Chain 2 and turn
- Work double crochet in back loops only
- Work first and last stitches through both loops
- Increase at beginning and end of row
- Repeat Row 2 for total of 5 rows
- Increase at both ends of each row
- Shoulder extension row: Continue pattern
- At end of row chain 25 to form shoulder strap
- Work back down the chain with double crochet
- Work 9 body rows
- Increase only at the bottom edge
- Keep shoulder edge straight without increases
- Chest dip shaping: Measure neckline dip placement
- Mark 30th chain from shoulder
- Work double crochet from bottom edge
- Continue increasing at bottom
- When 2 stitches before marker, work double crochet two together
- Repeat decrease shaping for 3 rows
- Tie strap: Switch to 3 mm hook
- Chain 3
- Double crochet into first chain
- Repeat chain 3 and double crochet in first chain
- Continue until strap measures about 10 inches
Back Panels Make 2
- Chain 32
- Armpit section: Work 5 rows
- Increase only at top edge
- Keep bottom edge straight
- Chain 25 for shoulder extension
- Work 12 body rows
- No increases or decreases
- Keep both edges straight
- On final row of second back panel
- Use slip stitches to join to first back panel
- Create center back seam
Assembly
- Turn pieces wrong side out
- Use slip stitches to join front panels to back panels at sides
- Align shoulder straps
- Single crochet shoulders together on wrong side
- Place 2 single crochet stitches for every double crochet row
Collar
- Attach yarn about 14 stitches down from shoulder seam
- Work single crochet up front edge
- Continue across back neckline
- Work down opposite front edge
- Switch colors at center back for two tone effect
- Work 3 rows of double crochet for collar
- Increase at very ends of collar rows
- Allow collar to lay flat
Edging
- Work 2 single crochet into side of each double crochet row along bottom
- Work single crochet evenly around armholes
- Fasten off
- Weave in all loose ends
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