Cardigans Crochet For Girls Crochet Sweater Free Patterns Tutorial

Crochet The Festival Cardigan Free Pattern in 6 Sizes

November 5, 2024

If you’re looking for a cute and cozy crochet project that’s both functional and stylish, The Festival Cardigan is the perfect addition to your child’s wardrobe. Made with a combination of classic stitches and featuring adorable fringe detailing, it’s sure to be a favorite for layering over dresses or pairing with casual outfits. This cardigan is designed to keep little ones warm while still looking adorable.

Pattern Details and Construction

The Festival Cardigan is crocheted in a seamless style, meaning you work from the top down without needing to sew panels together. The yoke is first created to fit snugly around the neckline, and from there, the body and sleeves are worked directly onto the piece. The simple yet beautiful button closure adds an extra touch of practicality, making it easy to get on and off for children.

The real star of this design, however, is the fringe, which adds a playful and fun element to the cardigan. It’s a modern twist on a classic crochet sweater that’s bound to catch attention.

How to Customize

One of the best aspects of this pattern is its versatility. You can make it cropped with extra-long sleeves, as shown, or adjust the length to fit your child’s size and preference. The fringe can also be made longer or shorter, or left off entirely if you prefer a more streamlined look. Experiment with colors, yarn types, and button styles to make the design uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • Fun for Stash-Busting: This pattern is great for using up different colors of yarn. You can go with a solid color or add stripes and color-blocking to make it even more unique.
  • Quick and Rewarding: Because of its small size and simple construction, this is a relatively quick project that gives you a satisfying, wearable result.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Handmade baby and toddler cardigans make for heartfelt gifts, whether for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Materials


*5.00mm(U.S H/8) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
*Aran(worsted weight) yarn. I used Hayfield Aran Bonus with 20% wool– 400g balls in the colour Maize (692). See chart below for approximately how much yarn you will need. If you purchase from this link I will receive a small comission and can continue to bring you amazing free patterns. I truly appreciate the support.
*1 sew on snap
*tapestry needle

SizeApproximate ChestSleeve length (measured from underarm)Cardigan Length (measured from underarm to last row)Yarn (approx length in meters and yards)
12-18mo50cm/20in20.5cm/8in15cm/6in300m/330yards/150g
1½-255cm/22in21.5cm/8.5in17cm/7in400m/440 yards/200g
3-460cm/24in26.5cm/10.5in19cm/7.5in500m/550 yards/250g
5-668cm/27in29cm/11.5in21cm/8in600m/660yards/300g
7-873cm/29in31.5cm/12.525cm/10in700m/770 yards/350g
9-1078cm/31in34.5cm/13.5in28cm/11in 800m/880 yards/400g


Gauge
15 stitches/12 rows= 10cmX10cm (4X4 inch) square in half double crochet

Stitches and abbreviations used:
st or sts- stitch or stitches
ch- chain stitch
sl st- slip stitch
sc- single crochet
hdc- half double crochet
dc- double crochet
hdc 2tog- half double crochet two stitches together
fpdc- front post double crochet
bpdc- back post double crochet
RS- right side of the cardigan
WS- wrong side of the cardigan

Get Started Today

Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or a beginner looking for a new challenge, this Fringed Crochet Cardigan is the perfect project to add to your list. With easy-to-follow instructions, this pattern will guide you through each step, from the yoke to the sleeves, ensuring you end up with a cardigan that’s both beautiful and practical.

Happy crocheting, and don’t forget to share your finished creations—this adorable cardigan is sure to be a hit!

Buy the Ad Free, Colour Coordinated Pattern

Why should I buy the pattern you may ask? My patterns are colour coordinated by size and so easy to read! The pdf is printable and totally worth the money. You can purchase the ad free and colour coordinated pdf pattern on shopthemoulehole.com.

The Pattern

Sizes are written as follows: 12-18months,1.5-2yrs, 3-4yrs, 5-6yrs, 7-8yrs, 9-10yrs

YOKE
Ch 50, 50, 58, 58, 66, 66
ROW 1: sc in the 2nd ch from hook, work a sc in each chain across. 49,49, 57, 57, 65, 65 sc, turn

ROW 2 (Wrong Side)
ch2 (does not count as a stitch unless otherwise stated)
hdc in the next 7,7,8,8,9,9 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc in the next st
hdc in the next 3,3,4,4,5,5 sts
dc in the next st
hdc in the next 3,3,4,4,5,5 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc in the next st
hdc in the next 17,17,19,19,21,21 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc in the next st
hdc in the next 3,3,4,4,5,5 sts
dc in the next st
hdc in the next 3,3,4,4,5,5 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc in the next st
hdc in the next 7,7,8,8,9,9 sts,
turn
[ 57, 57, 65, 65, 73, 73 sts total (counting the chs here and throughout)]

ROW 3 (Right Side)
ch2
hdc in the next 8,8,9,9,10,10 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space (see picture)
hdc in the next 4,4,5,5,6,6 sts
fpdc around the next dc
hdc in the next 4,4,5,5,6,6 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 19,19,21,21,23,23 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 4,4,5,5,6,6 sts
fpdc around the next dc
hdc in the next 4,4,5,5,6,6 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 8,8,9,9,10,10 sts
turn
[ 65, 65, 73, 73, 81, 81 sts]

ROW 4 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 9,9,10,10,11,11 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 5,5,6,6,7,7 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 5,5,6,6,7,7 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 21,21,23,23,25,25 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 5,5,6,6,7,7 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 5,5,6,6,7,7 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 9,9,10,10,11,11 sts
turn
[ 73,73, 81, 81, 89, 89 sts]

ROW 5 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 10,10,11,11,12,12 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 6,6,7,7,8,8 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 6,6,7,7,8,8 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 23,23,25,25,27,27 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 6,6,7,7,8,8 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 6,6,7,7,8,8 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 10,10,11,11,12,12 sts
turn
[81, 81, 89, 89, 97, 97 sts]

ROW 6 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 11,11,12,12,13,13 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 7,7,8,8,9,9 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 7,7,8,8,9,9 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 25,25,27,27,29,29 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 7,7,8,8,9,9 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 7,7,8,8,9,9 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 11,11,12,12,13,13 sts
turn
[ 89, 89, 97, 97, 105, 105 sts]

ROW 7 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 12,12,13,13,14,14 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 8,8,9,9,10,10 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 8,8,9,9,10,10 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 27,27,29,29,31,31 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 8,8,9,9,10,10 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 8,8,9,9,10,10 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 12,12,13,13,14,14 sts
turn
[ 97, 97, 105, 105, 113, 113 sts]

ROW 8 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 13,13,14,14,15,15 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 9,9,10,10,11,11 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 9,9,10,10,11,11 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 29,29,31,31,33,33 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 9,9,10,10,11,11 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 9,9,10,10,11,11 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 13,13,14,14,15,15 sts
turn
[105,105, 113, 113, 121, 121 sts]

ROW 9 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 14,14,15,15,16,16 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 10,10,11,11,12,12 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 10,10,11,11,12,12 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 31,31,33,33,35,35 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 10,10,11,11,12,12 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 10,10,11,11,12,12 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 14,14,15,15,16,16 sts
turn
[113,113, 121, 121, 129, 129 sts]

ROW 10 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 15,15,16,16,17,17 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 11,11,12,12,13,13 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 11,11,12,12,13,13 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 33,33,35,35,37,37 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 11,11,12,12,13,13 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 11,11,12,12,13,13 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 15,15,16,16,17,17 sts
turn
[121,121, 129, 129, 137, 137 sts]

ROW 11 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 16,16,17,17,18,18 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 12,12,13,13,14,14 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 12,12,13,13,14,14 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 35,35,37,37,39,39 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 12,12,13,13,14,14 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 12,12,13,13,14,14 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 16,16,17,17,18,18 sts
turn
[ 129,129, 137, 137, 145, 145 sts]

for size 12-18 mo continue to sleeve separation

Sizes will now be written as follows 1.5-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10

ROW 12 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 17,18,18,19,19 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 13,14,14,15,15 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 13,14,14,15,15 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 37,39,39,41,41 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 13,14,14,15,15 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 13,14,14,15,15 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 17,18,18,19,19 sts
turn
[137,145, 145, 153, 153 sts]

ROW 13 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 18,19,19,20,20 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 14,15,15,16,16 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 14,15,15,16,16 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 39,41,41,43,43 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 14,15,15,16,16 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 14,15,15,16,16 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 18,19,19,20,20 sts
turn
[145, 153, 153, 161, 161 sts]
for size 1½-2, continue to sleeve separation
for size 3-4 continue to sleeve separation

Sizes will now be written as follows 5-6, 7-8, 9-10

ROW 14 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 20,21,21 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 16,17,17 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 16,17,17 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 43,45,45 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 16,17,17 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 16,17,17 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 20,21,21 sts
turn
[161, 169, 169 sts]

ROW 15 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 21,22,22 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 17,18,18 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 17,18,18 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 45,47,47 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 17,18,18 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 17,18,18 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 21,22,22 sts
turn
[169, 177, 177 sts]
for size 5-6 continue to sleeve separation

Sizes will now be written as follows 7-8, 9-10

ROW 16 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 23,23 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 19,19 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 19,19 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 49,49 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 19,19 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 19,19 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 23,23 sts
turn
[185, 185 sts]

ROW 17 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 24,24 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 20,20 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 20,20 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 51,51 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 20,20 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 20,20 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 24,24 sts
turn
[193, 193 sts]

for size 7-8 continue to sleeve separation

Remaing rows are size 9-10 only

ROW 18 (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 25 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 21 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 21 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 53 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 21 sts
bpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 21 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 25 sts
turn
[201 sts]

ROW 19 (RS)
ch2
hdc in the next 26 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 22 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 22 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 55 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 22 sts
fpdc around the next st
hdc in the next 22 sts
hdc/ch1/hdc into the ch space
hdc in the next 26 sts
turn
[209 sts]

for size 9-10 continue to sleeve separation

Sleeve Separation ALL SIZES

Sizes are written as follows: 12-18months,1.5-2yrs, 3-4yrs, 5-6yrs, 7-8yrs, 9-10yrs

Sleeve Separation (WS)
ch2
hdc in the next 17,19,20,22,25,27 sts
hdc in ch st
skip the next 27,31,33,37,43,47 sts
hdc in the ch st
hdc in the next 37,41,43,47,53,57 sts
hdc in the ch
skip the next 27,31,33,37,43,47 sts
hdc in the ch st
hdc in the next 17,19,20,22,25,27 sts
turn

[ 75, 83, 87, 95, 107, 115 sts]

Body Row 1 (RS)
ch2
hdc in each st across, turn
Repeat Body Row 1 until cardigan measures approximately 10cm/4in,13cm/5in,16cm/6in, 19cm/7.5in, 23cm/9in, 26cm/10in from underneath the arm or desired length (make sure to end on the RS). Keep in mind the edging is approximately 5cm/2in, turn. Continue to bottom edging.

Bottom Edging
Row 1 (WS)
ch2
sk next st, dc in the next st, go back and dc in the st you skipped repeat from * across to the last st, dc in the last st
Row 2 (RS)
ch2
hdc in each st across
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 one more time

Sleeves

Sleeves
Note Sleeves are worked flat in rows back and forth and then seamed up. When deciding on sleeve length, keep in mind the edging measures approximately 5cm/2in.

Sizes are written as follows: 12-18months,1.5-2yrs, 3-4yrs, 5-6yrs, 7-8yrs, 9-10yrs

Join yarn to the centre bottom of the armhole, wrong side (see photo above)
Row 1 (WS)
ch2, work 2 hdc [between ch and first of the armhole sts], work a hdc in the next 13,15,16,18,21,23 sts, bpdc around the fpdc st, work a hdc in the next 13,15,16,18,21,23 sts, work 2 more hdc [between last armhole st and the ch2], turn
Row 2 (RS)
ch2, hdc 2tog, hdc in each st to the bpdc, fpdc around the bpdc st, hdc in each st to the last two sts, hdc 2tog, turn
(29,33,35,39,45,49 sts)
Row 3 (WS)
ch2, hdc 2tog, hdc in each st to the fpdc, bpdc around the fpdc st, hdc in each st to the last two sts, hdc 2tog, turn
(27,31,33,37,43,47 sts)
Row 4 (RS)
ch2, hdc 2tog, hdc in each st to the bpdc, fpdc around the bpdc st, hdc in each st to the last two sts, hdc 2tog, turn
(25,29,31,35,41,45 sts)
Row 5 (WS)
ch2, hdc to the fpdc, bpdc around the fpdc st, hdc in each st to the end of the row
turn
(25,29,31,35,41,45 sts)
Row 6 (RS)
ch2, hdc to the bpdc, fpdc around the bpdc st, hdc in each st to the end of the row
turn
(25,29,31,35,41,45 sts)

Repeat Rows 5&6 until sleeve measures approximately 15.5cm/6in 16.5cm/6.5in,21.5cm/8.5in, 24cm/9.5in,27cm/10in,30cm/11.5in from underneath the arm or desired length, make sure to end on a row 5 (wrong side). (REMEMBER the edging will be approx 5cm/2in), turn.

Continue to Sleeve Edging

Sleeve Edging
Row 1 (RS)
ch2, hdc 2tog, hdc in each st to the bpdc, fpdc around the bpdc st, hdc in each st to the last two sts, hdc 2tog, turn
(23,27,29,33,39,43 sts)
Row 2 (WS)
ch2
sk next st, dc in the next st, go back and dc in the st you skipped repeat from * across to the fpdc, bpdc around the fpdc st, sk next st, dc in the next st, go back and dc in the st you skipped repeat from * across to the end of the row. (23,27,29,33,39,43 sts)
Row 3 (RS)
ch2, hdc in each st to the bpdc, fpdc around the bpdc st, hdc in each st in each st to the end of the row, turn (23,27,29,33,39,43 sts)
Row 4 (WS)
ch2
sk next st, dc in the next st, go back and dc in the st you skipped repeat from * across to the fpdc, bpdc around the fpdc st, sk next st, dc in the next st, go back and dc in the st you skipped repeat from * across to the end of the row. (23,27,29,33,39,43 sts)
Row 5 (RS)
ch2, hdc in each st to the bpdc, fpdc around the bpdc st, hdc in each st to the end of the row, break yarn (23,27,29,33,39,43 sts)

Make another sleeve.

Adding the Fringe (make sure your cardigan is turned right side out)Cut your yarn into 22.5cm/9in strips. I used a little book to wrap my yarn around which made it easy to cut. Fold 3 strands in half (or less if you don’t want your fringe to be so thick). Pull through and knot around each st of the row just below the arm. See pictures below.

Front Right Edging
Join yarn to the bottom right of the cardigan (as though you were wearing it)

Row 1 (RS)
ch2, evenly hdc up the right hand side of the cardigan to the collar, turn
Row 2 (WS)
ch2, hdc in each st going down the right side of the cardigan, turn
Row 3 (RS)
ch2, hdc in each st going up the right side of the cardigan, break yarn

Front Left Edging
Join yarn to the bottom left of the cardigan (as though you were wearing it)
Row 1 (WS)
ch2, evenly hdc up the left hand side of the cardigan to the collar, turn
Row 2 (RS)
ch2, hdc in each st going down the left side of the cardigan, turn
Row 3 (WS)
ch2, hdc in each st going up the left side of the cardigan, hdc in each st around the collar, break yarn.

Weave in ends, seam sleeves (I used a mattress stitch), sew one snap at the top of the cardigan (see pic below). You are now “Festival” ready!

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