There are tons of amazing beginner patterns out there. Hats, scarves, shawls and blankets are among the best items for beginners. I think scarves and blankets are a great introduction to crochet. A great way to learn those basic stitches and get faster. But what about those sweaters and cardigans everyone is requesting? There are so many different ways to crochet a sweater. Top down designs, shaping, set in sleeves, it can be a little daunting. Especially if you are a beginner, at least I know it was for me.
That’s why I created this simple sweater design using one of my favorite go to yarns. Lion Brand’s Vanna’s choice, get yours here This simple sweater design is made up of of two identical squares for the front and back. As well as two identical sleeves that are made with hdc increases, no decreasing. The finished sweater is going to look sophisticated and intricate. But trust me this pattern is easy to follow and made with only the basic stitches that I know you’re a pro at. You can dress it up or wear it with jeans and I know you’re going to have fun making it, no stress, I promise. Let’s get to it.
Finished Measurements
Sizes
Sweater is shown in size small, model is 5′ 3″ tall, size 32 bust.
S- 18.5″ width x 21″ length will fit bust size 30-34
M- 20.5 width x 21″ length will fit bust size 36-38
L- 22.5 width x 23″ length will fit bust size 40-42
XL- 24.5 width x 23 “length will fit bust size 44-46
Supplies
5 (6, 7, 7 ) balls Lion Brand’s Vanna’s choice in color Burgundy. (3.5 oz/100g, 170 yd/156m per ball) 
Size J (6 mm) crochet hook
tapestry needle
stitch markers
Gauge
BODY– 3 pattern repeats x 5 rows = 5″/13 cm
SLEEVES– 13 hdc x 10 rows = 4″/10cm
Gauge is crucial for this pattern, please check your gauge before you begin.
General notes
Pattern is written in size small with larger size instructions in parenthesis. Ch 1 and ch 3 at beg of row counts as a dc. (Unless otherwise noted as in sleeves)
When seaming front and back panels together, flip your panels so the 2 beg sc rows will become the neckline.
Abbreviations
ch- chain
sc- single crochet
dc- double crochet
hdc- half double crochet
st (sts)- stitch (stitches)
beg- beginning
sk- skip
inc- increase
Pattern directions
Front/Back Panels- Make 1 of each, exactly the same.
Ch 50 (66, 72, 78)
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. 58 (64, 70, 76) sc
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each st across. 58 (64, 70, 76) sc
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in same st. *ch 1, sk 2 sts, sc in next st. Ch 2, sk 2 sts, 3 dc in next st.* Repeat from *to* across ending with a sc in last st.
Rows 4-24 (24, 26, 26): Ch 3, turn 2 dc in same st, ch 2, sk ch 1 and 2 dc, 1 sc in 3rd dc of cluster of previous row. *Ch 2, 3 dc in next sc, ch 2, 1 sc in 3rd dc of cluster.* Repeat from *to* across the row, ending with sc in the 3rd ch of ch 3 from previous row.
Note: The beg sc rows will be seamed together at the shoulders to form the the top of the sweater
Sleeves- Make 2
Note: Sleeves are worked from cuff up increasing by 2 sts every 4th row (one inc in the second st and one inc in the second from last st of each row.)
Working 1st row of hdc into the back hump of the foundation ch is ideal as this row will be the cuff of your sleeve. Alternatively, you can use a foundation hdc st to create the first row.
Pattern
Ch 32 (32, 36, 38)
Row 1: hdc in back hump of 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. 30 (30, 34, 36)hdc
Row 2-5: Ch 2 ( does not count as a st ) turn, hdc in each st across. 30 (30, 34, 36) hdc
Row 6 (inc): Ch 2, turn, 1 hdc in first st, 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in each st to last 2 sts. 2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in last st. 32 (32, 36, 38) hdc
Repeat inc row every 4th row, 8 more times for all sizes. Row 38 is the last increase row. Repeat hdc pattern with no inc until 47 (47, 49, 49) rows have been worked as written below.
Row 10 (inc): Repeat row 6. 34 (34, 38, 40) hdc
Rows 11-13: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st. across. 34 (34, 38, 40) hdc
Row 14:(inc): Repeat row 6. 36 (36, 40, 42) hdc
Rows 15-17: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st. across. 36 (36, 40, 42) hdc
Row 18 (inc): Repeat row 6. 38 (38, 42, 44) hdc
Rows 19-21: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st. across. 38 (38, 42, 44) hdc
Row 22 (inc): Repeat row 6. 40 (40, 44, 46) hdc
Rows 23-25: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st. across. 40 (40, 44, 46) hdc
Row 26 (inc): Repeat row 6. 42 (42, 46, 48) hdc
Rows 27-29: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st. across. 42 (42, 46, 48) hdc
Row 30 (inc): Repeat row 6. 44 (44, 48, 50) hdc
Rows 31-33: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. 44 (44, 48, 50) hdc
Row 34 (inc): Repeat row 6. 46 (46, 50, 52) hdc
Rows 35-37: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. 46 (46, 50, 52) hdc
Row 38 (inc): Repeat row 6. 48 (48, 52, 54) hdc
Rows 39-47 (47, 49, 49): Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. 48 (48, 52, 54) hdc
Fasten off.
Joining pieces
Lay front and back panels with WS facing up and pin sides together so the pattern stitches are lined up evenly. The sc rows will become the top of the sweater. Place a stitch marker on both sides 6(6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2) inches from top to designate the arm holes. Using the mattress stitch, seam panels together from the armpit to bottom of the sweater. Repeat on other side.
From the top, place stitch marker 5 3/4 ( 6 1/2, 7 1/2, 8 1/4) inches inward to designate neck opening. Seam front and back panels together at shoulders. Repeat for both sides.
Using safety pins or stitch markers to hold in place, set sleeves into armholes and sew into place
Sew sleeve seams.
Weave in ends.
