The Whimsy Willow Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Do you ever crochet something and just know it’s going to be one of your new favorite projects? That was me with The Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern! I had several skeins of the Khaki color in my stash and knew I had to make some sort of layering piece with it!

The Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern is created in 3 separate panels from the top down. You can easily adjust the placement of the tie and/or the length of the cardigan. Simply add or remove rows in multiples of 2 just before the tie section under the bust. If you want a longer or shorter cardigan, just add or remove rows in multiples of 2 before fastening off on each panel.

I used this same stitch in my Coastal Belle Crop. I love how just the use of a different weight yarn and hook can give it a new look. It’s made up of a bunch of off center V-St and picots throughout! I used Truboo yarn for this design. It’s so silky and smooth, I just love it. It does tend to be splitty if you are not used to working with it but get’s easier to use with practice! I recommend a sharp pointed metal hook and to work at a comfortable pace. Feel free to use any yarn that matches gauge.

Be sure to check out both my Lion Brand kit and video tutorial for this pattern as well!

If you like this design, I recommend checking out some of my other cardigans here.

Description:

Introducing the Whimsy Willow Cardigan, a delightful addition to your wardrobe! This charming design is worked in separate panels from the top down, featuring adorable picot stitches throughout for a whimsical touch. The cardigan cinches in with a tie closure, creating a flattering silhouette, and its length is easily adjustable to suit your style. Plus, the pattern includes a helpful video tutorial, making it perfect for crocheters of all skill levels.

Materials:

Light (3) Weight Yarn, Lion Brand Truboo in Khaki, 3(3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) Skeins or 620(670, 740, 820, 900, 990, 1070, 1140, 1230) yards
G/4.00mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Stitch Marker (2)

Gauge:

16 Tr by 5 rows= 4×4” (blocked)

Sizes:

XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Finished Measurements:

Notes:

This cardigan is worked top down in separate panels.
The starting Ch 4 counts as 1 St.
The Ch-1 Sp counts as 1 St.
The picot counts as 1 St.
The starting Ch 1 does not count as a St.
Leave a long tail of yarn at the start of your panels to use for seaming the shoulders later on.
The numbers in parenthesis at the beginning of the row are the row counts for all 9 sizes. The numbers in parentheses at the end of the row are the St counts for all 9 sizes. The numbers within the row in parenthesis are the instructions for all 9 sizes. Follow the instructions for your size only.
You can adjust the length of your cardigan by adding or removing rows in multiples of 2 before fastening off.

Video Link:

Need a little extra help? Check out the full video tutorial here!

Stitches and Abbreviations (US Terms):

Fsc- Foundation Single Crochet

Sc- Single Crochet

Ch(s)- Chain

Tr- Treble Crochet

St(s)- Stitch(es)

Sk- Skip

Sp- Space

Sl St- Slip Stitch

RS- Right Side

WS- Wrong Side

Picot- Ch 4, Sl St into first Ch made

Bpsc- Back Post Single Crochet

Fpsc- Front Post Single Crochet

Pattern:

Back Panel-

Row 1(RS): 75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Fsc, turn. Alternatively, you can Ch 1 more than the number listed above and work 1 Sc into the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sc)

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr here and throughout), 1 Tr in same St, Sk 1, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] into next St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 3 remain, Sk 2, 1 Tr in last, turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 3: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2 (skipping the Tr and the picot), [1 Tr, Ch 1, 1 Tr] into next St, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning ch), turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 4: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning Ch), turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Rows 5-15(15, 15, 17, 17, 17, 19, 19, 19): Repeat Row 3 & 4. You will end on a Row 3 repeat.

Note- the following 4 rows with the Sc Sts will cinch in and be tighter than the previous rows, it’s supposed to! You can adjust where this band hits on your chest/back by adding or removing the previous 2 rows in multiples of 2 before beginning the following row.

Row 16(16, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20): Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St and Ch Sp across row, turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sc)

Row 17(17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 21, 21, 21): Ch 1, 1 Sc in first St, 1 Bpsc, 1 Fpsc, repeat from * to * across row, 1 Sc into last St. Note- some sizes might end on a Bpsc and some on a Fpsc, just before the last St. All sizes will finish with 1 Sc into final St. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sc)

Rows 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22) & 19(19, 19, 21, 21, 21, 23, 23, 23): Repeat Rows 16(16, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20) & 17(17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 21, 21, 21).

Row 20(20, 20, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24): Repeat Row 2. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Rows 21(21, 21, 23, 23, 23, 25, 25, 25)-38(38, 40, 42, 42, 44, 46, 48, 48): Repeat Rows 3 & 4.

Fasten off.

Front Panel (make 2)-

Row 1(RS): 27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Fsc, turn. Alternatively, you can Ch 1 more than the number listed above and work 1 Sc into the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sc)

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr here and throughout), 1 Tr in same St, Sk 1, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] into next St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 3 remain, Sk 2, 1 Tr in last, turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Row 3: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2 (skipping the Tr and the picot), [1 Tr, Ch 1, 1 Tr] into next St, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning ch), turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Row 4: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning Ch), turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Rows 5-15(15, 15, 17, 17, 17, 19, 19, 19): Repeat Row 3 & 4. You will end on a Row 3 repeat.

Note- the following 4 rows with the Sc Sts will cinch in and be tighter than the previous rows, it’s supposed to! You can adjust where this band hits on your chest/back by adding or removing the previous 2 rows in multiples of 2 before beginning the following row.

Row 16(16, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20): Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St and Ch Sp across row, turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sc)

Row 17(17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 21, 21, 21): Ch 1, 1 Sc in first St, 1 Bpsc, 1 Fpsc, repeat from * to * across row, 1 Sc into last St. Note- some sizes might end on a Bpsc and some on a Fpsc, just before the last St. All sizes will finish with 1 Sc into final St. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sc)

Rows 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22) & 19(19, 19, 21, 21, 21, 23, 23, 23): Repeat Rows 16 & 17.

Row 20(20, 20, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24): Repeat Row 2. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Rows 21(21, 21, 23, 23, 23, 25, 25, 25)-38(38, 40, 42, 42, 44, 46, 48, 48): Repeat Rows 3 & 4.

Fasten off.

Join Panels:

Block your panels to the measurements listed above. I recommend a steam block.
Place your front and back panels together RS facing.
Using your preferred seaming method attach the front panels to the back panel at the shoulders (I used my hook and slip stitched across). Be sure your panels are aligned and that you aren’t bunching or skipping stitches.

Next, using your measuring tape, measure out 6.5”(7”, 7.5”, 8”, 8.5”, 9”, 9.5”, 10”, 10.5”) from the shoulder seam down the side of your cardigan. Place a SM. This will be the armhole and we will be leaving it un-seamed. Repeat on other side.

Using the same joining method, seam from the SM down the side of the cardigan. Leave approximately 7”(7”, 7”, 8”, 8”, 8”, 9”, 9”, 9”) un-seamed to create the side slit. Fasten off and repeat on other side.

Sleeve Trim:

With your cardigan RS out, join yarn with a SL ST to the left of the side seam at the underarm.

Round 1: Ch 1, Sc evenly around armhole, working approximately 3 Sc per row. Sl St to the first Sc made to join. Note- exact St count is not crucial here, if you find that you need a couple more or less stitches around, feel free to adjust.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr), 1 Tr in each St around, Sl St to the top of the Ch 4 to join.

Fasten off and repeat on second side.

Trim and Tie:

With your cardigan RS out, join yarn with a Sl St to the bottom corner of the right (when worn) front panel.

Row 1: Ch 1, Sc evenly up the side of the front panel until you reach Row 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22)(working approximately 3 Sc per row), Ch 69, work 1 Sc into the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across (68 Sc), Sl St into Row 17(17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 21, 21, 21) and continue working Sc stitches evenly up the side, along the back neckline and down the second front panel. When you reach Row 17(17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 21, 21, 21), Ch 69 and work 1 Sc into the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across, Sl St into Row 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22) and continue working Sc Sts down until you reach the corner. Fasten off.

If you prefer no ties, simply work the Sc trim and skip the tie instructions. The St count for the trim is not crucial, work approximately 3 Sts per row but you can adjust if needed.

Weave in any remaining ends.

CODE: WHIMSY

Do you ever crochet something and just know it’s going to be one of your new favorite projects? That was me with The Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern! I had several skeins of the Khaki color in my stash and knew I had to make some sort of layering piece with it!

Be sure to check out both my Lion Brand kit and video tutorial for this pattern as well!

If you like this design, I recommend checking out some of my other cardigans here.

Links:

The Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern is available as a kit with Lion Brand. The kit comes with all the yarn needed to make your cardigan, plus a FREE copy of the PDF digital download pattern. You can also customize your yarn color.

Are you a beginner or prefer a visual tutorial? Be sure to check out my full video tutorial for the Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern on my YouTube Channel! Thanks so much for subscribing so I can bring you more free content!

A low cost ad-free version is on Ravelry. Or save The Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern to your queue for later!

The Whimsy Willow Cardigan crochet pattern is also available in my Etsy shop!

Description:

Materials:

Light (3) Weight Yarn, Lion Brand Truboo in Khaki, 3(3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) Skeins or 620(670, 740, 820, 900, 990, 1070, 1140, 1230) yards

G/4.00mm Crochet Hook

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Stitch Marker (2)

Gauge:

16 Tr by 5 rows= 4×4” (blocked)

Sizes:

XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Finished Measurements:

Notes:

This cardigan is worked top down in separate panels.

The starting Ch 4 counts as 1 St.

The Ch-1 Sp counts as 1 St.

The picot counts as 1 St.

The starting Ch 1 does not count as a St.

Leave a long tail of yarn at the start of your panels to use for seaming the shoulders later on.

The numbers in parenthesis at the beginning of the row are the row counts for all 9 sizes. The numbers in parentheses at the end of the row are the St counts for all 9 sizes. The numbers within the row in parenthesis are the instructions for all 9 sizes. Follow the instructions for your size only.

You can adjust the length of your cardigan by adding or removing rows in multiples of 2 before fastening off.

Video Link:

Need a little extra help? Check out the full video tutorial here!

Stitches and Abbreviations (US Terms):

Fsc- Foundation Single Crochet

Sc- Single Crochet

Ch(s)- Chain

Tr- Treble Crochet

St(s)- Stitch(es)

Sk- Skip

Sp- Space

Sl St- Slip Stitch

RS- Right Side

WS- Wrong Side

Picot- Ch 4, Sl St into first Ch made

Bpsc- Back Post Single Crochet

Fpsc- Front Post Single Crochet

Pattern:

Back Panel-

Row 1(RS): 75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Fsc, turn. Alternatively, you can Ch 1 more than the number listed above and work 1 Sc into the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sc)

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr here and throughout), 1 Tr in same St, Sk 1, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] into next St, *Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next*, repeat from * to * across row until 3 remain, Sk 2, 1 Tr in last, turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 3: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, *Sk 2 (skipping the Tr and the picot), [1 Tr, Ch 1, 1 Tr] into next St*, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning ch), turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 4: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, *Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next*, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning Ch), turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Rows 5-15(15, 15, 17, 17, 17, 19, 19, 19): Repeat Row 3 & 4. You will end on a Row 3 repeat.

Note- the following 4 rows with the Sc Sts will cinch in and be tighter than the previous rows, it’s supposed to! You can adjust where this band hits on your chest/back by adding or removing the previous 2 rows in multiples of 2 before beginning the following row.

Row 16(16, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20): Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St and Ch Sp across row, turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sc)

Rows 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22) & 19(19, 19, 21, 21, 21, 23, 23, 23): Repeat Rows 16(16, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20) & 17(17, 17, 19, 19, 19, 21, 21, 21).

Row 20(20, 20, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24): Repeat Row 2. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Rows 21(21, 21, 23, 23, 23, 25, 25, 25)-38(38, 40, 42, 42, 44, 46, 48, 48): Repeat Rows 3 & 4.

Fasten off.

Front Panel (make 2)-

Row 1(RS): 27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Fsc, turn. Alternatively, you can Ch 1 more than the number listed above and work 1 Sc into the second Ch from the hook and each Ch across. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sc)

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr here and throughout), 1 Tr in same St, Sk 1, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] into next St, *Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next*, repeat from * to * across row until 3 remain, Sk 2, 1 Tr in last, turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Row 3: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, *Sk 2 (skipping the Tr and the picot), [1 Tr, Ch 1, 1 Tr] into next St*, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning ch), turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Row 4: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, *Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next*, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning Ch), turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Rows 5-15(15, 15, 17, 17, 17, 19, 19, 19): Repeat Row 3 & 4. You will end on a Row 3 repeat.

Note- the following 4 rows with the Sc Sts will cinch in and be tighter than the previous rows, it’s supposed to! You can adjust where this band hits on your chest/back by adding or removing the previous 2 rows in multiples of 2 before beginning the following row.

Row 16(16, 16, 18, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20): Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St and Ch Sp across row, turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sc)

Rows 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22) & 19(19, 19, 21, 21, 21, 23, 23, 23): Repeat Rows 16 & 17.

Row 20(20, 20, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24): Repeat Row 2. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Rows 21(21, 21, 23, 23, 23, 25, 25, 25)-38(38, 40, 42, 42, 44, 46, 48, 48): Repeat Rows 3 & 4.

Fasten off.

Join Panels:

Next, using your measuring tape, measure out 6.5”(7”, 7.5”, 8”, 8.5”, 9”, 9.5”, 10”, 10.5”) from the shoulder seam down the side of your cardigan. Place a SM. This will be the armhole and we will be leaving it un-seamed. Repeat on other side.

Using the same joining method, seam from the SM down the side of the cardigan. Leave approximately 7”(7”, 7”, 8”, 8”, 8”, 9”, 9”, 9”) un-seamed to create the side slit. Fasten off and repeat on other side.

Sleeve Trim:

With your cardigan RS out, join yarn with a SL ST to the left of the side seam at the underarm.

Round 1: Ch 1, Sc evenly around armhole, working approximately 3 Sc per row. Sl St to the first Sc made to join. Note- exact St count is not crucial here, if you find that you need a couple more or less stitches around, feel free to adjust.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr), 1 Tr in each St around, Sl St to the top of the Ch 4 to join.

Fasten off and repeat on second side.

Trim and Tie:

With your cardigan RS out, join yarn with a Sl St to the bottom corner of the right (when worn) front panel.

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr here and throughout), 1 Tr in same St, Sk 1, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] into next St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 3 remain, Sk 2, 1 Tr in last, turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 3: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2 (skipping the Tr and the picot), [1 Tr, Ch 1, 1 Tr] into next St, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning ch), turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 4: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning Ch), turn. (75(81, 87, 96, 102, 111, 120, 126, 132) Sts)

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Tr here and throughout), 1 Tr in same St, Sk 1, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] into next St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 3 remain, Sk 2, 1 Tr in last, turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Row 3: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2 (skipping the Tr and the picot), [1 Tr, Ch 1, 1 Tr] into next St, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning ch), turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)

Row 4: Ch 4, 1 Tr in same St, Sk 2, [1 Tr, 1 Picot, 1 Tr] in next, repeat from * to * across row until 2 remain, Sk 1, 1 Tr in last (top of turning Ch), turn. (27(30, 33, 36, 39, 45, 48, 51, 54) Sts)