Simple granny square cardigan

Simple Granny Square Cardigan by Bobo Stitches

What is Being Made

This is a crochet cardigan sweater constructed using the classic granny square motif. The garment is built by creating individual granny squares and joining them together to form the body, sleeves, and overall structure of a wearable cardigan. The design features a color-block approach using three contrasting yarn colors: black, yellow, and orange. The cardigan is available in three finished sizes—small, medium, and large—with corresponding adjustments to the granny square dimensions and total garment measurements.

Garment Specifications and Sizing

The finished cardigan offers the following measurements:

• Small: 18" total length, 6" armhole depth, 12" arm length, with 6" × 6" granny squares
• Medium: 21" total length, 7" armhole depth, 14" arm length, with 7" × 7" granny squares
• Large: 24" total length, 8" armhole depth, 16" arm length, with 8" × 8" granny squares

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for crafters with intermediate skill level. The primary construction method involves creating granny squares—a traditional motif—and then joining them together to form the cardigan structure. The pattern utilizes standard US crochet terminology and includes techniques such as working in back loops only (blo) for specific stitch applications. Shaping is achieved through strategic placement and assembly of the granny square units rather than traditional decreasing methods.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses the following essential crochet stitches:

• Chain (Ch): The foundation stitch used to begin rows and create the base of the granny squares
• Single Crochet (Sc): A short stitch created by pulling yarn through a loop and then pulling through two loops
• Double Crochet (Dc): A taller stitch executed by yarning over, pulling through, then pulling through two loops twice
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used to join rounds and connect granny squares
• Back Loops Only (Blo): A technique where stitches are worked through only the back loop of the previous stitch for textural variation

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This cardigan pattern requires 8 balls of Robin brand yarn in 3-ply weight (also suitable for 4-ply, DK, and chunky weights with appropriate sizing adjustments). The yarn is 100% acrylic with each ball containing 300–320 yards. The color distribution is as follows: 3 balls of black (Yarn A), 3 balls of yellow (Yarn B), and 2 balls of orange (Yarn C). A 4.0 mm crochet hook is required for this pattern. Additional materials include a tapestry needle (yarn needle) for weaving in ends and joining granny squares, a tape measure for checking gauge and finished measurements, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Pattern Format and Designer Information

The Simple Granny Square Cardigan is a downloadable PDF pattern created by independent designer Bobo Stitches. The pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology and includes both written instructions and charts for clarity. This beginner-to-intermediate level project is ideal for crafters looking to learn or practice granny square construction and garment assembly techniques.