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Sorella a Free Summer Cardigan Crochet Pattern with Short Sleeves

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The Sorella is a short sleeve summer cardigan crochet pattern that has a comfortable and flattering fit. This cardigan is easy enough to crochet for beginners.

The iris stitch is lovely. It’s an easy pattern to see where to put your hook. So you can even grab that black yarn and make this simple lightweight cardigan today!

The longer length on this easy crochet cardigan makes it the perfect choice with leggings on chilly mornings. The short sleeves and neckline create a cardigan that is great for transition seasons, or for those of us who live in warmer climates.

Woman smiling in front of beige wall wearing belted silver crochet cardigan over fuchsia top.

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You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!


Here I have cinched the cardigan at the waist with a skinny belt. This is the size small on 37″ bust, 25″ length on 5′ 2″ frame.

Woman in black crochet cardigan against beige wall.
Black cardigan is made in Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek.

For the black cardigan I tied it closed with a foundation single crochet belt tie. I find this technique easier than an I-cord, but that would work well too. Pictured here in size medium on 37″ bust, 25″ length on 5′ 2″ frame.

Back view of open stitch cardigan on woman.

I named this one for my sister, or “Sorella” in Italian. She requested a crochet cardigan in her favorite color, a black or dark grey.

Every crocheter knows black yarn is not the most fun yarn to work with. I knew this would need to be one of those easy crochet cardigan patterns. I chose a stitch that’s simple and beautiful.

Woman with grey cardigan open over hot pink tank.

Since I made the first one in black yarn, I chose a light yarn for this one. This means I was able to add more photos and video to the pattern too!

This silver summer cardigan is Brava Worsted* in Dove Heather. It’s a little bit shiny, and worked perfectly. If you want to make this cardigan in Brava, they have a Black color or the Asphalt Heather looks amazing.

Open and drapey summer cardigan crochet in black yarn on woman in pink tank top.

She also wanted a short sleeve cardigan for those summer months in southeast Texas. This short sleeve crochet cardigan is better than a long sleeve sweater for sure.

Woman in belted grey short sleeve cardigan turned to the side.
I love that I was able to make a second in another size so you can see the fit difference when you go up or down a size.

Another great option for summer cardigans is cotton yarn. There are some great cotton blends like Comfy from WeCrochet and Comfy Cotton from Lion Brand.

Woman outside in black crochet cardigan with short sleeves.

Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue.

More Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns

For more free crochet patterns that are great for summer nights check out these!

The Elba is a lightweight lacy crochet cardigan pattern with a simple construction. The Summer’s End Cardigan is another short sleeve cardigan crochet pattern that works up in two rectangles, in Lion Brand yarn Flikka.

I love a crochet summer cardigan! If you’re looking for warmer crochet sweaters, be sure to check out my other cardigan patterns.

Materials

  • Brava Yarn* (100% Acrylic, 3.5 oz / 100 g, 218 yd / 100 m); a #4 med worsted weight yarn in color Dove Heather;  
  • Balls of yarn: 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) or in yards: 872 (910, 1090, 1203, 1308, 1410, 1526, 1625, 1744) / meters: 797 (831, 997, 1100, 1196, 1289, 1395, 1486, 1594)
  • 6 mm hook US Size J,* or hook needed to meet gauge
  • Yarn needle, Measuring tape, Scissors, Stitch marker

Notes

  1. Please read through the pattern, all notes and work a gauge swatch before you begin.
  2. Ch 3 counts as a stitch, I highly recommend using a ch 3 alternative, here’s my favorite.
  3. The cardigan is worked bottom up, as three panels then seamed at the sides and shoulders. Sleeves are added in the round. 
  4. Stitch multiple is 4 + 5.
  5. The stitch used is the iris st- 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc all placed in the previous iris st’s ch 1 sp.
  6. Stitch count is given at the end of instructions with all sizes are inside the parenthesis. An (individual stitch count) is given, as well as the [number of iris sts] (explained in #4), for ease of counting. Use either one. 
  7. Pattern is written for different sizes, with the smallest size written first and each subsequent size written in parentheses XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). For example: Row 1. Fdc 65 (73, 77, 85, 93, 101, 105, 113, 121) turn. To make an XS you would foundation double crochet 65, for a M you would foundation double crochet 77 and a 4X you would foundation double crochet 113.
  8. This is an oversized cardigan, meaning 9″ – 11″ of ease is added to the pattern. So the finished cardigan is larger than your body measurements. See below for specifics. 

Stitches/Abbreviations in US Terms

ch (s) – chain(s)

dc – double crochet

fdc – foundation double crochet

iris stitch – photo + video tutorial

rep – repeat

RS – right side

sc – single crochet

sk – skip the indicated stitch

sl st – slip stitch

st (s) – stitch (es)

WS – wrong side

Gauge

5 iris sts = 6”

4” / 10 cm x 4”/ 10 cm = 12 dc x 7 rows

Sizing

Finished Bust: 40″ / 101.5 cm (XS), 45″ / 114.5 cm (S), 49″ / 124.5 cm (M), 53″ / 134.5 cm (L), 55″ / 139.5 cm (XL), 60″ / 152.5 cm (2X), 64″ / 162.5 cm (3X), 69″ / 175.5 cm (4X), 71″ / 180.5 cm (5X)

Front Panel Width: 10″/25.5cm (XS), 11.5″/29cm (S), 12.5″/32 (M), 13.5″/34.5cm (L), 13.5″/34.5cm (XL), 15″/38cm (2X), 16″/40.5cm (3X), 17.5″/44.5cm (4X), 17.5″/44.5cm (5X)

Back Panel Width: 20″/51cm (XS), 22″/56cm (S), 24″/61cm (M), 26″/66cm (L), 28″/71cm (XL), 30″/76cm (2X), 32″/81.5cm (3X), 34″/86.5cm (4X), 36″/91.5cm (5X)

Length: 25″ / 63.5cm

Woman turned away to show back of crochet cardigan.

Adjustments

Please note that making any adjustments will change the amount of yarn needed so plan accordingly.

The pattern is written for the same length in all sizes. If you decide to shorten or lengthen yours, be sure to make all panels the same length. The shoulder portion is worked over the last 6 rows of both front panels. So if you change your length to 52 rows (instead of the written 44), you would begin your shoulder panels at row 46, or last 6 rows of your length.

To add or subtract width to your panels, it is easiest to go up or down a size in the pattern. If you still need to adjust it, the foundation chain needs a stitch multiple is 4, plus 5 to start. It’s easiest to start with the size closest to yours and add/subtract in fours. If XS starts with 65, then adding 4 gives us 69, which is between sizes XS and S. To double check our st multiple: 69-5=64, 64/4=16 so we have a st multiple of 4, plus 5.

Sun shining off back of crochet cardigan pattern easy enough for black yarn outside.

Pin it

Pin image with text woman in crochet cardigan.

You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!


Video Tutorial

Watch the full video tutorial on my YouTube channel! The video includes chapters for easy navigating if you are looking for help on a specific part of the pattern.

Scroll down for the free crochet summer cardigan pattern!

Woman outside in black crochet cardigan with short sleeves.

Sorella a Free Summer Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 6 hours
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

The Sorella is a crochet summer cardigan pattern that has a comfortable and flattering fit. This cardigan is easy enough to crochet in those dark colors that seem to be a staple in our wardrobes.

Materials

  • Brava Yarn (100% Acrylic, 3.5 oz / 100 g, 218 yd / 100 m); a #4 med worsted weight yarn in color Dove Heather;
  • Balls of yarn: 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) or in yards: 872 (910, 1090, 1203, 1308, 1410, 1526, 1625, 1744) / meters: 797 (831, 997, 1100, 1196, 1289, 1395, 1486, 1594)
  • Get an extra ball of yarn if you plan to lengthen or change your sweater.
  • Black cardigan shown in Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek in color Shale.

Tools

  • 6mm US Size J hook, or hook needed to meet gauge
  • Yarn needle
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • optional Stitch markers

Instructions

  1. Back

    Row 1. Fdc 65 (73, 77, 85, 93, 101, 105, 113, 121) turn.

    OR if you’re unfamiliar with the fdc, Ch 67 (75, 79, 87, 95, 103, 107, 115, 123) dc into the 4th ch and in each ch across, turn.
  2. Row 2. (RS) Ch 3, *{fpdc in next st, dc in next st} rep from *across, turn. (65, 73, 77, 85, 93, 101, 105, 113, 121 sts)
  3. Row 3. (WS) Ch 3, sk next st, *{(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in next st, sk next 3 sts} rep from * til last 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, sk next st, dc in last st, turn. (82, 92, 97, 107, 117, 127, 132, 142, 152 sts)= [2 dc + (16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 iris sts)]
  4. For Row 4 and on, you will work iris sts in top of iris sts.

    Row 4. Ch 3, sk next 2 dc, *{(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in next ch 1 sp, sk next 4 dc} rep from * til last 4 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch 1 sp, sk next 2 dc, dc in last st, turn.
  5. Rows 5-44. Rep Row 4. Cut yarn, leave a long tail for seaming.


    First Front Panel {Left front when wearing}
  6. Row 1. Fdc 33 (37, 41, 45, 45, 49, 53, 57, 57) turn.

    OR if you’re unfamiliar with the fdc, Ch 35 (39, 43, 47, 47, 51, 55, 59, 59) dc into the 4th ch and in each ch across, turn.
  7. Row 2. (RS) Ch 3, *{fpdc in next st, dc in next st} rep from *across, turn. (33, 37, 41, 45, 45, 49, 53, 57, 57 sts)
  8. Row 3. (WS) Ch 3, sk next st, *{(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in next st, sk next 3 sts} rep from * til last 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, sk next st, dc in last st, turn. (42, 47, 52, 57, 57, 62, 67, 72, 72 sts) = [2 dc + 8, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14 iris sts]
  9. Row 4. Ch 3, sk next 2 dc, *{(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in next ch 1 sp, sk next 4 dc} rep from * til last 4 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch 1 sp, sk next 2 dc, dc in last st, turn.
  10. Rows 5-37. Rep Row 4. Tip: On Row 37 place st marker in last dc of 3rd iris st.
    Stitch marker in 3rd iris stitch.
    Shoulder {Last 6 rows}
  11. Row 38. (RS) Ch 3, sk next 2 dc, *{(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in next ch 1 sp, sk next 4 dc} rep from * til last 18 sts, sk next st, dc in next st, turn. (Leave remaining 16 sts = [3 iris sts + 1 dc] unworked). (27, 32, 37, 42, 42, 47, 52, 57, 57 sts) = [2 dc + 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11 iris sts])
  12. Rows 39-44. Rep Row 4. Continue stacking iris sts in top of iris sts. Cut yarn, leave a long tail for seaming.
    Shoulder complete on crochet front panel.

  13. Opposite Front Panel {right front when wearing}
    Follow Rows 1-37 from first front panel above. Tip: Turn after Row 37 and place st marker in last dc of 3rd iris st.Green stitch marker on opposite front panel.

    Shoulder {Last 6 rows}
  14. Row 38. Sl st over first 16 sts (or cut yarn and join to 17th st) beginning in the 17th st Ch 3, sk next dc, *{(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in next ch 1 sp, sk next 4 dc} rep from * til last 4 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch 1 sp, sk next 2 dc, dc in last st, turn. (27, 32, 37, 42, 42, 47, 52, 57, 57 sts) = [2 dc + 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11 iris sts])
    Opposite shoulder rows started.
  15. Rows 39-44. Rep Row 4.
  16. Cut yarn, leave a long tail for seaming.

    Seaming
    Short sleeve cardigan crochet pattern with seam lines.
  17. Where pattern says to “Sew” place RS together, work on WS use mattress stitch or whip stitch to seam.
    Sew shoulders of front panels to top of back panel.
  18. Sew sides of front panels to sides of back panel from bottom, leaving 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)” unseamed for armhole.

    SleevesClose up of short sleeve on woman's crochet cardigan,
  19. If you need more/less sts sleeve requires an even stitch number.
    Worked in the round, do not turn.
    Ch 3 counts as a dc.
    To adjust the length of your sleeves, just add/subtract repeats of Rnd 2 for a longer/shorter length. Or leave them off for sleeveless look.
  20. Rnd 1. On RS, join yarn with sl st to underside of armhole, place 44 (46, 50, 54, 56, 58, 62, 64, 68) dc evenly around, join to first dc with a sl st.
  21. Rnd 2. Ch 3, fpdc, *{dc, fpdc} rep from * around, sl st to join.
  22. Rnd 3. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, sl st to join. Cut yarn.
  23. Rep on other sleeve.
  24. Lapel/Neck

    On RS, join yarn with sl st to inside front panel on bottom right (when wearing) corner (see seaming pic above). Ch 1, sc evenly up inside of front panel, around neck line and back down opposite front panel. Cut yarn. Weave in all ends.

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5 Comments

  1. Wow! This cardigan is beautiful AND it has a stitch I don’t know yet!!! How exciting! I am working on 2 projects and this one gives me reason to work faster so that I can start this one. Thanks so much for sharing!

  2. I know your sister request for a “Vestish” type garment for South Texas. I love the length and see this as a garment for fall is perfect. I am thinking of hiding pocket inside so walking around I would have a place for keys etc. I am like the colors of denim blue, taupe, some shade of wine, and green or maybe a self striping yarn would be just perfect. thank you