Learn how to crochet the Sera Cardigan. This free crochet cardigan pattern includes 9 women’s sizes. This cardigan is easy to crochet and even easier to wear.
The Sera Cardigan is a lightweight and easy to layer sweater. Featuring a classic fit this crochet cardigan is comfortable for around the house or a day out. It’s perfect for an evening walk, or passeggiata serale.
Made with double crochets, the stitch pattern is simple and easy to remember. I wanted minimal seaming on this design, but all the customizing ability. You can easily adjust length of the sweater or the sleeves. And there are only seams on the shoulders and armholes!
The subtle v-neck shaping give this easy cardigan a great fit. I love how simple it is to decrease in some crochet stitches. Here it’s just a matter of making one less double crochet.
I find this length the most versatile for my wardrobe. But, of course adjusting the length of your cardigan is easy, with a little planning. Look for more details in the free crochet pattern below.
If you’re looking for an uber cozy crochet cardigan that looks great with leggings, you might enjoy the Hygge Homebody Cozy Crochet Cardigan Pattern. Or maybe it’s a little warm for long sleeves where you are? Then the Spring Cardi Top Down Crochet Cardigan Pattern has you covered, with 3 sleeve options.
You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!
More Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns
- Summer’s End Cardigan short and long versions available
- Spring Cardi top down crochet cardigan
- Sorella Cardigan open lacy summer cardigan
The Yarn
I’ve had this Vanna’s Style yarn in my stash for a while, I knew I wanted to create a spring cardigan with it. The texture and sheen pairs so well with the stitch.
Unfortunately it’s discontinued, although you can still find it in some places. It’s a #3 lightweight/dk yarn, but I found it to be a thicker #3 yarn. Lin Brand has several #3 DK/lightweight yarns* that would make a good substitute. When I need to sub out yarn I almost always check YarnSub.com for comparable.
If you only have #4 medium worsted weight yarn, I think that could easily work for this pattern. However, you’ll need to meet gauge with your chosen yarn/hook. Otherwise, your cardigan might not fit!
Materials
- Vanna’s Style Yarn* a #3 light weight yarn (100% acrylic, 3.5 oz/100g, 254 yd/232m) color: camel; (XS & S) 4, (M & L) 5, (XL & 2X) 6, (3X & 4X) 7, (5X) 8.
- Yards/Meters by size:
(XS) 1000yds/914m
(S) 1100yds/1006m
(M) 1225yds/1120m
(L) 1300yds/1189m
(XL) 1450yds/1326m
(2X) 1600yds/1463m
(3X) 1700yds/1555m
(4X) 1800yds/1646m
(5X) 1950yds/1783m
- 5mm US size (H) hook, pictured below is my Furls Odyssey in Peach*
- stitch markers
- yarn needle
- measuring tape
- scissors
Notes
- Please read through all notes and pattern before you begin.
- Work up a gauge swatch using the provided gauge information. Measure your swatch and if your gauge matches, great continue on; if not, change your hook size and swatch again. Are your stitches are smaller? Then go up a hook size, and if they’re larger, go down a hook size.
- Ch 3 counts as a stitch, I highly recommend using a ch 3 alternative, like one of these.
- St multiple is 2 + 6.
- Check stitch count before starting a new section.
- Pattern is written for multiple 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 104 (120, 136, 144, 160, 176, 184, 200, 208). To make an XS you would foundation double crochet 104, for a M you would foundation double crochet 136 and a 4X you would foundation double crochet 200.
Stitches/Abbreviations
ch(s)-chain(s)
rep-repeat
rnd(s)-round(s)
Sk-skip the indicated stitch
sl st-slip stitch
st(s)-stitch(es)
Gauge
4”/10cm x 4”/10cm = 13 dc x 8 rows of dc
Skill Level
Easy
Construction
The main body is crocheted as one piece, bottom up. We will then separate the cardigan into three pieces, creating armholes for the sleeves, while also creating the front and back panels. These are seamed together at the shoulder. The sleeves are worked separately, from the wrist up and in the round, but turned to keep the stitch pattern the same. The sleeves are seamed on at the armholes.
Fit/Adjustment
Pattern adds 2″/5cm-4”/10cm of ease to bust measurement, for a classic fit. For a looser fit, go up a size, for a snugger fit, go down a size. To adjust length of cardigan add or subtract rows before dividing. Measure from your underarm to where you want the cardigan to stop. This is your desired length before dividing.
To Fit Bust Size
(XS) 30″/76.25cm
(S) 34″/86.5cm
(M) 38″/96.5cm
(L)42″/106.75cm
(XL) 46″/116.75cm
(2X) 50″/127cm
(3X) 54″/137.25cm
(4X) 58″/147.25cm
(5X) 62″/157.5cm
Finished Bust
(XS) 32”/81.25cm
(S) 37”/94cm
(M) 41.8”/106.25cm
(L) 44.2”/112.75cm
(XL) 49.2”/125.25cm
(2X) 54.2”/137.75cm
(3X) 56.7”/144cm
(4X) 61.6”/156.5cm
(5X) 64”/162.5cm
Finished Length (in/cm)
(XS) 21.5″/54.5cm
(S) 22.5″/57.25cm
(M) 23″/58.5cm
(L/XL) 23.5″/59.75cm
(2/3X) 24.5″/62.25cm
(4/5X) 25.5″/64.75cm
ChristaCoDesign patterns use Craft Yarn Council sizing standards.
You can purchase the ad-free, well formatted PDF Pattern in one of my shops. Scroll down for the free pattern!
This pattern was featured in the Fall Fashion blog hop, which runs through October 31st!
Scroll down for the Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern!
Sera Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Learn how to crochet the Sera Cardigan. This free crochet cardigan pattern includes 9 women’s sizes. This cardigan is easy to crochet and even easier to wear.
Materials
- Vanna's Style Yarn a #3 light weight yarn (100% acrylic, 3.5 oz/100g, 254 yd/232m) color: camel; (XS & S) 4, (M & L) 5, (XL & 2X) 6, (3X & 4X) 7, (5X) 8.
- (XS) 1000yds/914m
- (S) 1100yds/1006m
- (M) 1225yds/1120m
- (L) 1300yds/1189m
- (XL) 1450yds/1326m
- (2X) 1600yds/1463m
- (3X) 1700yds/1555m
- (4X) 1800yds/1646m
- (5X) 1950yds/1783m
Tools
- 5mm hook, pictured is my Furls Odyssey in Peach
- stitch markers
- yarn needle
- measuring tape
- scissors
Instructions
- XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Row 1. FDC 104 (120, 136, 144, 160, 176, 184, 200, 208) or if you’re unfamiliar with FDC you can CH 106 (122, 138, 146, 162, 178, 186, 202, 210), dc in the 4th ch and in each ch across, turn. - Row 2. Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st across, turn.
- Row 3. Rep Row 2. Now is a good time to check your “actual bust”: 32 (36.9, 41.9, 44.2, 49.2, 54.2, 56.7, 61.6, 64)”
- Row 4. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 3 sts left, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (104,120, 136, 144, 160, 176, 184, 200, 208) sts
- Rows 5-31. Rep Row 4. If you would like a longer cardigan add more rows here, end on an odd row. *We will add 6 (7, 7.5, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10)” to the length once panels are divided.
Divide
*Check stitch count before dividing.
Now we’ll divide the front right (when wearing), back, and left front (when wearing) panels. Count off (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) and place 1st st marker in next st.
First (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) are the Front Right Panel.
1st st marker begins the back panel.
Begin with the marked st and count (52, 60, 68, 72, 80, 88, 92, 100, 104 sts) place 2nd st marker in the last st counted. This marks the end of the Back Panel.
The remaining (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) are the Front Left Panel (when wearing). *Note the marked sts are a part of the Back Panel st count.
Finished panels will look like the picture:
Front Right Panel {when wearing}
-If you are a left-handed crocheter the Right Panel is your Left Panel and vice versa.
-Row count starts over.
- Row 1. (RS) Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st before marker, dc in next st, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)
- Row 2. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 3 sts left, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)
- Row 3. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st left, dc in last st, turn.
- Row 4. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 7 sts left, **{sk next st, 1 DC in next st} rep from ** 1 more time, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)
- Row 5. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st left, dc in last st, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)
- Rows 6-11. Rep Rows 4-5. (18, 22, 26, 28, 32, 36, 38, 42, 44 sts) shoulder width = (5.5, 6.8, 8, 8.6, 9.9, 11, 11.7, 12.9, 13.5)”
XS
Row 12. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 6” from divide row.
S
Row 12-13. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 14. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7” from divide row.
M
Row 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7.5” from divide row.
L
Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 16. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.
XL
Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 16. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.
2X
Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.
3X
Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.
4X
Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.
5X
Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.
Back Panel
- With RS up, join yarn with sl st to 1st marked back panel st = st # (27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 47, 51, 53)
Row 1. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 2 sts before marker, sk next st, dc in last st, turn. (52, 60, 68, 72, 80, 88, 92, 100, 104 sts) - Row 2. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st left, dc in last st, turn. (52, 60, 68, 72, 80, 88, 92, 100, 104 sts)
- Row 3. – Row 12, 14, 15, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20. Rep Row 2, cut yarn.
Front Left Panel {when wearing}
- -If you are a left handed crocheter the Left Panel is your Right Panel and vice versa.
With RS up, join yarn with sl st to first st left of back panel, st # (79, 91, 103, 109, 121, 133, 139, 151, 157)
Row 1. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st,} rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) - Row 2. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, dc in last st, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)
- Row 3. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn.
- Row 4. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 1 DC in next st} rep from * one more time, **{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from ** to one st left, dc in last st, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)
- Row 5. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)
- Rows 6-11. Rep Rows 4-5, ending with (18, 22, 26, 28, 32, 36, 38, 42, 44 sts) and a shoulder width = (5.5, 6.8, 8, 8.6, 9.9, 11, 11.7, 12.9, 13.5)”
XS
Row 12. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 6” from divide row.
S
Row 12-13. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 14. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7” from divide row.
M
Row 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7.5” from divide row.
L
Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 16. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.
XL
Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 16. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.
2X
Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.
3X
Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.
4X
Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.
5X
Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3.
Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.
Seam
Turn cardigan WS out so RS are touching. Line up shoulders to back panel. Use the mattress stitch to sew shoulders to back panel. Cut yarn. Now is a good time to try it on and make any adjustments.
Sleeves
Make 2
-Join and turn each round.
-Sleeves are worked from the wrist up, so you can try them on at anytime and add or subtract increases as needed.
-We will increase on either side of the join, at this point the stitch pattern will look a little different, but this will be our faux seam so it will be on the underside.
-Sleeves XS-3X are written for 18.5” and 4X-5X for 19” in length.
-To adjust your sleeve length: try on your sleeveless cardigan, measure from the shoulder edge down to your hand-or where you want your sleeves to end. This is your desired sleeve length. You can add or subtract rounds according to your need.
- Rnd 1. FDC 32, or ch 34 and dc in the 4th ch from your hook and in each ch across, join with sl st to first st and turn. (32 sts)
- Rnds 2-3. Ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to first st to join, turn.
Rnd 4. Ch 3, dc in same st, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, sk last st, sl st to first st to join, turn. (32 sts)
Rnds 5-7. Ch 3, dc in same st, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, sk last st, sl st to first st to join, turn.
Rnd 8. Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 DC in next 2 STS, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, 2 dc in last st, sl st to first st to join, turn. (36 sts)
XS
Rnds 9-12. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 40 sts and sleeve is 6” wide flat.
Rnds. 13-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
S
Rnds 9-16. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 44 sts and sleeve is 6.8” wide flat.
Rnds. 17-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
M
Rnds 9-20. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 48 sts and sleeve is 7.4” wide flat.
Rnds. 21-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
L
Rnds 9-24. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 52 sts and sleeve is 8” wide flat.
Rnds. 25-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
XL
Rnds 9-24. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 52 sts and sleeve is 8” wide flat.
Rnds. 25-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
2X
Rnds 9-28. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 56 sts and sleeve is 8.6” wide flat.
Rnds. 29-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
3X
Rnds 9-32. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 60 sts and sleeve is 9” wide flat.
If you need more sleeve length Rep Rnd 4 til you have reached your desired length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
4X
Rnds 9-36. Rep Rnds 5- 8 til you have 64 sts and sleeve is 9.8” wide flat.
For more sleeve length Rep Rnd 4 til you have reached your desired length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
5X
Rnds 9-36. Rep Rnds 5- 8 til you have 64 sts and sleeve is 9.8” wide flat.
For more sleeve length Rep Rnd 4 til you have reached your desired length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.
Seam
With cardigan body WS out and sleeve RS out, slide armhole end of sleeve into the cardigan.
Make sure the faux seam is on the bottom (where your elbow will be). Line up the armhole end of sleeve with the armhole opening. 
Sew sleeve to armhole with mattress stitch. If needed, seam side of armhole to close. - Rep for both sleeves. Cut yarn. Weave in ends.
Turn cardigan RS out. Join yarn with sl st to bottom corner of the Front Right Panel (when wearing)(Left for left handed crocheters) - Ch 1, sc evenly up front panel, continue along back panel and down left front panel. Cut yarn. Weave in ends.
- Join yarn with sl st to sleeve cuff on the backside. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, sl st to join. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Rep on second sleeve.
Finishing
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Hayley Bradford
Saturday 6th of November 2021
I'm a bit puzzled. I'm making the cardigan for a size XL. My foundation row was 160 stitches but after rows 2 and 3 I was down to 159 stitches. Then once I finished row 4 I was down to 158 stitches. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.
Christa
Saturday 6th of November 2021
Hi Hayley, I’m sorry you’re having trouble, thanks for reaching out. I’ll try to help. Are you counting the ch 3 as the first dc? You should be working into it at the end of each row. Let me know if that helps, or if you’re still having trouble. Thanks, Crystal
Beth
Thursday 14th of October 2021
I love the sweater but it would be very helpful to have the finished measurement of the length or a picture that shows how long it is while being worn. I had to take out multiple rows because it was too long. Thank you for the great pattern!
Beth
Monday 18th of October 2021
@Christa,
Thank you! No worries, it's my first sweater so I was prepared to redo parts. :)
I'm looking forward to making more now that it doesn't seem so daunting.
Christa
Friday 15th of October 2021
Hi Beth, So sorry that essential measurement was missing! I've added the lengths back now. I recently had to update it, and must have accidentally deleted those. Thank you for reaching out so I could fix it. Sorry you had to frog back! I'm glad you enjoyed the pattern otherwise. Have a great weekend, Crystal