If you’re searching for the perfect blend of elegance and texture, look no further than this vintage popcorn stitch crochet cardigan pattern featuring the beloved popcorn stitch. With its timeless structure, cropped waist, and sophisticated button-down front, this cardigan adds charm and cozy texture to any handmade wardrobe.
A showstopping stitch in a polished silhouette – the perfect statement piece for any season.
Why You’ll Love This Cardigan Pattern
This design is a standout from a classic era of crochet fashion. The combination of delicate ribbing and raised popcorn stitches makes for a cardigan that’s as eye-catching as it is cozy. Whether layered over a blouse or worn solo, it adds dimension and retro flair to your outfit.
Features:
- All-over popcorn stitch texture
- Ribbed hem and cuffs for a tailored fit
- Cropped, waist-length style for a flattering silhouette
- Button-down front for classic structure
This pattern is ideal for experienced beginners to intermediate crocheters looking to try texture work and garment shaping.
Pattern Details
Skill Level: Intermediate
Yarn Used: Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn
Hook Size: U.S. Size D (3.25 mm) crochet hook
Fit: Tailored, cropped body with fitted long sleeves
Notions: Buttons (approx. ¾”), tapestry needle for finishing
Note: This is a vintage pattern and some of the materials listed may no longer be available. Please be sure to match the gauge to ensure your piece is accurate.
Style It Your Way
- Pair it with wide-leg trousers or a flowy skirt for an elegant vintage ensemble
- Dress it down with high-waisted jeans for modern retro flair
- Try it in neutral cream for everyday wear or go bold with a pastel or jewel tone
Tips for Success
- Practice popcorn stitch before starting the project
- Maintain even tension to preserve the structure of the ribbing
- Block all pieces before assembly to ensure the perfect fit
- Use a sturdy cotton yarn to keep the stitch definition crisp
The Free Pattern
You can find the free pattern below. If you would like the ad free version of this pattern, or if you are searching for your next project, check out our Etsy store.
Sizes: Directions are given for Size 10–12.
Changes for Sizes 14–16 and 18–20 are in brackets.
Materials:
- Coats & Clark Red Heart® 100% Cotton Knit & Crochet Yarn, Art. E.283
35 [42½, 50] oz of No. 856 Blue Mist - Crochet Hook: Size D
- 6 Buttons, ¾” diameter
Gauge: 5 sts = 1″; 5 rows = 2″
Use any size hook to obtain this gauge.
SIZES & MEASUREMENTS
| Size | 10–12 | 14–16 | 18–20 |
| Bust (in) | 32½–34 | 36–38 | 40–42 |
| Cardigan width (buttoned) | 33½ | 38 | 43 |
| Width across back | 16½ | 18½ | 21 |
| Width across each front (excl. band) | 7¾ | 9 | 10¼ |
| Side seam length | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Sleeve seam length | 17 | 17½ | 18 |
| Sleeve width (upper arm) | 12½ | 13¾ | 1 |
She swam nearer to make out what it was
BACK
Ribbing:
Ch 16, work in back lp of each sc until ribbing measures 12½” [14½”, 16½”].
Do not turn.
Foundation Row:
Work across long edge, make 81 [93, 105] sc evenly. Mark this as RS. Ch 2, turn.
Next Row:
Make 4 dc in next sc, drop loop, insert hook from back to front into 1st dc, draw loop through (back pc st made).
h dc in next sc, (ch 1, skip next sc, h dc in next sc) twice, back pc st in next sc — repeat. End with h dc in last sc. Ch 2, turn.
BODY PATTERN
Row 1: Hdc in next pc st, ch 1, hdc in ch-1 sp; make front pc st in next hdc, hdc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, hdc in next pc st — repeat. End hdc in top of ch-2. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: Back pc st in next hdc, hdc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, hdc in pc st, ch 1, hdc in ch-1 sp, back pc st in hdc — repeat. End hdc in top of ch-2. Ch 2, turn.
Repeat Rows 1–2 for 13″ total length, ending with Row 2.
ARMHOLE SHAPING
Row 1: Sl st 6 sts, ch 2, skip hdc, hdc in next pc st, ch 1, hdc in ch-1 sp, front pc st, hdc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, hdc in pc st — repeat. End skipping final sts. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: Continue in pattern.
Row 3: Skip 1 hdc, front pc st, continue pattern.
(For size 18–20 only: work Rows 4–5, continuing shaping)
Work even until armhole measures 7½” [8½”, 9½”]. Fasten off.
LEFT FRONT
Work ribbing as for back for 6″ [7″, 8″].
Work foundation row and begin pattern as for back.
Armhole Shaping: Sl st 6 sts, ch 2, skip hdc, hdc in pc st — continue pattern.
Neck Shaping (after 4½” [5″, 6″] armhole):
Decrease 1 st at neck edge for 3–7 rows depending on size, then work even until shoulder matches back. Fasten off.
RIGHT FRONT
Work same as left front, reversing shaping.
SLEEVES
Work ribbing as for back for 6½” [7″, 7½”].
Work 51 [57, 63] sc evenly. Begin body pattern.
Increase Row 1–3: Work increases at beginning and end of rows.
Next Rows: Continue pattern evenly.
Top Shaping (after 17″ [17½”, 18″]):
Repeat shaping rows to mirror back armhole shaping. Fasten off.
FINISHING
- Block pieces and leave to dry.
- Sew side, shoulder, and sleeve seams.
- Sew sleeves into armholes.
NECKBAND
Ch 8, work ribbing over 7 sc until piece fits neckline. Sew in place.
BUTTONBANDS
Buttonband: Ch 9, work ribbing over 8 sc to match left front edge. Sew in place.
Buttonhole Band: Same as buttonband. Make 6 buttonholes:
Work 3 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc, 3 sc. Sc across next row. Sew in place.
Sew on buttons to match buttonholes.
Finished making the popcorn stitch crochet sweater and searching for your next project? Check out our entire free pattern library.
