A granny square sweater is a garment made by crocheting individual granny square motifs and joining them into panels (front, back, and sleeves) that are then seamed together to create a wearable sweater. The modular construction makes it easy to customize the fit, adjust the size, and experiment with different color layouts. Most patterns use worsted or DK weight yarn with a 4.0 mm to 5.5 mm hook, and a typical cardigan requires 20 to 40 granny squares plus additional rows for the sleeves and neckline.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases: some supply links in this post are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Tip: Make a gauge swatch and measure it carefully before starting your granny square sweater: a difference of even half an inch per square will compound across 30 squares and completely change your finished garment size.
A granny square sweater is one of the most satisfying garments to make. It blends the meditative rhythm of individual squares with the thrill of watching them become wearable art. Unlike a sweater worked in one continuous piece, the granny square version lets you work small, portable sections (great for on the go) and then assemble them into something unique. From an oversized boho cardigan to a fitted crop or a cozy pullover, there’s a granny square sweater here that walks you through every step.
7 Free Granny Square Cardigan and Sweater Patterns
Working in small sections means a lot of joining at the end, so a tapestry needle is worth setting aside before you start assembling.
1. Granny Square Cardigan
Janne Kleivset’s Granny Square Cardigan is size inclusive from XS to 5XL and made of multiple granny squares (38 to 70 depending on size) in basic stitches, so she says assembling it isn’t much more difficult than a granny square blanket. She used Lion Brand Wool-Ease with a 5.5 or 6.5 mm hook depending on size, and the squares are whip stitched together with schematics for placement. You can use scrap yarn or leftovers instead, and an ad-free version is included in her Ultimate Guide to Granny Squares. Open the pattern.
2. Granny Style Cardigan
Michelle Moore’s Granny Style Cardigan is rated easy and adds vintage charm with classic granny square construction. It is available in sizes XS to 5XL, and you can adjust the length and colors. It uses sport weight (#2) WeCrochet Comfy Sport with a US G/6 (4 mm) and a G+/7 (4.5 mm) hook, and the pattern comes with a detailed video tutorial. She says it is a piece you’ll wear season after season, for cool summer evenings or layering in colder months. Open the pattern.
3. Crochet Granny Square Cardigan
Briana Kepner’s cardigan comes in 9 sizes from extra small to 5X, with squares arranged in a diamond shape and half squares filling the underarm gaps. It uses a worsted alpaca blend on a 4 mm hook. Sizing is easy: match the granny square dimensions with your chosen yarn. The page has a section on a tool that makes granny squares easier and a trick for people who hate weaving in ends, and it was part of the Not Your Average Granny Crochet Along. Open the pattern.
4. Airie Granny Square Cardigan
Lindsey Roe’s Airie Cardigan is her very first granny square pattern, made in 100% merino (Malabrigo Worsted in blues and grays) with an airy bobble-stitch granny square. The four-round squares number 60 to 124 depending on size, joined vertically and then horizontally with a flat slip stitch seam, and the sleeves are tubular. It uses 6.5 mm and 5.5 mm hooks, and a video tutorial covers the granny square and seaming. The yarn is sustainable and eco-friendly. Open the pattern.
5. Cozy Granny Square Cardigan
HayHay Crochet’s cozy cardigan uses 27 panel squares and 8 sleeve squares seamed with mattress stitch, in medium weight yarn with a 5 mm hook and buttons (she used mismatched 19 mm buttons, and suggests wooden ones). Sizes run XS/S through 3XL/4XL, and the page tells you how big each square should be: for example 6 inches for M/L front and back panels with 8 inch sleeve squares. There is a video tutorial. Open the pattern.
6. Free Granny Square Crochet Sweater
Leonela Cevallos’ Daisy Dream sweater at Dublin Bay Crochet combines flowers and granny squares, with balloon sleeves and buttons, in sizes XS to XXL. It is worked in 5 panels of granny squares joined with a single crochet seam. She used a mix of alpaca and wool, Drops Nepal (65% wool and 35% alpaca, worsted or Aran), with a 4.5 or 5 mm hook, stitch markers and a tapestry needle. Because it’s made of squares, you can take your crochet wherever you go. Open the pattern.
7. Tulip Square Cardi
Wilma’s Tulip Square Cardi is available in sizes XS to 5XL with a step-by-step video tutorial. It uses Lion Brand Heartland (medium weight) on a 6 mm hook, and the tulip squares and triangles are joined into a cardigan, with sleeves worked separately and sewn on, plus ribbing at the hem and neckline. The XS through XL sizes use 10 tulip squares and 19 triangles, and 2XL through 5XL use 41 squares and 29 triangles. The page has a size chart. Open the pattern.
Cardigans and squares
Joy of Motion’s cardigan needs 38 to 70 squares depending on your size, so check that before you begin. HayHay Crochet’s uses 27 panel squares and 8 sleeve squares. Wilma’s tulip cardigan is the one with the fewest pieces in the smaller sizes, at 10 squares and 19 triangles for XS through XL.