Time to dig into that stash, my friend. You know that gorgeous cream yarn you’ve been saving for something special? This is the project. The Black Floral Granny Square Cardigan combines classic granny square construction with a sleek, modern silhouette that hits mid-thigh length. It’s basically a cozy dress and cardigan in one stunning piece.
I won’t sugarcoat this one. It’s an intermediate project that requires patience, multiple construction techniques, and careful seaming. But if you’ve conquered a basic granny square and made at least one flat garment, you’re absolutely ready. The sunflower motifs at the center of each square create that gorgeous layered effect you see in the photos.
The construction is fascinating once you break it down. You’ll work six large sunflower granny squares separately, block them, then integrate them into two front panels. The back and sleeves are solid double crochet worked flat. Everything comes together with careful seaming and a button band finish. Let’s walk through every single step.
About This Crochet Pattern
This button-front cardigan dress features a V-neckline, three-quarter sleeves with adorable tie cuffs, and gold dome buttons running down the entire front. The star of the show is the arrangement of six sunflower granny squares in two vertical columns of three on the front opening.
The finished piece has a relaxed, bohemian vibe with approximately 4 to 6 inches of ease at the bust. This is intentional for that flowy aesthetic. The pattern is written for size Small/Medium with these finished measurements:
Bust: 38 inches / 96.5 cm
Total length (shoulder to hem): 33 inches / 84 cm
Sleeve length: 17 inches / 43 cm
Sleeve circumference at upper arm: 15 inches / 38 cm
Blocked square size: 9 inches / 23 cm
Plan for approximately 40 to 60 hours of work depending on your speed. The six sunflower squares each take 2 to 3 hours. Body panels add 15 to 20 hours total. Assembly and finishing add another 3 to 5 hours.
Materials Needed for This Crochet Cardigan Pattern
Yarn:
Hook: US Size J / 6.0 mm
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions:
Lion Brand Pound of Love works beautifully here. It’s 100% acrylic with excellent stitch definition. Grab 2 skeins in cream, 1 in black, and a partial skein in tan or wheat.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is another solid choice. It’s a lighter worsted that works well at this gauge. You’ll need 9 skeins cream, 2 skeins black, and 1 skein champagne.
For natural fiber lovers, Cascade 220 gives gorgeous drape. Purchase 6 skeins cream, 1 black, and 1 tan. Steam block carefully with wool.
Substitution note: Any worsted weight yarn that achieves gauge will work. Avoid fuzzy or highly textured yarns because they’ll hide those beautiful sunflower petal details.
Gauge
This is mandatory for garment construction. Please make a swatch before starting.
14 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm worked flat in double crochet with a J/6.0 mm hook, blocked.
One completed sunflower granny square (through Round 7) = 9 inches x 9 inches / 23 cm x 23 cm, blocked.
A difference of even half a stitch per inch will change your finished bust measurement by over 2 inches. Take the time to check your gauge.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
ch: chain, the foundation stitch that creates your starting row
sl st: slip stitch, a flat joining stitch with no height
sc: single crochet, the shortest working stitch
dc: double crochet, a taller stitch created by yarning over before inserting your hook
tr: treble crochet, yarn over twice before inserting hook
hdc: half double crochet, between sc and dc in height
sk: skip
sp: space
ch-sp: chain space, the gap created by chain stitches in previous rows
RS: right side, the public-facing side
WS: wrong side, the inside
rep: repeat
pm: place marker
rm: remove marker
beg: beginning
rem: remaining
st(s): stitch(es)
yo: yarn over, wrapping yarn around your hook
rnd: round
t-ch: turning chain
Special Stitches for the Sunflower Granny Square
Sunflower Petal (worked in Yarn C / Tan):
This creates those gorgeous raised petals at the flower center. Insert your hook into the designated stitch or space. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over twice more, then pull through all loops on your hook. This creates an elongated cluster that forms one petal shape. Work these into the center ring only, pulling petals to the front (RS) of the work.
3-dc Cluster (cl):
Work three incomplete double crochets into the same stitch (stopping before the final pull-through on each), then yarn over and pull through all four loops on your hook at once to close the cluster.
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc):
Yarn over once. Insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below (not into the top of the stitch, but around its vertical body). Complete the double crochet as normal.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
The back and front panels are worked flat, turning at the end of each row. All turning chains for double crochet rows count as the first dc of that row unless stated otherwise.
The six granny squares are worked separately and blocked before being seamed into the front panels. This ensures accurate sizing.
The V-neckline shaping begins simultaneously with the armhole shaping on each front panel. Read the entire section before starting.
Sleeves are worked flat and seamed. The sleeve cap is shaped with slip-stitch bind-off rows.
Buttons are sewn to the left front (as worn). Button loops are created in the right front edge during the button band pickup.
Block all granny squares to 9 inches before seaming. Steam blocking or wet blocking both work well.
Sunflower Granny Square Instructions (Make 6)
The square is worked in rounds from the center outward. Use a magic ring for the tightest possible center.
With Yarn C (Tan), make a magic ring.
Round 1 (RS): Ch 1. Work 12 sc into the ring. Pull ring tight to close. Join to first sc with sl st. (12 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1. Working into the front loop only of each st, work 1 sunflower petal st into each of the 12 sc around. Join to first petal with sl st. Do not fasten off Yarn C yet. (12 petals)
Round 3: Working into the back loop only of Round 1 stitches (behind the petals), attach Yarn B (Black) with a sl st into any back loop. Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work 1 dc into the same back loop. Work 2 dc into each remaining back loop around. Join to top of beg ch-3. (24 dc)
The petals from Round 2 will sit in front of Round 3, creating that gorgeous layered sunflower effect. Gently push petals toward the RS if needed.
Round 4: With Yarn B, ch 1. Work as follows to create 4 corners: 3 sc in first st (corner), sc in next 5 sts. 3 sc in next st (corner), sc in next 5 sts. Rep from * 3 more times. Join to first sc. (32 sc: 4 corners of 3 sc each plus 5 sc on each side)
Round 5: Sl st to center st of first corner. Ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 2 dc in same corner st. Dc in each of next 7 sts. 3 dc in corner st, dc in next 7 sts. Rep from * 3 more times. Join to top of beg ch-3. (44 dc: 4 corners of 3 dc, 7 dc per side)
Round 6: Sl st to center st of corner. Ch 3, 2 dc in same st. Dc in each of next 11 sts. 3 dc in corner st, dc in next 11 sts. Rep from * 3 more times. Join. (56 dc: 4 corners of 3 dc, 11 dc per side)
Round 7: With Yarn A (Cream), join with sl st to any corner center st. Ch 3, 2 dc in same st. Dc in each of next 13 sts. 3 dc in corner st, dc in next 13 sts. Rep from * 3 more times. Join to top of ch-3. Fasten off Yarn A, leaving a tail for seaming. (68 dc: 4 corners of 3 dc, 13 dc per side)
Checkpoint: Each completed square should measure 9 inches x 9 inches after blocking. If your squares are smaller, go up a hook size. If larger, go down a hook size.
Back Panel Instructions
With Yarn A and J hook, ch 68.
Row 1 (WS): Dc in 4th ch from hook (beg ch-3 + skipped 2 chs = first 3 sts consumed; ch-3 counts as first dc). Dc in each ch across. Turn. (66 dc)
Row 2 (RS): Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (66 dc)
Rows 3 through 42: Rep Row 2. (66 dc per row)
After Row 42, the back panel should measure approximately 21 inches tall and 18.75 inches wide.
Back Panel Armhole Shaping
Row 43 (RS): Sl st across first 5 sts. Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in each dc across to last 4 sts. Leave last 4 sts unworked. Turn. (58 dc)
Row 44: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc (after t-ch). Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip last dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (56 dc)
Row 45: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip last dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (54 dc)
Row 46: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip last dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (52 dc)
Rows 47 through 62: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (52 dc)
Back Shoulder and Neck Shaping
Row 63 (RS): Ch 3, turn. Dc in next 14 dc. Fasten off leaving a tail. Skip center 22 sts for back neck. Reattach Yarn A in next dc. Ch 3. Dc in each dc across to end. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (15 dc each shoulder, 22 sts for back neck)
Row 64 (each shoulder separately): Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across, decreasing 1 st at neck edge. Turn. (14 dc)
Row 65: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Fasten off. (14 dc per shoulder)
Front Left Panel Instructions
With Yarn A, ch 35.
Row 1 (WS): Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in each ch across. Turn. (33 dc)
Row 2 (RS): Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (33 dc)
Rows 3 through 42: Rep Row 2. (33 dc)
Front Left Armhole and V-Neck Shaping
Read both shapings before beginning. Armhole shaping occurs at the side edge. Neck shaping decreases occur at the center front edge.
Row 43 (RS): Sl st across first 5 sts. Ch 3. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (25 dc)
Row 44: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (23 dc)
Row 45: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (21 dc)
Row 46: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (19 dc)
After Row 46, armhole shaping is complete. Continue neck decreases only.
Rows 47 through 51: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (18, 17, 16, 15, 14 dc respectively)
Rows 52 through 65: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (14 dc)
After Row 65, fasten off leaving a seaming tail.
Front Right Panel Instructions
Work exactly as Front Left Panel with mirror adjustments for the armhole and neck positions.
Row 43 (RS): Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc (neck decrease). Dc in each dc across to last 4 sts. Leave last 4 sts unworked (armhole). Turn. (25 dc)
Row 44: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc (neck decrease). Dc in each dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch (armhole decrease). Turn. (23 dc)
Rows 45 through 46: Continue decreasing at both edges. (21, 19 dc)
Rows 47 through 51 (neck decreases only): Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc in each dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (18, 17, 16, 15, 14 dc)
Rows 52 through 65: Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (14 dc)
Fasten off leaving a seaming tail.
Sleeve Instructions (Make 2)
With Yarn A, ch 30.
Row 1 (WS): Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in each ch across. Turn. (28 dc)
Row 2 (RS): Ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (28 dc)
Row 3 (increase row): Ch 3, turn. 2 dc in first dc. Dc in each dc across to last dc. 2 dc in last dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (30 dc)
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Dc across. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (30 dc)
Continue alternating increase rows and plain rows:
Row 5: (32 dc)
Row 6: (32 dc)
Row 7: (34 dc)
Row 8: (34 dc)
Row 9: (36 dc)
Row 10: (36 dc)
Row 11: (38 dc)
Row 12: (38 dc)
Rows 13 through 26: Dc across without increases. (38 dc)
Tie Cuff
Row 27: Ch 3, turn. Dc across. At end of row, ch 20 for tie. Fasten off Yarn A on this side. Reattach Yarn A to beginning of Row 27 edge. Ch 20 for opposite tie. Sl st to first st of Row 27. Fasten off.
The two ties are tied in a bow as shown in the photos.
Sleeve Cap Shaping
After Row 26 and before adding ties, shape the sleeve cap:
Cap Row 1 (RS): Sl st across first 4 sts. Ch 3. Dc across to last 3 sts. Leave last 3 sts unworked. Turn. (32 dc)
Cap Rows 2 through 7: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc. Dc across to last 2 sts. Skip 1 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (30, 28, 26, 24, 22, 20 dc)
Cap Row 8: Ch 3, turn. Skip 2 dc. Dc across to last 3 sts. Skip 2 dc. Dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (16 dc)
Cap Row 9: Sl st across first 4 sts. Ch 3. Dc across to last 3 sts. Leave last 3 sts unworked. Fasten off. (10 dc at top of cap)
Granny Square Integration
After blocking all six squares to 9 inches, arrange them in two columns of three on the front panels.
Place the bottom edge of Square 1 aligned with Row 3 of the front panel. The outer edge of the square aligns with the side seam edge. Using Yarn A and a yarn needle, whipstitch or mattress stitch the square to the front panel, sewing through both layers.
Stack Square 2 directly above Square 1, leaving no gap. Stack Square 3 above Square 2. Repeat for the second front panel.
Assembly Instructions
Shoulder seams: With RS facing together, line up left front shoulder (14 dc) to left back shoulder (14 dc). Using Yarn A and yarn needle, whipstitch across. Repeat for right shoulder seam.
Sleeve attachment: Set sleeves into armhole openings with RS together. The top 10 dc of the sleeve cap align with the shoulder seam area. Pin generously and seam using mattress stitch or whipstitch around the armhole curve.
Side and sleeve seams: Fold garment with RS together. Seam from cuff edge of sleeve down to armhole, then continue down side seam to hem in one continuous seam on each side.
Weave all ends.
Button Band and Button Loops
With RS facing and Yarn A, attach yarn to bottom right front edge.
Row 1: Work sc evenly up the right front edge, across the back neck, and down the left front edge. Aim for approximately 3 sc per 2 dc rows on the body. Turn.
Row 2 (button loop row on right front only): Work sc to first button position. Ch 3, skip 2 sc (button loop). Continue sc to next button position. Repeat ch 3, skip 2 sc for remaining 7 loops, spacing evenly. Continue sc across back neck and down left front. Turn.
Place first loop approximately 1.5 inches from bottom hem. Place last loop approximately 1 inch below where V-neck shaping begins. Space remaining 6 loops evenly between.
Row 3: Sc across all sts, working 3 sc into each ch-3 loop space. Fasten off and weave end.
Sew 8 gold dome buttons to the left front band to correspond with the button loops.
Finishing Your Black Floral Granny Square Cardigan
Weave in all remaining ends securely.
Wet block the assembled cardigan by soaking in cool water for 20 minutes, gently pressing out excess water in a towel, and pinning flat to measurements on blocking mats. Allow to dry completely. Alternatively, steam block by hovering a steam iron over the surface without direct contact.
Check that all six granny squares lie flat and are evenly spaced. If any squares have pulled or curled, mist with water and re-pin.
Size Customization Tips
To size up by approximately 2 inches at the bust: Add 7 sts to the back foundation chain, 3 to 4 sts to each front panel foundation chain, and 4 sts to the sleeve foundation chain.
To size down by approximately 2 inches: Subtract 7 sts from back, 3 to 4 from each front, and 4 from sleeves.
To lengthen the body: Add rows between Row 42 and armhole shaping. Every 4 rows adds approximately 2 inches. Consider whether you need a 4th granny square per column for coverage.
To shorten to tunic length: Eliminate approximately 8 rows from the hem section. The garment will lose approximately 4 inches.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with gentle soap. Do not wring or twist. Press excess water out gently and lay flat to dry. For acrylic yarn, a warm steam iron held above the fabric (not touching) can relax the fabric and restore drape. Do not machine dry. Do not bleach. For wool options, use cool water and wool wash only.
Thank you so much for choosing this crochet pattern for your next project. I truly hope you love making this cardigan as much as I loved designing it. If you give it a try, I would absolutely love to see your finished piece. Tag me on Instagram or share in my Facebook group. Your makes always brighten my day.
If you want to come back to this Black Floral Granny Square Cardigan crochet pattern later, go ahead and pin it to your favorite Pinterest board. And please drop a comment below when you finish yours. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
