Burgundy Granny Square Patchwork Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern

Okay, fellow yarn hoarders. This is your sign to finally dig into that stash and pull out those gorgeous autumn skeins you have been saving for "someday." This Burgundy Granny Square Patchwork Cardigan combines classic granny square construction with a modern, wearable silhouette. You will be joining squares in a strategic layout to create the body and those gorgeous bell sleeves. Fair warning: this is an intermediate project that requires patience with joining and some basic garment construction knowledge. But if you can make a granny square, you can absolutely make this cardigan.

Why This Granny Square Cardigan Pattern Works

The beauty of a patchwork cardigan lies in its portability and flexibility. Each granny square is small enough to work on during your lunch break or while binge-watching your favorite show. Then, when you have enough squares completed, the assembly process brings everything together into a stunning wearable piece.

This particular design features a rich color palette of burgundy, mustard gold, and forest green. These shades work beautifully together and create that cozy autumn aesthetic we all crave when the leaves start turning. The scalloped edging along the front opening and hem adds a feminine touch that elevates the entire cardigan.

What I love most about this construction method is the minimal shaping required. Because granny squares are modular, you simply arrange them in the correct configuration and join them together. No complicated increases or decreases to worry about.

Skill Level

Intermediate

You should be comfortable with basic crochet stitches, working in rounds, changing colors, and joining motifs. If you have never made a granny square before, I recommend practicing a few plain squares first before diving into this project.

Finished Measurements

This pattern creates a relaxed, oversized fit.

Width across back: Approximately 22 inches

Total length: Approximately 26 inches

Sleeve length: Approximately 18 inches from shoulder seam

Individual granny square: Approximately 5.5 inches square

*Note: Your finished measurements may vary based on your gauge and blocking.*

Materials Needed

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn (weight category 4) in three colors:

Color A (Burgundy): Approximately 400 yards

Color B (Mustard Gold): Approximately 350 yards

Color C (Forest Green): Approximately 250 yards

I recommend a soft acrylic or acrylic blend for easy care and good stitch definition. Yarn with a slight sheen will make your stitches pop beautifully.

Hook

Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for edging (optional, for a tighter border)

Notions

Yarn needle for weaving ends and seaming

Stitch markers

Scissors

Blocking mats and pins (recommended)

Gauge

One completed granny square measures 5.5 inches by 5.5 inches after blocking.

Gauge matters for this project. If your squares are too small, your cardigan will be tight. If they are too large, the cardigan will be oversized beyond the intended fit. Make a test square and block it before committing to all your squares.

Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions

Let me break down every stitch and term you will encounter in this pattern:

ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates the foundation for most crochet work.

sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds.

dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. Creates a tall stitch approximately the height of 3 chains.

sc = single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. A short, dense stitch.

3-dc cluster = three double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space. This is the building block of a traditional granny square.

ch-sp = chain space: The gap created by chain stitches in the previous round. You will work into these spaces, not into individual chain stitches.

corner ch-sp = the chain-2 or chain-3 space at each corner of the granny square

Pattern Notes Before You Begin

Color sequence for granny squares: The squares in this cardigan follow a specific color pattern that creates visual cohesion across the finished garment. Each square starts with one color in the center and works outward with alternating colors.

Joining method: This cardigan uses a whip stitch join for clean, flat seams. You can also use a slip stitch join or the join-as-you-go method if you prefer.

Blocking is essential. Granny squares tend to curl and distort. Blocking relaxes the fibers, opens up the lacework, and ensures all your squares are uniform in size.

Weave in ends as you go. With this many color changes, you will have a lot of ends. Trust me when I say dealing with them incrementally is much better than facing a mountain of tails at the end.

How to Crochet the Granny Squares

You will need a total of 24 granny squares for this cardigan: 12 for the body and 12 for the sleeves.

Basic Granny Square Pattern

Round 1 (Color A, Burgundy):

Ch 4. Sl st to the first ch to form a ring.

Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, *3 dc into ring, ch 2.* Repeat from * two more times. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. Fasten off Color A.

*You should have 4 clusters of 3 dc each, separated by 4 corner ch-2 spaces. (12 dc total)*

Round 2 (Color C, Forest Green):

Join Color C with a sl st to any corner ch-2 space.

Ch 3, 2 dc in same corner space, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space (first corner made). *Ch 1, skip to next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner space.* Repeat from * around. Ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. Fasten off Color C.

*You now have 8 clusters of 3 dc (2 clusters per corner), 4 corner ch-2 spaces, and 4 side ch-1 spaces. (24 dc total)*

Round 3 (Color B, Mustard Gold):

Join Color B with a sl st to any corner ch-2 space.

Ch 3, 2 dc in same corner space, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 space.* Repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, 3 dc in last ch-1 space, ch 1. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. Fasten off Color B.

*(36 dc total)*

Round 4 (Color A, Burgundy):

Join Color A with a sl st to any corner ch-2 space.

Ch 3, 2 dc in same corner space, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space. *Ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1) across side to next corner, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 space.* Repeat from * around. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. Fasten off Color A.

*(48 dc total)*

Round 5 (Color B, Mustard Gold, Final Round):

Join Color B with a sl st to any corner ch-2 space.

*(60 dc total)*

Your completed square should measure approximately 5.5 inches on each side after blocking.

Repeat this pattern to create 24 identical squares.

Cardigan Assembly

This is where your cardigan comes to life. Take your time with assembly. Neat, even seams make all the difference.

Body Layout

The body is constructed from 12 squares arranged in a specific configuration.

Back Panel: Arrange 4 squares in a 2×2 grid. Join using whip stitch through back loops only for a flatter seam.

Left Front Panel: Arrange 2 squares in a 1×2 vertical strip. Join together.

Right Front Panel: Arrange 2 squares in a 1×2 vertical strip. Join together.

Joining Front to Back:

Lay out your pieces with the back panel in the center. Position the front panels on either side, leaving space at the top center for the neck opening.

Join the top outer corners of each front panel to the corresponding top outer corners of the back panel. These seams create your shoulder seams.

Join the side seams, leaving the top portion open for armholes. Each armhole opening should be approximately the width of one square (5.5 inches).

Sleeve Construction

Each sleeve uses 6 squares arranged in a 2×3 configuration.

Step 1: Arrange 6 squares in a 2 wide by 3 tall layout.

Step 2: Join all squares together using your preferred seaming method.

Step 3: Fold the completed rectangle in half lengthwise, bringing the two long edges together.

Step 4: Seam along the long edge to create a tube. This forms your sleeve.

Step 5: Attach the wider end of the sleeve tube to the armhole opening of the body. Ease the sleeve into the armhole, pinning as needed before seaming.

Repeat for the second sleeve.

Scalloped Edging

The decorative border along the front opening and bottom hem ties the entire cardigan together beautifully.

Edging Pattern

Using Color B (Mustard Gold) and your smaller hook if desired, join yarn at the bottom corner of one front panel.

Row 1:

Work sc evenly along the entire front opening, around the neckline, and down the opposite front. Aim for approximately 3 sc per inch. Work 3 sc in each corner to maintain a flat edge. Sl st to join if working in the round, or turn if working flat.

Row 2 (Scallop Row):

*Skip 2 sc, work 5 dc in next sc (scallop made), skip 2 sc, sl st in next sc.* Repeat from * around entire edging. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat this scalloped edging along the bottom hem of the cardigan and the cuffs of each sleeve.

Finishing Touches

Block your completed cardigan by laying it flat on blocking mats, pinning to shape, and lightly misting with water. Allow to dry completely before wearing.

Weave in any remaining ends. Take care to weave ends into stitches of the same color to keep them invisible.

Styling Your Granny Square Patchwork Cardigan

This cardigan layers beautifully over turtlenecks, basic tees, and even dresses. The bell sleeves make a statement, so keep accessories minimal. The rich color palette makes it perfect for fall festivals, apple picking, cozy coffee dates, or any occasion where you want to feel wrapped in handmade warmth.

Troubleshooting Tips

Squares are different sizes: Check your tension. Work more loosely or tightly as needed, or change hook size.

Seams are puckering: You may be pulling your joining yarn too tightly. Keep consistent, gentle tension.

Edging is ruffling: You may have too many stitches. Decrease your stitch count slightly on the next attempt.

Colors are not matching across squares: Ensure you are using yarn from the same dye lot for each color.

Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next crochet project. I truly hope you love making and wearing this cozy granny square cardigan as much as I enjoyed designing it. If you make one, please tag me on Instagram or share in our Facebook group. I absolutely love seeing your finished projects and your gorgeous color choices.

If this pattern sparked some inspiration, go ahead and pin it to your crochet board on Pinterest so you can find it when you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make this cardigan. I would love to hear how it turned out for you!