Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a satisfying, beginner-friendly garment project that requires zero complex shaping, you are going to fall in love with the hexagonal cardigan. This clever pattern transforms two simple flat hexagons into a cozy, beautiful wearable sweater through the magic of folding and seaming.
Whether you want to use up your favorite scrap yarn, play with gorgeous gradient cakes, or stitch a solid, everyday layering piece, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your very own hexagon cardigan from start to finish.
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Medium-weight (Worsted / #4) yarn. Approximately 1,200 to 1,800 yards total, depending on your desired size and length.
- Crochet Hook: US J/10 (6.0 mm) hook (or size needed to obtain gauge).
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and 4 to 6 stitch markers.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- Ch: Chain
- Sl st: Slip stitch
- Sc: Single crochet
- Dc: Double crochet
- Sp(s): Space(s)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Corner: Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) or (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the designated chain-space.
- Note: You will make two identical hexagons. Each hexagon is worked in rounds from the center outward, naturally creating six distinct corners.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Make Hexagon 1 – Center Ring: Start with a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring).
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), work 2 dc into the ring, *ch 2, work 3 dc into the ring; repeat from * 4 more times, ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3. You should have 6 clusters of 3 dc and 6 chain-2 corners. Fasten off if changing colors, or continue with your current yarn.
- Round 2: Join yarn in any ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same corner sp. *Skip next 3 dc, work a Corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 corner sp; repeat from * around, join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3.
- Round 3 and Beyond: Continue working in rounds. In each corner sp, work your Corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Along the flat edges between corners, work 3 dc into each space between the 3-dc clusters of the previous round.
- Sizing the Hexagon: Keep working rounds until the measurement from one flat side across to the opposite flat side equals half of your desired back-width plus your sleeve length (usually between 9 to 14 rounds for adult sizes). Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Make Hexagon 2: Repeat steps 1 through 5 to create a second hexagon that is an exact match in size, stitch count, and appearance.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- The Fold: Lay flat one hexagon. Fold it in half to create an L-shape (resembling the letter L). The inner corner becomes the shoulder and top of the sleeve.
- Seaming: With the right sides facing, use a mattress stitch or slip stitch seam to join the top edge of the back together. Next, seam along the bottom of the sleeves from the cuff toward the armpit.
- Body Extensions: If you want your cardigan longer or oversized, simply add extra rows of double crochet along the bottom hem and cuffs after assembly.
- Tension Check: Keep your stitch tension consistent so that both hexagons end up matching identically in size, ensuring a balanced fit when folded.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: