Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan Pattern by Marly Bird

Introducing the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan by Your BiCrafty Bestie, Marly Bird! 🌼 This vibrant, cozy cardigan is perfect for adding a pop of color to your wardrobe. The Goldenrod Cardigan pattern is designed with beginner-friendly instructions and features a relaxed, comfy fit that’s perfect for layering.

Want to explore more stylish patterns? Check out our collection for endless inspiration!

Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan – A Staple for Your Fall Wardrobe

Living in Colorado, I know firsthand how unpredictable fall weather can be—it’s 80 degrees one moment and 50 the next! That’s why I designed the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan, a versatile, easy-to-wear layering piece that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re heading out for coffee or cozying up at home, this cardigan has you covered.

Cardigans are a wardrobe essential, and the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan is no exception. It’s easy construction begins with a one-piece back, with sleeve shaping as simple as adding chain stitches where indicated in the pattern.

The beautiful lace stitch pattern adds interest without being overly complex—though there’s a key tip to keep in mind: on the first repeat row, you’ll need to chain a specific number of stitches and work into them before returning to the main piece.

The pattern’s thoughtful edging incorporates post stitches for texture and structure, with a top chain detail that adds a flattering linear effect along the body.


Yarn and Crochet Hook Recommendations for the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan

When creating this pattern, I chose thin yarn for its polished look and excellent drape, especially for lace. A blend of silk and wool makes the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan breathable, warm, and perfect for layering.

Here are some yarns you might like:

  • Gloss DK
    A luxurious blend of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk, offering a soft feel and elegant sheen. This DK-weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition, perfect for showcasing the cardigan’s lace pattern.
  • Cascade Heritage Silk
    This fingering-weight yarn combines 85% Superwash Merino Wool with 15% Mulberry Silk, resulting in a smooth texture and slight sheen. Ideal for lightweight garments like the Goldenrod Cardigan.
  • Malabrigo Silky Merino
    A DK-weight yarn made of 51% Silk and 49% Merino Wool, offering a soft touch and beautiful drape. The subtle sheen enhances the lace design of the cardigan.
  • Rowan Island Blend Fine
    This fingering-weight yarn is a blend of wool, silk, and alpaca, providing softness and a slight sheen. It’s suitable for lightweight projects like the Goldenrod Cardigan.
  • Sandnes Garn Tynn Silk Mohair
    A light, airy blend of mohair, silk, and wool, this yarn adds depth of color and a beautiful halo, enhancing the cardigan’s lace pattern.

When selecting your yarn, consider the desired drape and feel of your cardigan. These options provide a range of textures and finishes to suit your personal style. Also, look for a lightweight yarn that enhances the lace detailing and feels soft against the skin.

Use a crochet hook size that will allow you to get the correct gauge—the pattern provides specific gauge information to ensure the best fit.


A person with short brown hair is outdoors, wearing a yellow crocheted cardigan over an orange top. The person is smiling slightly, with hands clasped in front. The background is blurred with trees and greenery. -Marly Bird

A Crochet Cardigan Customizable Fit for Every Body

One of my goals in designing the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan was to make it size-inclusive and easy to customize. The pattern includes a range of sizes, with specific instructions for adjustments.

Want a longer cardigan? Simply add one or two extra repeats to the back panel before working the sleeves, ensuring you end on the correct row number. Don’t forget to match the added rows on the front panels for a seamless fit.

Prefer a cardigan with a closure? Consider adding hook-and-eye closures at the bust line or maybe pedestal buttons so you can add or remove at will. The lace pattern stretches beautifully, providing a flattering look without compromising the design.


Why You’ll Love the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan

What You Will Love

  • Versatile and Layer-Friendly: Lightweight and perfect for fall’s unpredictable weather.
  • Easy Construction: One-piece design with intuitive shaping for sleeves.
  • Flattering Design: Lace stitches and post stitch edging create a polished look.
  • Customizable Fit: Instructions make it easy to adjust length and size

A woman with short dark hair smiles at the camera while holding a yellow crocheted cardigan. She is standing outdoors in a natural setting with bare branches in the background. -Marly Bird

Crochet Tips for Successfully Making the Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan

This pattern is advanced beginner-friendly, but understanding how to work into crochet chains for the lace stitch is essential. Don’t rush—take your time on the first row of the repeat, and the rest will fall into place.

You should also understand the difference between a single crochet, double crochet and a double treble crochet. Note: these are US crochet terms.

The stitch construction is different than what you might have done before but with an open mind and the help of a crochet stitch diagram and well written instructions, you can absolutely do this.

Ready to start your Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan? Grab your yarn, crochet hook, and pattern, and let’s create something fabulous! Don’t forget to check out the Marly’s Minions BiCrafty Community on Facebook for extra support and inspiration: Join here.

Favorite This Pattern on Ravelry - Marly Bird

Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan Pattern Details

by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL 

Advanced Beginner Crocheter with basic crochet understanding.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To fit bust sizes: 37 (41½, 46, 50½, 55, 59½, 64)” / 94 (105.5, 117, 128.5, 139.5, 151, 162.5) cm

Fit is to be 0-4″ of positive ease depending on desired fit.

YARN
Elsebeth Lavold, Silky Wool, 50g/175m, 45% Wool, 35% Silk, 20% Nylon
Main Color (MC): color 091 Yellow Apple, 5 (6, 8, 9, 11, 12) balls; Contrast Color (CC): 090 Persimmon, 1 ball 

CROCHET HOOK

Size US F/5 (3.75 mm) hook

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, Tapestry needle, Optional = Leather tags, Leather rivets

GAUGE
Work 4 patt st repeats and 8 rows = 4½” x 4½”, using 3.75/F hook. 

CROCHET STITCHES

⭐️ ch: (chain) wrap the yarn around the crochet hook (yarn over) and draw it through the loop on the hook to form the first chain. Rep this step as many times as instructed. (The loop on the hook is never included when counting the number of chains)

⭐️ dc: (double crochet) Yarn over hook, insert hook into indicated st, yarn over and pull up a loop; [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times.

⭐️ dtr: (double treble crochet) Yarn over hook three times, insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; (yarn over and draw through two loops) four times.

⭐️ dtr2tog: (double treble crochet 2 together) [Yarn over hook three times, insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; (yarn over and draw through two loops) three times] twice, yarn over and draw through three loops.

⭐️ sc: (single crochet) insert crochet hook in indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; yarn over and draw through both loops on hook

⭐️ sl st: (slip stitch) Insert crochet hook in the indicated stitch, yarn over and draw through both the stitch and the loop on the hook.

PATTERN STITCHES

Main Patt St 

Ch a multiple of 6 ch + 2.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook (main ch sts), *ch 7, sc in second ch from hook, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch, ch 1, skip 2 ch, dtr in next ch, skip 5 chs from sc on main ch, sc in next ch, rep from * to end, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 5, *sc in first 2 chains of ch-7 from previous row, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch, ch 1, skip 2 ch, **dtr in next ch, rep from * to last sc, ending at ** on last rep, dtr2tog in next ch and in last sc of previous row, turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in dtr2tog, *ch 7, sc in second ch from hook, 1 ch, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch, 1 ch, skip 2 ch, dtr in next ch, **sc in tr of previous row, rep from * to end, ending at ** on last rep, sc in fifthch of tch, turn.
Rep rows 2 and 3 for Main pat.

CROCHET STITCH DIAGRAM

The stitch diagram is only available in the Ad-Free PDF. Get the PDF Here.

GOLDENROD CROCHET CARDIGAN SCHEMATIC

A sewing pattern layout for a Goldenrod Crochet Cardigan features three labeled sections: Left Front, Right Front, and Back. Measurements in centimeters and inches are provided around the perimeters for precise fabric cutting and seamless garment construction. -Marly Bird

PATTERN NOTES 

  • Directions are for size smallest size; changes for larger sizes are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
  • Cardi is to fit 0-4″ of positive ease.  If you prefer a tighter fit, pick a size closer to your bust circumference. Sample is shown is the 37″ on a 37” bust. 
  • Cardi is worked from the back up the back sleeves over the shoulders and down to the front edge. 
  • Arms and sides are seamed then the edging is added to the collar and sleeves.  

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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey. 

I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

GOLDENROD CROCHET CARDIGAN PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

BACK 

With MC 98 (110, 122, 134, 146, 158, 170) ch, and work in Main pat for 22 (22, 24, 24, 26, 26, 28) rows ending after Row 2—16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) st patt reps.

INCREASE FOR SLEEVES 

Next Row (RS): Ch 55 for first sleeve, drop loop off hook. Using a separate skein of MC ch 54 and sl st to end of other end of row for second sleeve. Fasten off second skein. Put hook back in the live loop for first sleeve. Work Main pat row 1 across ch sts then cont to work Main pat row 3 across back, then work Main pat row 1 across last 54 ch—34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) st patt reps. 

Cont to work in Main pat for 11 (11, 13, 15, 15, 17, 17) more rows, ending after Row 2. 

NECK OPENING 

Next Row (RS): Work Main pat row 3 across 14 (15, 16, 16, 17, 18, 19) reps for right front, drop loop off hook, skip 6 (6, 6, 8, 8, 8, 8) reps in center, join new yarn to first sc of next rep, work Main pat row 3 across rem 14 (15, 16, 16, 17, 18, 19) reps for left front. Place st marker in loop on hook then set aside. Put hook back in the live loop for right front and cont to work the right front sts only. 

RIGHT FRONT SLEEVE 

Cont to work right front sts for 11 (11, 13, 15, 15, 17, 17) more rows ending after row 2. Finish off. 

DECREASE FOR SLEEVES
Next Row (RS): Skip 9 reps, join new yarn with a sc in dtr of next repeat, cont Main pat row 3 across rem 5 (6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10) reps. 

Cont to work for 21 (21, 23, 23, 25, 25, 27) more rows ending on a row 2. Finish off. 

LEFT FRONT 

Remove st marker and put hook back in the live loop for left front. Continue to work left front sts for 11 (11, 13, 15, 15, 17, 17) more rows, ending after row 2. 

DECREASE FOR SLEEVES
Next Row (RS): Work Main pat row 3 across 5 (6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10) reps, turn skipping the last 9 reps. 

Continue to work for 21 (21, 23, 23, 25, 25, 27) more rows ending on a row 2. Finish off. 

FINISHING 

 Collar: With RS facing, join MC to the lower right front neck edge with a sl st, ch 1, work an odd number of sc’s evenly around entire neck to the lower left front neck edge, turn.
Row 1 (WS): Ch 3, dc in each st around, turn.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 3, *dc in next st, RdcF in next st; rep from * to last st, dc in last st, turn.
Rep rows 1 and 2 two more times. Rep row 1 once more. 

Next row: Ch 1, sl st in each st. Finish off.

Arm Bands: With RS facing, join MC to edge of sleeve with a sl st, ch 1, work an odd number of sc’s across edge of sleeve.
Row 1 (WS): Ch 3, dc in each st around, turn.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 3, *dc in first st, RdcF in next st; rep from * to last st, dc in last st, turn.
Rep row 1 once more.
Next row: Ch 1, sl st in each st. Finish off.

CC Trim: Join CC to RS of collar and work crochet chain stitch embroidery along surface of fabric. Rep for each arm band. Weave in loose ends. Block piece to measurements.
With RS facing each other, whip stitch sides together.

Lower Edging: With RS facing, join MC to lower left front trim edge and sc evenly around. Finish off.

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  1. NanaQ says:

    Marly
    I always read your emails with great anticipation for the beautiful patterns that you have created and are sharing with us. I just wanted to tell you
    Merry Christmas and I pray that the New Year brings you and yours a fresh perspective on family love and a Year filled with Health and Happiness every single day. God Bless You All

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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