Slip into effortless style with this Crochet Short Cardigan Pattern and enjoy a cozy, stylish, and flattering look perfect for any occasion.

Beauty and softness exist in perfect harmony and captivate at first glance where every stitch brings both comfort and style. This design refreshes everyday outfits while making layering effortless and chic. Its cropped length highlights a modern silhouette, and the lightweight construction provides ease and comfort throughout the day. With this Crochet Short Cardigan Pattern, you can create a versatile piece ideal for casual outings, office wear, or relaxed gatherings.

Statement Crochet Short Cardigan Pattern Perfect for Any Season

Yarn choice allows full control over texture and drape, making it suitable for every season. The project nurtures creativity and builds skill through balanced shaping and polished finishing.

The finished cardigan feels breathable, stylish, and practical, turning handmade fashion into a timeless wardrobe staple. Elegant yet functional, it elevates any look while celebrating the charm of slow fashion, adding a lasting touch of sophistication to every outfit.

Special Features

Beautiful openwork design using V-stitch variations.
Metallic-yarn blend for a subtle shimmer, perfect for special occasions.
Very customizable: easily adjust width, length, and sleeve size.
Versatile wear: as a light bolero, open cardigan, or with various finishing options.
Minimal seaming: main structure is crocheted in one piece.

Level of Difficulty

Easy to Intermediate
Ideal for beginners familiar with basic stitches (chain, double crochet), while increases/decreases and special stitches offer a bit of a challenge for improvement.

Materials

Yarn: 3 skeins of Círculo Fashion yarn (color 3581 - Red, 308m/skein)
- 96% cotton, 4% metallic fiber
Crochet hook: 3.0 mm (US D/3)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Scissors
Measuring tape
Optional: Brooch, chain cord, or flower for closure

Note: You can substitute any similar yarn that works well with a 3 mm hook.

Tutor's Suggestions

Adjust your starting chain to fit YOUR body: wrap the chain around your neck and shoulders, leaving a 4-finger gap at the front.
For size changes, add or subtract 20 chains per size:
- S: 100 chains
- M: 120 chains
- L: 140 chains
- XL: 160 chains
Try on the piece after key steps (after armhole division, sleeve length) to ensure fit.
If working with different yarn/hook, start chain should measure approx. 61 cm for size M.

Uses

Elegant cover for dresses and blouses.
Adds style and warmth in spring and autumn.
Great for parties, evenings out, or as a casual cardigan.

Pattern Instructions

1. Foundation

Step 1:
Start by making a chain:

M size: 120 chains (~58 cm)
Check fit by wrapping it around your neck and shoulders as explained above.

Step 2:
Row 1: Double crochet (dc) into 4th chain from hook (counts as first dc). Dc in each chain across.

2. Openwork (V-Stitch) Rows

Step 3:
Row 2 (V-stitch row):

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), skip 2 sts, (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next st (V-stitch), skip 2 sts, repeat across.
End with 1 dc in last stitch.

Step 4:
Rows 3-6 (4 total V-stitch rows):

Ch 3, turn.
V-stitch on top of each V-stitch: In ch-2 space of each V-stitch of previous row, (2dc, ch2, 2dc).
End with dc at the edge.

3. First Set of Increases (for body flare)

Step 5:
Row 7 (Increase Row):

Ch 3, turn, *work double V-stitch (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next 3 V-stitch spaces as before.
In next space, work a single V-stitch (dc, ch2, dc).*
Repeat this sequence across: after every three double V-stitches, make a single V-stitch in next space.
End with dc at last stitch.

You will have 9 extra V-stitches (increased spaces).

Step 6:
Row 8 (Return to double V stitch):

Ch 3, turn.
Work a double V-stitch (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in every ch-2 space, including the new single V's.

4. Second Set of Increases

Step 7:
Row 9:

Ch 3, turn.
Triple V-stitch (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the space of each double V-stitch across.
Continue for 3 more rows for a total of 4 rows of triple V-stitch.

Tip: Try the piece on at this point if you wish to check length and placement.

5. Sleeves Division

Step 8:
Count your V-stitches. For M size, you should have ~47 V-stitches.

Front Right: 6 V-stitches
Sleeve Right: 10 V-stitches (skip)
Back: 15 V-stitches
Sleeve Left: 10 V-stitches (skip)
Front Left: 6 V-stitches

Work as follows:

Crochet the first 6 V-stitches (front right),
Skip next 10 V-stitches (these will be the right sleeve),
Crochet next 15 V-stitches (back),
Skip next 10 V-stitches (left sleeve),
Finish with last 6 V-stitches (front left).

Tutor's Suggestion: Try it on again here—adjust sleeve width if needed by shifting 1 or 2 V-stitches from back/front to the sleeves if it's too tight or loose.

6. Body Extension

Step 9:
Continue working triple V-stitch in each V-stitch space, back and forth, for the body panels only (excluding skipped sleeve stitches), to your desired length.

For bolero: 17 rows after the sleeve split.
For cardigan: work more rows for increased length.

7. Finishing Edges (Collar and Front Opening)

Step 10:
Work 2 rounds of fan edging (fan points) around the entire opening:

Round 1:
- At base of an opening, ch 2, in next space work a triple V-stitch (fan),
- In next space, 1 sc. Alternate triple V-stitch and sc all the way up the front, around the collar, and down the other front.
- At the top collar (top edge worked in dc), do: (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in first dc to turn corners; then alternate skipping 2 sts with sc and triple V-stitch.
- Along the bottom, continue pattern as before.
Round 2:
- Above each sc: work (3dc, ch2, 3dc).
- Above each triple V-stitch: 1 sc.
- Continue, then fasten off.

8. Sleeves

Step 11:
Attach yarn to an armhole (at underarm V-stitch).

Work in rounds, triple V-stitch in each V-stitch around the armhole (10 V-stitches for M), joining each round with slip stitch.
Repeat for a total of 5 rounds for short sleeve; do more for longer sleeve.
Finish with 1 round of fan edging: (triple V-stitch in V-space, sc in gap between V-stitches), repeat around.

9. Final Steps

Step 12:

Fasten off and use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends.
Block lightly if desired to open up stitches.
Optionally, attach a decorative closure, brooch, or make a chain tie.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve created a breezy, eye-catching crochet bolero that’s adaptable for any occasion or style. With this versatile pattern, you can experiment with yarn textures, colors, and lengths for your perfect garment.

Final Tip

For the neatest finishing look, always block your garment after completion (use a light steam or wet block appropriate to your yarn). This helps even out stitches, opens up the lace, and ensures your bolero drapes beautifully.