If you’ve been searching for a free crochet sleeveless cardigan that’s easy enough to make during school pickup, a lunch break, or those precious quiet moments after the kids go to bed — I think you just found your next favorite project.
Today, I’m so excited to introduce you to the Begonia Cardigan
The Story Behind the Begonia Cardigan
This design is a little extra special to me.
I originally made a long sleeveless cardigan for my sister. It was one of those projects where everything just came together—the yarn, the drape, the simplicity. When I visited her later, she couldn’t stop talking about how much she loved it… and even better, how everyone else kept complimenting her on it too.
That moment stuck with me.
I thought: every woman deserves to feel like that. And honestly? Every busy mom deserves a pattern that lets her make something that beautiful without a huge time commitment or a steep learning curve.
And that’s how the Begonia Cardigan was born.
Closeup Photo
Free Pattern + PDF Option
You can find the free pattern below.
If you prefer an ad-free, printable version, you can grab the PDF here:
What Makes the Begonia Special?
Let’s talk about why this cardigan might just become your go-to make for spring and summer.
It’s genuinely easy. The entire pattern uses just double crochet and chains. That’s it. No complicated stitches to look up mid-row, no confusing stitch counts to second-guess. If you can double crochet, you can make the Begonia. It’s perfect for crocheters who are newer to garments or anyone who wants a relaxing, low-stress project.
It’s the kind of piece you can throw on over anything—jeans and a tee, a summer dress, or even your comfy at-home outfit—and instantly feel put together.
It works up beautifully in Lion Brand Cupcake. I used weight 3 (light/DK) Lion Brand Cupcake yarn, and oh my goodness — the way this yarn transitions through its colors gives the cardigan such a gorgeous, effortless look. You get a stunning result without having to do a single thing except crochet. Let the yarn do the talking!
Photo
It’s long and flowy. The Begonia measures 39 inches long for all sizes, giving it that elegant, drapey silhouette that looks put-together whether you’re throwing it over a tank top for a grocery run or wearing it out for a casual dinner.
It comes in a wide range of sizes. Because every body deserves a beautiful cardigan, the Begonia comes in XS through 5X, broken into three size groupings:
- XS – M
- L – 2X
- 3X – 5X
And the best part? It’s completely free.
Designed for Busy Moms (Like You)
I know life gets busy. Between work, kids, errands, and everything in between, finding time to crochet can feel impossible some days.
That’s why this cardigan was intentionally designed to be:
- Easy to pick up and put down
- Simple enough to work without constantly checking the pattern
- Relaxing instead of overwhelming
Whether you’re crocheting during nap time, waiting in the carpool line, or winding down at night, this project fits into your life—not the other way around.
Perfect for Spring & Summer
The Begonia is the cardigan you’ll reach for when there’s a chill in the morning air but you know it’ll warm up by afternoon. The lightweight Mandala yarn keeps things airy and breathable, making it ideal for spring and summer wear.
This free crochet sleeveless cardigan is ideal for layering during the warmer months.
- Toss it over a tank top on a breezy summer evening
- Wear it with leggings for a quick school run
- Layer it over a dress for an easy, polished look
Because it’s sleeveless and lightweight, you get that cozy feel without overheating.
Want Similar garments?
Phyles Long Sleeveless Cardigan
Summer Crochet Beach Cover Up – Robe Style
Yarn Details
For this design, I used Lion Brand Mandala yarn (weight 3 / light yarn).
This yarn is one of my favorites for garments because:
- It’s soft and lightweight
- It has beautiful color transitions
- It creates a lovely drape without feeling heavy
You can easily customize your cardigan by choosing your favorite colorway—whether you love bold, vibrant tones or soft, neutral shades. Alternatively, you can make it in a solid color.
Get the Free Pattern
You can find the free crochet sleeveless cardigan pattern for the Begonia Cardigan right here on the blog.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t forget—this is meant to be a relaxing project you can truly enjoy.
Skill Level
Beginner
Materials
Lion Brand Cupcake 100% Acrylic 590 yds(540 m), 5.3 oz (150 g) in Sand Castle
Weight 3
Hook size 5 mm
Tape measure
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Gauge
21 sts x 8 rows = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) (after blocking) used stitch pattern
Finished Measurements
| Sizes | Bust | Length | Armhole | Yarn Amount |
| XS – M | 48” | 39” | 8.5” wide | 1396 yd (1277 m) |
| L -2 X | 60” | 39” | 10.5” Wide | 1567 yds (1433 m) |
| 3X – 5X | 72” | 39” | 12.5” Wide | 1724 yds (1576 m) |
Abbreviations
Ch- chain
St – stitch
Sc- single crochet
Dc- double crochet
Ch-sp – chain space
Rep- repeat
Notes
- The pattern is written in American Standard Terms
- Ch 3 at the beginning of the row is counted as a stitch
- The pattern is worked in one piece down to the armhole, then each piece is worked separately to the neck and shoulder.
- The only sewing is done on the shoulder
Pattern Instructions – Free Crochet Sleeveless Cardigan Pattern
Ch (252, 320, 380)
Row 1: dc 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, * ch 2, sk 2 chs, dc in next 2 sts, rep from to end, turn (250, 318, 378).
Row 2: ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, * ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, sc in next 2 sts, rep from to end, turn (126, 62 chs, 160 sts, 79 chs, 180, 94 chs).
Rows 3 – (60, 56, 52): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn.
Dividing for Armholes
First Front
Row (61, 57, 53): ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts*, rep from * to * for a total of (58, 78, 90) sts, turn without working the remaining sts (30 sts 14 ch-sps, 40 sts 19 ch-sps, 46 sts 22 ch-sps).
Rows (62, 58, 54) – (69, 69, 69): ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn (30 sts 14 ch-sps, 40 sts 19 ch-sps, 46 sts 22 ch-sps).
Row (70, 70, 70): ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last 2 sts, dc in next st, turn without working in last st (29 sts 14 ch-sps, 39 sts 19 ch-sps, 45 sts 22 ch-sps).
Rows (71, 71, 71): sl st in first st, sl st in ch-sp, ch 4 (count as dc and 1 ch), sk ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end turn (29 sts 14 ch-sps, 39 sts 19 ch-sps, 45 sts 22 ch-sps).
Row (72, 72, 72): ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last st and ch 1, dc in ch 1, turn without working in last st (29 sts 13 ch-sps, 39 sts 18 ch-sps, 45 sts 21 ch-sps).
Rows (73, 73 73): sl st in first st, ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn (28 sts 13 ch-sps, 38 sts 18 ch-sps, 44 sts 21 ch-sps).
Row (74, 74, 74): ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last 2 sts and ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk ch-sp, dc in next st, turn without working in last st (27 sts 13 ch-sps, 37 sts 18 ch-sps, 43 sts 21 ch-sps).
Rows (75, 75, 75): sl st in first st, sl st in ch-sp, ch 4 (count as dc and 1 ch), sk ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end (27 sts 13 ch-sps, 37 sts 18 ch-sps, 43 sts 21 ch-sps).
Fasten off
Back
Skip the next 6 sts
Attach yarn to next st and ch 3.
Row (61, 57, 53): ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts*, rep from * work a total of (122, 154, 186) sts, turn without working the remaining sts (62 sts 30 ch-sps, 78 sts 38 ch-sps, 94 sts 46 ch-sps).
Rows (62, 58, 54) – (75, 75, 75): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn.
Fasten off.
Second Front
Row (61, 57, 53): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn (58, 78, 90) sts.
Rows (62, 58, 54) – (69, 69, 69): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn 30 sts 14 ch-sps, 40 sts 19 ch-sps, 46 sts 22 ch-sps).
Row (70, 70, 70): sl st in first 2 sts, ch 5, (counts as dc & ch 2), sk ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn (29 sts 14 ch-sps, 39 sts 19 ch-sps, 45 sts 22 ch-sps).
Rows (71, 71, 71): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last st and ch 2, ch 1, sk ch-1, dc in next ch, turn without working in last st (29 sts 14 ch-sps, 39 sts 19 ch-sps, 45 sts 22 ch-sps).
Row (72, 72, 72): sl st in first st and next ch-1 sp, ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn (29 sts 13 ch-sps, 39 sts 18 ch-sps, 45 sts 21 ch-sps).
Rows (73, 73 73): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last st, turn without working in last st (28 sts 13 ch-sps, 38 sts 18 ch-sps, 44 sts 21 ch-sps).
Row (74, 74, 74): sl st in first 2 sts, ch 5, (counts as dc & ch 2) sk ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, * ch 2, sk next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end, turn (27 sts 13 ch-sps, 37 sts 18 ch-sps, 43 sts 21 ch-sps).
Rows (75, 75, 75): ch 3, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last st and ch 2, ch 1, sk ch-1, dc in next ch, turn without working in last st (27 sts 13 ch-sps, 37 sts 18 ch-sps, 43 sts 21 ch-sps).
Fasten off.
Finishing off
Sew the front piece to the back piece at the shoulder
Sleeve, Bottom, and Front Edging
With RS facing, attach yarn at the beginning of the starting ch for the bottom and front edging, and under the earhole for the sleeve.
Rows 1 & 2: ch 1, sc in first st and each st to end, turn (join for the sleeve, do not turn).
Row 3: ch 3, dc in 2nd st, * ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, rep from * to end, turn.
Row 4: ch 1, * (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-1 sp, rep from * to end, sc in last st.
Fasten off and weave in ends
Final Thoughts
Designing this cardigan reminded me why I love crochet so much. It’s not just about making something beautiful—it’s about creating pieces that carry meaning, memories, and comfort.
From my sister wearing her cardigan and glowing with confidence, to you making your own version—I hope this pattern brings you that same joy.
If you make the Begonia Cardigan, I would absolutely love to see it
