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Breezy Flutter Cardigan

An oversized lightweight spring cardigan with charming flutter sleeves perfect for layering.

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🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 12-16 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 1600 yards
Finished Size
📏 26 inches wide x 27.5 inches long (laid flat, oversized fit)
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
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At a Glance

The Breezy Flutter Cardigan is a free Beginner-level wearable pattern with a H / 5mm hook . Estimated time: 12-16 hours. Finished size: 26 inches wide x 27.5 inches long (laid flat, oversized fit). You'll need approximately approximately 1600 yards of yarn.

13 steps across 6 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

DK weight yarn
1600 yards total, soft cotton or cotton blend recommended
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Crochet hook
Size H/5mm
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Scissors
Sharp for cutting yarn
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Tapestry needle
For weaving in ends and seaming
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Stitch markers
Optional but helpful
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📖 Abbreviations

View full dictionary →
ch — chain → dc — double crochet → sc — single crochet → sl st — slip stitch → st(s) — stitch(es) → sk — skip →

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📌 Before You Begin

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Cardigan is worked in simple rectangular pieces then seamed together.

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Ch 2 at beginning of rows does not count as a stitch.

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Flutter sleeves are added directly to armholes after assembly.

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Cardigan is designed for oversized, relaxed fit.

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Gauge math note: 14 dc = 4 inches wide; 8 rows = 4 inches tall. Back panel (90 dc) = 25.7 inches wide. 55 rows = 27.5 inches tall.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Fasten off and weave in ends. Back panel should measure approximately 25.7 inches wide x 27.5 inches long.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 92. Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (90 dc)
  2. Row 2
    Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st across. (90 dc)
  3. Rows 3-55
    Repeat Row 2. (90 dc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Fasten off. Panel should measure approximately 12.9 inches wide x 27.5 inches long.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 47. Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (45 dc)
  2. Rows 2-55
    Ch 2, turn. Dc in each st across. (45 dc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: You now have three rectangular panels ready for assembly.
  1. Rows 1-55
    Repeat Right Front Panel instructions exactly. (45 dc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Use tapestry needle and whip stitch or sc seams together for neat finish. The 9-inch armhole openings will be approximately 11-12 inches around the armhole perimeter (accounting for the curve and seam allowances).
  1. Step 1
    Lay back panel flat (25.7 inches wide). Place front panels on each side, aligning bottom edges. Seam shoulder seams for 4 inches from top edge on each side (8 inches total), leaving approximately 17.7 inches open in center for neck opening and seam allowances.
  2. Step 2
    Measure 9 inches down from shoulder seam on both front and back pieces. At this point, seam side edges together from bottom edge up to the 9-inch mark. This creates a 9-inch vertical opening for the armhole on each side.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Fasten off. The triple increase creates the flutter effect. Flutter sleeve should measure approximately 5.4 inches wide x 1.4 inches long.
  1. Round 1
    With RS facing, join yarn at side seam of armhole opening. Ch 1, work 63 sc evenly spaced around entire armhole opening (approximately 11-12 inches perimeter), st">sl st to first sc to join. (63 sc). Spacing note: space stitches approximately 0.18 inches apart around the armhole perimeter.
  2. Round 2
    Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in each st around, st">sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (189 dc)
  3. Round 3
    Ch 1, sc in each st around, st">sl st to first sc to join. (189 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends securely. Edging adds approximately 200 yards to total yardage.
  1. Step 1
    With RS facing, join yarn at bottom right front corner. Ch 1, sc evenly up right front edge (work approximately 55 sc up the 27.5-inch length), around neck opening (work approximately 45 sc around 17.7-inch neck opening), and down left front edge (work approximately 55 sc). Work 3 sc in each corner for smooth turns. (Total approximately 155 sc)
  2. Step 2
    At bottom left corner, continue working sc evenly across entire bottom edge of cardigan (work approximately 65 sc across 25.7-inch width), st">sl st to first sc to join. (Total approximately 220 sc for complete edging)
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all yarn ends using tapestry needle. Block cardigan gently to measurements by laying flat, misting with water, and allowing to air dry completely. Gently steam flutter sleeves if needed to enhance drape. Try on cardigan and adjust fit if necessary. No closures required for open-front design, but you may add buttons or a shawl pin if desired.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping to original measurements. Do not wring or twist. If using cotton yarn, may gently tumble dry on low heat. Store folded to prevent stretching.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 1400 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, dc, sc, sl st. Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 12-16 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping to original measurements. Do not wring or twist. If using cotton yarn, may gently tumble dry on low heat. Store folded to prevent stretching. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.
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