Rainbow Hues Granny Stitch Cardigan Pattern — A Burst of Handmade Happiness

There’s something magical about crochet and color — and the free Rainbow Hues Granny Stitch Crochet Cardigan pattern captures that magic perfectly. This cardigan is a burst of happiness in yarn form — bright, cozy, and full of personality. Whether you’re layering it for chilly days or adding a little color therapy to your outfit, this stunning garment wraps you in warmth and joy.

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Don’t be fooled by the stunning colorwork — this design looks wonderfully complex, but it’s actually surprisingly simple! Worked in rows from the bottom up with a granny stitch repeat, this cardigan is beginner-friendly, size-inclusive, and endlessly customizable.

And the best part? You only need two yarn colorways to achieve that radiant rainbow effect. It’s fun, affordable, and a total statement piece for your handmade wardrobe. For even more granny gorgeousness, try the Granny Clutch and the Diamond Granny Hat!

Rainbow Hues Granny Stitch Cardigan Crochet Supplies

Yarn

Lion Brand Color Theory
100% Acrylic, 246 yds/100g;
Colorway: Moonbeam

AND

Lion Brand Mandala Ombre
100% Acrylic, 344 yds/ 150g;
Colorway: Harmony

ALSO SHOWN IN

Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK
100% Acrylic, 284 yds/100g;
Colorway: White

AND

Mary Maxim Prism DK
100% Acrylic, 290yds/100g;
Colorway: Rainbow

Yarn Quantities

Total Yardage:
1320 (1450, 1570, 1685, 1800) (1860, 1915, 1980, 2040)

Main Color Yardage:
715 (780, 850, 910, 975) (1005, 1035, 1070, 1100)

Yardage for Each Diamond Accent Color:
605 (670, 720, 775, 825) (855, 880, 910, 940)

Yarn Substitutions

WeCrochet Brava
100% Premium Acrylic, 218 yds/100g

Herrschners Worsted 12 Stripes
100% Acrylic, 743yds/340g

Herrschners Worsted 8 Gradience
100% Acrylic, 489yds/226g

Remember always to check the gauge and drape when substituting yarns.

Crochet Hook

Size US H (5.0mm) Crochet Hook or hook to obtain gauge.

Notions

Scissors
Yarn Needle
Removable Stitch Marker

Skill Level

Intermediate

♥️ A Joyful Pop of Color: Bright, cheerful hues that instantly lift your mood. By using color-changing yarn, you can create the color palette of your choice!

♥️ Beginner-Friendly Construction: Simple granny stitch repeat with easy shaping.

♥️ Totally Customizable: Adjust length or sleeves for a crop top, duster, or perfect everyday cardi.

♥️ Size-Inclusive Fit: Pattern includes sizes XS–5X for a flattering, comfortable fit.

If you love the granny stitch and cardigans, the Gemstone Granny Crochet Cardigan Pattern also features colorwork pops, a hood, and pockets!

Sizes

XS (S, M, L, 1X) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

To fit chest:
32 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62)

Actual measurements:
37.25 (40.5, 43.75, 50, 53) (56.5, 59.75, 66, 69.25)

This garment has an oversized, relaxed fit and is meant to be worn with a 5-7 inch ease. For a more fitted look, go down a size.

Abbreviations

blo – back loop only
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
rnd – round
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
sp(s) – space(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
Stsc – stacked single crochet

Gauge

15 sts and 9 rows = 4″ x 4″ worked in the granny stitch

How to Crochet A Gauge Swatch

Working a gauge swatch will let you know if you will have the correct sizing for this pattern. It will also help you practice the stitches used in this project and improve your stitch work for a flawless look.
Are you struggling to match the gauge? Check out the blog post on What is Crochet Gauge and How To Fix It

Special Stitches

Stacked Single Crochet (Stsc): Do NOT chain, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, and pull through both loops, insert hook in the vertical bar below, yo, pull up a loop, yo, and pull through both
loops on the hook.

FAQs About the Rainbow Hues Granny Stitch Cardigan?

Q: What skill level is this pattern?
A: This cardigan is perfect for advanced beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches and working in rows.

Q: What sizes does the pattern include?
A: The pattern includes nine sizes (XS–5X) with instructions for easy customization.

Q: How many yarn colors do I need?
A: Just two colorways! The yarn’s variegation does all the work to create that rainbow effect.

Q: Can I make the cardigan longer or shorter?
A: Absolutely! Adjust your row count before splitting for the panels to create a cropped or duster-length version.

Q: How should I care for my cardigan?
A: Hand wash or machine wash on gentle and lay flat to dry — never hang your handmade garments to avoid stretching.

Pattern Notes

• A stitch marker is recommended at the beginning of each row or round.
• The instructions and stitch counts are given for the smallest size, with the larger sizes in
  brackets ( ).
• Before you dive into your project, take a moment to identify the stitch and row counts that match the size you’re making. By highlighting or marking them, you’ll save time and effort later on. Trust us, this small step will make a big difference in your knitting or crochet journey!
• When doing colorwork, always carry your yarn on the wrong side of the work.
• Keep count through every row of the cardigan with the Stitch Keeper.

Video Tutorial for the Rainbow Hues Granny Stitch Cardigan

The Ad-Free PDF can be purchased on Etsy or Ravelry.

Written Crochet Pattern Instructions

Repeat Rows 2-5.

Customization Tip:

You can adjust the length as needed. I’ve provided the row count for the sample, but feel free to add or remove rows. Measure from under your arm down your side to find the best fit.

First Front Panel

Row 1:

Stsc in first, skip next space and 3 dc in next 10 (11, 12, 14, 15) (16, 17, 19, 20) spaces, dc in next space, turn. | 32 (35, 38, 44, 47) (50, 53, 59, 62) sts; 10 (11, 12, 14, 15) (16, 17, 19, 20) granny groups + 2 sts.

Row 2:

Stsc in first, 2 dc in first space, *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 4 sts of the row, skip 3 sts, dc in last, turn.

Row 3:

Stsc in first, skip the next space and *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 3 sts of the row, skip 2 sts, dc in last, turn.

Repeat Rows 2-3, ending on a Row 2. | 16 (19, 22, 28, 28) (31, 31, 37, 40) sts.

Non-Decreasing Repeats:

Repeat in pattern (instructions below) for 5 (6, 7, 8, 7) (8, 7, 8, 8) more rows:

Stsc in first, 2 dc in first space, *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 3 sts of the row, skip 2 sts, dc in last, turn.

There are 17 (18, 19, 20, 21) (22, 23, 24, 24) total rows for the first panel. Fasten off.

Back Panel

Row 1:

Join yarn to the space next to the First Panel row. Stsc and 2 dc in the space, *3 dc in next 21 (23, 25, 29, 31) (33, 35, 39, 42) spaces, dc in next space, turn. | 67 (73, 79, 91, 97) (103, 109, 121, 127) sts; 22 (24, 26, 30, 32) (34, 36, 40, 42) granny groups + 1 sts.

Row 2:

Stsc in first, 2 dc in first space, *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 3 sts of the row, skip 2 sts, dc in last, turn.

Repeats:

Repeat Row 2 until there are 17 (18, 19, 20, 21) (22, 23, 24, 24) total rows for the back panel. Fasten off.

Second Front Panel

Row 1:

Join yarn to the space next to the Back Panel row. Stsc and 2 dc in the space, *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 3 sts of the row, skip 2 sts, dc in last, turn. | 34 (37, 40, 46, 49) (52, 55, 61, 64) sts; 11 (12, 13, 15, 16) (17, 18, 20, 21) granny groups + 1 sts.

Row 2:

Stsc in first, skip the next space and *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 3 sts of the row, skip 2 sts, dc in last, turn.

Row 3:

Stsc in first, 2 dc in the first space, *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 4 sts of the row, skip 3 sts, dc in last, turn.

Rows 4 – 13 (13, 13, 13, 15) (15, 17, 17, 17):

Repeat Rows 2-3. | 16 (19, 22, 28, 28) (31, 31, 37, 40) sts.

Non-Decreasing Repeats:

Repeat in pattern (instructions below) for 4 (5, 6, 7, 6) (7, 6, 7, 7) more rows:

Stsc in first, 2 dc in the first space, *3 dc in next space between the granny st groups; repeat until the last 3 sts of the row, skip 2 sts, dc in last, turn.

There are 17 (18, 19, 20, 21) (22, 23, 24, 24) total rows for the second panel. Fasten off.

Seaming the Shoulders

Pin the top of the front panels evenly to the back panel. With your yarn needle, use the tail ends to seam across at each shoulder.

Body Trim

We will be creating an edging all the way around the bottom, up the front, and around the neckline, then back down the front and around the bottom to where we started. This technique utilizes a unique stitch to create a neat edge in a single round.

Attach your yarn to the bottom side of the cardigan body, sc in same space. *Insert your hook into the left bar of the sc st, then insert into the next space on the body of the cardigan. Yarn over and pull a loop through the body fabric and also through one loop on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat from * all the way around the edges of the body, placing two sts per row along the side of the neck and front edges. Join and fasten off, weave in ends.

See video for a visual.

Sleeves

These will be worked in the round.

Setup:

Starting with Color A if following the color chart, ch 54 (60, 66, 72, 72) (78, 78, 84, 84), join.

Rnd 1:

Working in the same st as joined, Stsc, 2 dc in same st, skip 2 sts, *3 in next st, skip 2 sts; repeat from * around, join to Stsc with Color B, turn. | 54 (60, 66, 72, 72) (78, 78, 84, 84) sts; 18 (20, 22,24, 24) (26, 26, 28, 28) granny groups

Rnd 2:

Working into the first space, Stsc, 2 dc in same space, *with Color A 3 dc in next space, with Color B 3 dc in next space; repeat from * around until the last space, with Color A 3 dc in last space, join to Stsc with Color B, turn.

Rnd 3:

Working into the first space, Stsc, 2 dc in same space, *3 dc in next space; repeat from * around, join to Stsc with Color A, turn.

Rnd 4:

Working into the first space, Stsc, 2 dc in same space, *with Color B 3 dc in next space, with Color A 3 dc in next space; repeat from * around until the last space, with Color B 3 dc in last space, join to Stsc with Color A, turn.

Rnd 5:

Working into the space to the right of the join, Stsc, 2 dc in same space, *3 dc in next space; repeat from * around, join to Stsc with Color B.

Rnds 6-39:

Repeat Rnds 2-5.

Tip:

Work more or fewer Rnds to adjust the sleeve length.

Seaming the Sleeves

To attach the sleeve, first use stitch markers or sewing pins to secure the top of the sleeve opening to the armhole of the body. Then, using a yarn needle and the tail end of your yarn, sew the sleeve in place.

Front Tie

For a tie on the front of the cardigan, here are three options to create a tie approx 13-15 inches long on each side:

1. A quick and easy crochet i-cord that doesn’t require any special tools can be found at
   this video tutorial.
2. For instructions on how to use the Lucet Fork to create an i-cord, visit the video tutorial.
3. Attach your yarn to the front, chain approx 13-15 inches, starting in the second ch from the hook, sc in each ch across. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing

Weave in any ends, block the garment if needed, and wear out to your next adventure!

The Rainbow Hues Granny Stitch Crochet Cardigan is more than a pattern — it’s a joyful experience from the first stitch to the final seam. With its vibrant color palette, cozy texture, and easy construction, it’s a must-make for every crochet wardrobe.

So grab your hook, your favorite color combo, and get ready to create something that truly makes you smile. Because handmade happiness? It never goes out of style.

Ready to make your next project? If you’re still feeling the granny stitch, check these fun designs out!

Granny Rectangle Bag

Shades of Diamonds Pullover

Fancy Granny Square Cardigan

Granny Rectangle Bag

Classic Granny Dress

Cheers, and happy crocheting!