It’s time to crochet your new favorite sweater – meet the Toni Cuffed Cardi, a free pattern designed for Crochet Academy.
One of my purest joys in fall is cozying up with a good book in my favorite chair with the window cracked just a bit to let in the crisp breeze. The finishing touch is slipping on a comfy cardigan to help balance the temperature. The Toni Cuffed Cardi is that cardigan – a sleek version of the classic grandpa sweater. Savor those fall moments when you make the Toni Cuffed Cardi now, with this free pattern and video tutorial.
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Get The Toni Cuffed Cardi
- FREE PATTERN: Keep scrolling for the FREE version of the Toni Cuffed Cardi + helpful tutorial video.
- PRINTABLE PDF: Pick up the beautifully formatted, ad-free PDF version of the Toni Cuffed Cardi from Ravelry or TLYarnCrafts.com.
- CROCHET KIT: Get everything you need to make the Toni Cuffed Cardi in a convenient kit from Lion Brand. Customize your kit now!
V-Neck Cardigan with Buttons
Designing the Toni Cuffed Cardi was my chance to make my ideal fall sweater. The first idea that came to mind was the unique cuff design. Instead of traditional ribbed cuffs, I wanted this design element built into the pattern. The cuffs are created by making the sleeves extra long. The extra fabric is rolled to create cozy cuffs that always hit at the perfect length.
But the cuffs are just the start of this thoughtful design. The Toni Cuffed Cardi also features a smooth button band, slightly cropped length, and a gentle lace pattern to make up the body. Combined, these features produce a cardigan in harmony with the season.
The Versatility of Acrylic Yarn
Some may consider acrylic an odd choice for your go-to fall sweater. But, in the case of the Toni Cuffed Cardi, the 100% acrylic fiber of Heartland was the only option for me. Though I rarely use it in my own designs, Heartland is a delightful yarn with a rich, energetic color palette. The acrylic fiber will stand up to constant wear and it’s machine washable.
100% acrylic, category 4 worsted weight yarns are a dime a dozen, so you can easily swap in another yarn for your sweater. I’d stray away from self-striping yarns in a project like this. Instead, look for lightly variegated, tonal, or sold yarns. You could even use a natural fiber blend like wool or cotton to soften your sweater and improve drape. Some suitable substitutions would be Lion Brand’s new Color Theory, WeCrochet’s Brava Tweed, or Hobbii’s Tweed Delight.
Learn how to substitute yarn the easy way in this blog post.
If you want to take the guesswork out of making your Toni Cuffed Cardi, get the all-in-one kit from Lion Brand. With just a few clicks, you can choose the color of your grandpa sweater and add in any hooks and notions you need. Complete your purchase to get the yarn sent to our door and a PDF version of the pattern sent to your inbox.
Want to make the Toni Cuffed Cardi? Customize your kit by choosing your favorite shade of Lion Brand Heartland. START HERE!
Get The Toni Cuffed Cardi
- FREE PATTERN: Keep scrolling for the FREE version of the Toni Cuffed Cardi + helpful tutorial video.
- PRINTABLE PDF: Pick up the beautifully formatted, ad-free PDF version of the Toni Cuffed Cardi from Ravelry or TLYarnCrafts.com.
- CROCHET KIT: Get everything you need to make the Toni Cuffed Cardi in a convenient kit from Lion Brand. Customize your kit now!
Toni Cuffed Cardi Details
MATERIALS
- Lion Brand Heartland (category 4) worsted weight yarn. S – 5 skeins, M – 5 skeins, L – 6 skeins, XL – 6 skeins, 2XL – 7 skeins, 3XL – 8 skeins, 4XL – 8 skeins.
- 6.5 mm crochet hook (like this one!)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Locking stitch markers
- Tape measure
- Five 1″ buttons
- Steam blocking supplies (what are those?!)
FINISHED SIZES
S (M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL). All sizes are intended to have 4” positive ease. Measurements were taken after light steam blocking.
- Finished Bust: 38 (42, 46, 50) (54, 58, 62)
- Finished Length: 23 (24, 24, 25) (26, 26, 27)
- Sleeve Length (before rolling cuff): 23 (22, 22, 22) (22, 22, 22)”
GAUGE
4” = 9 rows x 5 v-stitches. Each (hdc, ch 1, hdc) counts as one v-stitch.
ABBREVIATIONS
| BLO | back loop only | Sk | skip |
| Ch | chain | Sl St | slip stitch |
| Hdc | half double crochet | Sp | space |
| Inc | increase (see Special Stitches) | St(s) | stitch(es) |
| Rep | repeat | Tch | turning chain |
| RS | right side | V-st | v-stitch (see Special Stitches) |
| Sc | single crochet | WS | wrong side |
SPECIAL STITCHES
- Increase (inc): (hdc 1, ch 1, hdc 1, ch 1, hdc 1) in same st.
- V-Stitch (v-st): (hdc 1, ch 1, hdc 1) in same st.
NOTES
- Starting ch-2 counts as hdc
- Pattern is written for smallest size with all other sizes in parentheses.
Toni Cuffed Cardi Pattern
Let’s make the Toni Cuffed Cardi together! Follow along with this tutorial video:
BACK
ROW 1: Ch 74 (83, 89, 95) (104, 110, 119), v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. [24, (27, 29, 31) (34, 36, 39) v-sts]
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
NEXT ROWS: Rep ROW 2 to 48 (51, 51, 53) (55, 55, 57) total rows. Fasten off.
FRONT – MAKE 2
SIZE SMALL
ROW 1: Ch 35, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (11 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-24: Rep Row 2.
ROW 25: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (10 v-sts)
ROW 26: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn.
ROWS 27-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 25-26. (9 v-sts)
ROWS 33-34: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 35-36: Rep Rows 25-26. (8 v-sts)
ROWS 37-46: Rep Rows 33-36 three times. (6 v-sts)
ROWS 47-48: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SIZE MEDIUM
ROW 1: Ch 38, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (12 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-26: Rep Row 2.
ROW 27: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (11 v-sts)
ROW 28: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn.
ROWS 29-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 27-28. (10 v-sts)
ROWS 33-36: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 37-38: Rep Rows 27-28. (9 v-sts)
ROWS 39-40: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 41-42: Rep Rows 27-28. (8 v-sts)
ROWS 43-44: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 45-46: Rep Rows 27-28. (7 v-sts)
ROWS 47-51: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SIZE LARGE
ROW 1: Ch 44, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (14 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-24: Rep Row 2.
ROW 25: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (13 v-sts)
ROW 26: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn.
ROWS 27-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 25-26. (12 v-sts)
ROWS 33-34: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 35-36: Rep Rows 25-26. (11 v-sts)
ROWS 37-40: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 41-42: Rep Rows 25-26. (10 v-sts)
ROWS 43-44: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 45-46: Rep Rows 25-26. (9 v-sts)
ROWS 47-51: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SIZE EXTRA LARGE
ROW 1: Ch 47, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (15 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-26: Rep Row 2.
ROW 27: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (14 v-sts)
ROW 28: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn.
ROWS 29-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 27-28. (13 v-sts)
ROWS 33-48: Rep Rows 29-32 four times. (9 v-sts)
ROWS 49-53: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SIZE 2XL
ROW 1: Ch 50, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (16 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-26: Rep Row 2.
ROW 27: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (15 v-sts)
ROW 28: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn.
ROWS 29-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 27-28. (14 v-sts)
ROWS 33-48: Rep Rows 29-32 four times. (10 v-sts)
ROWS 49-55: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SIZE 3XL
ROW 1: Ch 53, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (17 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-26: Rep Row 2.
ROW 27: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (16 v-sts)
ROW 28: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn.
ROWS 29-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 27-28. (15 v-sts)
ROWS 33-48: Rep Rows 29-32 four times. (11 v-sts)
ROWS 49-55: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SIZE 4XL
ROW 1: Ch 59, v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. (19 v-sts)
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-26: Rep Row 2.
ROW 27: Do not ch, hdc in ch-1 sp of first v-st (mark st with locking st marker), (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (18 v-sts)
ROW 28: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to marked hdc, hdc in marked hdc, drop marker, turn
ROWS 29-30: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 31-32: Rep Rows 27-28. (17 v-sts)
ROWS 33-34: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 35-38: Rep Rows 27-28. (15 v-sts)
ROWS 39-40: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 41-42: Rep Rows 27-28. (14 v-sts)
ROWS 43-44: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 45-46: Rep Rows 27-28. (13 v-sts)
ROWS 47-48: Rep Row 2.
ROWS 49-50: Rep Rows 27-28. (12 v-sts)
ROWS 51-57: Rep Row 2. Fasten off after last row, leaving a long tail for seaming.
SLEEVES – MAKE 2
NOTE: For long repeats as seen in the sleeves, it helps to mark all increase rows with a locking stitch marker to keep the correct count.
ALL SIZES
ROW 1: Ch 35 (35, 38, 38) (41, 41, 44), v-st in 3rd ch from hook, (sk 2, v-st in next ch) to last 2 chs, sk 1, hdc in last ch, turn. [11 (11, 12, 12) (13, 13, 14) v-sts]
ROW 2: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROWS 3-9: Ch 2, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
Proceed to Sleeve instructions in the size you are making.
SIZE SMALL
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (12 v-sts)
ROWS 11-14: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 15: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (13 v-sts)
ROWS 16-40: Rep Rows 11-15 five times. (18 v-sts).
ROWS 41-52: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
SIZE MEDIUM
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (12 v-sts)
ROWS 11-14: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 15: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (13 v-sts)
ROWS 16-45: Rep Rows 11-15 six times. (19 v-sts).
ROWS 46-50: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
SIZE LARGE
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (13 v-sts)
ROWS 11-14: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 15: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (14 v-sts)
ROWS 16-45: Rep Rows 11-15 six times. (20 v-sts).
ROWS 46-50: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
SIZE EXTRA LARGE
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (13 v-sts)
ROWS 11-12: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 13: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (14 v-sts)
ROWS 14-37: Rep Rows 11-13 eight times. (22 v-sts).
ROWS 38-50: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
SIZE 2XL
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (14 v-sts)
ROWS 11-12: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 13: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (15 v-sts)
ROWS 14-43: Rep Rows 11-13 ten times. (25 v-sts)
ROWS 44-50: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
SIZE 3XL
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (14 v-sts)
ROWS 11-12: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 13: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (15 v-sts)
ROWS 14-49: Rep Rows 11-13 twelve times. (27 v-sts)
ROW 50: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
SIZE 4XL
ROW 10: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (15 v-sts)
ROWS 11-12: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.
ROW 13: Ch 2, inc in ch-1 sp of next v-st, (v-st in each ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. (116 v-sts)
ROWS 14-46: Rep Rows 11-13 eleven times. (27 v-sts)
ROWS 47-50: Ch 2, (v-st in next ch-1 sp) to tch, hdc in 2nd ch of tch, turn. Fasten off after last row.
ASSEMBLY
STEP 1: Steam block all panels. This step is optional but goes a long way in ensuring proper fit and drape.
STEP 2: Choose the RS and WS of all panels.
STEP 3: Lay Back panel flat and line up Front panels at shoulders. Whip stitch seam each shoulder using leftover tails from Front panels.
STEP 4: Open Body and Front panels – lay flat. Using the shoulder seam as a midpoint, whip stitch seam the sleeve to the shoulder over 14 (15, 16, 17.75) (20, 21.5, 21.5)”.
STEP 5: Fold garment at shoulders with WS facing out. Whip stitch seam from wrist to under arm and down side of garment. Repeat for the other side.
COLLAR
ROUND 1: With RS facing out, join with a sl st at the center back neck, ch 1, sc in same st as join, sc in each st to Front panel, sc evenly along front panel in the following pattern – 1 sc in end of next row, 2 sc in end of next row – to bottom of panel. Ch 2 and rotate to work along bottom, sc in each ch across the bottom edge to next corner. Ch 2 and rotate to work along Front opening, rep sc pattern from other panel to back neck, sc in each st to starting sc, sl st in starting sc to join. DO NOT TURN.
ROUND 2: Ch 1, *sc BLO to next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp; rep from * around, sc BLO to starting sc, sl st in starting sc to join.
PLACE BUTTONS: Choose if your buttons will sit on the right or left side of the cardigan. Place 5 markers evenly along the straight edge of the opposite panel. Markers should not be placed on the slanted section of Front panel.
ROUND 3: Rep Round 2 until you reach the first marker, (ch 2, sk marked st, sc BLO to next marker) until all markers are skipped, continue with Round 2 rep around, join with sl st in starting sc to join. Drop all markers.
ROUND 4: Rep Round 2 until you reach the first button hole, (sc in button hole, sc BLO to next button hole) until all button holes are worked, continue with Round 2 rep around, join with sl st in starting sc to join.
ROUND 5: Rep Round 2. Fasten off.
FINISHING
- Affix buttons to the button band.
- Weave in all ends.
- Fold sleeves at cuff to comfortable length.
- Steam block as needed, paying close attention to all seams and the collar.
Prefer an ad-free, printable version of this pattern? Find it HERE!
Enjoy a cozy day inside while sporting the Toni Cuffed Cardigan. I can’t wait to wear mine as I breeze through some of my favorite fiction series’ while sipping hot cocoa.
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Find more free beginner crochet patterns here:
Amazing cardighan but can it be made longer if so how?
Absolutely – crochet the back to your preferred length. Then you can make the fronts longer by making the first section of even rows longer.
Hi Toni trying to get patten for the Toni cuffed cardi how do I down load it new to computer please help thank you back
Hi! You can view the pattern on the blog, or use any of the links in the blog post to purchase a version that you can download. Hope that clears things up.
I think there is an error on the sleeves for size xl. All the other sleeves have a odd number repeat of increases so the increases alternate sides. The xl has an even number causing all the increases to fall on the same side.
Thank you for bringing this up. We are working on figuring out a solution so that the seam isn’t lopsided.
Fabulous pattern, but I’m having trouble with gauge. Are the measurements you give – 4” = 9 rows x 5 v-stitches – before or after blocking? Thank you!
This would be before blocking.
I am working on the Cardi sleave now using XL instructions. I’ve noticed that the increases are occurring on one side only. Is that correct? It looks lopsided to me. Thanks.
Thank you for bringing this up. We are working on figuring out a solution so that the seam isn’t lopsided.
Hi! I love the pattern, just at the collar…and have a question about the instructions. Round one says “sc in each st to Front panel”, but Round two refers to back loops and chain spaces…
I’ll look at the tutorial for clues! 🙂
Hi! I’m working on the sleeves for size S, and all the increases are att one side only… Doesn’t seem right to me, and i’ve tried over and over again thinking i was doing it wrong but not so sure anymore…. Help please!
Hi. You can send your pattern help questions to [email protected] and we can better help you there.
hi,
I’m considering purchasing the cardigan pattern. (Think it’s very cute) but instructions do not indicate how much positive ease is included in each size. Thank you. PS Has the sleeve correction been made.
Hi! This pattern is intended to have 4″ positive ease for each size 🙂