15 Mustard Crochet Cardigan Patterns | Cozy Fall Crochet Sweater Ideas

11. Shell Stitch Cardigan

Wrap yourself in vintage-inspired elegance with this gorgeous mustard shell stitch cardigan. Featuring an intricate lace pattern throughout the body and sleeves, finished with a neat single crochet band and charming scalloped edges, this statement piece works up in about 15 hours and measures 50 cm in length and width.

Materials You Will Need

• Sport weight cotton yarn (Cat. 2), mustard yellow: 500g (approx. 1350 metres)
• 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape

Gauge

18 sts x 9 rows = 10 x 10 cm in shell pattern using a 4.0 mm hook. Gauge is important to ensure the cardigan meets the target finished dimensions.

Sizes

Ease: 10-15 cm positive ease. The photographed piece is size M.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sk: skip
• sp: space
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rep: repeat
• shell: [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] or [5 dc] in specified st or sp

UK terms: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.

Pattern Notes

• Cardigan is worked in three main pieces from the bottom up: Back Panel, and two Front Panels, then seamed at shoulders. Sleeves are worked directly into the armholes or worked separately and seamed.
• Turning chains (ch 1 for sc, ch 3 for dc) do not count as stitches unless explicitly stated.
• Stitch counts for each row are listed in brackets at the end of the line.

Instructions

Back Panel – Mustard, make 1

Ch 91 (99, 107, 115).
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. [90 (98, 106, 114)]
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip 2 sts, work [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in next st, *sk 3 sts, shell in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in last st. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 3: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 4: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 5: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 6: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 7: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 8: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 9: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 10: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 11: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 12: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 13: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 14: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 15: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 16: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 17: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 18: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 19: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 20: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 21: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 22: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 23: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 24: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 25: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 26: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 27: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 28: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 29: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 30: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 31: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 32: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 33: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 34: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 35: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 36: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 37: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 38: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Row 39: Work in established pattern, shaping neck and shoulders. [18 (20, 22, 24) shells]
Fasten off.

Left Front Panel – Mustard, make 1

Ch 45 (49, 53, 57).
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. [44 (48, 52, 56)]
Row 2: Ch 3, skip 2 sts, [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in next st, *sk 3 sts, shell in next st; rep from * across, end with 1 dc. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 3: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 4: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 5: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 6: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 7: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 8: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 9: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 10: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 11: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 12: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 13: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 14: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 15: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 16: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 17: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 18: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 19: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 20: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 21: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 22: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 23: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 24: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 25: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 26: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 27: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 28: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 29: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 30: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 31: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 32: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 33: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 34: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Row 35: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Fasten off.

Right Front Panel – Mustard, make 1

Work identically to Left Front Panel, reversing shaping for front opening and neckline. [8 (9, 10, 11) shells]
Fasten off.

Sleeves – Mustard, make 2

Ch 51 (55, 59, 63).
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. [50 (54, 58, 62)]
Row 2: Ch 3, skip 2 sts, work shell in next st, rep across, end with 1 dc. [10 (11, 12, 13) shells]
Row 3: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [10 (11, 12, 13) shells]
Row 4: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [10 (11, 12, 13) shells]
Row 5: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [10 (11, 12, 13) shells]
Row 6: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [10 (11, 12, 13) shells]
Row 7: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [10 (11, 12, 13) shells]
Row 8: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [11 (12, 13, 14) shells]
Row 9: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [11 (12, 13, 14) shells]
Row 10: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [11 (12, 13, 14) shells]
Row 11: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [11 (12, 13, 14) shells]
Row 12: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [11 (12, 13, 14) shells]
Row 13: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [11 (12, 13, 14) shells]
Row 14: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [12 (13, 14, 15) shells]
Row 15: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [12 (13, 14, 15) shells]
Row 16: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [12 (13, 14, 15) shells]
Row 17: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [12 (13, 14, 15) shells]
Row 18: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [12 (13, 14, 15) shells]
Row 19: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [12 (13, 14, 15) shells]
Row 20: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [13 (14, 15, 16) shells]
Row 21: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [13 (14, 15, 16) shells]
Row 22: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [13 (14, 15, 16) shells]
Row 23: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [13 (14, 15, 16) shells]
Row 24: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [13 (14, 15, 16) shells]
Row 25: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [13 (14, 15, 16) shells]
Row 26: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [14 (15, 16, 17) shells]
Row 27: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [14 (15, 16, 17) shells]
Row 28: Ch 3, work shell in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc in top of turning chain. [14 (15, 16, 17) shells]
Fasten off.

Assembly

Sew shoulder seams using mattress stitch, leaving the center 24 cm open for the back neck. Sew sleeve tops to armhole openings evenly across 20 cm. Seam sleeve undersides and cardigan side seams from hem to underarm.

Finishing

Work 6 rows of sc evenly around the entire front opening and neckline edges to create the button/front band. Work 2 rounds of sc along sleeve cuffs to finish the scalloped-edge look. Weave in all loose ends securely. Block piece gently to measurements.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Count your skipped stitches carefully between shells to maintain the exact stitch count per row.
• Block your pieces before assembly to ensure clean, even seams.
• Maintain consistent tension, especially during the single crochet band rows, to avoid rippling.
• Do not pull turning chains too tight, or the edges of your cardigan will pucker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my shell count does not match the end of a row?
Check your skipped stitch counts from the previous row; missing a skipped stitch early in the row will throw off your final shell placement.

Can I adjust the length of the cardigan?
Yes, simply add or subtract repeat rows of the shell pattern before starting the shoulder shaping.

How do I care for this cotton cardigan?
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent, lay flat in shade to dry, and avoid wringing or hanging while wet to prevent stretching.

What if my front band ripples after adding the single crochet rows?
Hook tension may be too loose; try dropping down a hook size specifically for the front band edging.