Luna Crochets
Cranberry Waffle-Stitch Button Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
There is nothing quite like the weight of a cozy, handmade cardigan to carry you through the crisp transition of autumn into winter. With its deep, rich hue and intricate, pillowy texture, this Cranberry Waffle-Stitch Button Cardigan feels like a warm embrace, pairing perfectly with your favorite jeans and a steaming cup of cider.
Cranberry Waffle-Stitch Button Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
This design utilizes the classic waffle stitch to create a dense, thermal-like fabric that offers beautiful drape without losing its structure. Sized from XS to 3XL, this project takes approximately 20–25 hours to complete, making it a meditative weekend-long project or a thoughtful, heirloom-quality gift for a loved one.
See the sizing customization tips below to ensure a perfect fit for every body.
What Makes This Cranberry Waffle-Stitch Button Cardigan Special
The “magic” of this cardigan lies in the post-stitch manipulation of the waffle pattern. By alternating front-post double crochets (FPdc) with double crochets (dc), we create a grid-like texture that catches the light and adds a sophisticated depth to the cranberry-red yarn. Unlike standard flat stitches, the waffle stitch creates tiny “pockets” of air, providing genuine warmth while remaining breathable. The garment is constructed in five panels (back, two fronts, and two sleeves) and joined using a flat slip-stitch seam for a polished, professional finish that mirrors high-end retail knitwear.
Skill Level
Intermediate
Required Skills:
* Foundation double crochet (optional) or chain-based starting row
* Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc)
* Working in rows
* Seaming (mattress stitch or slip stitch)
* Creating buttonholes via chain spaces
* Basic knowledge of increasing/decreasing
Reassurance: If you are comfortable with basic double crochet and have tackled a post-stitch project before, you will find the rhythm of this stitch very intuitive after the first few rows!
Finished Measurements
(Based on standard ease of 4–6 inches)
- XS/S: 36″ (91 cm) bust
- M/L: 44″ (112 cm) bust
- XL/2XL: 52″ (132 cm) bust
- 3XL: 60″ (152 cm) bust
Materials You Will Need
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Size 4) wool or acrylic/wool blend.
- Hook: 5.0mm (US H/8) crochet hook.
- Notions: 5–6 wooden toggles or buttons (approx. 1 inch diameter), tapestry needle, stitch markers.
| Color | Yardage (XS/S) | Yardage (M/L) | Yardage (XL/2XL) | Yardage (3XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Cranberry | 1,400 yds | 1,650 yds | 1,900 yds | 2,200 yds |
Yarn Suggestions
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease: 197 yds per skein. A fantastic blend for durability and warmth.
- Knit Picks Wool of the Andes: 110 yds per skein. A great 100% wool option for deep color saturation.
- Paintbox Yarns Simply Wool Worsted: 218 yds per skein. Affordable and soft.
Note: Avoid 100% Cotton yarns for this project. Cotton is heavy and lacks the memory/spring of wool or acrylic, which will cause the waffle stitch to stretch out of shape over time.
Gauge
16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in waffle stitch pattern.
Always swatch before you begin to ensure your cardigan fits correctly!
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- FPdc: front post double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
- sl st: slip stitch
- yo: yarn over
Special Stitches Explained
- Waffle Stitch Row (RS): dc in first st, FPdc around next st — repeat from * to * across.
- Waffle Stitch Row (WS): dc in first st, dc in next st, dc in next st (this creates the depth behind the FPdc of the previous row).
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Back Panel
- Ch 73 (89, 105, 121).
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across. (71, 87, 103, 119 sts).
- Follow Waffle Stitch pattern until panel measures 24″ from start. Fasten off.
Checkpoint:
Ensure you have an odd number of stitches at all times to keep the waffle pattern symmetrical.
Section 2: Front Panels (Make 2)
- Ch 35 (43, 51, 59).
- Work in Waffle Stitch pattern until piece matches the length of the Back Panel.
- On the inner edge (button band side), incorporate a buttonhole by chaining 3 and skipping 3 stitches every 15 rows.
Section 3: Sleeves (Make 2)
- Ch 45. Increase 2 sts every 6th row until you reach 65 (73, 81, 89) stitches.
- Work until sleeve measures 18″ from underarm.
Section 4: Assembly
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Set sleeves into armholes.
- Sew side seams. Attach buttons to the opposite front panel.
Size Customization Tips
- To increase length: Add rows of waffle stitch to the body before joining the armholes. Every 4 rows adds 1 inch.
- To adjust width: Increase or decrease your starting chain in multiples of 2. 2 extra chains = 0.5 inches of width.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Lay flat to dry on a towel to maintain the shape of the waffle texture. Do not hang while wet, as the weight will cause the garment to stretch.
Closing
I hope you absolutely love making and wearing your Cranberry Waffle-Stitch Button Cardigan! There is something so rewarding about the rhythm of the waffle stitch. If you decide to make one, please tag me on social media and use the hashtag #CranberryWaffleCardigan—I would love to see your color choices! Don’t forget to save this to your Pinterest board for later, and leave a comment below if you have any questions. Happy hooking!