Wrap yourself in absolute comfort with the free crochet chevron blanket cardigan pattern: Bonfire Stripes. Featuring wide, bold zigzag stripes in rich rust, warm mustard, and deep charcoal, this oversized cardigan mimics the cozy feel of your favorite throw blanket while maintaining a stylish, draped silhouette.
Free Crochet Chevron Blanket Cardigan Pattern: Bonfire Stripes
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Easy / Intermediate
- Finished size: Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
- Yarn: Worsted weight wool blend
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I/9) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sc, dc, dc2tog
- Time to make: Approximately 15 to 25 hours
💡 Designer Tip: Size customization instructions are included further down to help you adjust the length and width easily.
What Makes This Chevron Blanket Cardigan Special
This oversized garment uses classic chevron ripples to create a dramatic, graphic color-blocked look without complicated shaping. The drop-shoulder construction means the back and front panels are worked in straightforward vertical or horizontal chevron rows, and the sleeves are built right out from the armholes as simple drop sleeves. The front edges and hems are finished cleanly for a polished look.
Skill Level
- Basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet)
- Understanding of chevron increases and decreases (dc2tog)
- Working flat in rows and joining seams
- Reassurance: If you can maintain a steady stitch count across a chevron ridge and valley, you can easily master this cardigan!
Finished Measurements
| Size | Bust/Chest (in) | Bust/Chest (cm) | Length (in) | Length (cm) | Sleeve Length (in) | Sleeve Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 38 – 40 | 96 – 102 | 30 | 76 | 18 | 46 |
| M | 42 – 44 | 107 – 112 | 31 | 79 | 18 | 46 |
| L | 46 – 48 | 117 – 122 | 32 | 81 | 18.5 | 47 |
| XL | 50 – 52 | 127 – 132 | 33 | 84 | 18.5 | 47 |
| 2XL | 54 – 56 | 137 – 142 | 34 | 86 | 19 | 48 |
| 3XL | 58 – 60 | 147 – 152 | 35 | 89 | 19 | 48 |
Materials You Will Need
| Color Name | Yarn Type | Yards | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rust | Worsted wool blend | 600 (650, 700, 750, 800, 850) | 548 (594, 640, 686, 731, 777) |
| Mustard | Worsted wool blend | 600 (650, 700, 750, 800, 850) | 548 (594, 640, 686, 731, 777) |
| Charcoal | Worsted wool blend | 700 (750, 800, 850, 900, 950) | 640 (686, 731, 777, 823, 869) |
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I/9) crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends, stitch markers
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lion Brand Wool-Ease | 197 yds / 180 m per 85g | Excellent stitch definition, wonderful wool-acrylic blend |
| Cascade 220 Superwash Aran | 150 yds / 137 m per 100g | Warm 100% wool option with great drape |
| Caron Simply Soft | 315 yds / 288 m per 170g | Budget-friendly acrylic alternative |
⚠️ Note: Avoid novelty yarns with fuzz or loops, as they will obscure the sharp points of your chevron pattern.
Gauge
- 14 sts x 7 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in chevron pattern using 5.5 mm hook.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- dc2tog: double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- rep: repeat
- sk: skip
- sp: space
UK: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Chevron Peak: Work 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc into the designated chain-space or top stitch.
- Chevron Valley (dc2tog over 4 sts): [Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops] twice, skip next 2 sts, [yo, insert hook in next st, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops] twice, yo, draw through all 5 loops on hook.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes
- Turning ch-3 counts as 1 dc throughout.
- Color stripe sequence: Work 4 rows of Charcoal, 4 rows of Mustard, 4 rows of Rust, repeating this 3-color sequence.
Section 1: Back Panel (Charcoal, make 1)
Foundation Chain: Ch 87 (95, 103, 111, 119, 127) to fit your desired width multiple.
Row 1: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped chs count as first dc), dc in next 3 ch, *dc2tog over next 4 ch, dc in next 3 ch, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch, dc in next 3 ch*; rep from * across to last 8 ch, dc2tog over next 4 ch, dc in next 3 ch, work 2 dc in last ch. Turn. *(79 [87, 95, 103, 111, 119] sts)*
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), dc in first st, dc in next 3 sts, *dc2tog over next 4 sts, dc in next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch-2 sp, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 sts*; rep from * across to last 8 sts, dc2tog over next 4 sts, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in top of turning ch-3. Turn.
Rows 3 to 52 (54, 56, 58, 60, 62): Rep Row 2, following the color stripe sequence (4 rows Charcoal, 4 rows Mustard, 4 rows Rust). Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for shoulder seaming.
✅ Checkpoint: Back panel measures approximately 24 (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) inches wide and 30 (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) inches high.
Section 2: Front Panels (Charcoal, make 2)
Foundation Chain: Ch 43 (47, 51, 55, 59, 63).
Row 1: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 3 ch, *dc2tog over next 4 ch, dc in next 3 ch, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch, dc in next 3 ch*; rep from * across, ending with 2 dc in last ch. Turn. *(39 [43, 47, 51, 55, 59] sts)*
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in first st, dc in next 3 sts, *dc2tog over next 4 sts, dc in next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch-2 sp, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 sts*; rep from * across, ending with 2 dc in top of turning ch-3. Turn.
Rows 3 to 52 (54, 56, 58, 60, 62): Rep Row 2, following the 4-row color sequence (Charcoal, Mustard, Rust). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Section 3: Drop Sleeves (Charcoal, make 2)
Directly attach yarn to the armhole edge of the assembled body panel (spanning 8 inches down front and back from the shoulder seam).
Row 1: Work 55 dc evenly across the armhole opening. Turn. (55 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in first st, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog over next 4 sts, dc in next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch-2 sp, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 sts; rep across. Turn. (51 sts)
Rows 3 to 30: Rep Row 2, maintaining the stripe sequence. Fasten off.
Assembly
- Lay the Back Panel flat. Place the two Front Panels on top, aligning them at the shoulder seams.
- Whipstitch the top 5 inches of each shoulder together using your yarn tails.
- Seam the sides of the cardigan from the bottom hem up to the underarm, leaving the armholes open for the sleeves.
- Sew the sleeve seams closed from underarm to cuff.
Finishing
- Weave in all loose ends securely using a yarn needle.
- Block the cardigan lightly by steaming or wet blocking to relax the wool blend and straighten the chevron peaks.
Size Customization Tips
- Each chevron repeat adds approximately 4 inches of width to your panel. Adjust your starting chain by multiples of 8 + 7 sts to customize width.
- Adjust length simply by adding or subtracting sets of 4-row color stripes.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash cold with mild wool detergent, or machine wash on a delicate wool cycle.
- Lay flat to dry on a clean towel; reshape while damp. Do not bleach or iron.
FAQ
Can I substitute a 100% acrylic yarn for the wool blend?
Yes! Acrylic yarn works wonderfully and is machine washable, though a wool blend offers slightly better stitch definition and warmth.
How do I make the cardigan longer?
Simply continue the 4-row color stripe sequence for additional rows before fastening off your panels.
Is this pattern suitable for advanced beginners?
Yes, as long as you are comfortable keeping track of your peaks and valleys during the first few rows, the repeating nature of the pattern makes it quite straightforward.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love making your Bonfire Stripes Chevron Blanket Cardigan as much as I did designing it! Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest and share your gorgeous color combinations in the comments below.
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