Wrap yourself in the ultimate handmade luxury with this cozy crochet co-ord set, designed to transition effortlessly from chilly mornings to relaxed indoor evenings. Featuring a fitted, sideways-ribbed crochet crop top layered under a slouchy, open-front crochet cardigan set, this ensemble combines modern styling with timeless comfort. Handcrafted in a rich, warm camel alpaca blend, this winter crochet top and cardigan duo is the perfect addition to your cold-weather wardrobe.
Winter Crochet Crop Top & Cardigan Free Size Chart
Quick Facts
This gorgeous matching set is surprisingly simple to make! The crop top is worked sideways in a stretchy half double crochet ribbing, while the cardigan is constructed from three flat panels and drop-shoulder sleeves using a quick-to-work alternating mesh stitch. Available in seven sizes from XS to 3XL, this free crochet top and cardigan pattern takes approximately 15 to 20 hours to complete. It makes an incredibly impressive, heirloom-quality gift for fashion-forward friends, or a cozy treat for your own winter wardrobe.
💡 Designer Tip: Looking for a custom fit? I’ve included step-by-step sizing customization tips below so you can easily adjust the sleeve length, crop top height, or cardigan drape to match your exact proportions!
What Makes This Winter Crochet Crop Top & Cardigan Special
The magic of this crochet matching set lies in its beautiful texture play and clever construction. By working the crochet crop top sideways using Half Double Crochet in the Back Loop Only (blo), we create an elastic, knit-look ribbing that contours to your body without feeling restrictive.
In contrast, the longline cardigan uses a loose, open stitch pattern that drapes beautifully over your curves. Because the cardigan is built from simple, straight panels with no complex shaping, it is incredibly easy to assemble. The alpaca-blend yarn gives both pieces a soft, halo-like finish that looks highly professional and feels like a warm hug.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated as Easy / Advanced Beginner.
- Required Skills:
- Basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet)
- Working in the Back Loop Only (BLO)
- Simple row repeats
- Basic seaming (slip stitch or whipstitch)
If you can crochet a basic scarf and know how to sew two flat panels together, you can absolutely master this beautiful winter set!
Finished Measurements
This comprehensive crochet size chart covers both pieces of the set. Select your size based on your actual bust measurement.
| Size | Fits Bust (in / cm) | Crop Top Bust (in / cm) | Crop Top Length (in / cm) | Cardigan Bust (in / cm) | Cardigan Length (in / cm) | Sleeve Length (in / cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 28-30″ / 71-76cm | 28″ / 71cm | 13″ / 33cm | 36″ / 91.5cm | 28″ / 71cm | 17.5″ / 44.5cm |
| S | 32-34″ / 81-86cm | 32″ / 81cm | 13″ / 33cm | 40″ / 101.5cm | 28″ / 71cm | 17.5″ / 44.5cm |
| M | 36-38″ / 91.5-96.5cm | 36″ / 91.5cm | 14″ / 35.5cm | 44″ / 112cm | 29″ / 73.5cm | 18″ / 46cm |
| L | 40-42″ / 101.5-106.5cm | 40″ / 101.5cm | 14″ / 35.5cm | 48″ / 122cm | 29″ / 73.5cm | 18″ / 46cm |
| XL | 44-46″ / 112-117cm | 44″ / 112cm | 15″ / 38cm | 52″ / 132cm | 30″ / 76cm | 18.5″ / 47cm |
| 2XL | 48-50″ / 122-127cm | 48″ / 122cm | 15″ / 38cm | 56″ / 142cm | 30″ / 76cm | 18.5″ / 47cm |
| 3XL | 52-54″ / 132-137cm | 52″ / 132cm | 16″ / 40.5cm | 60″ / 152.5cm | 31″ / 78.5cm | 19″ / 48cm |
Materials You Will Need
To achieve the exact look shown in our featured photography, you will need:
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (US H/8) or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, and 4 stitch markers.
| Colorway | Yarn Weight / Type | Yardage (XS – M) | Yardage (L – XL) | Yardage (2XL – 3XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camel | Worsted Weight (Alpaca Blend) | 1,400 yds / 1,280 m | 1,750 yds / 1,600 m | 2,100 yds / 1,920 m |
Yarn Suggestions
To get that ultra-soft, cozy drape, I highly recommend using a blown yarn or an alpaca blend.
| Yarn Brand & Line | Fiber Content | Weight | Yardage per Skein | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drops Air | 65% Alpaca, 28% Polyamide, 7% Wool | Aran / Worsted | 164 yds / 150 m | Incredibly light and fluffy with a beautiful camel colorway. |
| Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca | 90% Acrylic, 10% Alpaca | Worsted | 207 yds / 190 m | A durable, budget-friendly option with great stitch definition. |
| Sandnes Garn Kos | 62% Alpaca, 9% Wool, 29% Nylon | Bulky / Heavy Worsted | 164 yds / 150 m | A luxury blown yarn that works up beautifully on a 5mm hook. |
⚠️ Note: Avoid using 100% stiff cotton or heavy, unyielding acrylic yarns for this project. Cotton will make the longline cardigan too heavy and pull it out of shape, while stiff acrylics won’t provide the soft, fluid drape needed for the cardigan fronts.
Gauge
| Swatch Type | Stitch Pattern | Gauge (4″ / 10 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Crop Top Swatch | Half Double Crochet in Back Loop Only (hdc BLO) | 15 sts x 11 rows |
| Cardigan Swatch | Alternating DC and [DC 1, ch 1, skip 1] rows | 14 sts x 8 rows |
⚠️ Note: Always take the time to save time by crocheting a gauge swatch! Since the crop top is fitted, matching the gauge is crucial to ensure a perfect fit.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
| Abbreviation | Full Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| BLO | Back Loop Only |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| sk | Skip |
| rep | Repeat |
Special Stitches Explained
1. Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only (hdc BLO)
- Step 1: Yarn over, insert your hook only into the back loop (the loop furthest away from you) of the designated stitch.
- Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Step 3: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
2. Cardigan Mesh Stitch (Row Repeat)
- Row 1: Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in each st across. Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc and ch-1 space), skip next st, dc in next st. *Ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across to last st, dc in final st. Turn.
Pattern Instructions
The instructions are written for size XS with S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL in parentheses.
Section 1: The Ribbed Crop Top (Worked Sideways)
The crop top is worked as one flat, rectangular panel sideways, then seamed into a tube.
Foundation Chain: Ch 50 (50, 54, 54, 58, 58, 62).
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (48 (48, 52, 52, 56, 56, 60) hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st here and throughout), hdc BLO in each st across. Turn. (48 (48, 52, 52, 56, 56, 60) hdc)
Rows 3 to 76 (86, 96, 108, 118, 128, 140): Repeat Row 2.
✅ Checkpoint: Lay your ribbed panel flat on a hard surface without stretching it. It should measure approximately 27.5″ (31″, 35″, 39″, 43″, 46.5″, 51″) in length along the ribbed rows. When stretched slightly, it should comfortably match your bust size.
Seaming: Fold the panel in half so Row 1 meets your final row. Slip stitch the two edges together through the back loops of the final row and the foundation chains to create a seamless tube. Do not fasten off.
Top Edging: Ch 1, work 1 sc into the end of each rib row around the top opening of the tube. Sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off. (76 (86, 96, 108, 118, 128, 140) sc)
Section 2: Crop Top Straps (Make 2)
Foundation: Join yarn with a slip stitch to the top edge of the crop top, approximately 3″ (3.5″, 4″, 4.5″, 5″, 5.5″, 6″) from the center front.
Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in next 4 sts. Turn. (4 hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each of the 4 sts. Turn. (4 hdc)
Rows 3 to 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42): Repeat Row 2.
Fasten off, leaving a 10″ tail. Align the strap straight over the shoulder and sew it securely to the inside back edge of the crop top. Repeat for the second strap.
Section 3: Cardigan Back Panel
Foundation Chain: Ch 65 (71, 79, 85, 93, 99, 107).
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped chains count as first dc) and in each ch across. Turn. (63 (69, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105) dc)
Row 2 (Mesh Row): Ch 3 (counts as first dc and ch-1 space), skip next st, dc in next st. Ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (32 (35, 39, 42, 46, 49, 53) dc, 31 (34, 38, 41, 45, 48, 52) ch-1 spaces)*
Row 3 (Solid Row): Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in each dc and ch-1 space across. Turn. (63 (69, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105) dc)
Rows 4 to 56 (56, 58, 58, 60, 60, 62): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 sequentially. Fasten off.
✅ Checkpoint: Your back panel should measure approximately 18″ (20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″, 30″) wide and 28″ (28″, 29″, 29″, 30″, 30″, 31″) long.
Section 4: Cardigan Front Panels (Make 2)
Foundation Chain: Ch 29 (33, 37, 39, 43, 47, 51).
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (27 (31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49) dc)
Row 2 (Mesh Row): Ch 3, skip next st, dc in next st. Ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (14 (16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25) dc, 13 (15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24) ch-1 spaces)*
Row 3 (Solid Row): Ch 2, dc in each dc and ch-1 space across. Turn. (27 (31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49) dc)
Rows 4 to 56 (56, 58, 58, 60, 60, 62): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 sequentially. Fasten off, leaving a long tail on one panel for shoulder seaming.
Section 5: Cardigan Sleeves (Make 2)
Foundation Chain: Ch 31 (31, 35, 35, 39, 39, 43).
Row 1 (Cuff): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (29 (29, 33, 33, 37, 37, 41) hdc)
Rows 2 to 6: Ch 2, hdc BLO in each st across. Turn. (29 (29, 33, 33, 37, 37, 41) hdc)
Row 7 (Increase Row): Ch 2, 2 dc in first st, dc in each st across to last st, 2 dc in last st. Turn. (31 (31, 35, 35, 39, 39, 43) dc)
Row 8 (Mesh Row): Ch 3, skip next st, dc in next st. Ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (16 (16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22) dc, 15 (15, 17, 17, 19, 19, 21) ch-1 spaces)*
Row 9 (Solid Row): Ch 2, dc in each dc and ch-1 space across. Turn. (31 (31, 35, 35, 39, 39, 43) dc)
Rows 10 to 36 (36, 38, 38, 40, 40, 42): Repeat Rows 8 and 9, working an Increase Row (adding 2 sts at each end) on every 4th row. Your final stitch count will be approximately: (45 (45, 49, 49, 53, 53, 57) dc). Fasten off.
Section 6: Assembly & Finishing
- Shoulder Seams: Lay the Back Panel flat. Place the two Front Panels on top, aligning the outer edges. Using a tapestry needle and mattress stitch, sew the shoulders together from the outer edge inward.
- Attach Sleeves: Open the cardigan flat. Mark the center of your sleeve cap and align it with the shoulder seam. Pin and sew the sleeve to the body.
- Side and Sleeve Seams: Fold the cardigan right sides together. Sew from the wrist cuff, up the underarm, and down the side seam to the bottom hem. Repeat on the other side.
- Front Ribbed Border: Join yarn at the bottom right front corner. Ch 2, work dc evenly up the right front edge, around the back of the neck, and down the left front edge. Turn. Work 2 more rows of dc in each st. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Size Customization Tips
- To adjust the crop top width: Simply add or subtract rows in the main body section. Every 11 rows added or subtracted will change the bust circumference by approximately 4″ (10 cm).
- To adjust the crop top length: Add or subtract chains from the foundation chain. Every 4 chains added or subtracted changes the height by approximately 1″ (2.5 cm).
- To adjust the cardigan length: Add or subtract rows in the 2-row repeat on the front and back panels before fastening off.
💡 Designer Tip: If you choose to lengthen your cardigan, make sure to buy an extra skein of yarn to avoid running out before finishing the front border!
Care Instructions
Because alpaca-blend yarn is highly delicate, this gorgeous crochet cardigan set deserves special love:
- Hand wash only in lukewarm water using a mild wool-safe detergent.
- Do not wring or twist the fabric. Gently press water out by rolling the garments in a clean, dry towel.
- Lay flat to dry on a sweater rack or dry towel away from direct sunlight. Never hang your crochet cardigan while wet, as gravity will stretch the shoulders out of shape permanently.
Closing
Thank you so much for making the Winter Crochet Crop Top & Cardigan Free Size Chart set with me today! I hope you love wearing this cozy, modern duo as much as I loved designing it.
If you enjoyed this free crochet top pattern, please share your progress and finished sets on social media! Tag me and use the hashtag #WinterCrochetCoOrd so I can see and share your beautiful work. Don’t forget to save this post to your favorite Pinterest board and leave a comment below with your favorite color choice! Happy crocheting!