Lightweight Mesh Cardigan: A Free Crochet Pattern

Hello, beautiful makers🌸

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of creating a garment that’s both comfortable and effortlessly stylish. If you’ve been dreaming of a lightweight, airy cardigan that’s perfect for layering over your favorite tops, you’ve come to the right place!

I’m so excited to share this Mesh Cardigan Crochet Pattern with you. Designed with simplicity and elegance in mind, this project uses a repeating mesh stitch that works up quickly and feels so satisfying to make. Whether you’re new to garment-making or just looking for a relaxing project, this cardigan is wonderfully approachable.

With its customizable fit and versatile length options (short or long sleeves!), you can truly make it your own. Plus, the open mesh design makes it perfect for breezy days, cozy evenings, or even as a beach cover-up.

So, if you’re ready to stitch something you’ll reach for again and again, let’s dive in together

Materials You’ll Need

Yarn: Size 2 (Fine weight) yarn – choose a soft, drapey fiber like cotton or bamboo blend
Crochet Hook: 3.00mm or 3.50mm
Scissors
Darning Needle
Measuring Tape
Buttons (optional – you can also use a tie or ribbon)

Meow-tiful Black Cat Amigurumi: A Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
st = stitch
sc = single crochet
tr = treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
yo = yarn over
FO = fasten off

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner – You should be comfortable with basic stitches like chain, single crochet, and treble crochet.

Finished Size & Customization

This pattern is fully customizable! Here’s how to measure for your perfect fit:

Measurement A (Front Panel Width):
Chest circumference ÷ 4, minus 4–5 cm
*Example: 83 cm ÷ 4 = 21 cm, minus 5 cm = 16 cm*
Measurement B (Front Panel Height):
Measure from the top of your shoulder to your underbust
Measurement C (Back Panel Width):
Chest circumference ÷ 2
*Example: 83 cm ÷ 2 = 41.5 cm*

💡 Tip: The stitch is stretchy! For a more fitted look, subtract a few centimeters from the back panel foundation chain.

Let’s Get Started!

Step 1: Front Panels (Make 2)

Foundation Chain:
Chain until you reach Measurement A. Make sure the number of chains is a multiple of 3.
Example: 33 chains

Row 1:
Skip the first 8 chains, sc in the 9th chain from hook.
Ch 5, skip 2 chains, sc in next chain. Repeat from * to * across. Ch 6, turn.

Row 2:
Sc in the first ch-5 space. *Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 space*. Repeat across. Ch 6, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until you reach Measurement B. Do not fasten off.

Decrease Rows (One Side Only):

Decrease Row: Work across as usual until only one ch-5 space remains. Instead of ch-6, ch 3 and sc into the last ch-5 space. Ch 3, turn.
Next Row: Sc in the ch-3 space, then continue pattern across. Ch 6, turn.

Alternate these two rows until only one ch-3 space remains. Fasten off.

Repeat for the second front panel.

Meow-tiful Black Cat Lightweight Mesh Cardigan: A Free Crochet Pattern

Step 2: Back Panel

Foundation Chain:
Chain until you reach Measurement C (multiple of 3).
Example: 78 chains

Row 1:
Skip first 8 chains, sc in the 9th chain.
Ch 5, skip 2 chains, sc in next chain. Repeat across. Ch 6, turn.

Row 2:
Sc in first ch-5 space, *ch 5, sc in next ch-5 space*. Repeat across. Ch 6, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the back panel is the same height as the front panels. Fasten off.

Lightweight Mesh Cardigan: A Free Crochet Pattern

Step 3: Join the Panels

Lay the back panel flat with the foundation chain at the top. Place the front panels on top, with decreased edges facing inward and down.

Sew the shoulder seams together using your preferred method (e.g., sewing through the chains and sc between ch-5 spaces).

Step 4: Sleeves

Try on the cardigan and place stitch markers under the armpits to mark the armhole. Make sure it’s not too tight.

Sew the side seams from the marker down to the bottom edge.

Attach yarn at the marker and work in rounds:
*Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 space*. Repeat around.

Continue until sleeves reach desired length.
Short version: ~7 rounds | Long version: ~57 rounds

Fasten off.

Step 5: Sleeve Edging

Attach yarn in a ch-5 space.
Ch 5, sc in the 3rd chain from hook.

In the same ch-5 space, work:
Tr, ch 2, sc on top of the tr. Repeat 4 more times, then work one more tr in the same space.

Sc in the next ch-5 space.
Repeat around the sleeve. Sl st to join at the end.

Step 6: Cardigan Edging

Attach yarn at the center back neckline.
Repeat the same shell edging pattern used on the sleeves, working around the entire cardigan front and bottom.

Skip the ch-3 spaces along the decreased edge—work only into ch-5 spaces.

Sl st to join at the end.

Step 7: Buttons or Closure

Try on the cardigan and mark where you’d like buttons. Sew them onto one front panel, using ch-5 spaces on the opposite panel as buttonholes.

Alternatively, add a crocheted tie, ribbon, or leave it open for a drapey look.

Weave in all ends. And you’re done

Tips for Success

Keep it loose: Don’t chain too tightly—the foundation chain should be relaxed for a comfortable fit.
Count your rows: Write down how many rows you make for the first front panel so the second one matches perfectly.
Blocking: Lightly blocking your finished cardigan will help the mesh open up and drape beautifully