Shelly Cardigan Crochet Pattern

If you’re looking for a lightweight and stylish layering piece for warmer months, the Shelly Cardigan Crochet Pattern is the perfect addition to your handmade wardrobe. This pattern features a gorgeous open shell stitch that creates a breezy, lacy texture, making it ideal for summer wear or light layering over tanks and dresses.

A Beginner-Friendly Cardigan

Don’t let the lacy stitch fool you—this cardigan is surprisingly easy to make. The construction is simple and approachable, even for newer crocheters. The body is worked flat in panels and then seamed, with short sleeves added for a relaxed, comfortable fit. No complex shaping or techniques required!

Whether you’re making your first garment or you just want a relaxing project with beautiful results, the Shelly Cardigan is a great pick.

Features:

• ✅ Light and airy shell stitch design
• ✅ Short sleeves for warmer weather
• ✅ Easy, no-fuss construction
• ✅ Great for layering over summer outfits
• ✅ Perfect for confident beginners

Yarn & Materials

This cardigan is made with a worsted weight, acrylic yarn. Cotton blends would be are a fantastic choice for summer wear.

You’ll also need:

• H/5.0 mm hook
• Scissors, yarn needle, and stitch markers
• Optional: Buttons if you’d like to add closure

Styling Your Shelly Cardigan

The Shelly Cardigan is as versatile as it is pretty. Pair it with a sundress, wear it over a tank top with jeans, or throw it on as a swimsuit cover-up. You can even make it in a neutral tone for an everyday staple, or go bold with a pop of summer color.

 

 

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Shelly Cardigan Crochet Pattern

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Materials
198 – 396 yards worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn (I used a little over 1 skein (198 yards) of Yarn Bee Soft Secret in Mist for a small)
5.0 mm hook
Scissors
Yarn needle 

Level
Intermediate

Pattern notes & stitches to know
Sl st – slip stitch
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Sc – single crochet

Special Stitches
V stitch – dc, ch 3, dc
Shell – (dc, ch 1) 4 times + dc

Pattern is written in small, medium is noted in ( ), and large is noted in [ ]

Finished Size—measurements are approximate

Small – pictured (I’m 5’0″)
Width: 17.5 inches
Length: 19 inches

Medium  – noted in ( )
Width: 20.5 inches
Length: 21 inches

Large – noted in [ ]
Width: 23. 5 inches
Length: 24 inches

CARDIGAN

Ch 61 (71) [81]

Row 1: in 8th chain from the hook work (dc, ch 3, dc), *ch 1, skip 4 stitches, (dc, ch 3, dc)* repeat from * to * to last 3 ch, skip 2, ch 1, dc in last chain (11 v stitches, (13 v stitches), [15 v stitches])

Row 2: ch 3, turn, shell in each ch 3 space across to the last v stitch, skip ch 1, dc into next chain (11 shells, (13 shells), [15 shells])

Row 3: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * to last shell, dc in top of ch 3 from previous round (11 v stitches, (13 v stitches), [15 v stitches])

Repeat rows 2 & 3

For small: to row 22

For Medium: to row 24

For Large: to row 26

***Or until desired length***

Now you will start working on one of the front panels

Row 23 (25) [27]: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across the next 5 shells (6 shells) [7 shells], dc3tog across last dc in current shell and first 2 dc’s in next shell (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])

Row 24 (26) [28]: ch 3, turn, shell in each ch 3 space across to the last v stitch, skip ch 1, dc into last stitch (5 shells, (6 v shells), [7 shells])

Row 25 (27) [29]: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous round, (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])

Repeat pattern

For small: to row 44

For medium: to row 48

For large: to row 52

***Or until desired length***

Ch 4, turn, *sc in 3rd dc in next shell, ch 3*, repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row

Fasten off, weave in the ends.

Now you will work on the second front panel.

Turn work so the finished front panel is on the right. You will work in the center shell with your dc3tog in row 22, (24), [26].

Row 23 (25) [27]: Skip one stitch, join yarn, ch 3, dc2tog, ch 1, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])

Row 24 (26) [28]: ch 3, turn, shell in each ch 3 space across to the last v stitch, skip ch 1, dc into next chain (5 shells, (6 v shells), [7 shells])

Row 25 (27) [29]: ch ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across, dc in last stitch, (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])

Repeat pattern

For small: to row 44

For medium: to row 48

For large: to row 52

Ch 4, turn, *sc in 3rd dc in next shell, ch 3*, repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row

Fasten off, weave in the ends.

Fold front panels down on top of the back, wrong side out (there isn’t technically a “right” side, just whichever side you like best)

Using a piece of yarn twice the length of the area you want to stitch and your yarn needle, whipstitch the sides closed. Leave room at the top for armholes.

Fasten off, weave in all the ends.

Turn right side out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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