Granny Square Fan Cardigan

         

Style: Classic panel construction – timeless fit

Skill Level: Intermediate

Techniques: Granny squares, joining, sleeve construction, button band

Pattern Introduction

This Granny Square Fan Cardigan is a timeless crochet design inspired by traditional hand-crafted garments, reimagined for modern everyday wear.

Built entirely from classic granny squares with a fan-style stitch pattern, the cardigan combines structure, comfort, and visual rhythm.

The construction follows a straightforward panel method — back, fronts, and sleeves — making the pattern easy to customize in size, length, and color placement. The textured granny squares create a soft yet stable fabric, while the added collar and button band give the garment a polished, boutique-quality finish.

Designed with practicality in mind, this pattern is ideal for crocheters who enjoy modular work and want a versatile piece that transitions effortlessly from casual to statement wear. Whether worked in a single color or multiple shades, this cardigan honors traditional crochet techniques while delivering a clean, contemporary silhouette.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted / Aran weight

• Hook: 5–5.5 mm (US I / J)

• Buttons: 4–5 medium

• Needle for seaming

 Abbreviations (US)

• ch = chain

• sl st = slip stitch

• dc = double crochet

• sp = space

• rep = repeat

Round 1 (Center)

• Make a magic ring

• Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc)

• 11 dc into ring

• Sl st to 3rd ch
  12 dc total

Round 2

• Sl st into next sp between dc

• (3 dc in same sp) around

• Sl st to close
  12 shell groups

Round 3 (Forming the square)

• Sl st into center of a shell

• (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in same sp → corner

• 3 dc in next shell sp

• Rep around to make 4 corners

• Sl st to close

Round 4

• Sl st to corner sp

• (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in each corner

• 3 dc in each side sp

• Sl st to close

Round 5 (Final square round)

• Sl st to first side sp

• (3 dc) in each side sp

• (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in each corner

• Sl st to close

➡️ Repeat last round to enlarge square if needed

PART B — CARDIGAN CONVERSION (LIKE THE PHOTO)

Construction method:
➡️ Granny square panel cardigan
➡️ No shaping tricks, no nonsense
➡️ Old-school, solid construction

Square Size

Each square should measure approx:

• 12–14 cm / 4.7–5.5 in per side
  (adjust by adding rounds)

Square Layout (Adult S–M example)

Back Panel

• 4 squares wide × 4squares tall = 16 squares

Front Panels

• Left front: 2 × 4 = 8 squares

• Right front: 2 × 4 = 8 squares

➡️ Leave 1 square width gap in the center for opening

Assembly – Body

1. Join squares using:

   • sl st join or

   • whip stitch (recommended for clean look)

2. Join:

   • back panel first

   • attach front panels to sides

3. Leave armholes open:

   • approx 18–20 cm / 7–8 in

Sleeves

• Each sleeve starts from armhole

• Join 2-3 squares in a tube (depending on size)

• Attach sleeve to armhole seam

Optional:

• Add 1–2 rounds of dc or hdc at cuff for structure

Collar & Button Band (Key Style Element)

This is what gives it the boutique look.

Collar

• Attach yarn at neckline

• Work dc evenly around

• Back neck only: add 2–3 extra rows for shawl effect

Button Band

• Work dc rows along front opening

• On right side:

  • create buttonholes: (ch 2, skip 2 sts)

Finishing

• 
  1 round sc or crab stitch around edges

• Light blocking

• Sew buttons

Yarn & Hook (Photo-accurate result)

• Yarn: Worsted / Aran

• Hook: 4–5 mm

• Fiber: wool or wool-blend (keeps structure

Professional reality check

            ✔ This construction never goes out of style

✔ Easy to resize (just add squares)
       ✔ Perfect for colorwork like the photo

          ✔ Sells well — handmade buyers love it