Cozy and Chic Polka Crop Cardigan | Free Crochet Pattern + Video

  • Published: November 13, 2025
  • Updated: November 14, 2025
Maddies Polka dot crop cardigan

Maddie’s Cute Crochet Polka Dot Crop Cardigan combines playful polka dots with a soft and drapey fabric that keeps you warm while looking trendy and chic. 

This DIY crochet crop cardigan is an easy, beginner-friendly pattern perfect for ages 2 years up to adult 5XL and is perfect for that visual learner complete with a clear video tutorial. 

This free crochet pattern and video tutorial are available for all sizes, ranging from 2T to adult 5XL. It is a fun textured polka dot bobble stitch that is playful and is easy to learn.

You can find the full Video tutorial on my YouTube channel where it is worked up in size 8.

If you would like a printable PDF copy of this pattern with no distracting ads, and loads of guided images, it is available for purchase on my pattern store here. Or just add this to your Ravelry queue for later.

DESIGN INSPIRATION - Fun, Cozy, and Polka Dot Chic

Maddies Polka Dot Crop Cardigan

This cropped cardigan design was inspired by the timeless charm of polka dots and the desire for a versatile, stylish layering piece that fits all sizes.

Designed with minimal shaping and basic stitches, the pattern uses the bobble stitch pattern which the perfect stitch for advanced beginners wanting to learn a fun texture that pops.

The look is both cozy and lightweight, ideal for transitional weather or layering over your favorite outfits.

This crop silhouette paired with long sleeves and a cute collar makes it a truly wearable, fashion-forward project.

Not to mention the soft and drapey feel that comes from the best yarn choice (in my opinion), creating a cozy cardigan while keeping it easy to wear all day long.

This pattern is size inclusive from children aged 2 years old all the way up to adults 5XL.

Watch The Video Tutorial Here

If you would like to see more video tutorials like this you can check them out here on the blog or Subscribe to my Video Channel on YouTube.

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Construction Details

Maddies Polka Dot Crop Cardigan

I am using Coboo yarn in the color Silver Argent and Truboo yarn in the color Mushroom Champignon. These yarns are so soft and drapey and made from a blend of cotton and bamboo, but still great for keeping you nice and warm.

Maddies cardigan materials

The cardigan is constructed mainly from simple rectangles from the front and back panels and the sleeves.

This makes it accessible for crocheters of all skill levels while providing the option to practice stitch count accuracy, gauge swatch checking, and clean seaming techniques using single crochet stitches.

Key construction highlights:

  • Uses the bobble stitch to create the signature polka dot texture

  • Minimal shaping at shoulder seam, perfect for consistent stitch count growth

  • Long sleeves with optional sleeve length customization

  • Button holes integrated into front sides for a polished finish

  • Uses basic stitches such as chain stitches (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc) to complement the bobble stitch

The Half Double Crochet Stitch is used to create the base of this pattern overall, while distributing the easy-to-learn bobble stitch pattern across.

What is a Bobble Stitch? A bobble stitch is a group of 5 double crochet stitches within a stitch that are closed at the end of the last stitch. Watch the Video Tutorial here.

Bobble St chart

“Bobble Stitch Written Pattern: Hdc, *(Yo, draw up a loop, Yo, pt 2), Rep (*) in the same St 4x, Yo, pt all 6 loops, Hdc”

This Crochet Cardigan also comes Ad Free with a full step-by-step picture-guided PDF file and video tutorial to guide you throughout the entire process. 

And if you like this style, then you might also like to check out these other free Crochet Fall/ Winter patterns here:

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Recommended Yarn -Natural, Soft, and Drapey

For this crochet project, choosing the right yarn is crucial. Two excellent yarns to consider are Lion Brand Yarn’s Coboo and Truboo:

Yarn NameWeight of YarnFiber ContentBest AttributesRecommended Hook Size (mm)
CobooLight worsted (3)51% cotton, 49% bamboo rayonDurable with great stitch definition, breathable, soft and drapey, holds shape well4.0 mm (G/6)
TrubooDK weight (#3)100% bamboo rayonSofter drape, breathable, silky finish, great for lightweight garments4.0 mm (G/6)

Both yarns provide a soft, cozy feel and are excellent for crochet sweaters, especially crop cardigans. The breathable fibers keep you warm but not overheated, perfect for layering.

I really do enjoy working with this yarn, and I’ve used it quite a bit. Here are some other projects I’ve made using this amazing yarn.

 

Sizing Tips – From Toddler to Adult 5XL

Maddie’s pattern spans a large size range, making it a good choice for families or groups wanting matching cardigans. Here are sizing tips to customize your fit:

  • Always start with a gauge swatch in the chosen yarn to check your tension

  • Use stitch count adjustments in the pattern for longer sleeve length or wider front panels

  • Pay attention to the stitch count at front sides and back panel to maintain consistent shaping

  • For beginners, following the step-by-step pictures in the pdf pattern and video tutorial will help with sizing adjustments

  • The pattern uses minimal shaping, relying mostly on simple rectangles, making it easy to customize length and width

  • If you prefer an oversized cardigan look, opt for a larger hook size or chunkier yarn to increase drape and cozy comfort

Tools And Materials:

Maddies Polka Dot Crop cardigan materials

Yarn weight: Category 3
Brand: Coboo and Truboo
Color: Silver Argent and Mushroom Champignon
Hook: 4.0mm
Gauge: 12.2 Rows x 15.6 Hdc Sts = 4in x 4in / 10cm x 10 cm

No. yarns (skeins) Yarn A: Kids – [2/4/6/8][10/12/14/16] – [2.0/2.5/3.0/3.5] [3.0/4.5/5.0/5.5] and Adult – XS[S/M/L/XL] [2XL/3XL/4XL/5XL] – 4.0 [5.0/5.5/6.0/6.5] [7.0/8.0/ 8.5/9.0]
No. yarns (skeins) Yarn B: Kids – [2/4/6/8][10/12/14/16] – [2.0/2.5/3.0/3.5] [3.0/4.5/5.0/5.5] and Adult – XS[S/M/L/XL] [2XL/3XL/4XL/5XL] – 4.0 [5.0/5.5/6.0/6.5] [7.0/8.0/ 8.5/9.0]
Yardage: Kids – [2/4/6/8][10/12/14/16] – [507/616/730/929] [1146/1256/1371/1490] and Adult – XS[S/M/L/XL] [2XL/3XL/4XL/5XL] -1148[1343/ 1530/ 1713/ 1867] [2063/ 2229/ 2460/ 2630]

Tools: tapestry needle, measuring tape, scissors, stitch markers,  7/8” buttons
Skill: Easy

  

Things to Note:

  • Prepare a pattern gauge to get the right size. You may need to adjust your tension or change the hook size to achieve the same gauge.
  • Pattern is for Kids size 2 – 16 and Adult XS – 5XL
  • Turning chain does not count as a stitch unless mentioned otherwise
  • Yarn A refers to main body color, Yarn B refers to accent (Bobble St) color.
  • Abbreviation available in English US format on pg.12
  • Step by step Video Tutorial available here
  • All abbreviation is available in English US format here.

**

Pattern Abbreviation Used:

Ch – Chains

Sl St – Slip Stitch

Sc – Single Crochet

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

BLO – Back Loop Only

SM – Stitch Marker

PT – Pull Through

Bobble St Definition -Hdc, *(Yo, draw up a loop, Yo, pt 2), Rep (*) in the same St 4x, Yo, pt all 6 loops, Hdc

Maddie's Polka Crop Crochet Cardigan - Free Pattern

Maddies Polka Dot Crop Cardigan
maddies cardigan measurement chart
These measurements are only estimates, and is best to measure your work/body along the way. This cardi has a positive ease of 2in/ 5cm and sits at the waist. Increase or reduce according to your size/ preference. If you are in between sizes, size up or measure along


Instructions

PART 1: Back Panel

  1. Foundation Row – Body Width (Yarn A): Ch [51/55/59/63] [67/71/75/77] / 59 [67/75/83/89] [97/105/113/121], Ch 1 to start the next row.
    If you are using your own custom size, make sure to end it on an odd number
  2. Row 1: From the 2nd Ch from the hook, work a Hdc St and across each Ch, Ch 1 turn
  3. Row 2 – 3: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
    Each Bobble St will be spaced out 10 Sts. Ie: if you  made 51 chains, 40 (4×10 Sts) would give 5.5 Sts for some edging. Ie: 51 – 40 ÷ 2 (Sides) = 5.5. You will start the 1st bobble St on the 6th St.
  4. Row 4 (Bobble Row): Hdc [5/2/4/6] [3/5/2/4] / 4[3/2/6/4] [3/2/6/5] Sts, *(before closing up that last St, Switch to Yarn B and PT to close up the last St, Bobble St, close Bobble St with Yarn A, Hdc 9), Rep (*) [3/4/4/4] [5/5/6/6] / 4[5/6/6/7] [8/9/9/10] more times. Hdc [5/2/4/6] [3/5/2/4] / 4[3/2/6/4] [3/2/6/5] Sts, Ch 1 turn
  5. Row 5 – 7: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  6. Row 8 (Bobble Row): Hdc [10/7/9/11] [8/10/7/9] / 9[8/7/11/9] [8/7/11/10] Sts, *(before closing up that last St, Switch to Yarn B and PT to close up the last St, Bobble St, close Bobble St with Yarn A, Hdc 9), Rep (*) [2/3/3/3] [4/4/5/5] / 3[4/5/5/6] [7/8/8/9] more times. Hdc [10/7/9/11] [8/10/7/9] / 9[8/7/11/9] [8/7/11/10] Sts, Ch 1 turn
  7. Row 9 – 11: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  8. Next Rows: Rep Rows 4 – 11 for a total of [26/29/32/38] [44/46/47/49] / 50[52/53/53/54] [55/55/56/56] total rows.
  9. Bind off


PART 2: Front Panels

  1. Foundation Row – Half Body Width (Yarn A): Ch [23/27/29/31] [33/35/37/39] / 29[33/37/41/43] [47/51/55/59], Ch 1 to start the next row
  2. Row 1: From the 2nd Ch from the hook, work a Hdc St and across each Ch, Ch 1 turn
  3. Row 2 – 3: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
    Each Bobble St will be spaced out 5 and 10 Sts. Ie: if you  made 23 chains, 20 (2×10 Sts) would give 1.5 Sts for minimal edging = more bobbles!. Ie: 23 – 20 ÷ 2 (sides) = 1.5. You will start the 1st bobble St on the 2nd St or 7th St (5+2). You decide!
  4. Row 4 (Bobble Row): Hdc [1/2/3/4] [5/6/7/8] / 3[5/7/4/6] [8/5/7/4] Sts, *(before closing up that last St, Switch to Yarn B and PT to close up the last St, Bobble St, close Bobble St with Yarn A, Hdc 9).
  5. Cont Row 4 (Bobble Row):  Rep (*) [2] [2] / 2[2/2/3/3] [3/4/4/5] more times. Hdc [1/2/3/4] [5/6/7/8] / 3[5/7/4/6] [8/5/7/4] Sts, Ch 1 turn
  6. Row 5 – 7: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  7. Row 8 (Bobble Row): : Hdc [6/7/8/9] [10/11/12/13] / 8[10/12/9/11] [13/10/12/9] Sts, *(before closing up that last St, Switch to Yarn B and PT to close up the last St, Bobble St, close Bobble St with Yarn A, Hdc 9), Rep (*) [1] [1] / 1[1/1/2/2] [2/3/3/4] more times. Hdc [6/7/8/9] [10/11/12/13] / 8[10/12/9/11] [13/10/12/9] Sts, Ch 1 turn
  8. Row 9 – 11: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  9. Next Rows: Rep Rows 4 – 11 for a total of [20/21/24/29] [34/35/36/36] / [40] rows.
  10. Dec Row: Hdc2tog 2x , cont with the pattern sequence above. Ch 1turn
    If your dec St is on a bobble St, just omit the bobble St.
  11. Dec Row: Cont with pattern sequence above until the 5th to last St, Hdc2tog 2x, Ch 1 turn
  12. Next Rows: Rep Steps 9 & 10 for a total of [4/5/5/5] [6/6/7/7] / 5[6] [7] dec rows.
  13. Remaining Rows: Stop decreasing and cont with pattern sequence above for another [2/3/3/4] [4/4/5/5] / 5 [6/6/ 7/7] [8/8/9/9] more rows.
  14. Bind off.
  15. Make the 2nd front panel by repeating Steps 1 – 13 ( Important: read note below).
    Note:
  • Polka Dot Row: When working on the 2nd front panel, swap Row 4 with Row 8 to even out the number of polka dots per row.
    – – – – – – –
  • Decrease: Whichever side your last St was on the 1st panel, you will start the decrease on that side. When working on the 2nd panel, work on the opposite end.


PART 3: Sleeves

  1. Foundation Row – Armhole Width (Yarn A): Ch [29/35/41/ ] [45/47/49/51] / 78 [78/78/78/74] [74/72/72/68], Ch 1 to start the next row
  2. Row 1: From the 2nd Ch from the hook, work a Hdc St and across each Ch, Ch 1 turn
  3. Row 2 – 3: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  4. Row 4: Hdc [4/7/5/6] [7/3/4/5] / 4 [3/3/3/6] [6/6/6/4] Sts, *(before closing up that last St, Switch to Yarn B and PT to close up the last St, Bobble St, close Bobble St with Yarn A, Hdc 9), Rep (*) [2/2/3/4] [4] / 7[7] [7/7/7/6] more times. Hdc [4/7/5/6] [7/3/4/5] / 4 [3/3/3/6] [6/6/6/4] Sts, Ch 1 turn
  5. Row 5 – 7: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  6. Row 8: Hdc [9/12/10/11] [12/8/9/10] / 9 [8/8/8/11] [11/11/11/9] Sts, *(before closing up that last St, Switch to Yarn B and PT to close up the last St, Bobble St, close Bobble St with Yarn A, Hdc 9), Rep (*) [1/1/2/3] [3] / 6[6] [6/6/6/5] more times. Hdc [9/12/10/11] [12/8/9/10] / 9 [8/8/8/11] [11/11/11/9] Sts, Ch 1 turn
  7. Row 9 – 11: Hdc each St across, Ch 1 turn
  8. Next Rows: Rep Rows 4 – 11 for a total of [30/33/36/40] [43/46/49/52] / 40 [43/46/49/52] [55/58/61/64]  rows.
  9. Turn to the row side and work 1 loose Sc St into each rows post across, bind off


Cuffs

  1. Foundation Row (Yarn B): Chain [6] / [8] + 1, turn
  2. Row 1: Sc into each Ch across, work 2 Sl Sts along the sleeve, turn clockwise
  3. Row 2: Sk prev 2 Sl Sts, Sc into the back loop (BLO) of each St across, Ch 1 turn clockwise
  4. Row 3: Sc BLO into each St across, work 2 Sl Sts along the sleeve, turn clockwise
  5. Next Rows: Rep Rows 2 & 3 all the way across.
  6. Bind off.
  7. Fold sleeve width wise (WS) and with Yarn A, Sc both sides together.
  8. Make a second sleeve by rep all steps in Part 3.


PART 4: Assembling

  1. Place the front panel on top of the back panel, all facing the WS out.
  2. Secure the sides with SMs
  3. Place another SM along the armhole by measuring [5/ 5.5/ 6/ 6.5] [7/ 7.5/ 8/ 8.5] / 6.5 [7/ 7.5/ 8/ 8.5] [9/ 9.5/ 10/ 10.5] inches or [13/14/15/17] [18/ 19/ 20/ 22] / 17 [18/ 19/ 20/ 22] [ 23/ 24/ 25/ 27] cm from the top down.
  4. Sc the front and back body panel sides together on both side. Bind off
  5. Sc the front and back shoulder top on both sides. Bind off


PART 5: Front Edging

  1. Row 1 (Yarn A): From the bottom of the front left panel (RS), insert hook through the post side and work a loose Sc St through each post all across the front panel, around the neckline and back down the 2nd front panel on the other side. Ch 1 turn
  2. Row 2: Hdc each St across, Ch 8 + 1, turn
    Place a SM on the last row before the 1st decrease row on the neckline. Do this on both sides.


Front Left Button Hole Ribbing

  1. Row 1: Sc into each Ch across, work 2 Sl Sts along the panel, turn clockwise
  2. Row 2: Sk prev 2 Sl Sts, Sc into the back loop (BLO) of each St across, Ch 1 turn clockwise
  3. Row 3: Sc BLO into each St across, work 2 Sl Sts along the panel, turn clockwise
  4. Next Rows: Rep Rows 2 & 3 for a total of [4/4/5/5][5] / [5] rows

    Purple buttonsI am using a 7/8” size button. Adjust your button hole according to your button size.

  5. Next Row (Button Hole): Cont the next row sequence and work 3 BLO Sc, Ch 2, Sk 2 Sts, 3 BLO Sc
    Depending on which side, you may be working on the Sl St or on the Ch 1 turn side. Work accordingly.
  6. Rep Steps 4 & 5 until you’ve reached the SM
  7. Bind of


Front Right Button Ribbing

  1. Foundation Row: ): From the bottom of the front right panel (WS), Ch 8 + 1, turn
  2. Row 1: Sc into each Ch across, work 2 Sl Sts along the panel, turn clockwise
  3. Row 2: Sk prev 2 Sl Sts, Sc into the back loop (BLO) of each St across, Ch 1 turn clockwise
  4. Row 3: Sc BLO into each St across, work 2 Sl Sts along the panel, turn clockwise
  5. Next Rows: Rep Rows 2 & 3 all the way until the SM.
  6. Bind of


PART 6: Bottom Ribbing

  1. Foundation Row (Yarn B): Insert hook at the top St on the front bottom button ribbing and Ch [8]/  [10] + 1 , turn
  2. Row 1: Sc into each Ch across, work 2 Sl Sts along the body panel, turn clockwise
  3. Row 2: Sk prev 2 Sl Sts, Sc into the back loop (BLO) of each St across, Ch 1 turn clockwise
  4. Row 3: Sc BLO into each St across, work 2 Sl Sts along the panel, turn clockwise
  5. Next Rows: Rep Rows 2 & 3 all the way until you’ve reached the other side of the button edging.
  6. Tip: To prevent curling, work a row of Sl Sts along the last row.
  7. Bind of


PART 7: Collar

  1. Row 1 (Yarn B): Insert hook at the top St on the front button ribbing on the left (RS) and work Sc Sts into each St across and around the neckline and over to the other side, Ch 1 turn
  2. Row 2: Sc each St across, Ch 1, turn.
  3. Next Rows: Rep Row 2 for [10/10/10/12] [12/12/14/14] / 14 [14/14/16/16] [16] total rows.
  4. Dec Row: Sc2tog, Sc each St across until the 3rd to last St, Sc2tog, Ch 1, turn.
  5. Next Dec Rows: Rep Step 4 for [5/5/5/6] [6/6/7/7] / 7 [7/7/7/8] [8] total rows.
  6. Bind off
  7. From the inner side of the collar, Insert hook at the bottom of the collar, draw up a loop and work Sl Sts along the sides. Sl St all the way across until the bottom end of the collar on the other side. Ch 1 turn
  8. Sc each St along the collars edge across until the bottom of the collar on the other side. This method will help with the curling
  9. Bind off.


PART 8: Attaching Sleeves

  1. With the sleeves RS out, and the body panel facing the WS, insert the sleeves through the body panel and out the arm hole making sure the seam side is folded and placed at the bottom.
  2. Place SMs along the arm hole to secure.
  3. Insert hook through the bottom where the seams meet, and Sc both pcs together in the round.
  4. Sl St to close, Ch 1 to secure and bind off.
  5. Turn sleeve out on the RS and rep on the other side.


PART 9: Attaching Buttons

  1. Place the bottom button next to the button hole and with Yarn A and a tapestry needle, sew the button to the body panel with an “x”.
  2. Rep the same for the top button
  3. Arrange the remaining buttons in the middle so that they are aligned evenly.
  4. Sew all buttons
  5. Weave in all loose ends

Maddies Polka Dot Crop cardigan flat lay

END

InPost Banner Ad -Maddies cardigan

If you are looking for the entire tools used to make this Polka Dot Crochet Cardigan pattern, I’ve listed them all right here:

♥  4.0 mm Clover Crochet Hook
♥  Coboo Yarn and Truboo Yarn
♥  Maddies Polka Crop Cardigan Pattern (Ad Free & Picture guided!)
♥  7/8th inch Buttons

Maddie's Polka Crop Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Maddie's Polka Crop Cardigan Crochet Pattern

The Maddie’s Polka Dot Crop Cardigan is the perfect mix of cozy and chic. Made from a soft, drapey fabric that feels gentle against the skin, this cropped cardigan adds...

$6.50

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This polka dot crop cardigan is definitely going to be one of the prettiest things you’ll crochet next. A cozy cardigan, simple design, and a fun stitch pattern all rolled into one project.

If you have any questions about this pattern, do check out the video tutorial or get in touch with me by dropping a comment below.

And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook  @theknottylace, I would love to see your work!

By the way, If you would like to receive free written patterns and video tutorials straight into your inbox, you can join our mailing list now.

Happy hooking,
Shaz 🌸

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by The Knotty Lace and are free for your personal use. I ask that you do not
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Crochet light and breezy summer halter top
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