The Woven Meadow Cardigan: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Color-Block Boho Jacket

The Woven Meadow Cardigan: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Color-Block Boho Jacket

Embrace the slow fashion movement with this stunning, oversized cardigan that combines the rich texture of tapestry crochet with the relaxed silhouette of a boho jacket. Perfect for layering over dresses or jeans, this unique piece features a woven-like stitch pattern and a beautiful earthy color palette. The tapestry crochet technique creates a dense, durable fabric that looks like it was woven on a loom, while the color-block design in moss green, dusty rose, and cream evokes the feeling of a sunlit meadow. This pattern is designed for confident beginners who want to try a new technique—the repetitive nature of the stitch pattern makes it meditative and easy to master.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Moss Green) – 800 yards
  • Color B (Dusty Rose) – 600 yards
  • Color C (Cream) – 500 yards
• Hook: Size J/10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in tapestry crochet pattern (worked flat). Always check your gauge to ensure proper sizing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked in two main rectangular panels (front/back) and two sleeves, then seamed.
• The tapestry crochet technique involves carrying the unused color along the row to create a woven effect. When switching colors, simply drop the old color and pick up the new one, carrying the unused strand loosely across the back of the work.
• All rows are worked with right side facing unless otherwise noted.
• Chain 1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

Panel 1 (Front/Back) – Make 2

Foundation: With Color A, chain 80.

Row 1 (Right Side): Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (79 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1. Sc in the first stitch. *With Color B, sc in the next stitch. With Color A, sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a sc in the last stitch using Color A. Turn. (79 stitches total)

Row 3: Chain 1. Sc in the first stitch with Color A. *With Color B, sc in the next stitch. With Color A, sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the last stitch with Color A. Turn.

Rows 4–30: Repeat Row 2 and Row 3, alternating colors every 2 rows to create vertical stripes. At the end of Row 30, you will have completed the first color block section.

Rows 31–60: Continue the same pattern, but now use Color C in place of Color B. So: Row 31: Sc in first st with Color A, *with Color C, sc in next st, with Color A, sc in next st* repeat across. Continue alternating every 2 rows through Row 60. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Panel 2 (Front/Back) – Make 1

Repeat Panel 1 exactly. You will have two identical rectangular panels.

Sleeves – Make 2

Foundation: With Color A, chain 40.

Row 1 (Right Side): Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (39 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1. Sc in first stitch with Color A. *With Color B, sc in next stitch. With Color A, sc in next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the last stitch with Color A. Turn.

Row 3: Chain 1. Sc in first stitch with Color A. *With Color B, sc in next stitch. With Color A, sc in next stitch.* Repeat across. Turn.

Increase Row (every 10th row): Work Rows 4–9 as established (alternating colors every 2 rows). On Row 10, work the same pattern but increase 1 stitch at the beginning and end of the row: Chain 1, 2 sc in first stitch, work pattern across to last stitch, 2 sc in last stitch. Turn. (41 stitches)

Rows 11–40: Continue the pattern, increasing 1 stitch at each end every 10 rows (Rows 20, 30, and 40). You will have 47 stitches at the end of Row 40. Fasten off. Repeat for second sleeve.

Assembly

1. Prepare the panels: Lay the two panels flat with right sides together. The top edge is the cast-on edge (Row 1). Measure 8 inches down from the top edge on each side of both panels. Place a stitch marker at these points. These will be your shoulder seams.
2. Sew shoulder seams: Using a tapestry needle and Color A yarn, sew the shoulder seams from the top edge down to the stitch markers on each side. Leave the center section open for the neckline.
3. Mark armholes: Fold the cardigan in half at the shoulders so the front and back are aligned. Measure 10 inches down from the shoulder seam on each side of the cardigan. Place a stitch marker at these points on both the front and back panels. This marks the armhole opening.
4. Attach sleeves: With right sides together, pin the center of the sleeve top (the cast-on edge) to the shoulder seam. Pin the sleeve edges to the armhole markers on both the front and back panels. Sew the sleeves into the armholes using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
5. Sew side seams: With right sides together, sew the side seams from the bottom of the sleeve cuff to the bottom of the cardigan. This creates a continuous seam from sleeve to body.
6. Edging: With Color C, attach yarn at the bottom right corner of the cardigan. Work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire front opening and bottom edge. At corners, work 3 sc in the corner stitch to create a smooth turn. When you reach the starting point, slip stitch to join. Fasten off.
7. Weave in ends: Using a tapestry needle, weave in all yarn ends securely on the wrong side of the fabric. Trim any excess.

Your Woven Meadow Cardigan is complete! The tapestry crochet technique creates a dense, warm fabric that will hold its shape beautifully. The earthy color palette and relaxed fit make it a versatile layering piece for any season. Wear it open over a simple dress or with jeans and a tee for an effortless boho look.