Colorburst Cardigan - Free Crochet Child's Sweater Pattern
The Colorburst Cardigan is a joyful, made-to-measure crochet sweater designed to celebrate color, creativity, and comfort. This easy-level children’s cardigan is worked in simple half double crochet and finished with textured post-stitch cuffs and edging for a polished look. Made with KnitPal Cotton Alpaca Tweed, the pattern invites you to play with bold color combinations—whether you choose a coordinated palette or go delightfully mismatched. With flexible sizing based on measurements rather than strict gauge, it’s an approachable garment project that’s as customizable as it is fun to make.
Download a printable pattern PDF
What You’ll Need
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KnitPal Cotton Alpaca Tweed (weight #3 - 60% cotton/20% alpaca/20%polyamide, 147 yards per 50 grams)
The finished project requires 547 (661) yds in any color combination. Shown in The Colorful Pack: Blue Denim, EmeraldGreen, Strawberry Red, Purple Iris, and Caramel Brown.
Hook:
- US H / 5.0 mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions:
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape
Stitch Markers
4 buttons approximately 3/4" / 2 cm
Needle and thread
Details
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Skill Level: Easy
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Gauge:
4x4" / 10x10 cm = 14 sts x 11 rows in hdc
This pattern is written to create a sweater that is made to measure. Gauge is not important. -
Sizes: 3-4 (5-6) or use your own measurements
Length: 13 (14)" / 33 (35.5) cm
Chest width: 14.5 (15.5)" / 37 (39.5) cm
Sleeve length: 9 (10)" / 23 (25.5) cm
Abreviations
- BPDC: back post double crochet
- ch: chain
- FPDC: front post double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
Special Stitches
Front Post Double Crochet Stitch: Work around the post of the stitch. Insert your hook from the front to back. Complete the double crochet stitch as normal.
Back Post Double Crochet Stitch: Work around the post of the stitch. Insert your hook from the back to front and complete the double crochet stitch as normal.
Notes
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Turning ch does not count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated.
Pattern
Download a printable pattern PDF
BACK
Create a ch measuring 14.5 (15.5)” / 37 (39.5) cm.
Row 1: hdc across, ch1, turn.
Repeat Row 1 until work measures 13 (14)” / 33 (35.5) cm. Fasten off and weave in ends.
FRONT RIGHT
Create a ch measuring 7 (8)” / 18 (20.5) cm.
Repeat Row 1 until work measures 11 (12)” / 28 (30.5) cm.
Row 2: hdc8, ch1, turn.
Repeat Row 2 for 2" / 5 cm. Fasten off and weave in ends.
FRONT LEFT
Create a ch measuring 7 (8)” / 18 (20.5) cm.
Repeat Row 1 until work measures 11 (12)” / 28 (30.5) cm.
Row 2: Sl to last 8 sts, hdc8, ch1, turn.
Row 3: hdc8, ch1, turn.
Repeat Row 3 for 2" / 5 cm (to match Front Right). Fasten off and weave in ends.
SLEEVES (MAKE 2)
Create a ch measuring 10 (11)” / 25.5 (28) cm.
Repeat Row 1 until work measures 8 (9)” / 20.5 (23) cm (sleeve cuff will add 1" / 2.5 cm in length). Fasten off and weave in ends.
SEAMING
Using slip stitch, seam fronts to back at shoulders as shown. Fold sleeves in half lengthwise and use a marker to mark center top of sleeve. Unfold and align center top of sleeve with shoulder seam and seam sleeves to body. Seam sides of front and back body. Seam length of sleeves.
EDGING
Attach yarn to center back with RS facing.
Ch1, sc around, working 3sc each time you reach an outside corner and sc2tog at each inside corner, sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
SLEEVE CUFF
Join yarn at wrist edge at the seam. Round 1: ch1, hdc around wrist, sl st to join. Rounds 2-3: *FPDC, BPDC around, sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for other sleeve.
BUTTONS & LOOPS
Sew on buttons, evenly spaced.
Loops (make 4): starting with a tail, ch12. Fasten off with a tail. Attach button loops to align with buttons, through the 4th st from the edge. Secure tails inside with matching thread.
Download a printable pattern PDF
Share Your Finished Piece!
We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
If you post your cardigan on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!
And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.
With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/
