12 Crochet Hexagon Sweater Ideas
Hexagon sweaters are clever, comfy, and wildly customizable. Two six-sided panels fold into a roomy cardigan with built-in sleeves—so you skip most shaping and can try on as you go. Below are 12 handpicked, photo-rich tutorials that walk you through every step, from first round to ribbing. You’ll find kid sizes, pockets and hoods, quick bulky versions, and the iconic retro-stripe look. Pick the yarn weight that suits your climate, watch your gauge, and use the photos to mirror color placement. Ready to stitch a wardrobe workhorse?
The Campfire Cardigan
The modern classic that kicked off the craze. Two granny-stitch hexagons become a slouchy, hooded cardigan with generous sleeves and easy ribbing. The sample uses foresty stripes—juniper, camel, latte, and olive—so it pairs with denim and boots. Plan ~1400–1900 yds worsted for adult sizes; add rows along the bottom for extra length. Tip: block the front bands before attaching the hood so the drape stays soft. Get the step-by-step walkthrough and photos in the Campfire Cardigan tutorial. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Worsted (#4) acrylic/wool blend
- Hook J/6.0 mm (plus smaller for ribbing)
- Yarn needle, stitch markers, tape measure
Why it’s great: Iconic fit with clear photos and sizing help.
Day Date Hexagon Cardigan
A lighter, year-round take with subtle open “window” rows, roomy bishop sleeves, and optional pockets. Written in XS–6X with a video and printable schematic. Aim for DK or light-worsted with nice swing; yardage varies by size (about 1000–1800 yds). Tip: label hexagon sides like the tutorial shows, then mirror your extensions easily. The neutral sample reads chic over dresses and tees. Dive into the full Day Date Hexagon Cardigan tutorial. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- DK (#3) soft acrylic/cotton
- Hook I/5.5 mm (plus smaller for ribbing)
- Yarn needle, markers, tape measure
Why it’s great: Breathable fabric and size-inclusive instructions.
Retro Stripe Hexagon Cardigan
If color makes you happy, this one is for you. Worked in two granny-cluster hexagons, then folded and seamed, it features Red Heart Super Saver “Retro Stripe” for effortless rainbow bands. Add sleeve and body rows to fine-tune the fit. Tip: center the color repeat at the hexagon start on both sides so the striping mirrors. Follow Sarah Zimmerman’s official pattern page for crisp step photos. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Worsted (#4) acrylic, Retro Stripe
- Hook I/5.5 mm
- Tapestry needle, markers, scissors
Why it’s great: Self-striping yarn does the colorwork for you.
Adding Sleeves & Length to Retro Stripe
Already made the basic hexi cardi? Use this add-on to extend sleeves and body while keeping stripes aligned. Sarah shows where to re-join yarn and how to keep decreases tidy for tapered cuffs. Tip: try on after every two rounds—self-striping looks best when you stop at a color break. This companion walkthrough keeps the retro look polished. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Worsted (#4) acrylic, Retro Stripe
- Hook I/5.5 mm
- Stitch markers, yarn needle
Why it’s great: Dial-in fit without losing your color rhythm.
Long Hooded Hexi Cardigan
A cozy, longer silhouette with a roomy hood—made from two hexagons plus simple extensions. Great over leggings, it looks dramatic in self-striping yarns. Yardage varies widely with length; check the size table and swatch first. Tip: weigh your cake and divide for mirrored sleeves. The tutorial page includes kit notes and care instructions. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Worsted (#4) acrylic or cake yarn
- Hook I/5.5 mm or per gauge
- Yarn needle, markers, tape measure
Why it’s great: Built-in hood and tunic length for extra warmth.
Strawberry Patch Hexi Cardigan
Whimsy meets wearable: a basic hexi cardigan dressed up with strawberry pockets and ribbed cuffs. The base is simple double crochet; pockets are stitched separately and appliquéd. Use worsted acrylic for durability. Tip: pin pocket placement while wearing so fruit lands naturally at hand height. Full beginner-friendly write-up on the product page. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Worsted (#4) acrylic, multiple colors
- Hook I/5.5 mm
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Why it’s great: Playful pockets elevate a simple shape.
Caron Hexi-Cardigan
A classic hexi cardi worked in granny clusters, shown in Caron Anniversary Cakes for bold, painterly stripes. Expect a satisfyingly quick make thanks to the bigger hook. Tip: when using cakes, start each hexagon at the same point in the color repeat to mirror fronts. The tutorial page includes size charts and care notes. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Bulky (#6) cake yarn (Caron Anniversary Cakes)
- Hook L/8.0 mm
- Yarn needle, markers
Why it’s great: Impactful stripes with fewer ends to weave.
Free Granny Hexagon Cardigan
A made-to-measure approach with clear diagrams and a DK yarn choice that drapes beautifully. Sarah’s sample uses Lion Brand Mandala Baby “Echo Caves”—blue-green ombré you can separate for tidy rounds or run straight from the cake. Tip: use her sleeve-decrease notes for slim cuffs without guesswork. Full tutorial on her site with sizes XS–5X. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- DK (#3) acrylic cake (Mandala Baby)
- Hook I/5.5 mm
- Markers, yarn needle, measuring tape
Why it’s great: Flexible sizing and crystal-clear visuals.
Elowen Hexagon Cardigan
Beginner-friendly and polished, Elowen uses granny clusters with thoughtful edging and a full video. The sample features a soft, oatmeal heather palette in natural-fiber DK; yardage by size is listed with a neat color-plan graphic. Tip: block your gauge swatch as recommended—this pattern accounts for post-blocking measurements. See the free pattern and video together. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- DK (#3) cotton/wool blend
- Hooks 5.0 mm & 5.5 mm
- Yarn needle, markers, scissors
Why it’s great: Gentle styling with eco-leaning yarn notes.
XO Child’s Hexagon Cardigan
A kid-sized spin with airy chain-space “windows,” sized from baby through child 14. Soft, washable yarn keeps it playground-proof. Add a hood for extra cute. Tip: choose one solid color (as in the rosy sample) so the texture shines and hand-me-down pairing stays easy. The two-part tutorial includes photos, measurements, and charts. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Worsted (#4) ultra-soft acrylic
- Hook H/5.0 mm
- Tapestry needle, markers, tape measure
Why it’s great: Lightweight, wearable, and size-flexible for kids.
Ella Hexagon Cardigan with Pockets
A short-sleeve, summer-friendly hexi cardi that uses a neutral body with bright, variegated accents—and optional granny-square pockets. The post includes sizes S–3XL and clear extension notes. Tip: if using scraps for the contrast rounds, weave ends every 2–3 rounds to keep the inside tidy. Full instructions, measurements, and styling photos are on the tutorial page. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- DK (#3) acrylic/nylon blend + variegated accent
- Hooks H/5.0 mm & G/4.0 mm
- Yarn needle, markers, scissors
Why it’s great: Stash-busting color pops with neat pockets.
Crochet a Sweater in One Day
Need speed? Christa’s bulky-yarn hexi cardigan aims for a same-day finish. Two chunky hexagons, minimal seaming, and simple borders—perfect for gifts or last-minute makes. Tip: use a 12 mm hook and super bulky to hit the “in a day” promise; worsted works too, but plan more rows. The blog post links the full video and material notes. Tutorial.
Supplies:
- Super Bulky (#6) acrylic/wool
- Hook 12 mm (or 7 mm for worsted)
- Yarn needle, markers, scissors
Why it’s great: Fast, cozy, beginner-friendly win.
Conclusion
Pick one that matches your yarn stash and season, then follow the photos to mirror color and shaping. Start with two hexagons, join, add length, finish the cuffs—done. These cardigans are easy to wear and surprisingly quick to make. Bookmark this list, share it with your crochet group, and enjoy your new go-to layer.
FAQs
What yarns work best for hexagon sweaters?
Worsted (#4) acrylic or blends are versatile; DK (#3) gives drape for light layers; super bulky (#6) is great for quick, cozy versions. Choose smooth yarns that show clusters clearly.
Machine wash or hand wash—and how to dry?
Most acrylics are machine-washable, gentle cycle; tumble low. Natural fibers often prefer hand wash and flat dry. Always follow the pattern’s yarn care notes.
How do I scale patterns up or down?
Add or subtract hexagon rounds before folding. Many tutorials include size charts; you can also extend fronts/back after folding for width/length. Try on as you go.
What fibers are safe for kitchen/bath or light heat exposure?
For garments, acrylic or cotton blends are fine. Avoid direct heat (like hot pans); acrylic can melt under high heat. Keep sweaters away from open flames or hot appliances.
How do I make joins/edgings more durable?
Use back-loop-only (BLO) ribbing and work a tidy single-crochet edge before ribbing. Reinforce seams with mattress stitch or sc-join plus weaving ends well.
Typical time and yardage for baskets, pillows, mats?
(For comparison) Small baskets: 120–200 yds bulky; pillows: 300–600 yds worsted; mats: 400–800 yds t-shirt/bulky yarn. For these sweaters, plan ~900–2000 yds depending on size and length.
Any quick photography tips for projects?
Use daylight near a window, neutral background, and show texture up close plus a full garment shot. Hang or lay flat; keep styling simple so stitches shine (exactly like the linked tutorials do).
How do I fix curling, stretching, or wavy edges?
Check gauge and hook size, block lightly, and add a single-crochet foundation round before ribbing. For sleeves, use planned decreases to prevent flare.
