Free Arcadia Sweater Crochet Pattern – Easy, oversized & Cozy

Cozy up with the free Arcadia Crochet Sweater! Easy oversized fit, dropped shoulders, ribbed details—perfect for advanced beginners and beyond. Sizes XS–5XL!

Looking for a free crochet sweater pattern for women that’s easy, comfy, and looks great? Meet the Arcadia Sweater.

I designed this sweater for my daughter just before we headed to Arcadia Parks for a fall trip. She wanted something warm and cozy—basically a sweater she could throw on in the morning and wear all day without thinking about it. An oversized fit with dropped shoulders was exactly what she had in mind.

What makes this easy crochet sweater pattern special is its simple construction. It’s made from just two basic panels worked in rows. The sleeves are worked directly from the panels with no seaming and finished with cozy ribbed cuffs. A snug ribbed hem completes the sweater, giving it a polished, classic look.

The stitch is a simple one-row repeat that honestly looks stunning when you play with color combinations, and because of how the pattern is designed, there are no ends to weave in. That’s a win in my book.

This free crochet pattern for women works beautifully for intermediate crocheters or confident beginners who are ready to tackle their first sweater. I’ve written it for sizes XS through 5XL with adjustments included, so you can customize the fit to work perfectly for your body type.

Grab your favorite worsted-weight yarn and crochet a beautiful, cozy jumper you’ll love wearing all day long.

Free oversized crochet sweater pattern: Start Here

Recommended Yarn: I Love This Yarn #4 worsted weight yarn, colors shown:

• Linen (Yarn A)
• Rosy Cheeks (Yarn B)
• Graphite (Yarn C)

Yarn Substitution: These yarns are a close match, but you should always swatch.

• Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted Yarn
• Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted

Yardage: Depends on the size you are making; see the sizing chart for more details.

Crochet Hooks

• (G) 4mm for the ribbing
• (J) 6mm for the body

Other Materials

1. Tag: Faux leather tags
2. Stitch markers.
3. Measuring tape.
4. Tapestry needle.
5. Scissors.

Abbreviations

• CH: Chain
• ST: Stitch
• SC: Single crochet
• SL ST: Slip stitch
• SC DEC: Single crochet decrease
• YO: Yarn over
• SK: Skip
• SP: Space
• WS: Wrong side
• RS: Right side
• Rnd: Round
• Rep: Repeat

Special Stitches

Single crochet decrease (SC DEC): Insert the hook in the ST, pull up a loop, insert the hook in the next ST, pull up a loop, YO, pull through all loops.

Changing Colors

• Change colors every two rows by chaining one with the new color at the end of the row.
• Drop the old yarn and pick it up when needed again.
• To keep things tidy, carry the non-working yarns upwards by crocheting over them in the first stitch of each row.

Pattern notes

• This pattern is written in US terms.
• Skill level is intermediate.
• The model has a 34” bust, is 5.8” tall, and is wearing a size small.
• This pullover is crocheted from the bottom up in separate panels.
• For a best fit, follow the measurement corresponding to your bust size in the table below.
• The numbers in parentheses at the beginning of the rows are your row count for all sizes.
• The numbers in parentheses at the end of the rows are your stitch counts for all sizes.

Check your gauge

If you’re new to gauge swatching, click here for more details.

With a 6 mm hook, CH 16 to make a foundation chain.

Row 1: SC in 2^nd CH from the hook,*CH1, skip next CH, SC in next 2 CH*, rep to* across, ending with CH1, Skip next CH, SC in last CH, CH1, turn.

Row 2: SC in 1^st SC,*2 SC in next CH1 SP, CH1, skip next 2 ST*, rep *to* across, ending with 2 SC in last CH1 SP, SC in last ST, CH1, turn.

Row 3: SC in 1^st SC,* CH1, skip next 2 ST,2 SC in next CH1 SP, *, rep *to* across, ending with 2 SC in last CH1 SP, CH1, skip next 2 ST, SC in last ST, CH1, turn.

Row 4-16: Repeat Row 2-3.

Measurements & Sizing: Arcadia Sweater Sizes XS Through 5XL

• The pattern includes instructions for sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL.
• This sweater is slightly oversized, 4” larger than your actual bust/chest measurement (4” positive ease).
• The stitch count and number of rows for each size can be found in parentheses in the corresponding color: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
• Color-coded sizes are available in the premium version only.

Sizes	Panel length	Panel Width	To Fit Bust	Yardage
X-Small	21”	18 1/2”	28”- 30”	4 skeins/ 1,200 yd
Small	23”	20 ½”	32”- 34”	4 skeins/ 1.420 yd
Medium	23”	22”	36”- 38”	5 skeins/1,500 yd
Large	23”	24”	40”- 42”	5 skeins/ 1,699 yd
X-Large	23”	26”	44”- 46”	5 skeins/ 1,792 yd
2X-Large	23”	28”	48”- 50”	6 skeins/ 1,935 yd
3X-Large	24”	30”	52”- 54”	6 skeins/ 2065 yd
4X-Large	24 ½”	32”	56”- 58”	7 skeins/ 2333 yd
5X-large	25”	34”	60”- 62”	7 skeins/ 2,471yd

How to Change Colors Smoothly – No Ends to Weave

• To change colors through the entire pattern, just CH1 at the end of the row with the yarn you’ll use in the next row, then drop the old yarn until needed again. As you work, carry the non-working yarns upward by crocheting over them in the first stitch of each row.
• For the color sequence, alternate the colors every 2 rows as follows: Work 2 rows with color A, then 2 rows with color B, followed by 2 rows with color C. Continue repeating this color pattern until you reach the last row.

Step 1 – Crochet the front panel

Please note: color-coded sizes and the full photo tutorial are included in the premium version only.

1 – Crochet the ribbing

Row 1: With yarn A and 4 mm hook, CH 13. SC in the 2nd CH from the hook and in each CH across, turn. (12)

Row 2: CH1, SC in the same ST, SC BLO in next 10 ST, SC in last ST, turn. (12)

Rows 3 – Row 57 (66, 73, 81, 87, 93, 105, 111, 117): Rep Row 2. At the end of the last row, don’t fasten off.

Note: The ribbing measures about 2 ½” in width and 13 ½”, (15 ½”,17 ½”, 19 ½”, 20”, 21 ½”, 23”, 24 ½”, 25”) in length.

2 – Crochet the body

Row 1: (RS) Change to a 6 mm hook. CH1, SC in each row of the ribbing (visible holes), making 15 SC INC evenly placed across for a total of 72 (81, 88, 96, 102, 108, 120, 126, 132) SC.

Row 2: (WS) CH1, SC in same ST,*CH1, skip next ST, SC in next 2 ST*, rep *to* across, ending with CH1, skip next ST, SC in last ST, CH1, turn. 72 (81, 88, 96, 102, 108, 120, 126, 132) SC.

Row 3: (RS) SC in 1^st SC,*2 SC in next CH1 SP, CH1, skip next 2 ST*, rep *to* across ending with 2 SC in last CH1 SP, SC in last ST, CH1, turn. 72 (81, 88, 96, 102, 108, 120, 126, 132) SC.

Row 4: (WS) SC in same ST,*CH1, skip 2 next ST, 2 SC in next CH 1 sp*, rep *to* across ending with CH1, skip next 2 ST, SC in last ST, CH1 with yarn B, drop yarn A, turn. 72 (81, 88, 96, 102, 108, 120, 126, 132) SC.

Row 5 – 66 (76, 76, 76, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84): Repeat Row 3-4. For color changes, refer to the picture below or see notes on page 5. At the end of the last row, don’t cut your yarn. Crochet the neckline next. 72 (81, 88, 96, 102, 108, 120, 126, 132) SC.

• You can adjust the length of the front panel here (before reaching the neck split). Add or remove rows if needed. Remember that you will crochet an additional 6 rows for the shoulders.
• Add the same number of rows to the back panel.

Step 2 – Crochet the neckline (same for all sizes)

In this step, you’ll be shaping the neckline. Start by dividing the last row of the front panel into three sections: the middle one for the head opening, and the side ones for the shoulders.

Place the panel flat on a surface. In the middle of the last row, as shown in the picture, place two stitch markers 10 (2 SC) groups apart( within the CH-1sp).

Shoulder 1

With the yarn still on your hook, CH1 with the yarn you are using next, drop the old yarn.

Row 67 (77, 77, 77, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85): SC in 1^st SC,* 2 SC in next CH-1 SP, CH 1, skip next 2 ST*, rep *to* across, ending with SC in the CH-1 sp holding the ST marker, CH 1, turn.

Row 68 (78, 78, 78, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86): SC in 1^st SC,* 2 SC in next CH-1 SP, CH 1, skip next 2 ST*, rep *to* across, ending with SC in last ST, CH 1 with the yarn you are using next, turn

Row 69 (79, 79, 79, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87) – 72 (82, 82, 82, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90): Repeat Row 68 (78, 78, 78, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86), changing colors every 2 rows, following the same color sequence as the panel. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Tip: For a bigger head opening, feel free to add as many rows as you need, just make sure you add the same row number to the back panel.

Shoulder 2

Row 67 (77, 77, 77, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85):  With the right side facing you, slip knot with the yarn you are using next, then SC in the 2^nd marked CH-1 SP, * CH 1, skip next 2 ST, 2 SC in next CH-1 SP*, rep *to* across ending with 2 SC in last CH1 SP, SC in last ST, CH 1, turn.

Row 68 (78, 78, 78, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86): SC in 1^st SC,* CH1, skip next 2 ST, 2 SC in next CH-1 SP*, rep *to* across, ending with a 2 SC in last CH-1 sp, SC in last ST, CH 1 with the yarn you are using next, turn.

Row 69 (79, 79, 79, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87) – 72 (82, 82, 82, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90): Repeat Row 68 (78, 78, 78, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86), changing colors every 2 rows, following the same color sequence as the panel. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Step 3 – Crochet the back panel

Crochet the back panel the same way you did the front panel, but without shaping the neckline, ending Row 73 (82, 82, 82, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90)

Step 4 – Join the shoulders

1. Weave in all ends.
2. Align the panels, the wrong sides facing out.
3. Use pins to attach the front panel’s shoulder sections to the back panel.
4. Use the tapestry needle and the long tails to sew the shoulders (only), making sure you grab one stitch from the one panel and the opposite stitch from the opposite panel. Feel free to join the shoulders with SL ST.
5. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Step 5 – Crochet the collar (same for all sizes)

With the right side of the back panel facing you. Use a 6 mm hook and yarn A.

Rnd 1:

• Slip knot, 2 SC in the 1^st CH-1 sp (right after the seam),*CH 1, skip next 2 ST, 2 SC in next CH-1 sp*, rep *to* 11 times, CH1,
• *skip next 2 rows, 2 SC in next row, CH1*, rep *to* 2 times,
• *2 SC in next CH1 sp, CH 1, skip next 2 ST*, rep *to* 11 times,
• *skip next row, CH1, 2 SC in next row*, rep *to* 2 times. Join with an SL ST into the 1^st SC, CH1.

Note: Make sure the CHs are a little tight in the collar corners to prevent large holes from forming.

Rnd 2-3-4: *Skip next 2 ST, 2 SC in next CH1 sp, CH1*, rep *to* around, crochet continuously next round. At the end of the last row, SL ST in next CH1 sp.

Rnd 5: *SL ST in between the next 2 SCs, SL ST in next CH1 sp*, rep *to* around. Fasten off, cut your yarn.

Step 6 – Prepare to crochet the sleeves

1. The sleeves are crocheted in rows from the top of the arm to the cuff and are attached directly to the body.
2. Lay flat the body of your pullover and mark the shoulder seam with a stitch marker.
3. Place two additional stitch markers 26 ( 30, 30, 30, 34, 34, 36, 38, 38) rows below the first one, one on the front panel and the other on the back, referring to the picture below for guidance.
4. Remove the first stitch marker (seam).
5. The distance between these markers is the width of the sleeve. Feel free to adjust it to your liking.
6. Repeat the same steps on the opposite side for the other sleeve.

Click here to see the sizing chart

Size	Sleeve Length	Sleeve Width
X-Small	17”	13”
Small	18”	15”
Medium	18”	15”
Large	18”	15”
X-Large	18”	16”
2X-Large	18 ½”	16”
3X-Large	19”	18”
4X-Large	19”	19”
5X-Large	19”	19”

Step 7 – Crochet the sleeves (make 2)

Row 1: With the right side facing you, using 6 mm hook, slip knot then SC in the 1^st marked ST,*CH1, skip next row, SC in next 2 rows* rep *to* across ending with CH1, skip next row, SC in last row, CH1, turn. 18 (20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 26, 26) 2SC groups.

Note: Adjust the sleeve width by adding or removing rows as needed. Keep the (2xSC) stitches evenly distributed and symmetrical on both panels.

Row 2: (WS) SC in 1^st SC,*2 SC in next CH-1 SP, CH1, skip next 2 ST*, rep *to* across ending with 2 SC in last CH-1 SP, SC in last ST, CH1 with the yarn you are using next, drop old yarn, turn.18 (20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 26, 26) 2SC groups.

Row 3: (RS) SC in 1^st SC,* CH1, skip next 2 ST, 2 SC in next CH-1 SP*, rep *to* across ending with CH1, skip next 2 ST, SC in last CH, CH1, turn. 18 (20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 26, 26) 2SC groups.

Note: Carry the non-working yarns upward by crocheting over them in the 1^st ST of each row.

Row 4 to Row 59 (64, 64, 64, 64, 65, 66, 66, 66) or to the desired length: Rep Row 2-3, switching colors every two rows. CH1 with the color you are using next, following the same color sequence of the panels. 56 ( 62, 62, 62, 68, 68, 74, 80, 80) ST.

Row 60 (65, 65, 65, 65, 66, 67, 67, 67): SC in 1^st SC, *skip next 2 ST, 2 SC in next CH-1 sp*, rep *to* across ending with skip last 2 ST, SC in last ST, CH1, turn.38 ( 42, 42, 42, 46, 46, 50, 54, 54) ST.

Row 61 (66, 66, 66, 66, 67, 67, 67, 67): SC in 1^st ST, *SC DEC, SC in next 4 ST*, rep *to across ending with SC in last 3 ST, turn. 31( 35, 35, 35, 39, 39, 41, 43, 43) ST.

Change to a 4mm hook, and proceed to crochet the cuff.

Step 8 – Crochet the cuff

With the yarn still on your hook, use a 4 mm hook to CH13.

Row 1: SC in the 2^nd CH from the hook, SC each ST across. (12). SC in next 2 ST of last row of the sleeve, CH1, turn. (14)

Row 2: Skip 1^st 2 ST, SC BLO in next 11 ST, SC in last ST, CH1, turn. (12)

Row 3: SC in 1^st SC, SC BLO in next 11 ST, SC in next 2 ST of last row of the sleeves, CH1, turn. (12)

Row 4 – 32( 34, 34, 34, 38, 38, 40, 42. 42): Repeat row 2-3. At the end of the last row, fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Step 9 – Sew the sleeve and panels

1. With the wrong side facing you, fold the sleeve lengthwise.
2. Ensure the panels are aligned and use pins to attach them if needed.
3. Sew the long ends of the sleeve one stitch at a time, using a tapestry needle and the long tail.
4. Once you reach the end of the sleeve, sew the sides of the panels together, referring to the picture below.
5. Feel free to use slip stitches to join the sleeve and panels. Fasten off.

Weave in all ends, attach a tag, and you are all done!