how you'll crochet any cardigan you want (without a pattern)

In this video, we are going to discuss the methods, and concepts, to make any cardigan you want. Once you grasp these concepts, you can use any stitch, yarn, or hook to make the cardigan you want. THE CARDIGAN OF YOUR DREAMS!
Crocheting any cardigan comes down to the rectangles needed to form the cardigan. My methods require less sewing together because we crochet all the rectangles right into each other.
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Subscribe to Bellscreate for regular uploads on crochet everything! Tips, tutorials, vlogs! -Anabella Chin
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0:00 Intro
1:00 Rectangles
1:16 All-At-Once (One Panel)
3:53 Back First
6:10 Granny Square, Random Patterns
6:38 TIPS

[@jenthulhu]

There was an AMAZING book published in the late 1970s called Modular Crochet by Judith Copeland that takes ideas just like yours and goes crazy with it--not just for cardigans but all sorts of wearable pieces. What's amazing is that her designs still look fresh today because they are classic. One thing she emphasizes in that book is the use of the technique of crocheting in the back loop to give crochet some stretch, making it more comfortable. She wanted to make crochet as popular and accessible as knitting (I've always found crochet to be easier, personally). I got this book at a thrift store. I don't know how widely available it is, but I think you'd LOVE it. I'd love to see your ideas bloom even further. :) Edited to add: apparently this book is still available as it was purchased by the Dover publishing company and re-released in 2015. It's still available on Amazon so you can take a look at it and see what I mean. :)

[@RadishTheFool]

This sounds like an approach to crocheting that I would truly enjoy. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jenthulhu]

@@RadishTheFool You're welcome. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have.

[@elissanova]

Thanks so much for this recommendation! I'm looking at the book now and it looks great!

[@jenthulhu]

@@elissanova I'm so happy that other people are enjoying the book too. I did more digging and found that this book is considered to be just as important as Elizabeth Zimmerman's books and Barbara Walker's (both for knitting).

[@ididntwantthischannel5538]

it's available on amazon!

[@harrieth7003]

You can crochet and READ???? I could neverrrrr. True genius! Thanks so much for sharing this method, super helpful!

[@keke5577]

I forget to breathe sometimes when I'm crocheting lol

[@DanielleBrantley]

😂😂😂❤

[@Honeytreasures]

As a visual learner, this is so incredibly helpful. I’ve accidentally made three incredibly long rectangles that I am struggling to make into sweaters but now I have lots of different ideas on how to put it all together. Thank you.!

[@francescagreetham1804]

I love how you’re explaining this in such a conversational way. You’re saying everything really clearly but I love that it’s not super rehearsed but how a friend would explain it to you

[@askthecaterpillar]

Thank you for supporting the creativity and empowerment of crocheters!! This will save folks time, money & hours of frustration buying & following long, confusing patterns!

[@bellscreate]

hahah no problem, we all gotta work together 😂❤😊

[@kaylarechelle111]

Absolutely 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@aureyd2515]

I've not tried it, but somewhere, I read that you could take a commercial paper pattern and use that as a guide to shape your crochet or knitting. Probably, a pattern for knitwear would be best since the ease would already be taken into account. Right now, I'm deep in the hexi cardigan concept. Just completed one for a baby, and it came out very nice.

[@user-nv6uq1ru6i]

I made my cropped Cardigan by myself..... My knit skirt was 100sts fitted and I did it in one piece! So I knew How I wanted it to fit! I love it....I want to make different colors! And this is coming from a person who did not like regular cardigans!

[@bellscreate]

woww!!! so proud!! you go girl!🎉

[@user-nv6uq1ru6i]

@@bellscreate Thank you so much, It's so friggin cute! I now prefer making more wearable pieces! Things I would actually wear and have for a long time and not just trendy pieces!

[@Padraigp]

Oh good on you! I'm starting my first jumper and I started to get annoyed so switches to knitting but knitting was hell sl I'm swapping back to crocheting instead. It's a rainbow wool so that makes it less boring. I am just doing a very simple stich because I want to colour to go along in a long line and if I do a full crotchet it stops the colour half way through a line ...I just want to be warm and a wool jumper costs 90 euros whcih I cannot afford. It might be next winter before I get it finished 😂

[@katlegomalate1286]

Love the way you explained this. Honestly made cardigans an easy project

[@sjferguson]

I have wanted to crochet a cardigan for years now and I've always been a little afraid because I'm a beginner and sometimes the patterns seem a bit complicated. After watching this I feel like I'm ready to try something. This seems like an excellent way to make a cardigan!

[@Padraigp]

Same it looks doable and also I won't lose peices around the house😂

[@tanyapoulin5880]

You are disgustingly amazing for this. I'm self taught and have done sweaters with patterns. It feels more dragged out. This is amazing secrets to share! Thank you! ❤

[@bellscreate]

thank you 😊❤

[@Padraigp]

I have looked at patterns and though hell no I can't commit to that! This looks doable. Also I won't end up with one sleeve here and another sleeve there and forget where I put em😂

[@stevenkyle2313]

Finding your channel is the best thing that could’ve happened for my crochet game❤ I’m an accidental hooker lol. My husband loves elephants and I impulsively bought a crochet a stuffed elephant kit back in December and planned on giving it to him for Christmas. For some reason, I really thought I could just read the directions and crochet it. I knew nothing of crochet 😂 let’s just say, the elephant wasn’t ready for Christmas but this sent me down an absolute hyperfocus trying to learn crochet. I’ve made so much progress and have made quite a few plushies since. I just freehanded a back pack ( it’s not super beautiful but I love it and it’s my first freehand) I was like “ what’s next?” I started thinking about wearables. I have a good good while before it gets cold here in Florida( if you can call our cold cold). This is what I want to make. I’m glad I’ve found your channel and I’m currently binging! Happy hooking ❤

[@mangomara]

that's such a cool video! I love crocheting without a pattern or change patterns to fit the style I want better, so this video will definitely help me with my next projects

[@bellscreate]

thank you! i’m so glad it helped!!!😊😊😊

[@n3mutta]

Anabella I love how straight forward this is no fuss❤

[@bellscreate]

thank you!!!❤️💕

[@margareth5501]

This was SO useful, helpful, straightforward and easy to follow! Loved your visuals. You are now my favorite person on the internet (I’m prob your granny’s age, and I was taught to crochet by my 5th grade teacher, a nun 😊) 🧶🪢🪡

[@kaylarechelle111]

You're my hero for making this video!! I want to make cradigans for my baby but hate following patterns and can never find a baby version of what i want to make!

[@AngelaBrown-om9lj]

I just came across your KZbin. I've been crocheting for years. I've made plenty of sweaters and cardigans, but I've never made the connection the way you explained it. Wow! RECTANGLES! Thank you for simplifying my next project cardigan. I'm looking forward to following your next crocheting project. ❤😊

[@jamieevans1387]

These are the best tips for cardigans I have ever seen! I think this can work for knitting cardigans also. Thank you for the tips. I look forward to checking out your other videos.😊

[@sandragriffiths9692]

I have made two chunky cardigans from a pattern, but the pattern was just the same as you describe, you explain so well. Thank you for sharing this. I am going to try your method using all my left over yarn. 😚

[@jillsodins313]

Thank you so much. Mine isn’t complete-I just finished the front panel but I’ve got to say- it’s just fabulous.

[@vzeimen]

I have been making sweaters/cardigans for about 18 months and I've made a ton of them. The best thing I have done in all that time is measure myself or the person that will wear the sweater and keep those measurements close by along with a retractable measuring tape. Also I tend to drag clothes out of my closet and measure my favorites so that I have a good idea of what size to make the rectangles. The method you have here also would apply for other clothing besides cardigans. It's usually rectangles for pullovers, pants, ponchos etc.

[@bellscreate]

yes that is a good point and great advice, i remember one time i made a cardigan for my grandmother and measured her made the chain the measurement and then did double crochet and the length literally doubled it was huge, and i had to start all over😂

[@vzeimen]

@@bellscreate Yes I’ve done that too. It’s crazy how much I refer to my measurements note on my phone. Now I carry a tiny measuring tape in my purse and use it all the time. I measured everything I can think of; around my neck, from neck to shoulder, from neck to hem in front and back and for different lengths (like to my waist, hip, mid thigh etc). Around the wrist, from shoulder to wrist and elbow, from arm pit to bottom hem and to wrist. You won’t believe how much you’ll refer to all of these. Especially if you start making fitted garments.

[@UndertheNeedle282]

I'm making my first cardigan right now and I'm following a written pattern. But I'm really intrigued by what you've presented here and the idea of just being able to make my own.

[@bellscreate]

you got it, i LOVE making cardigans❤️💕

[@susansawicki4984]

This video was so helpful. Thank you. I've been crocheting for 50 years and never have had anything explained so well. Time to make me some cardigans!!! Thanks again! You're great!

[@_simon_in_space]

girllll i literally love you now, i have this hugeee project i'm hoping to start soon with the back of the sweaters being tapestry pieces, and you just helped me out sm

[@merlemcdonald2397]

It’s the easiest way,when you explain it i finally get it I’ve been trying for years I just keep thinking of what you said over and over,thank you so much for making it so much easier ❤

[@princesswithashotgun2488]

BRILLIANT. I have been banging my head against the wall trying to figure this out for YEARS. Thank you!!!

[@bellscreate]

thank you!!! hahaha now stop hitting ur head and be kind to it😭💕

[@VirginiaWolf64]

Excellent video! I crochet for my mental health, it helps me relax and takes my mind off of things. I recently made a sweater for my sis and it made me so happy that she loved it. I'm looking forward to browsing your channel 😊

[@bellscreate]

aww that’s so sweet, and yes it literally keeps me sane, that’s why i love long projects like cardigans😊

[@Padraigp]

Hahaha crotchet is relaxing but knitting is so stressful 😂 I gave up on my knitting machine and I'm just going to go tiny crotchet by tiny crotchet in might take me till next winter. 😂

[@barbarastadler6699]

Fantastic video! I cannot wait to get into a crochet cardigan project!

[@mozzarellamachine]

I have been wanting to do a cardigan sooooo bad. I started a granny square one that I really like, but only got the back panel done before I got the new project itch and haven't picked it back up since. Love this type of tutorial where you are showing how to build a project vs. laying out a step-by-step pattern! It's more like a formula I can follow which gives me lots of room for creativity. Good to know about the sleeve length thing - will definitely keep that in mind!! Thanks :)

[@bellscreate]

thank you!!! and same idk why but when it comes to granny square projects i NEVER finish them😂

[@1dejapooh]

I think I can finally crochet a cardigan fr now 😂 thank you for this!

[@bellscreate]

you can do it!!!!

[@user-oq8cb2yk8l]

Watching from Jamaica 🇯🇲 love. What you doing to support the crochet creativity,, it making a big upsurge in fashion trend again thanks to wonderful people like you🙏🌹🥺🌹 Love you totorials❤

[@justplainamerican]

I love how you simplified this! Thank you. Too many people make easy stuff too hard.

[@user-gy6ok5vx7p]

What a refreshing lady!!!!! I am hooked. Thank you

[@bellscreate]

hahaha “hooked” no pun intended, thank you💗💕😊

[@kimpennington2957]

Ohhhhhh my GOODNESS, thank you. I love the way you explained this. Made it so simple

[@bellscreate]

thank you💕💕💕

[@boni-suelaninfa3574]

I really like your style. I’ve been making my own patterns for years, since I was your age. But I could never explain to other people how I did it. You are a very engaging teacher. I would really like to see how you incorporate no chain foundation stitches into your side to side cardigan.

[@anabellaaiyanna4253]

dude so wild, i've never seen another anabella spelt exactly like mine lol!

[@cookiepuddin04]

As someone who has successfully made scrunchies and hats but can’t make a granny square to save my life, you’ve given me hope!

[@msschonheit6800]

Working on a duster now (my FIRST wearable - outside of beanies). Until now I’ve only crafted blankets, throws, pillow cases, and a few rugs. So excited for the final look!!!!

[@bellscreate]

u got this!!!!😊💕

[@DottyDolly-39]

❤Your a life saver. Been making my own crochet design c2c Gillet. Already did the sleeves but didnt know how to join everything up. Bit of de frogging and I'll be back on tracks. Thanks a Million 😂❤❤❤❤ 12.30 am lol wont be going to bed now Im on right track again haha. Much love Dotty UK.

[@arouette]

Thank you i love how you make it sounds so easy and simple ❤

[@kkitao217]

Great ideas! Thank you. I have done something similar to the second idea, except that I did the sleeves by going round and round the armhole and used alternating front post and back post double crochets for the ribbing. Still I like your first idea, so I’m going to try it (as well as check out your channel).

[@bellscreate]

thank you!! i made a sweater that way definitely is useful, but me driving myself crazy doesn’t like how you can only see one side of the stitch😅

[@janake7]

Omg! You are breath of beautiful air. I love your to-the-point instructions! I can't wait to start!!!! You are the 💣

[@bellscreate]

you are the absolute sweetest thank you❤️💕

[@oneprettyrose1848]

I sew fabric cardigans and I’m now getting into crotchet cause I loveee knit cardigans ! & this was explained so well and so simple !! Thank you for the video

[@bellscreate]

thank you, so happy it helped❤😊

[@KittenBones]

i love the way you explain things, you have such a great energy. i will definitely try this out.

[@bellscreate]

thank you, making me smile😊❤

[@conniewest3165]

I loved your graphics!

[@hoosierhometeam]

This is definitely one of the most helpful videos I've seen and I've seen a LOT of crochet videos. 😅. You are going to be a ⭐!

[@allysghost1254]

This is awesome. Thank you. I have a feeling I’ll be going back to this quite a bit. Just subscribed and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the videos you’ve shared already! Much love

[@breyarnie]

This was a great breakdown. I have yet to create a cardigan. Thank you so much ❗️

[@DameQuakington]

Lovely advice! Its true, I always take inspiration from Pinterest, and even if a want to make it exactly the same it always turns out different. I think it gives it a personality. ❤

[@sianleighotley9624]

What an incredible video. Super helpful. Thank you!

[@paigeking5390]

Omg you made it so easy to understand!!! Thank you sooooo much!!!!! Hands down I'm a subscriber!!!

[@zoilarivera8866]

Way to go, excited to make my first hooded cardigan, thanks for the tips and encouragement. hugs

[@marzyehayoubi487]

So wonderfully explained😮‍💨. Thank you for this. I like straight forward projects to crochet. Never done cardigan before but now I am excited to crochet one ❤😊🙏🏼

[@bellscreate]

yayyy that’s so exciting to hear❤️💕

[@gracie5595]

thank u! the all in one method looks totally doable

[@yarnpower]

Thanks for these directions. I am going to try to make my first cardigan now! Edit: I hate sewing, so thanks again.

[@antiichristie]

This was super helpful and I appreciate it a ton.

[@bellscreate]

thank you💕💕💕

[@fun.bunny128]

wow, thank you for this! I'm planning to crochet my first one for this spring and that's a great explanation of how to start it

[@bellscreate]

so glad it helped😊

[@GreatLakesGal-Diane]

OMG…LOVE your explanations!!!❤

[@dawnreddy4421]

Omg I’m so excited to try that second method to make a cardigan

[@prettybird367]

This was a very helpful video, im currently working on my granny squares and hoping to turn them into a cardigan soon 🥰

[@kulecter99]

Nicely explained. But Dang!! wish I saw this last week. Been struggling with a cardigan that I had to take out 3 times.

[@bellscreate]

ohhh nooo, let this 4 time be successful!! u got this😂😊

[@laurasadie8357]

This video is amazing! I’m inspired to start a cardigan right now! Thanks so much for all of this info, it’s very accessible.

[@bellscreate]

thank you!!! you are so welcome😊😊😊

[@JillNoelleNoble]

Sweet video. You’re cute without being silly. I’ve subscribed and look forward to watching more!

[@MarielikestoCrochet]

I need to send this to several people!

[@dotesondots]

Thank you, Annabella, for this tutorial.

[@lejaharm1]

Thank you very much for your great tips. I also subscribed ❤!

[@bellscreate]

thank you💕💕💕

[@marionmcnee8759]

Thanks for the video.. it was really clear and helpful. Great to have the diagrams. 😊

[@lisachavez1352]

Thanks for sharing. You did a wonderful job explaining! 🎉

[@broandsis77]

Loved the diagrams, they were very helpful!

[@Rough-Crocheter]

Thank you so very much for explaining your method.

[@itschelseakay]

This is so helpful! Making cardigans always seemed so daunting but this really breaks it down and makes it feel less scary 😆 How do you know how much yarn to buy?

[@linaD08]

Very clever instructions!! Thank you!! I just wish the music wasn’t so loud…

[@ruthdaisy1036]

Great video - thanks so much for the tips 😊

[@carlann9807]

Thank you for this information. It is so helpful for me.

[@lynnk777]

Thank you..your explanation is good👍

[@8TwntyTwo]

New subbie here! I love this video “dadada” lol I love it!! Thank you I am making a granny crochet cardigan now I’m almost done

[@bellscreate]

yayy thank you💕 the dadadas are literally just my brain being tired from all my talking😂, and yess you go girl!🎉

[@dee-deelove9310]

Than you ! I’ve just started crocheting garments and I find it hard to follow a pattern because I have dyslexia ❤

[@abcnoyes2]

I love the cardigan in the upper left of your thumbnail for this video. Is it your design? Is there a pattern?

[@LoveEmpress]

Greetings and Thank You very much for your cardigan making techniques. Refreshing! 🙏🏽♥️👑✨💫

[@bellscreate]

thank youu😊😊😊

[@ireneroland3070]

You could also start out doing the front just as long as the front , then when you are done , with the sleeves and it looks like a jumper you can use a sewing machine to sew up three times on either side of the middle of the front and then use scissors to cut up the middle of the front rectangle to turn it into a cardigan.

[@user-mz9em4id3h]

So helpful, thanks ❤

[@bellscreate]

you’re so welcome!!!!

[@FeyaAmante]

This makes so much sense!😊

[@giovannamedeiros3386]

This is AMAZING!

[@Firefoxy11]

Omg this is sooo helpful thank you so much!!

[@-.-4]

I’m working on the first style, but your explanation is so much simpler 😊❤. I think of it as a U shape style. I’m going to do type 2 . I need my sleeves narrower at the wrist. I don’t like bulky sleeves. Thanks.

[@bellscreate]

you can incorporate decreases on the outside making the sleeves thinner when they get to the wrist! hope it turns out good!!!😊

[@sandragriffiths9692]

Me too. I did gathered cuffs and it worked very well.

[@shannanberry]

I do them this way.... The one and only problem is ... THE COST OF YARN HAS GOTTEN OUTRAGEOUS!!!! but i dont let that stop me... When i was a kid (60s)id buy my yarn at a store called WOOLWORTHS.... 15 cents a skein.... ❤😂😂😂😊

[@nz-nz]

This is very helpful. Thanks!!

[@bellscreate]

i’m so glad it was helpful🥰❤️💕

[@LovinLifeOurWay1]

Great video! Thank you !💜

[@Shycrochetqueen]

You should do a series like for just dresses tops ect

[@Deloria]

Wow! If only I had your advice when I took on my first cardigan! Awesome video, great tips, I love your vibe. I was wondering about the gorgeous top left cardigan on your thumbnail- I would LOVE to recreate a version for myself. Can you pretty please tell me the source so I can get some good reference photos to work from? Thanks, keep being awesome

[@user-yr6yp9nt7u]

Your brilliant. Thank You 💕🥰🙋🏽‍♀️🌺🌹🇵🇷🇺🇸

[@cynthiapaxton8343]

Priceless information Who wouldn't wanna make a cardi as easy as this seems. So putting aside my extremely frustrating flower of life cardi (I will return)

[@bellscreate]

u got this!!!

[@bellscreate]

u got this!!!

[@hipgirl25]

Im so glad someone finally made a comprehensive type vid for cardis! This stuff technically works for sweaters a bit too but you gotta research what kinda neckline you want.

[@bellscreate]

yes it does! i’m coming out with a sweater tutorial tomorrow that basically uses method 2 🤭

[@CatEyes5240]

Beautiful beautiful job love it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NurseOlive]

Do you have patterns for the cardigans in your thumbnail?

[@fafalina2000]

Wow! You e inspired me massively. Thank You 😊❤

[@bellscreate]

Yay!!! So great to hear😊❤

[@CathyCollazo-f5r]

Thank you

[@24starchild]

Thank you so much beautiful girl, I was with you all the way.. I made a granny Square cardigan where I basically constructed your first way, but didn’t want the sleeves to be too wide with four squares, so I just made sleeves two squares wide and then put a long gusset strip of squares up the body side and down the armpit underside of the sleeves for the third row. It all fell into place better that way…It was extra sewing, but it didn’t matter because was granny squares, which made all that sewing necessary anyway.

[@sandragriffiths9692]

Great info, but how do you know how much yarn to buy?? I have made two cardigans already with the same principal, but I followed a pattern in KZbin, they cane out great. I might try using up all my left over yarn. I have subscribed today👌👍🍀x

[@bellscreate]

awww yay welcome to the family, i don’t always know specifically how much to get i usually get 2 caron pound yarns or like 4 or 5 380yd skeins, and usually have some left over

[@sandragriffiths9692]

@@bellscreate Thank you, that is helpful😙

[@julianapegas2043]

This is so helpful! 🥰

[@bellscreate]

thank you💕💕💕

[@GinaEvenstar]

So clever!

[@zaniergriego1110]

Wow this made so much sense!

[@bellscreate]

thank you!!!

[@starkeybiz]

I A B S O L U T E L Y LOOOOOVE the way you explained this. I had no friggin idea it was this idea. I want to be able to crochet without a pattern and this is so awesome!!! Love the examples and everything. Subbing after thus comment.

[@bellscreate]

ahhhhh! you’re the absolute sweetest, thank you❤❤❤