I have always loved the look of shearling, that soft, slightly fuzzy edge that makes a coat feel both rugged and comforting. One chilly evening last fall I found myself wishing for a lightweight version I could wear indoors without overheating. I pulled out a soft camel-tan yarn and started experimenting with textured stitches along the edges. After several tries I landed on a simple combination of half double crochet and loop stitches that creates a gentle, shearling-like finish without bulk. The result is this Camel Tan Shearling Edge Crochet Cardigan — a piece that feels like a warm hug and looks polished enough for everyday wear.
This free crochet pattern gives you a relaxed, open-front cardigan with a soft textured border along the collar, front edges, cuffs, and hem. The body is worked in a straightforward stitch that drapes nicely, while the shearling-style edges add just enough visual interest and coziness. It is the kind of cardigan you will reach for on cool mornings and keep on all day.
About This Pattern
This is an intermediate pattern. You should already be comfortable with half double crochet, working flat and in the round, and basic seaming. The shearling edge uses a simple loop stitch that is easy to master once you try it a few times.
The cardigan is written for sizes S (M, L, XL) with finished bust measurements of approximately 38 (42, 46, 50) inches. It is designed with 4–6 inches of positive ease for a relaxed fit. The length from shoulder to hem is about 26 (27, 28, 29) inches. The fabric has a soft drape and moderate stretch, so it moves comfortably without clinging.
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn (worsted weight, approximately 100g / 200–220 yards per ball)
- Color A (main body): camel tan or warm beige – 1,100 (1,250, 1,400, 1,550) yards
- Color B (optional accent for shearling edge): slightly lighter or darker tan – 150 yards (or use Color A throughout)
Allow 15% extra for gauge variation and swatching.
Hooks
- 5.0 mm (H) for the main body and sleeves
- 5.5 mm (I) for the shearling edges (creates a softer, loftier texture)
Notions
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Blocking mats and pins
- Optional: two or three buttons if you prefer a closable front
Abbreviations and Terminology
All instructions use US crochet terminology.
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
- hdc – half double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops)
- dc – double crochet
- lp st – loop stitch (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through one loop, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook — creates a small raised loop)
- hdc2tog – half double crochet two together
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Turning chains do not count as a stitch unless a step explicitly says they do.
Gauge
With 5.0 mm hook and Color A in hdc:
13 hdc and 10 rows = 4 inches square.
Make a 5-inch swatch, measure the center 4 inches, and change hook size if needed. A slightly looser gauge will give a softer drape; a tighter gauge will produce a denser fabric.
Main Pattern Instructions
Back Panel
With Color A and 5.0 mm hook, ch 64 (70, 76, 82).
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (62, 68, 74, 80 hdc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5) inches from the beginning. Fasten off.
Left Front
With Color A and 5.0 mm hook, ch 32 (35, 38, 41).
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (30, 33, 36, 39 hdc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures the same length as the Back. Fasten off.
Right Front
Work the same as the Left Front.
Sleeves (make 2)
With Color A and 5.0 mm hook, ch 30 (32, 34, 36).
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (28, 30, 32, 34 hdc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.
Increase Row: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc across to last st, 2 hdc in last st. Turn.
Work 3 rows even, then one Increase Row. Repeat this sequence until you have 40 (44, 48, 52) hdc.
Continue even until the sleeve measures 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5) inches from the beginning (or desired length to underarm). Fasten off.
Shoulder Seaming
With RS facing, sew the shoulder seams of the Fronts to the Back, leaving the center back neck open for the collar.
Sleeve Attachment
With RS facing, pin the top of each sleeve into the armhole openings and sew in place. Then sew the side seams of the body and the underarm seams of the sleeves in one continuous seam.
Special Techniques / Additional Elements
Shearling Edge (worked around the entire front opening, collar, and hem)
With Color A (or Color B) and 5.5 mm hook, join yarn at the lower right front corner with RS facing.
Round 1: Ch 1, work sc evenly up the right front edge, around the neckline, down the left front edge, and across the lower hem. Join with sl st to first sc. Place markers at the corners if helpful.
Round 2 (Loop Stitch Round): Ch 1, *lp st in next st, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.
Round 4: Repeat Round 2.
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Fasten off.
Cuff Edges
With 5.5 mm hook, join yarn at the underarm seam of one sleeve.
Work the same 5-round shearling edge sequence around the cuff. Repeat for the second sleeve.
The alternating loop stitches create a soft, slightly raised texture that mimics the look of shearling without adding heavy bulk.
Assembly and Finishing
- Weave in all ends carefully on the wrong side.
- Check that the shoulder and side seams lie flat.
- If you want a closable front, sew two or three buttons along the left front edge and create corresponding chain-loop buttonholes on the right front edge.
- Try the cardigan on and adjust the sleeve length if needed by adding or removing a few rows before working the cuff edges.
Blocking and Care
Wet-block the finished cardigan by soaking it in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash, gently pressing out excess water, and pinning it flat to the finished measurements. Pay special attention to the shearling edges so the loops open up evenly. Allow it to dry completely.
Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry. Do not hang the cardigan while wet, as the weight of the water can stretch the shoulders and hem. The textured edges soften beautifully with gentle washing and become even more pleasant to the touch over time.
Fit and Troubleshooting Tips
- Body too wide or narrow? Adjust the starting chain by 4–6 stitches and keep the same number of rows for length.
- Sleeves too tight or loose? Change the number of increase rows.
- Shearling edge looking sparse? Work the loop stitch in every stitch instead of alternating with sc for a denser texture.
- Edges curling? Block firmly and consider adding one extra sc round before the first loop-stitch round.
- Shoulders drooping? Seam them with a firm mattress stitch and check your gauge — a denser fabric supports the weight better.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about finishing a cardigan that feels both practical and a little special. The soft camel-tan color and the gentle shearling-style edges make this piece one you will reach for again and again. I hope it becomes a favorite in your handmade wardrobe — the kind of layer that makes cool mornings feel a little warmer and a little more beautiful.
If you make this Camel Tan Shearling Edge Crochet Cardigan, I would love to see it. Leave a comment, share a photo, or pin it so other makers can find the pattern too. Happy crocheting, and may your new cardigan keep you cozy for many seasons to come.
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