Sweater in a Day: Fast Crochet Sweater Tutorial!

Who doesn't love the satisfaction of completing a beautiful crochet project in just one day? I’ve got you covered with a quick and easy hexagon cardigan crochet pattern that you can whip up in hours! Whether you're creating this sweater as a cozy addition to your wardrobe or for a last-minute gift, you'll be amazed at how fast it comes together. So grab your super chunky yarn, a big crochet hook, and let's get started on the fast crochet sweater in a day!

What You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of the essentials you’ll need for this project.

Materials

For this project, you have a couple of options when it comes to yarn and hook size, which is great for customizing the size and feel:

• Super chunky yarn (size 6): This is the star of the show! It's thick, cozy, and works up quickly. I used Puzzle Wool Chunky from Ice Yarns.
• 12 mm crochet hook: This large hook is the perfect match for chunky yarn, making the entire process faster.
• Worsted weight yarn (alternative): If you don’t have chunky yarn, no worries! Use 500g worsted weight yarn and a 7 mm hook. Keep in mind, this might take a bit longer — maybe a crochet sweater in two days instead of one!

Additional Tools

• Needle: You’ll need this to sew in your ends.
• Scissors: Cutting off that excess yarn at the end.
• Stitch markers: These are life-savers when keeping track of important areas, like corners or where you joined rows.

Choose Your Viewing Style

Before we dive into the instructions, make sure you’re watching the right crochet tutorial for your preference. I offer right-handed and left-handed versions of the fast crochet sweater in a day left-handed version is available here.

Written Patterns

If you're someone who loves to follow written instructions, I’ve got you covered. All my patterns are written in plain English and are available on my website. You can find the written pattern for this hexagon cardigan right here.

Starting the Sweater: Magic Ring Technique

We start this sweater by creating a magic ring—a classic in crochet but crucial for this pattern. Don’t worry if you’re not used to it, I’ll guide you through every step.

1. Create the magic ring: Lay the tail of your yarn over your non-dominant hand and wrap it around two fingers to form an "X."
2. Insert hook: Grab the yarn with your hook and pull it under the short strand, then twist the hook to secure the yarn.
3. Chain 3: Once your magic ring is formed, chain three. This counts as your first double crochet.

After that, you’ll start to form the base for your hexagon sweater!

First Few Rounds: Building the Foundation

Round 1: Formation of Foundation

• Double crochet sets: In the magic ring, you’ll place three double crochets, chain two, and repeat until you have six clusters of three double crochets each.
• Each cluster will form the base of your hexagon.
• Make sure to work over your yarn tail, so you can quickly tighten up the magic ring later.

Round 2: Granny Corners

At this point, you’ll start to form the corners of the hexagon by working into the chains from the previous round. Here’s where using stitch markers can help: mark the corners as you go along to avoid confusion later. You’ll make a combination of double crochets and chains to form the famous granny-square-like granny corner.

Pro tip: Work into the chain stitches, rather than chain spaces. This will help keep the corners tight and neat, giving the cardigan a polished and professional look.

Round 3 and Beyond: Alternating Rows

This fast crochet sweater pattern alternates between working into stitches and front loops only as you build the rounds:

• Even-numbered rows: Work into both strands of the stitch.
• Odd-numbered rows: Work into the front loop only of each stitch.

This creates texture and depth in the cardigan, which adds to its charm. Remember to keep an eye on your stitch count to avoid any mishaps!

Checking the Fit

Before moving on to the sleeves and joining, it’s crucial to ensure the hexagon is sized just right. Here’s a neat trick: Fold the hexagon in half to form a half of a letter "T" shape. Lay it on your shoulders to check the fit from shoulder to shoulder. Adjust size by adding or removing a row here if needed.

Considering your sweater will stretch after joining, it’s better to err on the side of being slightly small. The hexagon stretches as you wear it!

Joining the Two Hexagons

Once both hexagon pieces are completed and your fit check is done, it’s time to join the panels together.

• Align the pieces: Place the two hexagons on top of one another. Use stitch markers if needed.
• Whip stitch or crochet join: You can either whip stitch the edges together or use a crochet join. Choose the method that feels most comfortable for you.

When joining the hexagons, make sure to leave space for the sleeves. You’ll only be stitching up the sides of the sweater and shoulders, leaving the arm and neck space open.

Final Touches: Single Crochet Edging

After your panels are joined, you'll want to create an edging around the entire sweater for a clean finish. The single crochet edging helps the garment lay flat and prevents it from stretching out over time.

• Work single crochets around the edges: You’ll crochet into each stitch along the neck, down the front, and around the bottom hem. Pay attention to the corners, adding two single crochets into the chain spaces to round them out.

This simple edging pulls the whole project together and ensures a polished look!

I also added a seamless invisible join to keep my edges neat and professional. It ensures that your final row blends in perfectly with the rest of your project.

Edging the Sleeves

With the body completed, the last step is to edge the sleeves:

• Single crochet around the entire sleeve: Use the same technique as the body, keeping your tension even.
• Invisible join: Finish off with an invisible join for that professional look.

Final Fit Check & Adjustments

Now’s your chance to try it on! Slide your arms into those sleeves and wrap yourself in the cozy warmth of your new crochet sweater. Check the fit, especially around your armpits and shoulders. If everything is snug and comfy, you’re good to go!

If you want to add a bit of flair, consider customizing your new cardigan! You could change up the colors, add buttons, or even sew on a fun patch for added personality.

Staying Hooked!

That’s it! You’ve made your own hexagon cardigan with a fast crochet sweater in a day. Can you believe how easy and quick it was? You’ve created something that’s both practical and stylish in just one day. You’ll want to wear it everywhere to show off your new crafting skills.

If you enjoyed this project, you’ll love trying out some of my other easy crochet sweater patterns. For a wider selection of easy, beginner-friendly patterns, check out my collection of written crochet patterns.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different yarn type for this crochet sweater pattern?

• Yes, you can, but it's recommended to use super chunky (size 6) yarn to achieve the quick completion time. If you switch to worsted weight yarn, expect the project to take longer, perhaps up to two days.

2. How can I adjust the size of the sweater?

• To adjust the size, simply add or reduce the number of rounds while ensuring the sweater fits comfortably as you progress. Remember to check the fit by folding the hexagon and draping it over your shoulders.

3. What is a magic ring and why is it important for this pattern?

• A magic ring is a technique that allows you to create a tightly closed center in your crocheted piece. It's crucial for starting the hexagon sweater to create a neat and professional look.

4. I’m left-handed. Is there a tutorial for me?

• Yes, the tutorial offers a left-handed version. You can find it here.

5. How do I ensure my crochet edges look professional?

• Use a seamless invisible join at the edges and maintain consistent tension while working single crochet around the sweater to ensure a polished finish.

6. Can I add buttons or embellishments to my cardigan?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cardigan by adding buttons, patches, or changes in yarn color for a personal touch.

7. What if I don’t have a 12 mm hook?

• If a 12 mm hook is unavailable, you can use a slightly smaller or larger hook size based on your tension and yarn thickness. Just be aware that it may affect your gauge and the sweater’s final size.

8. Are there alternative joining methods for the hexagon panels?

• Yes, you can use a whip stitch or a crochet join method. Choose the technique that you find easiest and most comfortable.

Christa Patel brings warmth and expertise to her weekly live chats and engaging tutorials at the Secret Yarnery, where she connects with crocheters worldwide. Through her free patterns and encouraging approach, Christa helps fellow crafters learn new skills, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate their finished projects, fostering a supportive community of crochet enthusiasts.