Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan Free Pattern

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Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan Free Pattern

Hi everyone, today I am bringing to you the crochet Lemon mesh cardigan (free pattern). There’s something timeless about a lightweight crochet cardigan — especially one that feels both delicate and effortlessly wearable.

The video tutorial for this project can be found here:

Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan Free Pattern: Sweet Charm And Delicate Details

This dreamy yellow piece combines airy mesh stitch panels, soft shell stitch edging, and the sweetest little front tie for a romantic handmade finish. Perfect for spring mornings, cool summer evenings, or layering all year long, this cardigan is the kind of project that looks elegant while still being wonderfully relaxing to crochet.

The beauty of mesh stitch lies in its simplicity. The openwork texture creates a breathable fabric with gorgeous drape, making the cardigan feel soft, light, and comfortable to wear. It’s ideal for transitional seasons and adds just the right amount of texture without feeling heavy. The relaxed silhouette and slightly oversized sleeves give the piece a cozy, modern look while still keeping it feminine and delicate.

This mesh sweater I made a few years ago is also perfect if you enjoy this types of projects. I love the mesh stitch and this new crochet cardigan doesn’t disappoint.

Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan Free Pattern: Shell Stitch Edging For A Romantic Finish

One of the standout details of this cardigan is the shell stitch edging that frames the entire piece beautifully. The gentle scalloped border softens the geometric mesh pattern and adds a lovely vintage-inspired touch. The edging gives the cardigan a polished finish while still keeping the overall design playful and airy.

Instead of buttons or a zipper, this cardigan features a simple crochet tie at the front — a tiny detail that makes such a difference. The bow closure adds charm and elegance while keeping the design minimal and lightweight. Whether tied neatly or left slightly loose for a casual look, it gives the cardigan a soft, romantic personality.

I love crochet cardigans so much! Last year, I made this lovely cottage inspired cardigan. This design was such a labor of love for me, and I still love this crochet cardigan so much! It is both easy to crochet, and stunning to look at.

Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan Free Pattern: A Delicate Stitch

This cardigan pairs beautifully with high-waisted jeans, summer dresses, linen trousers and simple camisoles or tank tops. The soft pastel yellow shade brings warmth and brightness to any outfit, making it a lovely wardrobe staple for handmade fashion lovers.

This crochet cardigan is the perfect balance between cozy and elegant — the kind of handmade piece you’ll reach for again and again. A mesh stitch cardigan with shell stitch edging is one of those crochet projects that feels effortlessly beautiful from start to finish. The open texture, delicate scallops, and sweet front bow come together in a design that feels soft, feminine, and timeless.

Whether you make it in sunny yellow, creamy ivory, blush pink, or sage green, this cardigan is sure to become a favorite handmade piece in your wardrobe. The Lily Hexagon Cardigan I made a few years ago is also a great and versatile cardigan, perfect for all seasons.

Connecting with you

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Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan: The Pattern

You can purchase the ad free, large print, PDF pattern from my Etsy store here: Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan PDF Pattern

You can purchase the ad free, large print, PDF pattern from my Ravelry store here: Crochet Lemon Mesh Cardigan PDF Pattern

Level: Easy +

Notes: I will be writing in US terms (British terms in brackets)

The video tutorial can be found here:

Gauge

4” (10 cm) = 20 stitches

4” (10 cm) = 6 rows

Sizes of finished cardigan

These are the sizes measured once the cardigan has been assembled and all edgings and borders have been added.

Size of sleeves given once they have been sewed onto project and edging added.

Sizes are given as follows: length (from shoulder to bottom of cardigan) x width (side to side).

Body of cardigan: 20” (51 cm) in length x 20” (51 cm) in width

Sleeves: 7” (18 cm) in width x 21” (53 cm) in length

Body of cardigan: 21,5” (54 cm) in length x 22” (54 cm) in width

Sleeves: 8” (20,5 cm) in width x 21” (53 cm) in length

Size L:

Body of cardigan: 23” (58 cm) in length x 24” (61 cm) in width

Sleeves: 9” (23 cm) in width x 21” (53 cm) in length

Size XL:

Body of cardigan: 24,5” (62 cm) in length x 26” (65 cm) in width

Sleeves: 10” (25,5 cm) in width x 21” (53 cm) in length

XXL:

Body of cardigan: 26” (65 cm) in length x 28” (71 cm) in width

Sleeves: 11” (28 cm) in width x 21” (53 cm) in length

Size XXXL:

Body of cardigan: 27,5” (67 cm) in length x 30” (76 cm) in width

Sleeves: 12” (30,5 cm) in width x 21” (53 cm) in length

Materials

6 (S/M), 7 (L), 8 (XL/XXL), 9 (XXXL) skeins of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK in shade Primrose, or 300/350/400/450 grams of 100% cotton yarn in a light 3/DK weight

4,5 mm crochet hook

4 mm crochet hook (optional)

A tapestry needle

A pair of scissors

Sewing pins

A measuring tape

Abbreviations

ch: chain

St: stitch

sk: skip

Sp: space

Sl st: Slip stitch

Ch sp: Chain space

SC: Single Crochet (= UK Double Crochet)

DC: Double Crochet (=UK Treble Crochet)

EOR: End of row/end of round/end or row

Sizes will be indicated like this

S, (M), [L], {XL}, *XXL*, XXXL

General notes concerning this pattern

Each step of this project is explained in detail throughout the pattern; this is just to give you a brief explanation of what is to be expected before starting the project.

To begin, we will be making both the two front panels and the back panels of this cardigan.

Then we will be crocheting the sleeves (2 identical sleeves). Once this is done, we will seam each sleeve, place all the elements of the cardigan together and sew it together.

Once this is completed, we will be adding the sleeve edgings, the neck edging as well as crocheting the bottom edging also.

Back panel

Ch 89 (98) [107] {116} *124* 132

1: DC into 5^th ch from hook, *sk 1 ch, ch 1, DC into next ch * until eor (first 4 ch=1 DC + ch sp)

2: Ch 4 (=DC + 1 ch), turn your work, * sk 1 st, ch 1, DC into next st until eor.

3-32 (32) [34] {36} *38* 40: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

Front panels (make 2)

Ch (45) [50] {55} *60* 65

1: DC into 5^th ch from hook, *sk 1 ch, ch 1, DC into next ch * until eor (first 4 ch=1 DC + ch sp)

2: Ch 4 (=DC + 1 ch), turn your work, * sk 1 st, ch 1, DC into next st until eor.

3-32 (32) [34] {36} *38* 40: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

Sleeves (make 2)

Ch 73 (82) [91] {100} *109* 118

1: DC into 5^th ch from hook, *sk 1 ch, ch 1, DC into next ch * until eor (first 4 ch=1 DC + ch sp)

2: Ch 4 (=DC + 1 ch), turn your work, * sk 1 st, ch 1, DC into next st until eor.

3-34: Repeat row 2.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for seaming the sleeves.

Once you have these 4 elements, you can start assembling your jumper together.

Assembling your jumper together

Start by folding sleeves in half width wise, and seaming the sleeves together, using tapestry needle and loose end (see photograph below).

Once you have sewed the sleeve seams, pop these sleeves aside for later.

Now we will be sewing the front panels onto the back panel.

Place the back of your cardigan onto a flat surface. Now place both front panels flat onto the back of the cardigan. There is no gap for the neck and front part, meaning the back and front panels are completely on top of the other (see photo below).

Now sew the shoulder seams at the top of the jumper, using the mattress stitch.

Then place sleeves to each side of the jumper, and start sewing sleeves from the top of project, working all the way down to the bottom of the jumper. Make sure you place the seam of the sleeves facing down.

You can then sew the “back” side of the sleeve to the back side of the project by flipping the project around. This creates a more seamless stitching.

Do this on both sides of the cardigan for each sleeve and side of project.

Fasten off, tidy up all loose ends.

Sleeve cuffs

Repeat this process on each sleeve. We will be working this part of the project in the rounds. For this part, you can use the 4 mm crochet hook for a smaller, tighter sleeve cuff. This is optional as you can also use the 4.5 mm crochet hook too.

Attach yarn to any stitch on the edge of the 1^st sleeve.

1: Ch 1 (=does not count as a stitch), SC into the first stitch;* now skip a stitch, and place a SC into the next stitch *; repeat from * until *, sl st to 1^st ch to close off round.

2: Ch 3 (=DC), DC into next stitch until eor; slip stitch to first chain 3 from beginning to close off round.

3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), SC into same first stitch; * sk 2 stitches, place 5 DC into the next stitch, sk 2 stitches, place a SC into the next stitch * until eor; finish round by placing your last SC under the first SC.

Fasten off, tidy up all loose ends. Repeat process on the other sleeve cuff.

Front and bottom edging (crocheted all together in the round)

We will be working this part in the round, working across the front opening and the bottom part of the cardigan. Please switch back to 4,5 mm crochet hook.

Attach yarn to one corner at the bottom of the front opening.

1: Ch 1 (=SC), SC into next st until eor, making sure you place your SC evenly across the neck opening. Sl st to first ch 1 to close off round.

2: Ch 3 (=DC), DC into next stitch until eor; slip stitch to first chain 3 from beginning to close off round.

Fasten off, tidy up all loose ends.