Brighten up your wardrobe with this free crochet sweater pattern! The Modern Blocks Sweater combines modern color blocking with a relaxed, oversized fit — perfect for layering through the cooler months.
Whether you love vibrant palettes or cozy textures, this project is both eye-catching and fun to make.
You can find the free pattern below, or you can purchase the ad-free printable PDF from my shop.
Materials Needed
- Worsted weight yarn (Medium #4 – approx. 502 yds / 459 m per 280g skein)
- Color A: Lemon Plum – 2 to 4 skeins
- Color B: Blue Velvet – 2 to 4 skeins
- Size U.S. H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
You can find the free pattern below, or you can purchase the ad-free printable PDF from my shop.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Beg = Beginning
- Ch = Chain(s)
- Hdc = Half double crochet
- Hdchb = Work 1 hdc into horizontal bar created below in previous row (bar is below loops normally worked on WS)
- Hdc2tog = (Yoh and draw up a loop in next stitch) twice. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook
- PM = Place marker
- Rem = Remain(ing)
- Rep = Repeat
- RS = Right side
- Sc = Single crochet
- Scbl = Single crochet back loop only
- Sl st = Slip stitch
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- WS = Wrong side
- Yoh = Yarn over hook
Sizes
To fit bust measurement:
- XS/S: 28–34″ [71–86.5 cm]
- M: 36–38″ [91.5–96.5 cm]
- L: 40–42″ [101.5–106.5 cm]
- XL: 44–46″ [112–117 cm]
- 2/3XL: 48–54″ [122–137 cm]
- 4/5XL: 56–62″ [142–157.5 cm]
Finished Bust:
- XS/S: 38″ [96.5 cm]
- M: 42″ [122 cm]
- L: 48″ [132 cm]
- XL: 52″ [132 cm]
- 2/3XL: 58″ [147.5 cm]
- 4/5XL: 62″ [157.5 cm]
Gauge
14 sts and 9½ rows = 4″ [10 cm] in hdchb pattern.
You can find the free pattern below, or you can purchase the ad-free printable PDF from my shop.
Instructions
The instructions are written for the smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ). Numbers for each size are shown in the same color throughout the pattern. When only one number is given in black, it applies to all sizes.
Notes
- To begin working with yarn wound in ring format, carefully cut the plastic tie where the ends meet.
- Gently pull the tie to remove.
- For this pattern, colors can be easily separated by gently pulling apart and cutting at the color transition. Each color is ready to use.
- You may find it helpful to place each color section in its own resealable (zip lock) bag and label each bag A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J.
- Sweater and sleeves are worked sideways.
- Ch 2 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch.
Back
Beg at side edge, with I, ch 7. With D, ch 26 (27-27-28-29-30). With A, ch 24 (24-22-22-22-22).
1st row (RS): With A, 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each of next 21 (21-19-19-19-19) ch. With D, 1 hdc in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) ch. With I, 1 sc in each of last 7 ch. Turn. 55 (56-54-55-56-57) sts.
2nd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With D, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With A, 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (22-20-20-20-20) hdc. Turn.
3rd row: With A, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (22-20-20-18-16) hdc. With D, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 0 (0-1-1-2-2) time(s) more, then 2nd row once.
Shape Armhole:
1st row (RS): With A, ch 4 (5-7-8-11-14). With F, ch 28 (29-29-30-31-32). With F, 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each of next 25 (26-26-27-28-29) ch. With A, 1 hdc in each of next 4 (5-7-8-11-14) ch. 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (22-20-20-18-16) hdc. With D, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. 85 (88-88-91-94-97) sts.
2nd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With D, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With A, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With F, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. Turn.
3rd row: With F, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With A, 1 hdc in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With D, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. 85 (88-88-91-94-97) sts.
Rep last 2 rows 5 (6-6-7-7-8) time(s) more, then 2nd row once. Break A, D and F.
Shape Right Back Neck Edge:
1st row (RS): Skip first 2 hdc. Join B with sl st to next hdc. Ch 2. Hdc2tog. 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (23-23-24-25-26) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. 82 (85-85-88-91-94) sts.
2nd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With B, 1 hdchb in each of next 23 (24-24-25-26-27) hdc. Turn.
3rd row: With B, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 23 (24-24-25-26-27) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 5 (6-7-8-9-10) times more, then 2nd row once more. Break B.
Note: New strand of B will be joined to shape Left Back Neck Edge.
Shape Left Back Neck Edge:
Next row (RS): With new strand of B, ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (23-23-24-25-26) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. Break B, E and H.
Proceed as follows:
1st row (WS): With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With C, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With G, 1 hdchb in each of next 24 (25-25-26-27-28) hdc. 1 hdc in each of last 2 ch. Turn. 85 (88-88-91-94-97) sts.
2nd row: With G, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With C, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn.
3rd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With C, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With G, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 5 (6-6-7-7-8) times more, then 2nd row once. Break G.
Shape Armhole (continue):
1st row (WS): With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With C, 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (22-20-20-20-20) hdc. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
2nd row: With C, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 22 (22-20-20-20-20) hdc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. 55 (56-54-55-56-57) sts.
3rd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With C, 1 hdchb in each of next 22 (22-20-20-20-20) hdc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 0 (0-1-1-2-2) time(s) more, then 2nd row once. Fasten off.
FRONT
Work from ** to ** as given for Back.
Shape Right Front Neck Edge:
1st row (RS): Skip first 10 hdc. Join B with sl st to next hdc. Ch 2. Hdc2tog. 1 hdchb in each of next 14 (15-15-16-17-18) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. 74 (77-77-80-83-86) sts.
2nd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With B, 1 hdchb in each hdc to last 2 sts. Hdc2tog. Turn.
3rd row: With B, ch 2. Hdc2tog. 1 hdchb in each of next 12 (13-13-14-15-16) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. 72 (75-75-78-81-84) sts.
4th row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With B, 1 hdchb in each of last 13 (14-14-15-16-17) hdc. Turn.
5th row (RS): With B, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of first 13 (14-14-15-16-17) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 3 (4-5-6-7-8) times more, then 4th row once more.
Shape Left Front Neck Edge:
1st row (RS): Ch 2. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdchb in each of next 12 (13-13-14-15-16) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn.
2nd row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With B, 1 hdchb in each hdc to last hdc. 2 hdc in last hdc. Turn. Break B.
Note: New strand of B will be joined to shape Left Front neck edge.
3rd row (RS): With B, ch 10. 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdchb in each of next 14 (15-15-16-17-18) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With E, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn. Break B, E and H.
4th row: With I, ch 1. 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With J, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With C, 1 hdchb in each of next 26 (27-27-28-29-30) hdc. With G, 1 hdchb in each of next 16 (17-17-18-19-20) hdc. 1 hdc in each of last 10 ch. Turn. 85 (88-88-91-94-97) sts.
Work from “Proceed as follows” to end of Back.
Right Sleeve
With D, ch 20 (20-22-22-14-14).
1st row (RS): 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch to end of chain. Turn. 18 (18-20-20-12-12) hdc.
2nd row: Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each hdc to end of row. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 16 (16-12-12-12-10). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each of next 13 (13-9-9-9-7) ch. 1 hdchb in each hdc to end of row. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 1 (1-2-2-2-3) time(s) more then 2nd rowonce. 46 (46-50-50-42-44) hdc.
Next row: (RS). With D, ch 14 (14- 10-10-10-8). With I, ch 8. 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 6 ch. With D, 1 hdc in each of next 14 (14-10-10-10-8) ch. 1 hdchb in each hdc to end of row. Turn. 67 (67-67-67-59-59) sts. Break D.
Next row: With A, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 30 (30-30-30-26- 25) hdc. With H, 1 hdchb in each of next 30 (30-30-30-26-25) hdc. With I, 1 scbl in each of last 7 sc. Turn.
Next row: With I, 1 scbl in each of first 7 sc. With H, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 30 (30-30-30-26-25) hdc. With A, 1 hdchb in each of next 30 (30-30-30-26-25) hdc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows 11 (12-12-13-14-14) times more. Break A, H and I.
Next row: (WS). With G, ch 2. 1 hdchb in each of next 46 (46-50- 50-42-42) hdc. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
Next row: Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each hdc to end of row. Turn.
Next row: Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each hdc to last 14 (14-10-10-10-8) hdc. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
Rep last 2 rows 1 (1-2-2-2-3) time(s) more. 18 (18-20-20-12-12) hdc rem.
Next row: Ch 2. 1 hdchb in each hdc to end of row. Fasten off.
Left Sleeve
Work as given for Right Sleeve, substituting B for A and F for H.
PM 2 (2-2½-2½-3½-4)” [5 (5-6-6- 9-10) cm] on each side of Sleeve down from top edge.
FINISHING
Pin all pieces to measurements. Cover with a damp cloth leaving cloth to dry. Sew shoulder seams. Sew in sleeves, placing sts before markers across shaped edge of armhole to form square armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams.
Neckband
With I, ch 8.
1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 7 sts
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 scbl in each sc to end of row. Turn.
Rep last row until work, when slightly stretched, measures length to fit around neck edge. Fasten off. Beg at left shoulder, sew neckband to neck edge. Sew neckband seam.
You Did It
And there you have it — your stylish and cozy Modern Blocks Sweater is ready to wear or gift! With its modern shape and color-blocked texture, this sweater is sure to turn heads.
Happy crocheting!
