Crochet Christmas Cardigan Pattern: Granny Square Tree Cardigan in Sizes XS–2XL

There is something deeply satisfying about wearing something you made yourself, and when that something is a cozy, festive cardigan covered in granny square Christmas trees, the satisfaction doubles. This crochet Christmas cardigan pattern has been one of the most requested designs in my collection, and today I am sharing everything you need to know about making your own Granny Square Tree Cardigan in sizes XS through 2XL. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a new holiday project or an adventurous intermediate crocheter ready to level up, this pattern is designed to be achievable, wearable, and genuinely beautiful.

Let’s dive into every detail, from materials and sizing to construction and finishing, so you can get started on your holiday cardigan right away.

Why a Granny Square Christmas Cardigan?

Granny squares are one of the most iconic elements in crochet history. They are modular, endlessly customizable, and surprisingly quick to work up once you get into a rhythm. Combining them into a wearable garment takes the humble granny square to a completely new level, and adding a Christmas tree motif transforms the entire project into something truly special.

The Granny Square Tree Cardigan is designed to be a statement piece. Think of it as the crochet version of the beloved ugly Christmas sweater, except this one is actually stunning. The tree motifs pop against a contrasting background, creating a cozy, textured fabric that drapes beautifully and feels wonderful to wear. It pairs effortlessly with jeans, leggings, or even over a simple dress for holiday gatherings, Christmas morning at home, or festive photo sessions.

Because this cardigan is constructed from individual squares that are joined together, it also makes sizing incredibly flexible. Each size is achieved by adjusting the number of squares and the arrangement, so the pattern scales naturally from an XS all the way up to a 2XL without requiring complex shaping math.

Materials You Will Need

Before you begin, gather everything on this list so your project goes smoothly from start to finish.

Yarn: You will need a worsted weight yarn, approximately 200–250 meters per 100 grams. The exact yardage depends on your size, but plan for the following approximate amounts: XS and S will use around 800–900 meters total, M and L will use around 1,000–1,100 meters, and XL and 2XL will use around 1,200–1,400 meters. You will need at least two colors: a main color (MC) for the background of each granny square, and a contrast color (CC) for the Christmas tree. A third color for the cardigan’s border and button band adds a polished finish.

For color inspiration, classic combinations include cream as the MC with forest green CC and a red or gold border. Deep burgundy as the MC with bright green trees is another stunning combination. Navy with white and silver is elegant and modern. Ultimately, any combination you love will work beautifully.

Hook: A 5.0mm or 5.5mm crochet hook works well for most worsted weight yarns. Always check your gauge before beginning.

Notions: You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors, stitch markers, buttons (5 to 7 depending on your size and preference), and a ruler or measuring tape.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge is critical for garments, and this pattern is no exception. Each finished granny square should measure approximately 10cm by 10cm (4 inches by 4 inches) after blocking. If your squares are coming out larger, go down a hook size. If they are smaller, go up a hook size.

The finished cardigan measurements are designed with 5–10cm (2–4 inches) of positive ease, which means the garment will be slightly larger than your actual bust measurement for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Here is the sizing guide:

XS is designed for a bust measurement of 76–81cm (30–32 inches), with a finished garment width of 86–91cm (34–36 inches).

S is designed for a bust measurement of 84–89cm (33–35 inches), with a finished garment width of 94–99cm (37–39 inches).

M is designed for a bust measurement of 91–97cm (36–38 inches), with a finished garment width of 101–107cm (40–42 inches).

L is designed for a bust measurement of 99–107cm (39–42 inches), with a finished garment width of 109–117cm (43–46 inches).

XL is designed for a bust measurement of 109–117cm (43–46 inches), with a finished garment width of 119–127cm (47–50 inches).

2XL is designed for a bust measurement of 119–127cm (47–50 inches), with a finished garment width of 129–137cm (51–54 inches).

Understanding the Construction

This cardigan is worked in a top-down, modular construction method. Rather than starting at the hem and working up or beginning with a yoke, you will make individual granny squares first and then assemble them in panels. This method means you can spread the work across many sessions, carry your squares with you, and enjoy the meditative process of making each motif before the exciting joining phase begins.

The cardigan has three main panels: the back panel, the left front panel, and the right front panel. The sleeves are worked as two rectangular panels of squares and seamed. There is no complex shaping for armholes or necklines in the traditional sense because the modular nature of the squares creates a natural, relaxed shape that sits beautifully on the body. The only shaping adjustment comes in the shoulder area, where a partial square or a half-motif fills in the gap to create a smooth shoulder line.

The Christmas Tree Granny Square: Step by Step

This is the heart of the pattern, so let’s go through it carefully. Each square is worked in the round from the center out. The tree motif is created using a combination of standard double crochet clusters and chain spaces in the contrast color, set against a background of the main color.

Round 1 (Tree trunk): Using your CC (contrast color), make a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), work 2 double crochets into the ring, chain 1, work 3 double crochets into the ring, chain 1. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3. Fasten off CC. (This creates the base cluster of the trunk.)

Round 2 (First tree tier): Join MC in any chain-1 space. Chain 3, work 2 double crochets in same space, chain 2, work 3 double crochets in the same space (corner made). Chain 1. Work 3 double crochets into the next chain-1 space (side cluster), chain 1. Work a corner as before in the next chain-1 space. Chain 1. Join to top of beginning chain 3 with a slip stitch.

Round 3 (Second tree tier): Join CC. This round places the first layer of tree branches. In each corner space, work (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets). In each chain-1 side space, work (3 double crochets, chain 1). Continue around. Fasten off CC.

Round 4 (Third tree tier with MC background): Join MC. Work a full granny square round, working corners in each chain-2 corner space and clusters in each chain-1 side space. This round expands the square and integrates the tree shape into the background.

Round 5 (Final round to reach 10cm): Continue with MC, adding another full granny square round until your square measures the desired size. Fasten off and weave in ends.

The visual effect of this construction is a stylized Christmas tree sitting at the center of each granny square, surrounded by a solid color border. When the squares are joined together, the trees repeat across the fabric in a charming, regular pattern that reads as a clearly intentional holiday design rather than a random motif.

How Many Squares Do You Need?

The number of squares varies by size and section of the cardigan. Here is a breakdown to help you plan your yarn quantities and your making sessions.

For the XS, you will make approximately 48 squares in total, distributed as follows: 20 for the back panel, 10 for each front panel, and 4 for each sleeve.

For the S, plan on approximately 54 squares: 22 for the back, 11 for each front, and 5 for each sleeve.

For the M, you will need approximately 60 squares: 24 for the back, 12 for each front, and 6 for each sleeve.

For the L, plan on approximately 66 squares: 26 for the back, 13 for each front, and 7 for each sleeve.

For the XL, you will need approximately 72 squares: 28 for the back, 14 for each front, and 8 for each sleeve.

For the 2XL, plan on approximately 80 squares: 30 for the back, 15 for each front, and 10 for each sleeve.

These numbers are approximations and may vary slightly depending on your gauge and how many half-motifs you incorporate for shoulder shaping.

Joining the Squares

There are several methods for joining granny squares, and the one you choose will affect both the look and the drape of your finished cardigan. For this project, the flat slip stitch join is highly recommended because it creates a subtle, raised ridge on the right side of the fabric that gives the cardigan a lovely handcrafted texture without being too bulky.

To work the flat slip stitch join, hold two squares with right sides facing each other. Insert your hook through the back loops of the outermost stitches of both squares simultaneously and work a slip stitch. Continue across the entire edge, joining stitch by stitch. When you reach a corner, join through the corner chain spaces.

If you prefer an invisible join with no ridge at all, the flat invisible join worked with a yarn needle is another beautiful option. If you want the join to be a design element, a contrasting color single crochet join creates a visible line between each square that can look stunning, especially in a metallic gold or bright red.

Assemble the panels flat first, then seam the panels together to form the body of the cardigan. Leave the front opening un-seamed, as this will be finished with your button band.

Constructing the Sleeves

The sleeves are two rectangular panels, each made from the appropriate number of squares for your size. Once the squares are joined into a rectangular panel, fold the panel in half lengthwise and seam the long edge to create a tube. This tube is then attached to the body panel at the armhole opening.

For a more fitted sleeve, you can decrease the width of each sleeve square row as you work down toward the cuff, using half-granny motifs to create a gradual taper. For a relaxed, batwing-style sleeve, leave the sleeve as a consistent width and enjoy the effortless, cozy silhouette.

The sleeve length for this pattern is designed to hit at the wrist on most arm lengths. If you need a shorter or longer sleeve, simply add or remove a row of squares from your sleeve panel before seaming.

The Button Band and Finishing

The button band is what elevates this cardigan from a collection of squares to a polished, wearable garment. It is worked in single crochet rows along both front edges and the neckline, creating a neat, flat border that frames the entire piece.

Using your third accent color or your MC, join yarn at the bottom right front edge. Work a row of single crochets evenly up the right front edge, around the neckline, and down the left front edge. Turn and work back across. Repeat for two or three rows total, depending on how wide you want the band.

On the right front band (for right-handed wearers), work a row of evenly spaced button loops on your second or third row. To make a button loop, chain 3 and skip 2 stitches, then continue in single crochet. Space your loops evenly, starting about 2cm from the top and bottom of the band with equal intervals between.

Once the button band is complete, sew your buttons to the corresponding positions on the left front band. Choose buttons that complement your yarn colors — wooden buttons look gorgeous with natural tones, metal shank buttons add a sophisticated touch, and novelty Christmas buttons (think Christmas trees, snowflakes, or little ornaments) lean into the festive theme with delight.

Block your finished cardigan gently by soaking it in cool water, pressing out excess water with a clean towel, and laying it flat to dry in the correct measurements. Blocking will even out any inconsistencies between squares and give the entire garment a beautifully professional finish.

Tips for Success

Working in consistent light is a simple but underrated tip. Granny squares have lots of texture, and it can be easy to accidentally split your yarn or miss a stitch when working under dim conditions.

Keep a small notebook of your square count as you go. There is nothing more frustrating than losing track halfway through and needing to count everything again.

Make all your squares before joining. It can be tempting to start joining too early, but finishing all your motifs first gives you the flexibility to lay them all out, play with the arrangement, and ensure you are happy with the layout before committing to any seaming.

If you are new to garment making, consider joining a crochet-along community or sharing your progress on social media with the hashtag for this pattern. Seeing others’ progress and color choices is endlessly inspiring, and the community is always wonderfully encouraging.

Download the Full PDF Pattern

The complete Granny Square Tree Cardigan pattern is available as an instant download PDF. The PDF includes a full written pattern for all six sizes (XS through 2XL), a stitch diagram for the Christmas tree granny square, a schematic of the finished measurements for each size, tips on yarn substitutions, and step-by-step assembly photos.

The pattern PDF is formatted for printing at home and designed to be easy to follow whether you are working at your desk or settled into your favorite chair with a cup of tea. Every step is written out clearly, with notes to help you adjust for different yarn weights or hook sizes if needed.

Whether you are making this cardigan as a gift for someone who loves all things handmade or treating yourself to the coziest holiday layer in your wardrobe, this pattern is one you will come back to year after year. The joy of wearing something you made yourself, especially something this festive and beautiful, never gets old.

Grab your yarn, choose your colors, and get ready to make the most wonderful thing in your holiday wardrobe. Happy crocheting!