How to Make a Granny Square Cardigan — The Sunlight Cardigan by Bethany Lynne Makes

There is something deeply satisfying about turning a pile of colorful yarn into a wearable piece of art, and the Sunlight Cardigan by Bethany Lynne Makes does exactly that. This granny square cardigan has captured the hearts of crochet enthusiasts around the world, and for good reason. It combines the nostalgic charm of traditional granny squares with a modern, wearable silhouette that works for so many body types and personal styles. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for your next big project or someone who has mastered the basic granny square and wants to take things to the next level, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create your very own Sunlight Cardigan.

What Is the Sunlight Cardigan?

The Sunlight Cardigan is a pattern by Bethany Lynne Makes, a beloved crochet designer known for her approachable tutorials and beautifully wearable designs. The pattern centers around constructing a cardigan entirely from granny squares, which are then joined together and finished with borders and edging to create a cohesive, polished garment. The result is a cozy, oversized cardigan that has a boho aesthetic and a handmade quality that no fast fashion piece could replicate.

What makes this pattern so popular is how it manages to feel both beginner-friendly and creatively rich. Because you are working square by square rather than shaping an entire garment from the start, the project feels manageable and rewarding. You can work on it in small sessions, completing one or two squares at a time, and watch the cardigan come together piece by piece. It is the kind of project that keeps you coming back to your crochet hook day after day.

The cardigan itself features an open, relaxed fit with long sleeves, a straight hem, and an open front that can be worn loose or styled with a belt or brooch. It tends to have a slightly oversized, vintage-inspired look that pairs well with jeans, flowy skirts, or layered over summer dresses as the weather cools down.

Supplies You Will Need

Before you dive into the project, gathering the right materials makes the process much smoother. Here is a general overview of what you will need, though you should always consult the official Bethany Lynne Makes pattern for the most accurate and up-to-date supply list.

Yarn. The Sunlight Cardigan is typically made with a worsted weight or DK weight yarn, depending on the version of the pattern you are working from. Bethany Lynne often uses a soft, drapey yarn that gives the finished cardigan a lovely flow. You will want to choose yarn with some drape rather than a stiff or bulky fiber, as this ensures the cardigan hangs beautifully and does not feel too heavy to wear. Cotton or cotton-blend yarns are popular choices, especially for warmer months, while a wool blend works wonderfully for a cozy autumn or winter version.

Color selection is one of the most exciting parts of this project. You can go with a classic multicolor granny square look, choosing a bold mix of colors for the squares with a neutral for the joining. Or you can take a more modern, tonal approach by working in shades of the same color family for a sophisticated, cohesive look. Many makers choose a single solid color for a minimalist aesthetic that still has gorgeous texture. There is truly no wrong approach here.

Crochet hook. The hook size will depend on your yarn weight and your personal tension. Always check the gauge section of the pattern carefully and make a swatch before beginning. Getting gauge right in a garment pattern is not optional if you want your cardigan to fit properly, so take the time to swatch and adjust your hook size if needed.

Scissors and a tapestry needle. You will need these for weaving in ends and assembling the squares. With a granny square project, weaving in ends is one of the more time-consuming parts of the process, so some makers prefer to carry yarn colors when possible or work over their tails to minimize finishing work.

Stitch markers. These are helpful for keeping track of your rounds, especially when working the border and edging sections.

Measuring tape. Essential for checking your gauge and measuring your squares to ensure consistency throughout the project.

Understanding the Granny Square Construction

The foundation of the Sunlight Cardigan is, of course, the granny square. If you are new to granny squares, they are worked in the round from the center out, typically starting with a magic ring or a chain loop. Each round adds clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces, creating the iconic lacy grid pattern that defines the granny square aesthetic.

Bethany Lynne’s version of the granny square for the Sunlight Cardigan may have some specific construction details that differ from a basic granny square, so follow her tutorial carefully. She is known for her clear, step-by-step video tutorials that walk you through every stitch, which is a huge help if you are visual learner or if any part of the written pattern feels confusing.

A few tips for making consistent granny squares:

Work slowly and count your stitches and chain spaces at the end of each round. An extra chain or a missed double crochet cluster can throw off the symmetry of your square and make it difficult to join evenly later.

Use a consistent starting technique for every square. Whether you prefer a magic ring or a starting chain loop, pick one method and stick with it throughout the project for the most consistent results.

Block your squares before joining them. Blocking — which involves wetting the squares, shaping them into perfect squares, and allowing them to dry flat — makes an enormous difference in how neat and even your finished cardigan looks. It is worth the extra time and effort.

How Many Squares Do You Need?

The number of squares you need will depend on the size you are making. The Sunlight Cardigan pattern comes in multiple sizes, and Bethany Lynne provides detailed size charts and layout diagrams so you know exactly how many squares to make and how they are arranged to form the body and sleeves of the cardigan.

As a general idea, most adult sizes of granny square cardigans require somewhere between 30 and 60 or more squares, depending on the size of the squares and the size of the garment. This is why many crocheters love to treat this as a long-term project, making a few squares here and there over several weeks before eventually joining them all together. It makes the project feel less overwhelming and gives you a wonderful sense of accumulation as your stack of finished squares grows.

Joining the Squares

Once your squares are made and blocked, the joining stage begins. There are several methods for joining granny squares, and the one used in the Sunlight Cardigan pattern will affect the look of the finished seams. Common joining methods include the flat slip stitch join, the join as you go method, and the joining with single crochet method, each of which creates a slightly different visual effect.

Bethany Lynne typically provides a preferred method for her pattern, and her tutorial videos walk through the joining process in detail. The key to a beautiful join is keeping your tension consistent throughout and making sure each square is oriented correctly before you attach it to its neighbor.

A layout diagram is your best friend during this stage. Pin your squares out on a flat surface according to the diagram before you start joining, so you can see the big picture and make sure everything is positioned correctly. It is much easier to rearrange squares before they are joined than to undo work later.

Constructing the Body and Sleeves

The magic of granny square garments is how the flat squares come together to form a three-dimensional piece of clothing. In the Sunlight Cardigan, the body of the cardigan is typically formed by joining squares in a grid, then folding and seaming to create the shoulder seams and side seams. The sleeves are made by joining a separate grid of squares and then attaching them to the armhole openings of the body.

Following the layout diagram precisely is crucial here. Bethany Lynne’s pattern includes detailed instructions for exactly how to arrange the squares for each size, and deviating from that layout can result in a cardigan that does not hang or fit the way it should.

Once the main structure is assembled, you will likely work one or more rounds of edging around the entire garment — the hem, the front opening, the neckline, and the cuffs. This edging is what gives the Sunlight Cardigan its polished, finished look and helps everything lie flat and neat. It is also an opportunity to add a pop of a contrast color or to keep things cohesive with the same yarn you used throughout.

Tips for Getting the Best Fit

Garment making in crochet involves more planning than making a blanket or a hat, so here are a few extra thoughts on getting a great fit from your Sunlight Cardigan.

Always check your gauge, and if your gauge is off, adjust your hook size rather than trying to make the pattern math work around the wrong gauge. A swatch that is too small means your finished cardigan will be too small, and vice versa.

Read through the entire pattern before you begin. This sounds like standard advice, but it is especially valuable for a garment project. Understanding the full scope of the construction before you start means you are less likely to be surprised by a step mid-project and more likely to make smart decisions about color placement and square layout early on.

Consider your body measurements carefully and choose a size based on your actual measurements rather than the size label. Crochet garment sizing can vary between designers, and Bethany Lynne typically provides finished garment measurements alongside the size chart so you can compare them to your own measurements and decide how much ease you want in the finished piece.

If this is your first garment project, it is worth making a wearable muslin of sorts — that is, making a few test squares in a cheap yarn first to practice your tension and the joining method before committing to your good yarn.

Color Inspiration for Your Sunlight Cardigan

The color choices you make will completely transform the mood of your cardigan, and this is one of the most personal and creative aspects of the whole project.

A classic colorful granny square palette — think bold jewel tones or vintage earth tones with a cream or off-white joining color — gives a very boho, nostalgic feel that looks incredible in outdoor photos and pairs beautifully with neutral clothing. If you love a maximalist aesthetic, lean into as many colors as possible and enjoy the joyful, eclectic result.

A tonal palette — for example, five or six shades of terracotta ranging from pale blush to deep rust — creates a stunning ombré effect that feels both modern and artisanal. This approach is particularly popular with makers who want their cardigan to feel sophisticated and wearable with a wider range of outfits.

A monochromatic cardigan made entirely in one color showcases the texture of the granny squares beautifully and has a quiet, elegant appeal. Soft neutrals like cream, oatmeal, sage green, or dusty blue are perennially popular for this approach.

Many makers find inspiration for their color palettes in nature, artwork, film, or their existing wardrobe. It can help to pull together a handful of yarn options and photograph them together in natural light before committing, so you can see how the colors interact and whether the palette feels balanced.

The Finishing Touches

Once the cardigan is assembled and the edging is complete, the finishing touches make all the difference. Weaving in all your ends neatly and securely is essential for the longevity of the garment, especially at the seams and corners of the squares where multiple strands tend to congregate.

Wet blocking the finished cardigan is highly recommended. This step evens out any remaining tension inconsistencies, opens up the lace structure of the squares, and helps the garment drape beautifully. Lay your cardigan flat on a blocking mat, shape it to the correct measurements, pin if needed, and allow it to dry completely before wearing.

Photographing your finished make is a lovely way to celebrate your hard work, and sharing it in the Bethany Lynne Makes community or tagging her on social media is a wonderful way to connect with other makers who love this pattern as much as you do.

Where to Find the Official Pattern

The Sunlight Cardigan pattern by Bethany Lynne Makes is available through her official channels, which include her website and her Ravelry or Etsy shops depending on where she has listed it. The pattern comes with detailed written instructions, size charts, layout diagrams, and often links to companion video tutorials that walk you through each stage of the construction. Bethany Lynne’s teaching style is warm and clear, and her tutorials are excellent for visual learners.

If you want to see the cardigan in action before you start, her YouTube channel and social media pages are full of process content and finished examples in a range of colors and sizes, which can be a wonderful source of inspiration as you plan your own version.

Final Thoughts

The Sunlight Cardigan by Bethany Lynne Makes is one of those patterns that has earned its beloved reputation many times over. It is the kind of project that teaches you patience and precision, rewards you with a wearable heirloom, and connects you with a vibrant community of makers who are passionate about the same craft. Whether you work through it slowly over several months or throw yourself into an intensive granny square session, the moment you slip on a finished Sunlight Cardigan you have made with your own hands is one of the most satisfying feelings in all of crochet.

Take your time with the squares. Enjoy the process of choosing your colors. Block carefully. And above all, have fun — because that joyfulness comes through in every stitch, and it is exactly what makes a handmade garment so special.