Easy Crochet Cardigan Pattern PDF | Summer Tie Front Shrug

There is something deeply satisfying about wrapping yourself in something you made with your own hands. A handmade cardigan carries a kind of warmth that goes beyond the yarn itself — it tells a story of patience, creativity, and skill. If you have been looking for a crochet project that feels approachable enough for a confident beginner but stylish enough to wear out into the world, this summer tie front shrug pattern is exactly what you need. Lightweight, breezy, and endlessly versatile, this cardigan will quickly become one of your most-reached-for pieces all season long.

Whether you are brand new to garment crochet or you have made a few sweaters before, this post will walk you through everything you need to know — the materials, the stitches, the sizing, and step-by-step instructions so you can get started today. A downloadable PDF version of this pattern is also available so you can take it with you wherever you crochet best, whether that is your favorite chair, the backyard, or a quiet coffee shop on a slow afternoon.

Why You Will Love This Summer Tie Front Shrug

Before we get into the pattern itself, let us talk about why this particular design has become such a favorite among crochet lovers of all skill levels.

First, the construction is refreshingly simple. Unlike structured cardigans that require you to work multiple separate panels, seam everything together, and then pick up stitches for bands and collars, this shrug is worked in a way that minimizes finishing. The result is a garment that comes together quickly and actually looks finished without a lot of effort.

Second, the tie front detail is one of those design elements that makes something feel intentional and put together. A simple tie closure transforms what could be a basic rectangle into a bohemian, beach-ready coverup that looks great over a sundress, a flowy tank, or even a simple bikini top. You can tie it loosely for a casual, relaxed fit or bring the ties together more snugly for a slightly more defined waist.

Third, this pattern uses a breathable summer-weight yarn, which means it is genuinely comfortable to wear in warm weather. So many crochet garments feel too heavy for summer, but this shrug is designed specifically for the season. It moves with you, drapes beautifully, and never feels stiff or scratchy.

Finally, the pattern is written clearly with explanations at every step, so you do not have to guess what comes next or search for tutorial videos to decode confusing abbreviations. This is a pattern you can actually sit down and follow.

Materials You Will Need

To make this summer tie front shrug, you will need the following:

Yarn: Approximately 400 to 600 yards of a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn, depending on your size. Cotton yarn is ideal for summer garments because it is breathable, washable, and holds its shape well over time. Some beautiful options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, or any DK or light worsted weight cotton yarn you already have in your stash.

Hook: A US size J (6mm) crochet hook is recommended for this pattern. If your swatch is coming out tighter than gauge, go up a hook size. If it is looser, go down. Do not skip the gauge swatch — getting gauge right on a garment makes a real difference in how it fits.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers to help you track your pattern repeats and row counts.

Optional: Buttons or decorative charms if you want to add a little extra personality to the finished piece, though the pattern is designed to be worn with just the tie closure.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge: 13 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in the main stitch pattern using a 6mm hook. Always check your gauge before starting a garment pattern. It is the most important step you can take to ensure your finished piece matches the measurements listed here.

Sizes Available: This pattern is written to fit sizes XS through 3X. The finished measurements are given for each size so you can choose the one that will give you the fit and coverage you prefer. For a shrug, many people prefer to size up by one size to get a more relaxed, draped look.

Finished Bust Measurements:
XS: 32 inches
S: 36 inches
M: 40 inches
L: 44 inches
XL: 48 inches
2X: 52 inches
3X: 56 inches

The shrug is designed with positive ease, meaning the finished garment is slightly larger than your actual measurements. This gives it that easy, flowing drape that makes it so comfortable to wear.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

This pattern uses only a handful of basic crochet stitches, which is part of what makes it so accessible. Here is a quick reference guide:

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sk — skip
sp — space
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

The main stitch pattern used in the body of the shrug is a simple combination of double crochet and chain spaces that creates an open, lacy fabric with excellent drape. It is not a complicated stitch pattern, but it looks far more intricate than it is — exactly the kind of stitch that makes people ask if you bought your cardigan at a boutique.

Pattern Notes Before You Begin

This shrug is worked flat in two main panels that are then seamed along the sides and underarms. The tie front is created by leaving the front edges unjoined at the center and working a simple chain tie at each corner. This means there is very little shaping involved — the structure of the garment comes almost entirely from how the panels are assembled.

Read through the entire pattern before you cast on. This is always good advice, but it is especially useful here because understanding how the pieces connect will help you see what you are working toward at every step.

Turn your work at the end of every row unless otherwise specified.

Chain three at the beginning of each row counts as the first double crochet throughout this pattern.

The Pattern

Step One: Foundation Chain

Begin by chaining a foundation that will form the back width of your shrug. For a size medium, chain 66. Refer to the size chart in your PDF download for the exact foundation chain count for your size.

Step Two: The Back Panel

Row 1 (RS): Work 1 dc into the 4th chain from the hook, then dc across to the end of the chain. You should have 63 dc total for size medium. Chain 3, turn.

Row 2: Dc in each stitch across. Chain 3, turn.

Rows 3 and 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5 (Begin Lace Pattern): Dc in first stitch, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next stitch, repeat from to across until the last stitch, dc in last stitch. Chain 3, turn.

Row 6: Dc in first stitch, ch 1, dc into the ch-1 sp from previous row, repeat across, ending with dc in the top of the turning chain. Chain 3, turn.

Rows 7 through 24: Repeat Row 6. This creates the main lacy body of the shrug.

Rows 25 through 28: Return to working plain double crochet across, same as Rows 1 through 4.

Fasten off at the end of Row 28 for the back panel. Set aside.

Step Three: The Front Panels

You will work two front panels that mirror each other. Each front panel is approximately half the width of the back panel.

For size medium, chain 34.

Row 1 (RS): Work 1 dc into the 4th chain from the hook, dc across. Chain 3, turn. (31 dc total)

Row 2 through 4: Dc across. Chain 3, turn.

Row 5: Begin the same lace pattern as the back — dc in first st, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next, repeat across, dc in last st. Chain 3, turn.

Rows 6 through 24: Continue in lace pattern as established.

Rows 25 through 28: Work in plain dc across.

Fasten off. Make a second front panel to match.

Step Four: Seaming the Panels

Lay your back panel flat with the right side facing up. Place the two front panels on either side of the back panel, right sides facing each other, aligning the edges.

Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, seam the shoulder edges together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Leave the center back of the shoulder open — this is where your neck opening will be. For size medium, leave approximately 10 inches open at the center back.

Next, fold the joined piece in half at the shoulder seam. Line up the side edges. Starting at the bottom hem, seam up the sides, stopping approximately 8 to 9 inches from the top edge to leave armhole openings.

Try the shrug on at this point to confirm that the armholes are comfortable and the overall fit works for you before continuing.

Step Five: Finishing the Edges

Using your hook and yarn, work a single row of single crochet around the entire outer edge of the shrug — both front edges, the bottom hem, and the neckline. This creates a clean, polished border that ties the whole piece together visually. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Repeat the single crochet border around each armhole opening.

Step Six: The Tie Front

The tie front is the finishing touch that gives this shrug its signature look. For each tie, attach your yarn at the bottom front corner of one of the front panels, chain 60 to 80 depending on how long you want your ties, then work a row of single crochet back along the chain for a neat, structured tie. Fasten off and repeat for the second side.

These ties can be left as is for a simple, streamlined look, or you can add a small tassel or decorative bead to the end of each tie for extra flair. To wear, simply pull the two ties around to the front and tie them in a bow or a loose knot at whatever height feels right to you.

Tips for Getting a Great Result

Use a yarn with a little drape. 100% cotton has gorgeous stitch definition but can sometimes feel stiff, especially in a lace pattern. If you want maximum drape, look for a cotton-linen blend or a cotton-bamboo blend. These fibers are still breathable and washable but they hang beautifully and have a slight sheen that elevates the finished look.

Block your finished shrug. Blocking is the process of wetting your finished piece, gently shaping it to the correct measurements, pinning it in place, and letting it dry. It makes an enormous difference on lacy stitch patterns like the one used here — the stitches open up, the fabric becomes softer and more even, and the whole piece looks professionally made. For cotton yarn, you can either wet block or steam block.

Weave in your ends as you go rather than saving them all for the end. Crochet garments tend to accumulate a lot of yarn tails, especially if you join new skeins in the middle of a panel, and working on them incrementally makes the finishing process much less overwhelming.

If you are new to crochet garments, do not be discouraged if your first attempt is not perfect. Garment making has a learning curve, and every project teaches you something new. The most important thing is to swatch, check your gauge, and give yourself permission to rip back and adjust if something is not working.

How to Wear Your Summer Tie Front Shrug

This shrug is one of those pieces that works in so many different contexts, which is part of why it has become such a beloved summer staple.

Over a sundress, it adds a layer of coverage without making you feel too warm. It is perfect for evenings outdoors when the temperature drops slightly but you do not want to reach for a heavy jacket. Over a swimsuit or bikini top, it makes a gorgeous beach coverup that transitions seamlessly from the sand to lunch at a waterfront restaurant. With high-waisted linen pants and a tucked-in tank, it becomes a bohemian, festival-ready outfit.

The tie front detail allows you to customize the look in the moment — tie it high and tight for a more cropped silhouette, or leave the ties loose and flowing for an effortlessly casual vibe. You can tie it at the back as well for a completely different look that shows off the full drape of the front panels.

Download the PDF Pattern

The full pattern, including all sizes from XS to 3X, detailed stitch diagrams, step-by-step photos, and a printable stitch guide, is available as a downloadable PDF. Having the PDF means you can print it out and take it to your next crochet night, keep it on your tablet without needing an internet connection, or save it to your pattern library for future projects.

Once you download the pattern, you are free to make as many cardigans as you like for yourself, for gifts, or for personal use. Please do not resell or redistribute the PDF itself — but the finished items? Make as many as you want, gift them freely, and wear them with pride.

A Few Final Thoughts

There is a reason garment crochet has experienced such a resurgence in recent years. In a world full of fast fashion and disposable clothing, there is something countercultural and quietly radical about spending a few evenings making something you will actually wear for years. This summer tie front shrug is not a complicated project, but it is a meaningful one — a piece of wearable craft that represents your time, your creativity, and your care.

Whether you are making it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, we hope this pattern brings you joy from the first chain to the last fastened end. Happy crocheting.