Free Pattern For Crochet Cardigan: Peek A Boo Cardigan
There is something undeniably special about slipping on a handmade cardigan — one that you stitched yourself, row by row, with yarn you chose and hands that learned every stitch. The Peek A Boo Cardigan is exactly that kind of project. It has become a favorite among crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels because it combines wearable structure with an airy, playful design that feels as good as it looks. Whether you are building your cardigan collection or making your very first wearable garment, this free crochet cardigan pattern is the perfect place to start.
In this post, you will find everything you need to make your own Peek A Boo Cardigan from start to finish — materials, sizing, stitch guide, and full written instructions. Bookmark this page, grab your hook, and let’s get started.
What Is the Peek A Boo Cardigan?
The Peek A Boo Cardigan gets its charming name from the lacy, open stitch work that runs through the body of the garment. The design features strategically placed mesh or shell-style stitch sections that create a “peeking” effect — little windows of skin or layering clothing visible beneath the crochet fabric. The result is a lightweight, breathable cardigan that works beautifully over a tank top in summer or layered over a long-sleeve shirt in transitional weather.
What makes this pattern stand out from other free crochet cardigan patterns is its versatility. The silhouette is relaxed and oversized enough to feel effortless, but the stitch detail elevates it beyond a basic beginner project. You will learn how to work increases for shaping, how to join panels, and how the repetition of a simple stitch pattern can create something that looks far more complex than it actually is.
Materials You Will Need
Before diving into the pattern, gather your supplies. Having everything ready before you begin will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Yarn: You will need approximately 800 to 1,200 yards of worsted weight yarn (size 4), depending on your chosen size. For the Peek A Boo Cardigan, a light, drapey yarn works best. Cotton blends, bamboo blends, or soft acrylic yarns in cotton-weight worsted are ideal because they allow the open stitch work to flow naturally rather than puffing up. Look for yarn with good stitch definition so the peek-a-boo sections really shine. Some popular choices are Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, WeCrochet CotLin, or Paintbox Simply DK held double for a worsted-weight equivalent.
Hook: A 5.0mm (H/8) or 5.5mm (I/9) crochet hook is recommended. The larger hook helps keep the open stitches airy rather than tight. Check your gauge swatch before beginning.
Notions: You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (at least four), and a measuring tape. Optional but helpful: blocking mats and pins if you want a polished, professional finish.
Sizing and Measurements
This pattern is written to be size-inclusive with modifications included throughout. The sizes below correspond to finished garment measurements, not body measurements. This cardigan is designed to be worn with approximately 6 to 10 inches of positive ease, meaning you should choose a size that is larger than your actual bust measurement to achieve the intended relaxed fit.
Sizes: XS/S | M/L | XL/2X | 3X/4X
Finished Bust (closed): 38″ | 46″ | 54″ | 62″
Finished Length (shoulder to hem): 24″ | 25″ | 26″ | 27″
Sleeve Length: 16″ | 17″ | 18″ | 18″ (adjustable)
If you want a cropped version, simply stop working the body length a few inches earlier than instructed. For a longer duster-style cardigan, continue adding rows until you reach your desired length before beginning the border.
Gauge
Gauge is important for wearable garments, especially when you want the fit to be consistent with the written measurements. Take the time to make a gauge swatch before starting the main project.
Gauge: 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet using recommended hook and yarn.
If your swatch has more stitches per inch, go up a hook size. If it has fewer stitches per inch, go down a hook size. Adjust until your gauge matches, then proceed with the pattern.
Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
Throughout this pattern, the following abbreviations are used:
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
ch-sp — chain space
sk — skip
rep — repeat
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
pm — place marker
BLO — back loop only
Peek A Boo Stitch Pattern (used for open sections):
Row 1 (RS): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), sk 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st; rep from across, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first ch-sp, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-sp; rep from to end, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.
These two rows create the signature peek-a-boo mesh effect. The open row creates the little windows, and the closed row provides structure and stability.
Pattern Instructions
Panel Construction Overview
The Peek A Boo Cardigan is worked in flat panels that are seamed together. You will make the following pieces: one back panel, two front panels (left and right), and two sleeves. The panels are then seamed at the shoulders and sides, and sleeves are attached. A simple border is worked around the entire finished garment for a clean, polished edge.
This construction method is beginner-friendly because you never have to work in the round for the main body, and the seaming process is straightforward using a yarn needle or slip stitch join.
Back Panel
Foundation Chain: Ch 67 (79, 91, 103). This should measure approximately 19″ (23″, 26″, 29″) across.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — 65 (77, 89, 101) dc
Rows 2–4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st across, turn.
Row 5 (Peek A Boo Row): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), sk 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st; rep from across, turn.
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in first ch-sp, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-sp; rep from to end, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.
Rows 7–10: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn.
Rows 11–12: Repeat Rows 5–6 (Peek A Boo section).
Continue in this established pattern (4 rows of solid dc, followed by 2 rows of Peek A Boo stitch) until the back panel measures approximately 14″ (15″, 15.5″, 16″) from the foundation chain, ending with a solid dc row.
Armhole Shaping:
At the beginning of the next two rows, sl st across the first 6 (8, 10, 12) sts, then continue working in the established stitch pattern across the remaining stitches. This creates the armhole notch. Work even on the remaining stitches until the armhole measures 9″ (9.5″, 10″, 10.5″) from the start of shaping.
Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Right Front Panel
Foundation Chain: Ch 35 (41, 47, 53). This should measure approximately 10″ (12″, 13.5″, 15″) across.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — 33 (39, 45, 51) dc
Work in the same established pattern as the back panel (alternating solid dc rows and Peek A Boo rows) until the right front panel measures the same length as the back panel to the armhole (14″, 15″, 15.5″, or 16″).
Armhole Shaping (side edge):
On the row where you begin armhole shaping, sl st across the first 6 (8, 10, 12) sts at the side edge (not the front opening edge), then continue in pattern. Work even until armhole measures the same depth as the back panel.
Neck Shaping:
When the armhole is complete, you will shape the neckline on the front edge. At the beginning of the next RS row (front opening edge), sl st across the first 8 (10, 12, 14) sts, then work in pattern to the end. On the following rows, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 4 times by working the first 2 sts together (dc2tog). Work even until shoulder measures 2″ from the beginning of neck shaping. Fasten off.
Left Front Panel
Work the same as the Right Front Panel, reversing the shaping. The armhole shaping happens at the opposite edge, and the neck shaping is worked at the front opening edge in mirror image. Because the pattern is symmetrical, you can simply work the left front panel in the same order of rows and note that when you flip it over, it becomes the mirror of the right panel.
Sleeves (Make Two)
Foundation Chain: Ch 33 (37, 41, 45).
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — 31 (35, 39, 43) dc
Work in the established Peek A Boo pattern (4 rows solid dc, 2 rows Peek A Boo, repeat) for 4 rows.
Sleeve Increases:
Beginning on Row 5, work increases to shape the sleeve. On every 4th row, add 1 dc at each end of the row by working 2 dc into the first and last st. Continue increases until you have 47 (53, 59, 65) dc, then work even until sleeve measures 16″ (17″, 18″, 18″) from the foundation chain, or your desired length.
Sleeve Cap:
At the beginning of the next two rows, sl st across 6 (8, 10, 12) sts, then work to the end of the row. Decrease 1 st at each end of every row 6 (7, 8, 9) times. Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Assembly
Lay your pieces out on a flat surface and use stitch markers or pins to hold them in place before seaming.
Shoulder Seams: Using a yarn needle and your yarn, whip stitch or mattress stitch the shoulder seams of the front panels to the back panel on both sides, matching the stitch counts as evenly as possible.
Side Seams: Seam the sides of the front and back panels together, leaving the armhole opening unseamed.
Sleeve Attachment: Pin the sleeve cap into the armhole opening, easing any extra fabric around the curve. Seam in place using a whip stitch or sl st join worked through both layers on the WS.
Weave in all ends thoroughly before proceeding to the border.
Border
The border brings the whole cardigan together and gives it that finished, intentional look.
Round 1: Starting at the bottom right corner of the right front panel with the RS facing, join yarn with a sl st. Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the cardigan, including up the right front, around the back of the neck, and down the left front, and along the hem. Work 3 sc in each corner to allow the corners to lie flat. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next 2 sts; rep from around the front edges and neck for a lacy border effect. Along the hem, work dc in each st for a more solid finish. Join with a sl st.
Round 3: Sc in each st and each ch-sp around. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
For the sleeve cuffs, join yarn at the seam and work 2 rounds of sc, then 1 round of the Peek A Boo mesh row, and finish with 1 round of sc. This ties the sleeve finish into the overall design.
Finishing Touches
Once your border is complete, weave in any remaining ends and give your cardigan a good blocking. Wet blocking is especially effective for cotton or cotton-blend yarns. Soak the finished cardigan in cool water for 15 to 20 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess water (do not wring), then lay flat on blocking mats and pin to the finished measurements. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
Blocking opens up the Peek A Boo stitch sections beautifully and allows the drape of the fabric to relax into its full, flowing character. It also evens out any inconsistencies in tension, which is completely normal and nothing to stress over.
Tips for Customizing Your Peek A Boo Cardigan
One of the best things about this pattern is how easily it can be adapted to suit your personal style.
Color choices make a significant impact. A rich jewel tone like emerald or burgundy gives the cardigan a luxe, sophisticated feel. Neutral sand, cream, or oatmeal tones keep it casual and versatile. For something playful, try a soft variegated yarn that pools gently through the stitch work.
Stitch substitutions are also possible if you want a different kind of openwork. You can swap the Peek A Boo rows for a shell stitch, a V-stitch sequence, or a simple mesh of chains and double crochets. The structure of the pattern accommodates these swaps as long as you maintain your stitch count.
Length adjustments are easy to make. To turn this into a cropped cardigan, reduce the body length to 14 to 16 inches total before working the armhole shaping. To create a flowing duster, simply add more rows to the body before shaping, adding approximately 4 to 5 inches to the total yarn requirement for each additional 4 inches of length.
You can also add pockets by working a simple rectangle in solid double crochet and sewing them onto the front panels at whatever height suits you best.
Why You Will Love Making This Pattern
The Peek A Boo Cardigan is one of those rare patterns that feels like a treat to work on. Because the stitch repeat is simple and memorable, you will quickly find yourself working it without needing to glance at the instructions. The rhythm of the rows is calming, the progress is visible, and the finished result is genuinely impressive.
It also photographs beautifully, which is a bonus if you enjoy sharing your finished objects on Instagram or Pinterest. The open stitch sections catch light in a way that makes the fabric look more intricate than the simple technique behind it.
Most importantly, it is deeply wearable. This is not a cardigan that will sit folded in a drawer. It is the kind of piece you will reach for again and again — thrown over pajamas on a slow morning, layered over a sundress for a farmers market run, or worn to work over a simple blouse. The Peek A Boo Cardigan earns its place in your handmade wardrobe.
Sharing Your Finished Cardigan
If you make this cardigan, I would love to see it. Share your finished object using the hashtag #PeekABooCrochetCardigan so others can find your work and be inspired by your color choices and modifications. There is nothing more encouraging for a crochet community than seeing the same pattern interpreted in a dozen different ways.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch of your Peek A Boo Cardigan.
