Snowflake Batwing Cardigan Crochet Pattern

If you love crochet garments that look impressive made from simple repeating pieces, the Snowflake Batwing Cardigan is such a fun project to make.

This cardigan is created using lace motifs that resemble snowflakes, joined together to form a dramatic batwing shape. The result is a lightweight crochet cardigan with lots of movement, beautiful drape and an eye catching lace texture.

The pattern is written in US crochet terminology and is best suited to an intermediate crocheter.

A Crochet Cardigan Made From Snowflake Motifs

The main feature of this cardigan is the repeating snowflake style motif.

Each motif measures approximately 9 inches across, and the different cardigan sizes are created by changing the number of motifs used rather than changing the individual motif itself.

This makes the construction quite interesting because once you are comfortable making the motif, much of the project becomes a rhythmic repeat.

The motifs are joined using the Join As You Go method, often shortened to JAYG. Instead of completing every motif separately and sewing them together later, you begin joining each new motif while working its final round.

This helps reduce the number of ends to sew in and allows the cardigan to take shape as you crochet.

The Batwing Construction

One of my favourite things about this cardigan is the shape.

Rather than making traditional fitted sleeves and separate body panels, the motifs create a wide batwing silhouette that flows from the body into the sleeves.

The main cardigan section starts with one motif, then additional motifs are added and joined as you go.

Semi motifs are later used to straighten and shape the upper section around the neckline.

The sides are then joined to form the front, back and sleeves before the cardigan band is added around the opening.

This construction gives the cardigan its relaxed drape while allowing the lace pattern to remain the main focus.

Yarn for the Snowflake Batwing Cardigan

You can use any DK weight yarn in colours of your choice.

The prototype was made using two strands of #2 weight yarn held together to create the equivalent of a #3 DK weight yarn.

This gives you lots of possibilities when choosing yarn.

You could use one DK yarn throughout, hold two lighter yarns together, create a gradient effect like the sample, or use leftover coordinating colours for a more colourful version.

Estimated Yardage

You will need approximately:

Small: 700 yards

Medium: 900 yards

Large: 1100 yards

The pattern uses a 5 mm crochet hook, although you should adjust your hook size if needed to obtain the correct motif measurement.

You will also need stitch markers.

Sizes

The Snowflake Batwing Cardigan is available in three size groups:

Small: Fits approximately 30 to 38 inch bust

Medium: Fits approximately 42 to 50 inch bust

Large: Fits approximately 54 to 62 inch bust

Finished bust measurements are approximately:

Small: 40 inches

Medium: 52 inches

Large: 60 inches

The finished cardigan length is approximately 20 inches.

The sample shown is a Medium and is worn with approximately 10 inches of positive ease.

That generous ease is part of what gives the cardigan its relaxed batwing shape.

How to Adjust the Fit

The pattern can also be adjusted if you would like to change the overall dimensions.

You can increase or decrease the length or width of the cardigan by changing the number of motif rows used.

Because the garment is motif based, I recommend paying close attention to the finished motif measurement before continuing with the full cardigan.

Each motif should measure approximately 9 inches across.

If yours is considerably larger or smaller, change your hook size before continuing.

More Snowflakes crochet projects

Snowflakes wedding dress, Snowflakes skirt and snowflakes garland

Finishing the Neckline and Front Opening

Once the main motif section is complete and the cardigan has been shaped, a crochet band is worked around the neckline and front opening.

The front opening is worked in rows using single crochet and half double crochet to create a more structured edge around the open lace.

This simple border gives the cardigan a clean finish and helps the front opening sit neatly when worn.

The Sleeves

The lower edges of the cardigan can be joined to create the sleeves, although this joining step is optional.

The sides can be joined using slip stitches or mattress stitch.

A cuff is then added around each sleeve opening.

The cuff includes several decrease rounds to bring in the width before finishing with rounds of single crochet.

There is also an optional method using elastic thread if you prefer a closer fitting cuff.

Why You Might Love This Pattern

This is one of those crochet garments where the construction is almost as interesting as the finished cardigan.

You get the satisfaction of making individual lace motifs, watching them slowly connect and then suddenly seeing the shape of the cardigan appear.

It is also a lovely project if you enjoy crochet garments but prefer motif based construction over working hundreds of stitches back and forth across long rows.

The oversized snowflake motifs keep the cardigan light and airy, while the batwing shape makes it easy to layer over a simple top, dress or long sleeve shirt.

Pattern Details

Pattern Name: Snowflake Batwing Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Skill Level: Intermediate

Terminology: US Crochet Terms

Yarn Weight: DK / #3

Hook: 5 mm crochet hook

Yardage: 700 (900, 1100) yards

Sizes: S (M, L)

Bust Range: 30 to 38 (42 to 50, 54 to 62) inches

Finished Bust: 40 (52, 60) inches

Finished Length: Approximately 20 inches

Motif Gauge: Each motif measures approximately 9 inches across

Before You Start

Please read through the complete pattern before beginning.

The stitch count is included after each row or round and remains the same across all sizes.

The main difference between sizes is the number of motifs used.

I also recommend making one complete motif first and checking the finished measurement before starting the rest of the cardigan.

Because this project uses Join As You Go construction, taking a little time to understand the joining points at the beginning will make the rest of the cardigan much easier.

Make It Your Own

Although my sample uses warm golden and amber shades, this pattern could look completely different depending on the colours you choose.

Try crisp white or icy blue for a traditional snowflake look, jewel tones for something bold, neutral creams and browns for an everyday cardigan, or several colours from your yarn stash for a completely unique version.

That is one of the best things about motif based crochet.

The same pattern can look dramatically different simply by changing the colour placement.

The Snowflake Batwing Cardigan is a statement crochet garment, but it is also relaxed, wearable and surprisingly versatile.

If you enjoy lace crochet, motifs and garments with an unusual construction, I think you will have a lot of fun making this one.