Free Spirit Crochet Granny Square Sweater – Laid-Back Hippie Style That’s Back on Trend

If there’s one thing we’ve all noticed on the high street lately, it’s this: the granny square is in! What was once thought of as a retro stitch reserved for blankets and cushions has now taken centre stage in fashion. From catwalks to boutique stores, designers are embracing the bold, geometric charm of granny squares and transforming them into everything from bags to dresses—and yes, sweaters.

That’s where my Free Spirit Crochet Granny Square Sweater comes in. This design brings all the colour, comfort, and vintage vibes of the granny square into a wearable, laid-back sweater that feels both bohemian and right on trend.

Why I Designed This Sweater

For as long as I’ve been crocheting, I’ve had a soft spot for granny squares. They’re versatile, meditative to work up, and endlessly creative—you can choose any colour combination and always end up with something beautiful.

But I wanted to move beyond the traditional blanket and experiment with something I’d actually wear. The idea of a colourful, geometric, slightly hippie-inspired sweater was too tempting to resist. And so, the Free Spirit Sweater was born.

This pattern is written in UK and US terminology (because I know how confusing it can be when patterns switch terms!) and is available in Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large sizes. To make things even easier, I’ve created a video tutorial that guides you through each step.

What Makes This Sweater Special

• On-trend style – It taps into the granny square revival happening right now.
• Versatility – Mix and match any colours you like, from muted neutrals to bold rainbows.
• Stash-busting magic – Use up all those odd balls of yarn you’ve been saving for “someday.”
• Relaxed fit – It’s comfy, slouchy, and easy to wear with jeans, skirts, or over dresses.
• Beginner friendly – If you’ve made a granny square before, you can make this sweater.

How the Sweater is Made

Unlike some complex crochet garments, this design keeps things straightforward.

• You’ll start by making two main panels: a front and a back.
• These panels are then seamed together at the sides and shoulders.
• To finish, you’ll add granny stitch sleeves, which give the sweater its flowy, bohemian vibe.

The construction is simple, but the finished piece looks far from basic thanks to the colourful pattern and texture of the granny stitch.

The Yarn I Used

For this design, I turned to one of my favourite affordable yarns: Hobbycraft’s Women’s Institute yarn.

Here’s why I love it:

• It has excellent stitch definition, making the granny stitches really pop.
• It’s durable and non-fraying, so your sweater will hold up with wear.
• It comes in a wide variety of colours, perfect for granny square projects.
• Each skein supports a good cause—a donation to the Federation of Women’s Institutes is made with every sale.

Worked up with a 4mm hook, this yarn creates a soft but structured fabric that drapes beautifully while keeping the sweater comfortable and wearable.

Yarn Substitutions

Don’t worry if you can’t get hold of WI yarn. Granny squares are so forgiving that you can mix and match many different yarns. Look for DK weight yarns with smooth texture for the best results. Here are some of my favourites:

• Stylecraft Special DK – Known for its huge shade range and soft feel. A great budget option.
• Paintbox Yarns Simply DK – Smooth, bouncy yarn in modern colour palettes.
• Caron Simply Soft – Adds a bit of sheen for a slightly dressier sweater.
• Drops Paris (cotton) – Perfect if you want a breathable summer version.
• Lion Brand Basic Stitch DK – Soft, durable, and machine-washable.

Tip: Because this sweater is a stash-buster, don’t be afraid to experiment. Combining different fibres and colours adds to the free-spirited, boho vibe. Just keep washing instructions in mind if you mix fibres!

What if I want to use another yarn?

Of course!
A thinner yarn and smaller hook would mean you need to add more row repeats to reach
the desired width and length.
Aran and worsted yarn would work too. You can check your measurements as you go to
make sure it is not becoming too large due to larger hook/yarn size.
I would be cautious using thicker yarns as it would be difficult to make the cluster stitch,
without it being too bulky
Weaving in those pesky ends!
I have a little trick for this. You can weave your ends into your work as you go.

Want to see how? Here’s my follow along video tutorial to show you the ropes!

Where to Get the Pattern

You can follow the full step-by-step free pattern right here on my blog, or if you prefer a printable version, I’ve created an ad-free PDF download available in my Peanut and Plum store and on Etsy.

The PDF is easy to follow, beautifully formatted, and perfect to keep in your crochet library.

Skill Level

This pattern is ideal for confident beginners. If you’ve made a granny square blanket or scarf, you already have most of the skills you need.

The main stitches include:

• Chain
• Double Crochet (US) / Treble Crochet (UK)
• Slip Stitch

Seaming is straightforward, and the sleeves are worked in repetitive granny stitch rows, which makes them quick and relaxing.

If you’re a visual learner, the video tutorial is there to hold your hand every step of the way.

Colour Inspiration

One of the joys of the granny square is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can approach colour when making your Free Spirit Sweater:

• Bold Bohemian – Mix bright jewel tones like teal, fuchsia, mustard, and deep green.
• Soft Neutrals – Use creams, greys, and soft browns for a more understated look.
• Seasonal Shades – Rusts and golds for autumn, icy blues and whites for winter, pastels for spring.
• Monochrome – Black, grey, and white squares give a sleek, geometric finish.
• Rainbow Revival – Use every odd ball in your stash for a vibrant, free-spirited piece.

Styling Your Granny Square Sweater

This sweater is versatile enough to wear in many different ways:

• Casual Everyday – Throw it over jeans and trainers for an easy day look.
• Boho Chic – Pair with a maxi skirt, wide-brim hat, and boots for festival vibes.
• Layered Look – Wear over a collared shirt for a smart-casual twist.
• Cosy at Home – Pair with leggings for the ultimate lounging outfit.

Because it’s lightweight but warm, it’s great for transitional weather—those in-between seasons when you need an extra layer without going full-on winter coat.

Gauge: (using DK yarn and 4mm hook) 4 Rows of granny square cluster stitch = 3.5” Square

Finished sizes in inches

Small – Width 18.5” across the chest – Length 19.5”

Medium – Width 20” across the chest – Length 21”

Large – Width 21.5” across the chest – Length 22.5”

Extra Large – Width 23” across the chest – Length 24”

If you are working with a different yarn/hook the gauge will not apply. Use the overall finished size to get the correct size – measure as you work.

Sustainability & Stash Busting

One of my favourite things about this sweater is how it helps tackle the ever-growing yarn stash we all seem to have. Using up odd balls not only gives them a purpose but also means you’re making fashion more sustainable. Instead of fast fashion, you’re creating a one-of-a-kind garment that’s eco-friendly and built to last.

Final Thoughts

The Free Spirit Crochet Granny Square Sweater is more than just a garment—it’s a celebration of creativity, colour, and individuality. Granny squares carry a sense of nostalgia and tradition, but when reimagined in this laid-back sweater, they feel modern, stylish, and full of personality.

Whether you’re using up your stash, experimenting with new colour palettes, or making a statement piece to wear out and about, this sweater is a joy to make and to wear.

So, grab your 4mm hook, dig through your yarn basket, and let’s bring a little free-spirited style back into your wardrobe—because the granny square isn’t just back, it’s here to stay.