Autumn Leaves Crochet Cardigan – Soft, Stylish & Perfect for Fall

There’s something so magical about autumn—the crisp air, golden leaves, and cosy layers that make us feel wrapped in warmth and comfort. The Autumn Leaves Crochet Cardigan captures that feeling in a handmade garment you’ll reach for again and again. With its relaxed fit, soft fibres, and elegant raised leaf stitch design, this cardigan is as practical as it is beautiful.

Whether you’re crocheting for yourself, a loved one, or even a child, this pattern has you covered. Written in both children’s and adult sizes, the design works up using simple stitches with a creative twist to showcase the unique leaf motif on the sleeves.

Why You’ll Love This Cardigan

• Soft and Comfortable – Made with Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool in the colourway Glencoe, this yarn is soft to the touch with a cosy, breathable finish. It’s perfect for wearing all day long without feeling heavy.
• Relaxed Fit – The cardigan is designed to drape naturally, flattering all body types while leaving plenty of room for layering over your favourite tops.
• Beautiful Leaf Stitch Sleeves – The raised leaf design is the standout detail of this piece. It adds texture and interest while keeping the rest of the cardigan simple and wearable.
• Children and Adult Sizes – The pattern is inclusive, so you can make a matching set or simply ensure everyone in the family gets one.

Materials & Hooks

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool (shade: Glencoe)
• Hook sizes: 6mm/J and 5mm/H
• Other tools: Scissors, yarn needle for seaming, stitch markers (optional)

The aran-weight yarn makes this cardigan work up quickly while still giving you that structured yet soft feel.

Yarn Substitutions

If you can’t get hold of Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool, don’t worry—there are plenty of fantastic alternatives. Look for aran-weight or worsted yarns with a similar fibre blend for the best results. Here are some great substitutes:

1. Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool – Affordable, durable, and soft, with a wide range of colours to suit your wardrobe.
2. Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran – 100% acrylic but soft and lightweight; excellent if you want a washable option.
3. Drops Nepal – A lovely wool and alpaca blend for a warmer, slightly more luxurious cardigan.
4. James C. Brett Top Value Aran – Budget-friendly with great stitch definition, ideal for showing off the raised leaf design.
5. Lion Brand Wool-Ease Aran/Worsted – Widely available, soft, and machine washable, with that cosy wool blend feel.

When substituting yarn, always check the yardage and gauge. Some fibres have more stretch (like acrylic), while others (like cotton) may drape differently. Swatching before you begin ensures your cardigan turns out the right size.

Where to Get the Pattern

The full pattern is available right here, but if you prefer a neat, printable format, you can purchase an ad-free PDF download from my Peanut and Plum store or Etsy shop. It’s inexpensive, easy to follow, and keeps all the instructions in one tidy place.

Skill Level & Pattern Notes

This cardigan is suitable for confident beginners to intermediate crocheters. If you know your basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet) and feel comfortable reading stitch diagrams, you’ll find this project manageable.

The trickiest part of the pattern is the raised leaf stitch used on the sleeves. It adds a little challenge but is worth the effort. Keeping the leaf stitch diagram handy throughout will make things much easier. Pro tip: highlight the size you are working on to stay on track—it’s a simple step that avoids confusion.

The pattern is written from the bottom up, with the main body worked in simple rows. You’ll then make two sleeves using the leaf stitch design, seam the pieces together, and finish with edging. The combination of simple construction and statement sleeves creates a cardigan that feels timeless yet unique.

Styling Ideas

One of my favourite things about the Autumn Leaves Cardigan is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to style it:

• Casual Day Out – Throw it over a t-shirt with jeans and ankle boots for a laid-back, effortless autumn look.
• Layered for Work – Pair it with a blouse, tailored trousers, and loafers for a smart-casual outfit that keeps you cosy in the office.
• Evening Comfort – Pop it over a dress with tights and heels for a chic yet warm dinner outfit.
• Mini-Me Style – If you make the children’s version, style it with leggings and boots for a cute, practical school run outfit.

Because the cardigan comes in both children’s and adult sizes, you can even make matching ones for family photos or festive outings.

Making the Most of Your Cardigan

• Customise the Colour – While Glencoe is a beautiful autumnal shade, this design looks equally stunning in neutrals like cream or grey, or even bold jewel tones for a pop of colour.
• Adjust the Length – Add extra rows to make your cardigan longer for a coatigan-style fit, or reduce rows for a cropped, trendy look.
• Swap the Yarn Texture – Using a yarn with more drape (like alpaca blends) will give a softer, slouchier cardigan, while 100% acrylic will hold its shape better.

Pattern is written raglan style top down.

Sleeves are worked separately and will be attached to the body.

The cardigan is true to size with approximately 3″ stretch for comfort.

Cardigan size in inches ” (measured at the chest)

The leaves stitch design can be used for lots of other projects too. You can purchase the inexpensive ad free pdf download and keep the diagram handy for inspiration for your next project!

Final Thoughts

The Autumn Leaves Crochet Cardigan is more than just another handmade garment—it’s a cosy hug you can wear. With its relaxed fit, pretty leaf stitch detail, and endless customisation possibilities, it’s the perfect project for autumn and beyond.

Whether you’re making one for yourself, your child, or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this cardigan is sure to become a favourite in any wardrobe. Grab your hooks, pick your yarn, and get ready to create something soft, stylish, and oh-so-comfortable!

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