Soft lilac purple, open mesh, and three sweet bow ties—this cardigan practically begs to be made. The Lilac Purple Bow Cardigan free crochet pattern gives you an airy filet mesh fabric that drapes like a dream and closes with simple crocheted bows instead of buttons. Lightweight enough for spring days or cool summer nights, it works up with basic stitches and zero drama. Ready to hook something that looks fancy but feels easy?
About This Crochet Pattern
This open-front cardigan mixes vintage charm with modern ease. The filet mesh creates a breathable grid that stays light and drapey. Three bow closures add a feminine touch without any buttons or hardware to wrestle with.
You work the back, two fronts, and short sleeves as separate flat pieces, then seam them together. Once the mesh rhythm clicks, the rows fly by. A simple ribbed edging frames the V-neck and runs down both front edges for a clean finish. It looks polished without extra fuss.
Skill Level
Call this confident beginner to intermediate. If you can double crochet and count stitches, you can handle the whole thing. The mesh stays repetitive and almost meditative. Seaming takes a little patience, but nothing tricky shows up.
New to garments? This is a solid first cardigan. The pattern repeats so often that you settle into it fast.
Materials Needed
You need roughly 800 to 1000 yards of DK weight yarn (category 3). The sample uses a soft cotton blend in lilac purple. Choose yarn with good stitch definition so the mesh holes stay open and crisp.
Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) for the main body. Optional 3.5 mm (E/4) for a tighter edging. Notions stay basic—yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, and measuring tape.
Gauge
Aim for 18 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the filet mesh pattern. Check it. A too-loose gauge makes the cardigan swim; too-tight leaves it stiff. Drop a hook size if your swatch runs large, go up if it runs small.
Finished Measurements
The pattern writes for size Small. Bust sits around 36 inches with the front open. Length measures 18 inches from shoulder to hem. Sleeves run about 6 inches for a relaxed short-sleeve look.
Need a different size? Adjust the starting chain in multiples of 2 and tweak the row count for length. Easy math, better fit.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Here is every stitch you will use:
- Ch – chain
- Sl st – slip stitch
- Sc – single crochet
- Dc – double crochet
- Sk – skip
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rep – repeat
Nothing fancy here. Once the mesh clicks, you barely glance at the list.
Special Technique: Filet Mesh Stitch
The open grid comes from a simple unit: one double crochet, chain 1, skip 1, double crochet. Each “square” is a vertical bar of double crochet with a chain space between.
Foundation uses a multiple of 2 plus 4 for the turning chain. First row: double crochet in the 5th chain from the hook, then chain 1, skip 1, double crochet across. Later rows: chain 4 (counts as double plus chain 1), skip the first double and space, double crochet in the next double, and keep going. The rhythm becomes automatic after a few rows.
include render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of lilac purple filet mesh crochet stitch in progress, open grid of double crochets and chain spaces, soft natural lighting, wooden table, 4.0mm hook and yarn visible, crisp open holes and even tension, professional craft photography, sharp focus on every mesh square orientation is portrait
Pattern Instructions
Back Panel
Chain 82 (or adjust for width). Work the filet mesh for about 44 rows until the panel measures roughly 18 inches long. Fasten off. You now have a simple rectangle of open mesh ready for seaming.
Left Front Panel
Chain 42 and work the same mesh. After 10 rows, start the V-neck. Leave the final mesh square unworked, then decrease one mesh unit at the neck edge every other row until 12 squares remain. Work even until the length matches the back. Fasten off.
Right Front Panel
Mirror the left front exactly, but decrease on the opposite edge so the two panels face each other. Mark the right side of each piece with a stitch marker so you never flip one during assembly.
include render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution of lilac purple crochet cardigan back and front panels laid flat, open filet mesh texture visible, measuring tape showing length, soft studio lighting, wooden background, yarn and hook nearby, realistic fabric drape and even mesh, professional step-by-step craft photo orientation is landscape
Sleeves (Make 2)
Chain 62 and work 15 rows of mesh. Each sleeve ends up about 6 inches long and creates a relaxed short sleeve that hits mid-upper arm. Fasten off both.
Assembly
Good seams make the difference between homemade and polished. Place the back and one front right sides together. Seam about 4 to 5 inches at each shoulder, leaving the center open for the neck. Repeat with the second front.
Match the center of each sleeve to the shoulder seam and pin. Seam the sleeve evenly into the armhole opening. Then start at the bottom hem and sew up the side seam, continuing straight along the underarm to the cuff. Do the same on the other side. Suddenly it looks like a real cardigan.
include render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution of lilac purple mesh crochet cardigan during assembly, shoulder seams joined, one sleeve being attached, open mesh fabric clear, soft natural light, wooden table, yarn needle and pins in use, realistic stitch definition and fabric texture, professional craft photography orientation is portrait
Edging
Join yarn at the bottom right front corner. Single crochet evenly up the right front, around the back neck, and down the left front. Aim for about 3 singles for every 2 rows so the edge stays flat. Work two more rounds of single crochet for a firm, clean border. Fasten off.
Optional: add the same edging around each sleeve cuff for a matching finish.
Bow Ties (Make 6)
Each bow needs two simple ties. Chain 60, then single crochet in the second chain from the hook and across. Leave a long tail. Make six of these.
Attach three pairs along the front edges: one pair just below the neckline, one at bust level, and one near the hem. Secure each tail firmly on the wrong side. Tie them into bows whenever you wear the cardigan. Instant adjustable closure, zero buttons required.
include render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution close-up of lilac purple crochet bow ties made from single crochet chains, arranged on a wooden surface next to the cardigan edge, soft natural lighting, 4.0mm hook nearby, delicate texture and neat ends, professional product photography, sharp focus on the ties orientation is landscape
Finishing Touches
Wet block the finished cardigan. Soak in lukewarm water for 15 minutes, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay flat on mats. Pin to measurements and let it dry completely. Blocking opens the mesh beautifully and evens every stitch. Do not skip it.
Weave in all ends securely, doubling back through several stitches so nothing works loose later.
include render_generated_image with prompt is Hyper detailed 8K resolution of finished lilac purple bow cardigan after blocking, open filet mesh fabric, three pairs of bows tied at the front, soft diffused lighting, elegant drape on a neutral surface, professional fashion photography style, crisp mesh holes and soft lilac color orientation is portrait
Customization Ideas
Want it longer? Add more rows to the body panels before the neck shaping starts. Prefer three-quarter sleeves? Work 25 to 30 rows instead of 15. Skip the bows and add vintage buttons with crocheted loops if that feels more you. Color-block the body and sleeves, or throw in stripes. Even small mesh pockets at hip level work if you want extra function.
Make it yours. The basic structure stays solid no matter how you tweak it.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry. Never hang it wet—the mesh will stretch. Steam block later if the shape needs a refresh. Treat it kindly and it stays pretty for years.
Troubleshooting Tips
Mesh holes closing up? Your tension is probably too tight. Go up a hook size or loosen your grip. Wavy edges usually mean you gained or lost a stitch—count the mesh squares at the end of every row until the pattern feels automatic. Front panels that refuse to match? Double-check that you decreased on opposite edges. Shoulders too wide? Simply seam a bit more at the top and leave a smaller neck opening.
Most issues fix with a little counting and a proper block. You’ve got this.
FAQ’s
Can absolute beginners make this cardigan?
If double crochet already feels comfortable and you can count, yes. The mesh is repetitive, so the learning curve stays gentle. Take your time with the seams and you will be fine.
Do I have to use the bow ties?
No. The bows are optional. You can leave the front completely open, add buttons and loops, or even skip closures entirely and wear it as a light layer.
What if my gauge is off?
Change your hook size first. Too many stitches per inch? Go up a size. Too few? Drop down. Recheck after a few rows of actual mesh because the open pattern can behave differently from a solid swatch.
How long does this project usually take?
Most people finish the panels in a few focused evenings. Assembly, edging, and bows add another session or two. You can wear it within a week of steady work.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
DK keeps the fabric light and drapey. Heavier yarn makes a warmer, denser cardigan and changes the measurements. Always swatch and adjust your starting chain if you switch weights.
Final Thoughts
This Lilac Purple Bow Cardigan free crochet pattern delivers an airy, wearable layer with just enough sweetness from those three bows. The mesh works up fast, the construction stays straightforward, and the finished piece looks far more polished than the effort required. Grab your lilac yarn, settle into the rhythm of the filet squares, and enjoy a cardigan you will actually reach for on those in-between days. Happy hooking.
