The Hexi Cardigan — Free Crochet Pattern (UK Terms)

Hexi Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern - The Crochet Cupboard

If you've spent any time on crochet Instagram or TikTok lately, you've almost certainly seen it — the Hexi Cardigan is everywhere right now, and for very good reason. Made entirely from beautiful hexagonal granny motifs joined together, this versatile, boho-style cardigan creates a stunning wearable that looks incredibly complex but is actually achievable by any crocheter comfortable with granny squares.

The genius of the Hexi Cardigan is in the construction: by joining hexagons at specific points, the natural geometry of the shape creates the openings for armholes and neckline without any complicated shaping. It's one of those rare patterns where the maths just works — and the results are genuinely beautiful.

This is our free version of the pattern, written in full UK crochet terms. We've also included our favourite yarn and hook suggestions to help you get started — all linked to Amazon UK for easy ordering.

Materials

Yarn

The Hexi Cardigan works beautifully in DK weight yarn. You'll need approximately 600–900g depending on your size, either in a single colour or across 2–4 colours for a traditional multicolour look.

Our top picks (all available on Amazon UK):

  • Lion Brand Mandala DK — our absolute favourite for this project. The self-striping gradient means every hexagon comes out slightly different, giving a beautifully organic, hand-dyed look without any effort. One ball has enough colour for 4–5 hexagons.
  • Woolcraft DK in White — a crisp, clean cream for a classic look. Pair with a terracotta or sage green for a gorgeous two-tone version.
  • KORBOND DK in Black — for bold contrast outlines on each hexagon. Just one or two balls is enough for the joining round.
  • Lion Brand Basic Stitch DK in Peachy — gorgeous warm peach tone for a modern, wearable palette.

Colour inspiration: Try sage green, cream and terracotta for a boho-earthy palette; or black, white and mustard for a graphic monochrome look; or go full rainbow with a different colour for each hexagon's rings.

Hook

You'll need a 4mm crochet hook for DK weight yarn. We recommend:

  • Vodiye 14-Size Ergonomic Set — includes the 4mm and every other size you'll need for future projects
  • Clover Amour Set — the premium choice. If you're going to spend hours on this project (you will!), treat yourself to the most comfortable hook you can find
  • H&S Soft Grip 9-piece Set — great budget option that still gives you the comfort of a soft-grip handle

Other Materials

  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Stitch markers (LUNARM 315-piece set recommended — you'll use plenty!)
  • Scissors

Sizes

Size UK Dress Size Hexagons Needed Yarn Required
S/M UK 8–14 22 hexagons ~600g DK
M/L UK 14–20 26 hexagons ~750g DK
L/XL UK 20–26 30 hexagons ~900g DK

Tension / Gauge

Each completed 4-round hexagon should measure approximately 12cm point-to-point (6cm from centre to point) using DK yarn and a 4mm hook. If your hexagons are coming out larger, try a 3.5mm hook. If smaller, try a 4.5mm hook. Tension in this garment does not need to be exact — a slight difference in size simply means your finished cardigan will be a little larger or smaller.

Abbreviations (UK Terms)

  • ch — chain
  • ss — slip stitch
  • dc — double crochet
  • htr — half treble crochet
  • tr — treble crochet
  • sp — space
  • rep — repeat
  • st(s) — stitch(es)
  • MC — main colour
  • CC — contrast colour
  • MR — magic ring
  • RS — right side

All pattern instructions are written in UK crochet terminology. US treble = UK double treble. US double crochet = UK treble crochet.

The Hexagon Motif Pattern

Make all hexagons the same way. You can use a single colour throughout, change colour each round, or use a self-striping yarn and let it decide for you.

Round 1 (Centre)

Using MC, make a magic ring (or ch4 and ss to form a ring).
Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), 2tr into ring, ch2, 3tr into ring, ch2; rep from * 4 more times, ss to top of ch3 to join. (6 clusters of 3tr, 6 ch-2 corner spaces)
Fasten off if changing colour. Pull magic ring tight.

Round 2

Join CC (or continue with MC) into any ch-2 corner sp.
Ch3, [2tr, ch2, 3tr] all into same sp (first corner made), ch1, *[3tr, ch2, 3tr] into next ch-2 sp (corner made), ch1; rep from * 4 more times, ss to top of ch3. (6 corners with ch-2 sp, 6 ch-1 side spaces)
Fasten off if changing colour.

Round 3

Join next colour (or continue) into any ch-2 corner sp.
Ch3, [2tr, ch2, 3tr] into same sp, ch1, 3tr into ch-1 side sp, ch1, *[3tr, ch2, 3tr] into next ch-2 corner sp, ch1, 3tr into ch-1 side sp, ch1; rep from * 4 more times, ss to top of ch3. (6 corners, 12 side groups, 18 ch-1 spaces)
Fasten off if changing colour.

Round 4 (Border Round)

Join border colour (or MC) into any ch-2 corner sp.
Ch3, [2tr, ch2, 3tr] into same sp, ch1, [3tr into next ch-1 sp, ch1] twice, *[3tr, ch2, 3tr] into next ch-2 corner sp, ch1, [3tr into next ch-1 sp, ch1] twice; rep from * 4 more times, ss to top of ch3. (6 corners, 24 side groups)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Your hexagon is complete! ✓

💡 Tip: Block your hexagons before joining — it makes a huge difference to the finished look and makes joining so much easier. Lay them flat, mist with water and pin to shape. Leave to dry completely.

Hexi Cardigan hexagon motifs layout

Joining the Hexagons

The Hexi Cardigan uses a flat join method — join hexagons by slip stitching through the corresponding ch-2 corner spaces and ch-1 side spaces of adjacent hexagons as you work the final round, or sew together with a flat mattress stitch using your yarn needle.

Assembly Layout

Lay your hexagons out flat before joining to plan your layout. The cardigan is constructed as one large flat panel that wraps around the body:

  1. Back panel: Join 3 hexagons in a row for the centre back. Add a second row of 2 hexagons offset below (beehive pattern). Add a third row of 3 above to complete the back (8 hexagons total for S/M).
  2. Side panels: Continue the beehive pattern outwards on each side with 2–3 more hexagons per side.
  3. Front panels: The two front panels each consist of 3–4 hexagons arranged vertically.
  4. Armhole openings: These form naturally at the junction points where the side and front panels meet the back — the half-hexagon gaps create perfect armhole shapes without any additional shaping needed.
  5. Sleeve options: Leave the armholes open for a sleeveless/vest version, or add 2–3 hexagons per side dropping from the armhole for a 3/4 sleeve effect.

💡 Pro tip: Lay your hexagons out on the floor and take a photo before you start joining — it's much easier to adjust the layout at this stage than once they're connected!

Finishing

Edging

Work a simple edging around the entire outside of the cardigan in MC or a contrast border colour:

Round 1: Join yarn at any outer edge point. Work 1dc into each st and ch-sp around the entire outside edge of the cardigan, working 2dc into each outer corner and dc2tog at each inner corner (at the armhole junctions). Ss to join. Fasten off.

Round 2 (optional crab stitch border): Working from left to right (backwards), work 1dc into each st around for a neat, firm crab stitch finish. This gives a beautiful professional edge that lies perfectly flat.

Fastenings

The cardigan can be worn open or you can add:

  • A single button or toggle at the centre front
  • A length of crochet chain used as a tie belt
  • Decorative stitch markers or brooches as closures

Weaving in Ends

With multiple hexagons each having 4 rounds, you'll have a fair few ends to weave in! Work methodically through the hexagons — weave each end in twice in different directions for a secure finish that won't come undone in the wash.

Washing & Care

If you've used an acrylic DK yarn (such as Woolcraft, Lion Brand or Sirdar Hayfield Bonus), your Hexi Cardigan can be machine washed on a gentle cool cycle and laid flat to dry. Avoid tumble drying — the gentle heat can distort the hexagon shapes. For wool or wool-blend yarns, hand wash in cool water and block flat to reshape while damp.

Recommended Products

Everything you need for this pattern, handpicked and available on Amazon UK:

Yarn:
Lion Brand Mandala DK — Buy on Amazon UK

Woolcraft DK — Buy on Amazon UK

Hook:
Vodiye Ergonomic 14-Size Hook Set — Buy on Amazon UK

Clover Amour Premium Hook Set — Buy on Amazon UK

Accessories:
LUNARM 315 Stitch Markers — Buy on Amazon UK

Made your Hexi Cardigan? We'd love to see it!
Share your finished make on Instagram and tag @thecrochetcupboard — we feature our favourite makes in our stories every week 🧶

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