Crocheting dates back to the 19th century with the art loosely credited to famed seamstress Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere – otherwise known as the ‘Mother of Crochet’ – who created the earliest known modern crochet pattern in 1829.
The artisan skill has also been linked to early iterations of Shepherd’s knitting, a form of textile-making popular amongst European farmworkers and shepherds in the late 1700s which was created as a means to work with thicker, heavier yarns to produce extra-warm garments during winter months. Think sky-high turtle necks, extra long sleeves and wide, relaxed hemlines.
While there are many, varied forms of looping threads of different shapes and sizes together to create textiles and garments that have emerged throughout history, they have converged over time in the simplified, modern art of crochet.
Crochet has had an incredible resurgence in recent years, with Millenials and Gen-Z’ers alike picking up their own crochet hooks to create enviable designs in the eyes of the unskilled and not-so-crafty, like us. Yet the 21st-century styling of crocheted garments has been undeniably inspired by youngsters throughout the late 1960s and 1970s.
We’re talking about granny squares crocheted together using yarns reflecting every colour of the rainbow, crocheted smiley faces, peace signs, popular slogans and anti-war propaganda. This was in glaring contrast to the pale, delicate designs worn throughout the early 1900s which were realised in duller, wintery colours.
While the trend of all things crochet witnessed noticeable popularity over lockdown as an easy-to-learn skill to keep us busy during a long period of stagnancy, we’d credit Harry Styles’ JW Anderson cardigan for the resurgence of crochet outerwear in particular. The viral cardigan worn by the superstar at a performance in 2020 created a butterfly effect of fans and avid crafters attempting to recreate the now iconic piece at home.
The cardigan’s unprecedented popularity resulted in JW Anderson releasing the crochet pattern to the public for free. In fact, the original cardigan worn by Styles has since been immortalised in the V&A’s permanent collection due to its significance in creating a push toward handmade and homemade garments.
Demonstrating the wonderfully communal nature of the art of crochet and textile making, JW Anderson’s move to democratise the luxury piece represents so much more than a popular cardigan worn by a global superstar. Harking back to the origins of the art form, the return to not only creating handmade garments but supporting the artisan skill by purchasing handmade and vintage creations is reflective of the move to more sustainable fashion.
From extra-thick, heavy garments and granary squares to delicately embellished pieces– we’ve rounded up a selection of the best crochet cardigans to add to your basket to see you through the transitional months.
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Ganni Women’s Novelty Crochet – Egret
This belted, frilly cardigan from Danish powerhouse Ganni is realised in cool-toned winter hues that’ll nevertheless brighten up your seasonal wardrobe. Complete with a set of floral metal buttons for added embellishment, this crochet cardigan has a quietly luxurious yet wonderfully funky aesthetic.
Buy now £177.00, Coggles
Pirouette Cardigan
Another stylish reflection of the trend towards all things ballerina-core, this cropped and delicately crocheted cardigan from Free People features some gorgeous ruffled hems for an extra feminine touch.
Buy now £177.00, Free People
ERL Crochet-Knit Long-Sleeve Cardigan
A fuzzy, mohair-knit neon dream, ERL has modernised the classic tie-front, scalloped and ruffled 70s crochet silhouette by giving it the hot pink treatment. This fuschia cardigan is set to be your next go-to seasonal statement piece.
Buy now £364.00, Farfetch
Wildflower Multicoloured Crochet Cropped Cardigan
Dark Academia enthusiasts and lovers of all things geek-chic rejoice, for this cropped argyle crochet cardigan has been woven in collegiate hues of burgundy, forest green and ivory.
Buy now £20.00, TK Maxx
MOTHER The Button Cardigan
Featuring a psychedelic, 70s-inspired print and the brand’s name plastered in big crocheted letters on its back, this alpaca blend knit will keep you looking cool while feeling cosy.
Buy now £633.00, MOTHER
Magpie Vintage Edie Long Cardigan
Reminiscent of the floor-length granny square kaftan cardigans worn by superstars throughout the late 60s and early 70s, this pastel-toned vintage cardigan is sure to make you feel like a bohemian rock musician. Did somebody say Daisy Jones?
Buy now £350.00, Koibird
Lazy Daisy Navy Blue Flower Crochet Cardigan
Handmade by UK-based small business Wild Orange Tree, this beautifully symmetrical, daisy-emblazoned piece is sure to bring some blooming happiness to those dark winter months.
Buy now £85.00, Etsy
Sea Felicty Crocheted Wool-Blend Cardigan
Perhaps one of the most intricately crocheted cardigans we’ve come across, the tightly woven crochet pattern which rapidly switches between a beautiful, neutral-toned woollen colour palette is broken up by a series of diagonal spaces in the stitching – creating an eye-catching and mind-boggling effect.
Buy now £187.41, Moda Operandi
Sissel Edelbo Nell Vest
Though not technically a cardigan, we couldn’t help but include this belted vest by Sissel Edelbo in this crochet knitwear edit. Pair this versatile piece with a neutral turtle neck and some vintage denim for the ultimate autumn-ready look.
Buy now £188.00, Free People
Raga Cosy Hooded Crochet Cardigan
Made up of a series of technicolour classic crochet granny squares, this thigh-length cardigan by Raga is complete with delightful tassel fastenings and an adorable hood.
Buy now £85.00, ASOS
Olivia Rubin Dawson Crochet Cardigan
Whether you simply adore pastel shades or you’re planning an outfit for a gender-reveal party, this collared crochet cardigan by Olivia Rubin can be adjusted at the hemline for a customised fit.
Buy now £250.00, Harvey Nichols
Vintage Multi-Colour Crochet Cardigan
Buy now or forever hold your peace, because this stunning half-rainbow, half-gothic vintage cardigan from Boston Proper is a one-of-a-kind, one-time purchase.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS Marketplace
