How to Crochet a Striped Cropped Sweater with Basket-Weave Cuffs

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the sleeve foundation and basket-weave cuff

With your first colour, chain 36. Work one double crochet into the second chain from the hook and in each chain across, for 35 stitches. Chain 1 and turn to begin the cuff: work one front post double crochet in the first stitch, one back post double crochet in the next, and continue alternating front post and back post double crochet across the row. Repeat this alternating pattern for five rows total to build the raised, woven basket-weave texture at the cuff.

Step 2 — Work the increase rows to shape the sleeve

Chain 1, turn, and switch to your next colour for a transition row worked entirely in half double crochet. From here, alternate between a half double crochet row and a single crochet row: on each half double crochet row, increase by working two stitches into the same stitch at both the beginning and end of the row, then work the following single crochet row straight across with no increases. Repeat this two-row rhythm, increasing only on the half double crochet rows, until you reach row 66. Use a stitch marker at each increase point to keep your count accurate as the sleeve widens.

Step 3 — Work the stabilizing rows to finish the sleeve

Continue the same alternating half double crochet and single crochet pattern from rows 67 through 76, but stop working increases — work one stitch into each stitch across every row instead. This creates a straight, stable edge at the top of the sleeve where it will later join the body. Repeat this entire sleeve — cuff, increase rows, and stabilizing rows — a second time to make the matching sleeve.

Step 4 — Work the body hem and striped panel

Work the body as one large rectangular panel. Begin with the same basket-weave pattern used on the sleeve cuffs — alternating front post and back post double crochet — for approximately five rows to form a sturdy hem. Transition into the same alternating half double crochet and single crochet pattern used in the sleeves, but work straight across with no increases this time, keeping the width constant. Continue for a total of 30 rows from the top of the hem to the neckline edge.

Step 5 — Shape the neckline

As you reach the final rows at the top edge of the body panel, use slip stitches to skip a number of stitches along the front edge only, leaving the back edge worked straight and unshaped. Skipping stitches on the front side creates the lower, curved scoop of the neckline, while the back panel remains higher and more structural — giving the sweater its front-scooped, back-straight silhouette.

Step 6 — Join the shoulders and attach the sleeves

Lay the front and back body panels together and, using a contrasting colour, work single crochet stitches through both layers along the shoulder and neckline edges to form a strong, structural seam. Align the open end of each sleeve tube with an armhole on the body, then use a tapestry needle and the blanket stitch to sew the sleeve to the body — this covers the raw edges and gives a professional, finished look on both sides of the seam.

Step 7 — Finish the armhole edge

Work one continuous round of single crochet around the full circumference of each armhole to hide the seam where the sleeve meets the body. Weave in all remaining yarn tails deeply into the textured stitches so they stay hidden and secure through washing. Finally, wet block the sweater — soak it in lukewarm water, gently press out excess moisture with a towel, then lay it flat on a blocking mat, pin it into its finished shape, and let it air dry completely to set the stitches and even out the stripes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of yarn to use for this striped cropped sweater?
A worsted weight (weight 4) acrylic or synthetic blend is recommended over 100% cotton for its stitch recovery. Because this pattern uses textured stitches like the basket weave along with frequent color changes, a yarn with some elasticity helps the cuffs and sleeves keep their shape after repeated wear.

Is this striped cropped sweater pattern too difficult for a beginner?
This pattern is rated intermediate because it involves color changes, shaping through increases, and basket-weave texture. Anyone comfortable with basic single crochet and half double crochet stitches can work through it, and the basket-weave section is a good way to practice front and back post stitches, a foundational skill for garment crochet.

How do I create the scoop neckline on the front of the sweater?
The scoop shape comes from slip stitches worked on the final rows of the body panel. Skipping certain stitches on the front edge only, while working the back edge normally, creates a lower, curved neckline in front while the back stays straight and higher.

How do I attach the sleeves so they don't look messy?
A blanket stitch worked with a tapestry needle attaches the sleeves to the body while hiding the raw edges. Working one continuous round of single crochet around the armhole afterward covers the seam and gives a clean, integrated finish.

Why is blocking an important finishing step for this sweater?
The frequent color changes and mix of textured stitches can cause slight tension differences across the piece. Wet blocking — soaking the sweater, gently removing excess water, then pinning it into shape to air dry — evens out the tension so the stripes and texture lay flat.

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