Free Bomber Cardigan Crochet Pattern With Pockets
Instantly feel cozy and stylish with free crochet bomber cardigan pattern, perfect for layering and adding comfort to every outfit with ease.
Do you ever wish for something soft and cheerful to wear on chilly days? The crochet bomber cardigan pattern brings warmth and style to everyone with easy shapes and lovely colors that brighten any mood. Its design includes gentle cuffs and a comfy waistband that fit all sizes so you can relax and move freely wherever you go. Extra pockets offer space for your hands or favorite things and the cozy fabric makes it a favorite all year.
Easy Bomber Cardigan Crochet Pattern You’ll Love

Layer it over anything and enjoy the beauty of this cardigan as it turns simple outfits into something special. The sporty look fits family events or days outdoors and never feels too heavy or tight. Using the crochet bomber cardigan pattern you can enjoy making a versatile piece that brings joy and delight every time you wear it. Friends and family will notice how inviting it is and how it brings comfort to every day.

Cherry Bomber Cardigan
Materials
- Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (size 4, medium weight, approx. 1020 yards for size Small)
- Main color: Claret (or similar)
- Contrast color: Small amount for rib details
- Hooks:
- Size L (8 mm) (body)
- Size J (6 mm) (ribbing, collar, and cuffs)
- Notions:
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| FP hdc | front post half double crochet |
| BP hdc | back post half double crochet |
| rep | repeat |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Special Notes
- Suzette Stitch: (sc, dc) in one st, skip one st, rep from * across, end with sc.
- Even numbered rows: End with a decrease for the V-neck shaping on the panels.
- Decrease (over 3 sts): Skip one st, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up loop, repeat into next st, then yo and pull through all 4 loops.
- Pocket: Incorporated into panel with chain skips and worked flap, then sewn for structure at finishing.
- Adjust sizing: Length and width can be adjusted by adding/removing chains or rows.
Pattern
Front Panel (Make 2)
- With L/8 mm hook and main yarn:
- Ch 40.
- Row 1: Turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (39 sc).

- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. (sc, dc) in first st, skip next st, rep to end, finishing with sc in last st.
- Rows 3–9: Rep Row 2 for a total of 9 rows. Your panel should be approx. 4″ wide.
- Pocket Opening:
- Row 10: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) x 5, sc in next (6 sts), ch 10, skip 11 sts, continue Suzette to last 3 sts, end with decrease over last 3 sts.

- Row 10: Ch 1, turn, (sc, dc) x 5, sc in next (6 sts), ch 10, skip 11 sts, continue Suzette to last 3 sts, end with decrease over last 3 sts.
- Row 11: Work Suzette as established, placing Suzette into each st to chain-10. Over chain-10, sc in each ch (10 sc), resume Suzette to end.
- Rows 12–17: Continue Suzette stitch rows as established, with decreases at the end of every even-numbered row.
- Extension & Bomber Front Detail:
- Row 17: After last sc, ch 5, turn. In 2nd ch from hook, sc, sc in next 3 ch (total: 4 sc).
- Continue Suzette stitch along worked row; end with decrease.
- Rows 18–21: Rep pattern, working Suzette as established, making decreases at end of every even-numbered row, across extension sc.

Back Panel
- With L/8 mm hook and main yarn:
- Ch 40.
- Row 1: Turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch (39 sc).
- Rows 2+ (up to 19″): Work Suzette stitch as for front, until square, approx. 19″ long.
Pockets
- With main yarn, join to pocket opening edge opposite to sc edge.
- Work 13 Suzette stitches along edge.
- Rows 2–18: Ch 1, turn, Suzette stitch as established, making a long flap.
- Fold flap to inside and sew three edges for a functional pocket.

Assembly
- Lay back panel horizontally (first or last row at top).
- Lay front panels RS up atop back, aligning shoulder.
- Sew shoulder seams.
Sleeves
- Mark armhole: Center 16″ with two stitch markers at shoulder.
- Join main yarn at first marker.
- Work 33 Suzette stitches evenly between markers.
- Rows 2–10: Even Suzette rows (no decrease).
- Row 11: Begin with decrease over first 3 sts, Suzette to end (no end decrease).
- Rows 12–15: Even Suzette rows.
- Every 5th row from Row 11 (i.e., Row 16, 21, 26, 31, 36): Begin with decrease over first 3 sts.
- Row 36: End with 19 sts. If needed, add rows for sleeve length.
- Fold sweater and sew side/underarm seams.

Collar
- With J/6 mm hook and main yarn, join at lower neck edge.
- Ch 1, hdc evenly around neck edge (loose, spaced for snugness).
- Before final hdc, drop MC and pull through contrast yarn.
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc in first st, FP hdc, BP hdc to end.
- Row 3: Ch 1, hdc in first st, rep FP/BP hdc, alternating as sts pop to front/back.
- At end, drop contrast and rejoin MC.
- Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first st, FP/BP hdc to end, end with sc in last st. Fasten off.

Bottom Ribbing
- Join MC at first stitch unworked beyond front panel extension.
- Rows 1–4: Work as collar ribbing (alternating FP/BP hdc).
- Row 5: FP/BP hdc as established, end with sc in last st.
- Work single crochets along edge to meet front extension, chain 1, turn, work sc along first front edge.
- (As turning corner, place two sc to round it off.)
Cuffs
- Join MC to underarm seam of sleeve with J/6 mm hook.
- Row 1: Hdc in each st around cuff edge.
- Before final hdc, switch to contrast and pull through.
- Rows 2–3: FP/BP hdc as for collar, alternating.
- Row 4: Drop contrast, pick up MC, FP/BP hdc.
- Row 5: FP/BP hdc in MC. Fasten off.
Finishing
- Sew top/bottom edges of pockets securely.
- Sew any gaps between ribbing and front panel extensions.
- Weave in ends.
- Ensure pocket flaps are stitched near front edge for security.

Conclusion
The Cherry Bomber Cardigan is a cozy, pocketed, retro garment with bold ribbing, structured cuffs, and a classic fit. Its clever construction offers opportunities for personalization, color play, and practical comfort. Enjoy wearing or gifting this stylish, handmade piece.
Pattern Corrections & Tips
- Correction: Count stitches at decreases and pocket openings to avoid gaps or uneven shaping.
- Tips:
- If you desire a longer or shorter cardigan, adjust row count as needed.
- To round off the collar corners, do not chain at turn and place extra sc as you pivot.
- Use stitch markers for sleeve counting and even placement.
- A smaller hook for ribbing prevents stretching and creates a snug collar and cuff.

