Disclosure. This post may contain affiliate links.

MEET THE JUNIPER CARDIGAN!

This crochet cardigan was one of those designs that came about very suddenly.

It wasn’t a planned design.

I had tried multiple times to design a summer top, but it never seemed quite right. As a result, I had the yarn for it for quite awhile without successfully using it.

Sometimes, all we need is a change of perspective…

See, I had been trying to design a sweater. It wasn’t until the idea for a lacy summer cardigan came to mind that this design was FINALLY born!

Just the Lace Cardigan Your Summer Wardrobe Needs…

As soon as I decided the yarn would be a cardigan, I quickly set off trying to find the perfect stitch pattern. The one I finally settled on is simple but beautiful!

We will use some large shell stitches, in contrast to some smaller chain loops, to create the beautiful lacy cardigan you see in the picture.

With the lacy stitch + the light yarn, this crochet cardigan pattern becomes a great choice for summer!

Speaking of yarn, I used Lion Brand Beautiful You. If you haven’t tried this yarn yet, it is an absolute must! Don’t be scared off by the light weight (#2 sport).

It really is a beautiful yarn and it makes an even more beautiful summer cardigan. Grab some here if you’re going to make this cardigan!

Anxious to get straight to the pattern? Buy it now HERE!

Designed with Adjustable Sizing So you can get the perfect fit

Let’s be honest, sometimes it is HARD to make crocheted cardigans and sweaters that actually fit well.

As designers, we do our best to accommodate as many sizes as possible…but it’s not easy, because we still all come in different shapes in sizes!

That is why I have designed this cardigan in a way that it can be adjusted to fit ANYONE.

That’s right – from kids all the way up to plus sizes – you can make it all!

Now, you might be thinking, “Rachel, how is this even possible?!”

I know it sounds a little strange. A little different than your typical cardigan pattern.

But I have to say – it works.

Tell me more about adjustable sizing

Ok, let’s dig into this a little deeper! I want you to know exactly how this pattern will work before you buy it.

First of all, the pattern is written in a step-by-step type of format. I walk you through the ENTIRE process of getting the perfect fit – from measuring your chest, to figuring out how big to make your panels!

The very first thing we do is what’s called a “Sizing Prep” Worksheet. This is where I help you figure out your own measurements, as well as the measurements of your cardigan.

Here’s a little sneak peak of the worksheet…

This step-by-step process continues throughout the cardigan pattern. You will make a swatch, block it, and then start the actual cardigan.

To figure out sizing, there are little math equations along the way to get it just the right size.

NOW DON’T WORRY – if math scares you, please do not worry. I hate math myself, and these are just simple little equations.

In fact, I’ve done all the hard work for you by getting the equations ready. All you have to do is plug in your details. You can even use a calculator if desired!

These equations basically help you figure out your starting chain number, your stitch counts, and things like that.

Other Summer Garment Patterns

1/ Summer Breeze Vest 2/ Lunar Lace Tunic 3/ Shelby Top

Juniper Cardigan Notes & Materials

Here’s a few more details you’ll probably want to know about the cardigan before you purchase the pattern!

• To pin this pattern to your pinterest boards, click HERE
• To purchase this Premium PDF pattern, click HERE
• To buy the yarn for this cardigan, click HERE

Materials:

• Lion Brand Beautiful You Yarn
• Or 900-2,000 yards of sport weight yarn (depending on size)
• G (4.25mm) hook (or size to obtain gauge)
• Yarn needle

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:

Chain – ch

Slip Stitch – sl st

Single crochet – sc

Double crochet – dc

Triple crochet – tr

Repeat – rep

Skip – sk

Stitch(es) – st(s)

Space – sp

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

YO – yarn over

Sizing/Fit: 

This pattern is fully adjustable, meaning it is designed in such a way to allow you to make it to fit your body perfectly! 

The fit: This sweater is designed to have positive ease. The instructions will include steps for adding ease into your sweater. I recommend adding anywhere from 7-10” of positive ease. The more ease you add, the more oversized your cardigan will be.   

For reference, model is 5’ 4″ with a bust of 30.”

Notes:

1. Ch 1 at beginning of rows does NOT count as a sc. 
2. Ch 4 at beginning of rows counts as tr
3. Cardigan is made from 1 large panel: the back is worked first in a rectangle, and then the front is split and made into 2 separate panels (but still attached to the back). The only sewing that needs to be done is up the sides.
4. All pieces of the cardigan start with a foundation single crochet row (fsc). If you are unfamiliar with this technique, check out this blog post. Starting with a regular chain stitch is not recommended because it won’t be as stretchy. But if you need to start with a chain, just be sure to add one more chain to your starting row number. Then, skip the first chain and work one row of sc across (this will give the same result of fsc, just less stretchy).

Special Stitch:

Shell (sh): (tr, 2 dc, tr) in indicated stitch or space

To get access to the FULL PDF pattern, complete with adjustable sizing, written instructions, photo tutorials, and more, just click below!

I hope you enjoy the Juniper Cardigan It was such a joy to create!

To view all my free patterns, click HERE.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to email me: rachel@desertblossomcrafts.com

Want a special bonus straight to your inbox? Sign up for my email list below!

Happy Crocheting!

The post Juniper Cardigan – Lace Crochet Cardigan Pattern for Summer appeared first on .

A Simple Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Like I said, the Angelica Cardigan is one of my favorite designs to date. I love the simplicity, yet the air of elegance from the detailing. The stitches used in this pattern are half double crochet and some special stitches. But don’t worry – there are lots of photos to help with the special stitches!

Is it easy to crochet a cardigan?

Yes! Most people assume garments are extremely hard to crochet. And while there are difficult patterns out there, this is not one of them.

In fact, if you’ve never made a crochet cardigan before, this would be a great pattern to start out with! This easy crochet cardigan is made from 3 rectangles. The rectangles are sewn together, and then the sleeves are added on in the round.

Since the publication of this design, I have had many crocheters tell me that this was the first garment they ever made – which proves you can do it too even if you’re a beginner!

The Inspiration

“Angelica,” the name of this cardigan, is inspired because of the pretty lace detailing toward the bottom. When I posted pictures on Instagram, many of you said the stitch looked like little angels!

It is possible to see many things in these details, however. I first saw pansy flowers, which is why I named the stitch the Pansy Stitch. All the information and tutorials on making this special stitch can be found here.

Crochet Cardigan PDF Pattern

As always, you can buy the ad-free, PDF version of this pattern in my pattern store here! Thank you in advance to all who decide to purchase—you put a huge smile on my face!

Purchase & Print this Crochet Pattern Right Here!

How many skeins of yarn does it take to crochet a cardigan?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the pattern you choose and the size you are. However, you can always expect to have a LOT of yarn when you’re crocheting a garment.

When it comes to the Angelica Cardigan, you will need anywhere from 6-11 hanks of the recommended yarn (or about 1,000-2,000 yards of any worsted weight yarn!)

In fact, one of my favorite things about this cardigan is how easy it is to substitute yarn. You can really use any worsted weight yarn to make this cardigan! I do recommend staying away from “value” yarns like red heart super saver though. My top recommendation for a substitute that is widely available is Caron Simply Soft.

More Crochet Sweater Patterns

• Juniper Cardigan – make a cardigan with fully adjustable sizing!
• Timberlane Sweater – A Crochet Raglan
• Oversized Crochet Cardigan Pattern
• Lacy Summer Crochet Cardigan
• Parisian Dress Crochet Pattern

Last thing before we get to the pattern…take a look at some OTHER versions of this design below! These are Angelica Cardigan’s made by my amazing testers. The pattern was tested in ALL sizes, and it turned out beautifully in the small and large sizes.

Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern – Angelica Cardigan

By Desert Blossom Crafts

• To Pin this pattern to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE
• To buy the ad-free, PDF version of this pattern, click HERE
• To add this pattern to your Ravelry queue, click HERE

Materials:

• Ella Rae Cozy Alpaca: 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) hanks (or other LIGHT worsted weight yarn)
• Total yardage needed (from size S-3XL): 1068 (1246, 1424, 1602, 1780, 1958)
• Recommended substitute: Caron Simply Soft

• G Hook (or size to obtain gauge)
• Yarn needle

Notes:

1. Cardigan is worked in 3 rectangles which are then sewn together at the sides and shoulders. Sleeves are then joined at the armhole and worked in the round.
2. Chain 2 on hdc rows counts as a stitch

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:

Chain – ch

Foundation Single Crochet – fsc

Slip Stitch: sl st

Single crochet – sc

Half double crochet – hdc

Double crochet – dc

Repeat – rep

Round – rnd

Skip – sk

Stitch(es) – st(s)

RS: right side

WS: wrong side

Special Stitches:

2-dc cluster: *YO, insert hook in ch indicated, YO and pull up a loop. YO, draw through 2 loops on hook; rep from * once more. YO, draw through all 3 loops on hook.

TR Cluster (tutorial for this stitch HERE): *YO twice, insert hook in next hdc, YO and pull up a loop, (YO, draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Rep from * 2 times more, YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Htr (half triple crochet): YO twice, insert hook in indicated st and pull up loop. YO, pull through 2 loops. YO, pull through 3 loops.

Need help with these stitches? Watch the video tutorial for them farther down (where they’re used in the pattern).

Sizing:

To fit Finished Bust Size: 30 (34, 37, 41, 44, 48) inches

Width of back panel: Approximately 16 (18, 20, 22, 23.5, 25) inches

Width of front panels: 7 (8, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5) inches

Length of panels: 25 (26, 27, 28, 29, 30) inches (adjustable if desired)

Armhole: 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches

Sleeve Length: adjustable

I recommend choosing a size 2-3” inches bigger than your actual bust size (especially for larger sizes). If you are in between sizes, please size up.

For reference, model is 5′ 4″ with a bust of 30”, wearing a size Small.

Gauge:

14 hdc 10 rows = 4”

How to Crochet a Cardigan for Beginners – Free Written Instructions

BACK PANEL

Fsc 58 (64, 70, 76, 82, 88). (If you’re unfamiliar with the fsc technique, see the video below!)

Rows 1 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as hdc, here and throughout) hdc in each st across. Turn.

Rows 2-4: Rep row 1. Turn.

Row 5: Ch 3 (counts as htr) , tr in next stitch. Ch 3, work 2-dc cluster (see special sts) into 3rd ch from hook. *Work TR Cluster into next three stitches. Ch 3, work 2-dc cluster into 3rd ch from hook. Rep from * until 2 sts left. Tr in next st, htr in last st. Turn. Number of TR clusters:

18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 28).  

Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in next tr. Sc in top of next 2-dc cluster.

*Ch 4, sc in top of next 2-dc cluster. Rep from * across all 2-dc clusters. Hdc in last tr and htr. Turn. Total number of ch spaces: 18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 28). NOTE: For a tutorial helping with rows 5-6, see this blog post or watch the video below.

Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in next st. 3 hdc in each ch-sp across. Hdc in last 2 sts. 58 (64, 70, 76, 82, 88) hdc. Make sure you have the stitch counts noted before continuing with the next rows!

Row 8-10: Rep row 1.

Row 11-13: Rep rows 5-7.

Row 14: Rep row 1.

Rep row 1 until panel reaches the following measurements: 25 (26, 27, 28, 29, 30) inches.

Or repeat row 1 until panel reaches your desired length.

Loving this pattern so far? If you want an ad-free, easily printable version, be sure to check out my PDF HERE!

FRONT PANELS (MAKE 2)

Fsc 25 (28, 31, 34, 37, 40).

Rep same as for Back panel.

With Right Sides together: sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams, leaving a 6.5” (7”, 7.5”, 8”, 8.5”, 9”) armhole opening.

How to Assemble a Crochet Cardigan

If this is your first time crocheting a cardigan, you might be wondering exactly how you should assemble it all together. It’s really not hard to do! You just pick a seaming method and sew up the sides and shoulders.

I used the whipstitch to sew my cardigan together, but any method will work. See the video below a tutorial & comparison of my 3 favorite methods!

SLEEVES

With RS of sweater facing out, join with a sl st at the base of armhole opening.

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (does NOT count as st, here and throughout sleeves) hdc evenly around armhole with 42 (46, 49, 53, 56, 60) hdc. Join with a sl st to beg hdc.

Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in each hdc around. Join with sl st to first hdc.

Rnd 3: Ch 2, hdc in all hdc until 1 st left. Sk last hdc, join with sl st to beg hdc. 41 (45, 48, 52, 55, 59) hdc.

Rnd 4-12: Rep rnd 3 (decreasing one stitch per row). At the end of rnd 12: 32 (36, 39, 43, 46, 50) hdc

Rnd 13-28: Rep rnd 2. 32 (36, 39, 43, 46, 50) hdc

Rnd 29-30: Rep rnd 3. At the end of rnd 30: 30 (34, 37, 41, 44, 48) hdc.

Rnd 31-37: Rep rnd 2.

Rep this rnd until sleeves reach desired length.

Next rnd: Ch 1 (does NOT count as sc) sc in ea hdc around. Join.

Last rnd: Ch 1, sc in ea sc around. Join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

EDGING:

With WRONG side of cardigan facing, join yarn with a sl st at the bottom corner of front panel.

Ch 3 (counts as dc) dc evenly up the first front panel, around the neck, and down the second front panel. When you reach the opposite bottom corner, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in ea dc around entire edge of cardigan. Fasten off and weave in ends.  

Conclusion

And you’re done!! Throw on your cardi and go show it off to your friends! I really hope you enjoyed this simple crochet cardigan pattern and all the extra tips for beginners. Cardigans are so much easier to make than some people think. The Angelica Cardigan is designed to be extra easy, and I hope you loved it!

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

To view all of my free patterns, click HERE. To get a special bonus straight to your inbox, sign up for my email list below:

SHARING IS CARING!

If you did enjoy this post, I would love if you shared it in the following places so many MORE people can see it!

• Pin to Pinterest – just hover over any of the photos in this post and click “save”
• Tag me in your Instagram posts
• Share photos in my Facebook Group

Happy Crocheting!

© 2021 All rights reserved. You may print this pattern for private use only. You may not reproduce or distribute this pattern in any way for any public or commercial use. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please give credit to me and link back to my blog. For info about permission to share pictures/use this pattern in Roundups, please contact me. Thank you!

The post Free Simple Crochet Cardigan Pattern – Angelica Cardigan appeared first on .