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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 .

Disclosure. This post may contain affiliate links.

Another great thing about the Summer Breeze Vest is that it is super simple to make. I’m not kidding—all you’ll have to do is make one back panel, and 2 front panels half the size of the back panel. Lastly, simple side and shoulder seams complete the project!

The stitch pattern is also repetitive and easy to memorize (don’t let the lace scare you! I promise, it just uses simple stitches).

One technique you will need to know for this pattern is blocking. Blocking is essential to make the lace of this design truly open up. If you’ve never done blocking before, be sure to check out this article I wrote about it. I’ll show you the 3 main types of blocking, and which yarn to use with which method. I promise, it’s NOT hard! Check out the article here.

Also…did you know you can get an ad-Free, PDF version of this pattern? It is perfect for easy-printing! Get this version HERE or click below.

The Yarn

Last thing before we get to the pattern…let’s talk yarn! I used Knit Picks Stroll Fingering for my vest. I highly recommend this yarn. It is light, and also soft! You’ll need the following amount of skeins for your project: 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5). Order it now by clicking HERE! There are tons of beautiful colors to choose from!

Summer Breeze Vest—Free Crochet Pattern

BY DESERT BLOSSOM CRAFTS

All right, let’s jump right in!

• To Pin this pattern to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE.
• To get the ad-free, PDF version of this pattern, click HERE.

Materials

• Knit Picks Stroll Fingering: 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5) skeins
• Total yardage needed: 550 (630, 710, 790, 870, 950) yards fingering weight yarn (approximate)
• F (3.75mm) Hook (or size to obtain gauge)
• Yarn needle

Abbreviations/Stitches Used (U.S. terminology)

Chain – ch

Foundation Single Crochet – fsc

Slip Stitch: sl st

Single crochet – sc

Double crochet – dc

Repeat – rep

Round – rnd

Skip – sk

Stitch(es) – st(s)

RS: right side

Special Stitches:

V-Stitch: (Dc, ch 2, dc) in indicated stitch.

Shell: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in indicated stitch.

Sizing:

To fit Bust size: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)”

Width of Back panel: 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26)”

Width of Front panels: 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)”

Length of all panels: 22 (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)”

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

Gauge:

4 shells and 8 rows BLOCKED = 4”

To make a gauge swatch:

Fsc 24.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc. *Sk 2 dc, shell in next dc. Sk 2 dc, v-stitch in next dc. Rep from * until 4 sts left. Sk 2 dc, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc. *Shell in ch-2 sp of next v-stitch, v-stitch in ch sp of next shell. Rep from * across. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Rep row 3 until you have a square—at least 9 rows. Fasten off and block. Then measure the center 4 shells/v-stitches. They should be 1” each, or about 4” total. Note: it is very important to block this cardigan because the stitch pattern used opens up A LOT. The effect of the cardigan will not be the same without blocking.

Instructions:

BACK PANEL

Fsc 53, (59, 65, 71, 77, 83)

Row 1-2: Ch 3, dc across. Turn.

Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts. *Sk 2 dc, shell in next dc. Sk 2 dc, v-stitch in next dc. Rep from * until 8 sts are left. Sk 2 sts, dc in last 6 sts. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts. *V stitch in next shell. Shell in next v-stitch. Rep from * until 1 shell is left. V stitch in last shell. Dc in last 6 dc. Turn.

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts. *Shell in next v stitch, v stitch in next shell. Rep from * until 1 v stitch left. Shell in last v stitch. Dc in last 6 dc. Turn.

Rep rows 4-5 until you have 41 (43, 45, 47, 49, 51) TOTAL rows.

Row 42 (44, 46, 48, 50, 52): Rep row 4 again

Row 43 (45, 47, 49, 51, 53): Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts. Dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. *Dc in next dc, sk next dc, dc in ch-sp. Sk next dc, dc in next dc. Dc in next dc, dc in ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Rep from * until one v-stitch and one shell left. Dc in next dc, sk next dc, dc in next ch sp. Sk next dc, dc in next dc. Dc in next dc, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Dc in last 6 dc. Turn.

Last row: Ch 3, dc in each st across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

FRONT PANEL

Fsc 29 (32, 35, 38, 41, 44)

Rep the same as for back panel to row 41 (43, 45, 47, 49, 51).

Row 1 Note: For sizes M, XL, and 3XL, you will end on a v-stitch rather than a shell. Don’t worry about this—it’s fine!

Row 42 (44, 46, 48, 50, 52): Rep row 4 again.

Next row for sizes S, L, and 2XL: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts. Dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. *Dc in next dc, sk next dc, dc in ch-sp. Sk next dc, dc in next dc. Dc in next dc, dc in ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Rep from * until one v-stitch and one shell left. Dc in next dc, sk next dc, dc in next ch sp. Sk next dc, dc in next dc. Dc in next dc, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc in next dc. Dc in last 6 dc. Turn.

Next row for sizes M, XL, and 3XL: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, *dc in next dc, sk next dc, dc in ch –sp, sk next dc, dc in next dc,  dc in next dc, dc in ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, rep from * until one v- stitch and one shell left, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-2 space, dc in next dc, dc in next dc, sk next dc, dc in ch -1 sp. Sk next dc, dc in next dc, and dc in remaining 6 dc. Turn.

Last Row: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Dc2tog. Dc across, until 4 dc left. Dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc in last 2 dc. Fasten off.

ASSEMBLY

With right sides together, lay the front panels on top of the back panel. Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams, leaving a 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)” armhole opening (or whatever feels comfortable!) Then, block vest to finished measurements. (You can block before assembly too, but I found it harder to get all the pieces the same length/width).

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:

Happy Crocheting!

—Rachel

The post Summer Breeze Vest—Free Crochet Pattern appeared first on .

(Have you heard about this series of patterns yet? I’m doing a special group of themed patterns while my family is on the East Coast of the U.S. You can read my introduction to this series HERE. Or view the first three patterns in the series HERE.)

Believe it or not, we almost didn’t come to Niagara Falls. At first, it was decided it was too far away from our other stops in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Want to see lots more patterns like this? My email list subscribers are the first to see new patterns!

However, it seemed too amazing of a sight to miss when we were so close (an 11 hour drive!)

It took some major changes of plans, and the loss of some money due to cancellations…but here we are! And it has been SO worth it! See one of my favorite views below:

Unfortunately you can’t get good views without a fence, unless you’re getting wet! We did do the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which was spectacular! We got right up close to the falls. However, we were wearing giant rain ponchos to keep from getting soaked, so definitely no pictures there.

The Yarn

So, the yarn I used for this cardigan is Creative Ewe Bamboodles. This is a bouncy, drapey summer yarn from Creative Ewe.

I loved working with this yarn. It’s extremely soft, and it has a certain sheen to it I’ve never seen before with plant-based fibers. It’s a bamboo-cotton mix, making it perfect for summer.

I used the colorway Blueberry, but there are tons of beautiful colors to choose from!

Get Bamboodles for yourself HERE!

Other Patterns in the Travel Series:

1. New York Sign / 2. Liberty Bell / 3. D.C. Roses       

All right, I bet you’re ready for the pattern! And I’m so ready to share it…so here it is!

Niagara Cardigan

By Desert Blossom Crafts

• To Pin this pattern to your Pinterest Boards, click HERE.
• To buy the inexpensive Ad-free version of this pattern, click HERE

• Materials:

• Creative Ewe Bamboodles, 4 skeins. Or approximately 800 yards of similar yarn (Bamboodles is a sport weight yarn, but I would say it is one the lighter side. You could also use a heavier fingering weight. Please note, however, that substituting yarn may change the drape and fit of the garment. I highly recommend Bamboodles!)
• G Hook (or size to obtain gauge)
• Yarn needle

Notes:

1. Cardigan is made out of 2 rectangles seamed together on the back and the sides.
2. Beginning Ch 3 always counts as a double crochet.

Abbreviations/Stitches Used:

Chain – ch

Foundation Single Crochet – fsc

Double crochet – dc

Repeat – rep

Skip – sk

Stitch(es) – st(s)

Sizing:

Small: to fit Bust size 30-33″

This cardigan is only available in a size small. I may put it in larger sizes in the future (if there is interest. If you would like to see it in larger sizes, please let me know! Your feedback is appreciated).

The cardigan is, however, very easy to adjust. Follow instructions below.

To make cardigan bigger:

Width: add to the foundation rows of the panels in multiples of 3.

Length: simply add more rows to each panel.

For reference, model is 5′ 3″ with a bust of 30″.

Measurements:

1 Panel, before blocking: 38″ long, 10″ wide

Panels will stretch at least a couple inches once blocked.

Gauge:

6 shells and 8 rows = 4″

Instructions:

Panel (make 2)

Fsc 48 (or a multiple of 3)

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc, here and throughout) dc in each fsc across.

Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next fsc. *Sk 2 fsc, 3 dc in next fsc. Rep from * until 4 sts left. Sk 2 fsc, dc in last two fsc. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Sk next dc, 3 dc in next dc. (Sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in next dc) until 3 sts left. Sk next dc, dc in last 2 dc. Turn

Rows 3-75: Repeat row 2.For a longer or shorter cardigan, simply add/subtract rows here. However, note that, once blocked, the cardigan will be slightly bigger.

Finishing:

Lay rectangles out next to each other and sew up halfway.

With Right Sides facing, Fold the rectangles in half and sew up the sides, leaving a 7-8″ space for the armholes.

Lastly, weave in ends and block your cardigan. To review the different blocking methods, click here. I used wet blocking for this piece.

That’s all there is to it! Throw your cardigan over your shoulders and go rock it at Niagara Falls!

I hope you have enjoyed this pattern. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help!

To view all of my free patterns, click HERE.

Happy crocheting!

— Rachel

© 2018 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 Niagara Cardigan—Free Crochet Pattern appeared first on .