Create your very own comfy cardigan with just a few tools and some creativity. Begin with picking out a soft ball of yarn and the right size hook, and then watch as each row you crochet turns into a Basic Crochet Cardigan of your new favorite outfit.
Crochet Cardigan
Follow an easy pattern to make the back, the fronts, and the sleeves. Sew them all together, add some cozy edges and buttons for the final touches, and before you know it. You'll have a hand-made cardigan to keep you warm on chilly days or to share as a heartfelt present.
This project isn't just about crafting clothing, it's a delightful experience in making something truly yours.
Materials Needed:
- Two crochet hooks (5mm and 6mm)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- 3 buttons of your choice
- Stitch markers
- 700 grams (or seven balls) of Special for Babies Chunky Yarn by Stylecraft in Baby Pink (or yarn of your choice)
Measurements:
- Full length: Shoulder to desired cardigan length
- Full width: Across the chest
- Front panel width: (Full width - 1 inch) / 2
- Arm length and width: Plus 6-7 inches for oversized fit, measure wrist for fit
- Ribbing: 2 inches tall
Pattern Overview:
Starting with Ribbing:
- Create a slip knot, then chain 11 (or chain to about 3 inches in length).
- Start the half-double crochets (HDC) by yarning over, then inserting the hook into the third chain from the hook.
- Continue HDC down the chain.
- At the end of the row, chain 2 and turn your work. Continue back along the row, placing each HDC into the back loop only for ribbing.
- Repeat for the desired length of ribbing for the bottom of the cardigan, the cuffs, and the front panels.
Creating the Panels:
- Attach your yarn to the ribbing with a slip knot for the back and front panels.
- Proceed to crochet back and forth in rows of HDC until you reach the desired panel length, including the ribbing in your total measurement.
- Repeat the same steps for front panels and back panel.
Combining Panels:
- Lay the front panels over the back panel, ensuring that they line up properly.
- Use a simple chain stitch along the sides to sew the front panels to the back.
Sleeves:
- Chain to match your arm's width, then HDC in each chain starting from the third chain from your hook.
- Work back and forth in rows until the sleeve is the desired length minus the ribbing height.
- Attach ribbing to each sleeve, ensuring to distribute the fabric evenly for a puffed sleeve effect.
- Attach sleeves to the body of the cardigan, aligning the center of the sleeves with the shoulder seams.
Finishing Touches:
- Crochet a ribbing edge along the front panels where buttons will be attached, leaving holes for the buttons.
- Sew buttons opposite the buttonholes on the other front panel.
- Optionally, go around the neck and front edges with a simple crochet stitch to clean up the appearance.
- Secure all loose ends.
Final Assembly:
- Attach front and back panels at the shoulders, and attach sleeves to the main body.
- Sew up the sides of the cardigan and the underarms of the sleeves.
- Sew on the buttons and finish any detailing.
