Simple Cropped Cardigan

A top-down, beginner-friendly cardigan with a relaxed fit and cropped length.

Materials

• Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn, 100% cotton, approximately 800 yards
• 5.0 mm (US H/8) crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Two 1-inch buttons (optional)
• Gauge: 18 sts × 24 rounds / 10 cm
• Finished Size: Size varies with gauge and rounds worked

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sk: skip
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sl st: slip stitch
• yo: yarn over
• FDC: Foundation Double Crochet (see Special Stitches)
• FPHDC: Front Post Half Double Crochet (see Special Stitches)

Special Stitches

Foundation Double Crochet (FDC): Ch 3, yo, insert hook into 3rd ch from hook, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 1 loop (ch 1 made), yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops (first FDC made). For subsequent FDCs: yo, insert hook under both loops of the ch 1 from the previous FDC, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 1 loop (ch 1 made), yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops.

Front Post Half Double Crochet (FPHDC): Yo, insert hook from front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Begin by creating a long chain that will become the neckline of your cardigan.

Rnd 1: FDC 64, join with sl st to first FDC, being careful not to twist. (64 sts)

Body

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in first st, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next st (place marker in ch-2 space), dc in next 14 sts, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next st (place marker in ch-2 space) 3 times, dc in next 13 sts, join with sl st to first dc. (72 sts) Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (80 sts) Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (88 sts) Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (96 sts) Rnd 6: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (104 sts) Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (112 sts) Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (120 sts) Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (128 sts) Rnd 10: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (136 sts) Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (144 sts) Rnd 12: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (152 sts) Rnd 13: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (160 sts) Rnd 14: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (168 sts) Rnd 15: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (176 sts) Rnd 16: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (184 sts) Rnd 17: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (192 sts) Rnd 18: Ch 2, dc in each st around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each marked ch-2 space. (200 sts) Rnd 19: Ch 2, dc in first 28 sts (first front panel), sk next 44 sts (first sleeve), dc in next 56 sts (back panel), sk next 44 sts (second sleeve), dc in next 28 sts (second front panel), ch 8, join with sl st to first dc. (128 sts) Rnd 20: Ch 2, dc in each st around, dc 8 in ch-8 space, join with sl st to first dc. (128 sts)

Assembly / Finishing

Weave in all loose ends securely. For a clean edge, work a round of sc around the entire opening of the cardigan and the cuffs of the sleeves. If adding buttons, sew them evenly spaced on one front panel, with corresponding buttonholes on the other front panel (ch-1 spaces in your sc edging can serve as buttonholes). Block lightly to shape if desired.

Tips

• Always check your gauge before starting the project to ensure your finished item will be the correct size.
• Use stitch markers to clearly delineate the raglan increase points, especially in the early rounds.
• The ch-2 at the beginning of the rounds does not count as a stitch, providing a neater seam.
• This pattern is written for a cropped fit. To make it longer, simply repeat Rnd 20 until desired length before fastening off.

Pattern by YarnCro · yarncro.com