Carroway Crochet

Looking for a free crochet cardigan pattern?

I am in love with cardigans and made one a couple of years ago which I live in. I haven’t yet written up the pattern up for my Cafe Latte Cardi, but it is on my to do list for this year.

I decided to make a super bulky cardigan, something a little different. Now my ‘Not Your Average Cardigan’  is my favourite cardi.  I made it with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick and it is practically as heavy as a coat. This free crochet cardigan pattern offers you a great way to try out your cardigan making skills.

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The Not Your Average Cardigan.

 

I am so excited to bring you this free crochet cardigan pattern here on my blog.

The Not Your Average Cardigan is a free crochet cardigan pattern that is beginner friendly. It uses some of the first stitches you learn for crocheting. The body is made with the half double crochet.  and The double crochet stitch is used in the ribbing (it is a fpdc, bpdc ribbing) and  there are instructions for how to do it.

Once you have made your “Not Your Average Cardigan” you will be so comfy wearing it around the house and out and about.

Here it is as made by one of my  wonderful testers, Barbary. She substituted two strands of worsted weight yarn for her Not Your Average Cardigan, and it looks gorgeous.

 

About this Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern.

I am so happy to share this “Not Your Average Cardigan”  pattern with you as I feel it is a super warm and comfy crochet cardigan project.

If  you have been wanting to try a cardigan to add to your crochet wardrobe, this would be an excellent choice. Once you discover how easy it is to make this sweater you might want to make another.

The “Not Your Average Cardigan” is made with two rectangles for the front side panels and one for the back.  The sleeves are simple and they are made in the round, so they are seam free.  The pattern instructions have clear directions on how to insert the sleeves and assemble your cardigan. The style of the cardigan is a drop shoulder, which is a very popular style right now.

Don’t Forget to Pin This For Later.

 

 

Would like to share some of your finished projects or join our growing crochet community in my Facebook Group. It would be great to have you and see what you are up to.

 Join the Carroway Crochet Community on Facebook. 

 

 

I have a full video tutorial on how to crochet the Not Your Average Cardigan for you on my YouTube Channel.

Check out my How to Crochet a Chunky Cardigan. Right Handed Version.

I also have the How to Crochet a Chunky Cardigan video in a Left Handed Version.

 

The Not Your Average Cardigan Comes in All The Sizes.

The other great thing about the Not Your Average Cardigan pattern is it comes in so many sizes, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X and 5X. So no one is left out.

There are also tips on how you can make it as long or as short as you want.

 

Let me tell you what I love about this Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern.

First, I  love super bulky yarn. For this design I used Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick. It works up super fast and you get such a substantial and super warm cardi, great for outdoor walks with the dog.

Secondly I love the texture that is created by using the half double crochet with the giant Q hook.

Thirdly I love the puffy balloon style sleeves with the cinched ribbed cuffs. So comfy and also a great fashion statement.

 

Don’t forget to pin this post for later.

If you love adding to your crochet wardrobe you might like my Super Simple Sweater pattern and my Happy Hippy Sweater as well.

 

 

If you prefer to have the pattern in front of you instead of on the screen you can get the ad free pdf

Get the Pattern on Etsy.

If you love Ravelry you can find it here.

 

The Not Your Average Cardigan  Pattern

Pattern by Pam Carr ©2021

Introducing the Not Your Average Cardigan which is made with the half double crochet stitch for the body and sleeves  and the the double crochet stitch in the fpdc, bpdc ribbing.  You are welcome to play around with colours as you make your cardigan. I would love to see lots of inspired colourways and palettes in this sweater.

 

 

Supplies you will need:

Yarn: Super Bulky weight yarn (6) The sweater in the pictures uses Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in classic black

 

You can use any super bulky yarn. With Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick you will need.

XS: approximately 750 yds, (7 or 8 skeins)

S/Medium: approximately 800 yds, (8 skeins)

L/XL: approximately 848 yds, 1360m (8 skeins)

2X. 3X: approximately 950, (9 skeins)

4X/5X: approximately 1480 yds, (10 skeins)

Note:

If you substitute yarn, the size may vary slightly, so be sure to measure your panels as you complete them. Using two strands of worsted weight (4) yarn in place of the super bulky might end up with a slightly smaller size. This is a roomy cardigan so it will probably work out perfectly for you.

Hooks: Size Q/15 – 15mm/16.00 mm, For body of sweater (Q hooks seem to vary is sizing.

Size N- 10mm hook, For sleeves

Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 6 hdc – 4.25 hdc rows = 4” (10 cm) with a Q-15/16.00 mm, hook

(Feel free to go up or down a hook size to get the correct gauge.)

Abbreviations (uses US conventions)

• Ch = chain
• st = stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet

 

Special Stitch for the ribbing at the bottom of the cardigan.

Here are the written instructions for how to do the FPDC or front post double crochet.

Yarn over, insert hook from the front side of the work to back and then to front again, around the post of the indicated stitch on the previous row; yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through two loops, (2 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through two loops, (1 loop on hook).

And for the BPDC or back post double crochet.

Yarn over, insert hook from the back side of the work to front and to back again around the post of the indicated stitch on the previous row; yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through two loops (1 loop on hook)

A tip to remember when working this ribbed brim.

When you work 1 front post double crochet (FPDC) around the post of the double crochet in the row below, this stitch is raised on the surface of the fabric facing you. Always make sure that the post stitches are raised to the same side in each successive row.  Keep an eye on the ribs and remember: If the stitch you’re working is raised to the front, work a front post stitch; if the stitch is raised to the back, work a back post stitch.

 

Back Loop Only BLO

This stitch is used in the trip of the cardigan

This appears after sc or dc or hdc to indicate that you do the specified stitch into the back loop only of the previous stitch. I have a video on how to find the back loop on my youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQhzE70Ov-U&t=85s

This pattern uses US terminology.

The US and UK crochet terms are different, but they use the same terms to describe different stitches. Here is a simple conversion chart for anyone in the UK.

 

US Double Crochet (dc) Single Crochet (sc) Half Double Crochet (hdc)

UK Treble crochet (trc) Double Crochet (dc) Half treble (htr)

 

 

 

 

Sizes:

 

To fit bust measurement

XS:   28”-30” [71-76]
S /M:  32-38″ [81-96.5 cm]
L/XL:  40-46″ [101.5-117 cm]

2X/3X:   48-54″ [122-137 cm]

4 X/5X: 56-62″ [142-157 cm]

 

This is an oversized cardigan with generous positive ease. It is loosely crocheted so measuring the width varies according to the lay of the sweater and how it is stretched into shape when lying flat. So, these sizes may vary slightly.

 

NOTE: If you want to customize your cardigan hold up the front panels to you and stop at the length you would like your cardigan to be.

 

Finished size for the front and back panel.

 

Size	Width	Length	Sleeve length
XS	22”	26.5”	17”
S/M	26”	27”	19”
L/ XL	28”	28”	21”
2X/3X	34”	28.5”	22”
4X/5X	38”	29”	23”

 

 

Instructions:

The Front and Back:

This cardigan is made with rectangular pieces which form the back and 2 front panels of the garment.

Do not count the turning ch as a stitch

Back

With Q hook, Chain 28, (34, 36, 40, 44)

Row 1: dc into third ch from the hook and dc across 26 (32, 34, 38, 42)

Row 2: Ch 2, *fpdc in next st, bpdc in next st* rep from * to * until  one st left, dc in last st, turn. 26 (32, 34, 38, 42)

Row 3-4: Repeat Row 2

The Ribbing is finished and we are moving onto the body of the cardigan.

Row 5: Ch 1, hdc into the first stitch and into every stitch across. 26 (32, 34, 38, 42)

Row 6- 26  (27, 28,  29, 29 ): Ch 1, hdc into the first stitch and into every stitch across. 26 (32, 34, 38, 42)

Note:

To adapt your length make fewer or more rows to suit your needs. If you customize your cardigan, remember to do the same number of rows on the front panels as well.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

 

Front Panels, Make 2.

 With Q hook, Chain 14, (17, 18, 20, 22)

Row 1: dc into third ch from the hook and dc across 12 (15, 16, 18, 20)

Row 2: Ch 2, *{fpdc in next st, bpdc in next st}* rep from * to * until  one st left, dc in last st, turn. 12 (15, 16, 18, 20)

Row 3-4: Repeat Row 2

The Ribbing is finished and we are moving onto the body of the cardigan.

Row 5: Ch 1, hdc into the first stitch and into every stitch across. 12 (15, 16, 18, 20)

Row 6- 26  (27, 28,  29, 29 Ch 1, hdc into the first stitch and into every stitch across 12 (15, 16, 18, 20)

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Sleeves.   Make 2.

Note: The sleeves are worked in the round. Do not count the ch2 at the beginning of each round as a stitch.

We start with a 10mm hook.

Ch 16, (18, 20, 20, 22) and join to the first ch with a sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist the ch.

Round 1: Ch2,  dc into every stitch around.  Join to the top of the ch2 with a sl st. 16, (18, 20, 20, 22)

Round 2: Ch 2, *{fpdc in next st, bpdc in next st}* rep from * to * to the end of the round  Join to the top of the ch2 with a sl st. 16, (18, 20, 20, 22)

Round 3-4: Repeat Round 2

 

Change to Q hook.

Round 5: *2hdc into 1st, 1hdc into the next st, , *2hdc into next st, 1hdc into next st*. Repeat between * and * to the end, round  Join to the top of the ch2 with a sl st. 24, (27, 30, 30, 33)

Rounds 6- 14, (16, 18, 19, 19) Ch 1, hdc into the first stitch and into every stitch across. Join to the top of the ch2 with a sl st.  24, (27, 30, 30, 33)

 

Construction.

Sewing together the front and back panels.

Place one panel with the right side facing up and lay the two front panels on top of it with the right side facing down. (right sides together).

Place stitch markers or tie with yarn at the side edges and where the front panels end at the neck.

 

 

 

Sew the shoulder seams with a whip st or sl st together. Be sure to do several stitches at the end of each section to ensure it doesn’t come undone with wear.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Side seams.

Measure down 8” (9”, 10”, 10”. 11”) from the top on each side sweater and mark with stitch markers or a short piece of yarn.   This top opening will be where you attach the sleeves later.

Note: This measurement is a guide and you can adjust it to fit your sleeve if you need to.

 

Use pins or stitch markers to join the back and front as you go down the side seams matching up the rows until you get to the bottom edge of the panels.

Using the whip stitch or your preferred method of sewing,  start at the bottom and sew the back and the front sides together. Make sure you are matching the rows as you go.  Stop when you get to the stitch marker at the bottom of the arm hole.

Finish off and weave in the ends.

Do the same on the other side of the cardigan.

Finish off and weave in the ends.

Putting in the Sleeves.

Turn the cardigan so that the right side are facing each other as it lays flat.  The wrong side is facing outwards. Lay it flat on a surface with the shoulders and neck at the top.

Turn one sleeve so that the right sides are facing outwards.

Turn the sleeve so the top opening is facing to the left side and side where you joined rows with a sl st  is at the bottom. The cuff is on the right side.

Lift the front panel open slightly and slide the sleeve into the left arm hole opening between the front panel and the back panel.

Position it so the underarm sleeve seam matches up with the side seam on the left of the sweater and the top of the sleeve matches up with the shoulder seam of the sweater.  Fasten in place with stitch markers or pins.

Using yarn and a needle, start at the underarm seam and whip stitch the arm to the body of the sweater.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

 

Now take the right arm making sure the right sides are facing outwards. Turn the sleeve so the top opening is facing to the right side and the side where you joined rows with a sl st  is at the bottom. The cuff is on the left side.

Lift the front panel open slightly and slide the sleeve into the right arm hole opening between the front panel and the back panel.

Position it so the underarm sleeve seam matches up with the side seam on the right of the sweater and the top of the sleeve matches up with the shoulder seam of the sweater. Fasten in place with stitch markers or pins.

Using yarn and a needle, start at the underarm seam and whip stitch the arm to the body of the sweater.

Trim.

With a Q hook.

Start at the bottom front corner and single crochet up the front edge, across the neck and down the other side.

Row 1: Ch1, sc up and around the edge.

Row 2 ch1 SCBLO around the edge.

You may do more trim rows to suite your style if you want a wider band.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Turn the sweater inside out and you can admire your completed “Not Your Average Cardigan”.

 

If you have any questions or need help with the patterns, please email

 

 

OTHER FREE CROCHET PATTERNS YOU MIGHT LOVE!

1. French Press Cozy

2. The Dreamer Beanie

3. The Ivory Lace Bralette

More Places to Find Crochet Free Patterns:

If you love crochet, you can find over a thousand free crochet patterns including some for crop tops and bralettes over at All Free Crochet

I am honoured to have my free crochet bralette pattern, the Earth Mother Bralette Pattern added to the All Free Crochet site.

It is a great resource for crochet lovers and I am proud to also have my Take Me Outside Infinity Scarf Pattern posted over on the All Free Crochet Site.

 

Selling items made from my patterns?

You are more than welcome to sell items made from my pattern. Please do share my link and tag and help promote it on social media. Thank you.

If you have any questions or need help with the patterns, please email me at carrowaycrochet@outlook.com, and Iʼll be glad to help you.

Thank you again for trying my pattern, I hope you enjoy it! Please share pictures of your completed items on Instagram and Facebook. Tag them @carrowaycrochet #carrowaycrochet on Instagram.

 

Find other patterns by Carroway Crochet in my Etsy Shop and on Ravelry.

 

Let’s Share and Connect!

Thank you for trying my free crochet sweater pattern, I hope you enjoyed it! Please share pictures of your completed Happy Scrappy Sweater on Instagram and Facebook. Tag them @carrowaycrochet #carrowaycrochet and #happyscrappysweater on Instagram.

Thank you so much for visiting me here at Carroway Crochet .

Find other patterns by Carroway Crochet in my Etsy Shop and on Ravelry.

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