Create a statement piece that balances elegance and coziness. The Crochet Light Ribbed Cardigan offers timeless charm and versatile appeal, perfect for layering during any season. Its delicate texture and thoughtful design make it a wardrobe favorite, whether styled casually or with elevated outfits.
Crochet Light Ribbed Cardigan
This cardigan features a ribbed pattern created using a combination of single and half-double crochet stitches. The method of working from side to side and incorporating airy mohair yarn ensures a soft, breathable finish that is lightweight yet warm. The detailed ribbing on the cuffs and hem adds structure while maintaining a relaxed fit. Fully customizable in both size and length, this cardigan offers endless creative potential, making it as unique as the person wearing it.
Credit AC Crochets
Materials
To recreate this cardigan, you’ll need the following:
Yarn:
- Type: Mohair Yarn (blend: 55% acrylic, 25% mohair, 20% wool)
- Weight: Size 2 (Sport Yarn)
- Skein details: 50g / 190m
- Amount: 6 skeins (for extra small). Amount will vary by size.
Optional tip: Mohair yarn makes the cardigan airy and lightweight, but feel free to substitute it with another yarn that matches your preferences.
Crochet Hook:
- Size: 5mm
(Note: Mohair yarn recommends 2.5mm, but the larger hook is used to create a loose and airy texture).
Other Tools:
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Darning needle
- Stitch markers (optional but useful for marking panel divisions and ribbing boundaries).
Stitch Guide
The following stitches and techniques are used in this project:
Basic Stitches:
- Slip Knot: Used to start your initial chain.
- Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
Special Techniques:
- Back Loop Only (blo): Work stitches into the back loop of the stitch to create a ribbed texture.
- Front Post / Back Post Double Crochet: Alternating front and back post stitches create a raised ribbing effect.
Notes
Here are some tips to customize and adjust the cardigan for your needs:
Gauge Adjustments:
- Measure the height of your sweater from the top of your shoulder to the desired length (e.g., cropped, hip-length, or longer).
- The foundation chain should be twice the height of the sweater. For example, if you want an 18-inch sweater, your chain length will be 36 inches.
Customization Ideas:
- Width of the Ribbing: Adjust the number of single crochets for a wider or narrower ribbing. For example, 4 inches of ribbing uses 13 single crochets, but you can reduce or increase this.
- Sleeve Length: Adjust sleeve length based on your height (petite, regular, or tall). Check the size chart for guidelines.
- Yarn Substitution: Use a thicker yarn and a matching hook size for a chunkier or warmer cardigan.
Pattern Instructions
Step 1: Create the Foundation Chain
- Measure the desired sweater height from your shoulder to the bottom edge (e.g., 18 inches).
- Chain twice the height of your sweater length (e.g., 36 inches for this size).
- Work the chain length in a single strand of yarn.
Step 2: Work the Ribbing and Back Panel
First Row:
- Skip the first chain.
- Work single crochet (sc) in the next 13 chains to create the ribbed section (bottom edge).
- Switch to half double crochet (hdc) stitches for the panel body:
- Yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
- Continue hdc across the row until you have 13 chains remaining.
- Finish the row with 13 sc stitches for the ribbed edge on the other side.
Subsequent Rows:
- Chain 1, turn your work.
- For the ribbing at both ends, work sc in the back loop only (blo) and continue for the first 13 stitches.
- For the panel body, work hdc in the blo until 13 stitches remain.
- Finish with 13 sc in the blo at the end of the row.
- Repeat this row until your panel measures 7 inches (or according to size requirements).
Step 3: Shape the Neckline
- Find the center stitch of the panel (divide the total number of stitches by 2). Mark it with a stitch marker.
- Stop working the front panel and focus only on the back panel.
- Work rows of half double crochet (hdc) across the back panel until you have approximately 4 inches of material for the neckline.
Step 4: Rejoin the Front Panel
- Add chains to rejoin the neckline and bring back the front panel. The number of chains should equal the number of stitches you left off earlier.
- Recreate the initial ribbing pattern:
- Work 13 sc stitches for the ribbed edge.
- Switch to hdc stitches across the body.
- Finish the row with 13 sc on the opposite ribbed edge.
- Repeat rows until the front panel matches the height of the back panel.
Step 5: Create the Sleeves
- Measure the sleeve length: Use the size chart to determine sleeve length based on your height. For petite, regular, or tall sizes, the measurements typically range from 14–16 inches.
- Make a foundation chain equal to the measured length.
- Create a ribbing cuff:
- Work 13 sc stitches in the back loop and mark the stitch end with a marker.
- Complete the rest of the sleeve panel with hdc:
- Work hdc in blo across the row.
- At the end of each row, chain 1 and repeat the same ribbing/hdc pattern.
- Repeat rows until the sleeve width matches the size measurements chart.
Make two identical sleeves.
Step 6: Assemble the Cardigan
- Lay the panels and sleeves flat.
- Pin the sleeves to the body with stitch markers:
- Match the center of the sleeve with the center of the main panel.
- Ensure equal stitches are distributed on both sides of the sleeve.
- Join all pieces together using a darning needle and mattress stitch, or use slip stitches for faster assembly.
Step 7: Add the Decorative Ribbing
- Attach yarn at the bottom edge.
- Work a row of regular double crochet (dc) across the cardigan opening (main body opening and neckline).
- Add texture: Alternate front post and back post double crochet stitches in subsequent rows to create a raised ribbing.
- Continue ribbing rows until you achieve your desired decorative finish.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Weave in all loose ends using a darning needle.
- Block your cardigan to shape it properly if needed.
Enjoy your handmade cardigan! If you’d like a written pattern for this project, visit the creator’s online shop via the video description link.
