Abigail Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Abigail Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What Is Being Made

The Abigail Cardigan is a women's crochet cardigan designed by Emma Wright. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from bust circumference 45 cm to 77 cm (approximately 18 inches to 30 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished cardigan features front panels, back panels, and sleeves constructed using crochet techniques, resulting in a wearable layering piece.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project employs multiple crochet techniques to create visual interest and texture. The primary construction method uses treble crochet stitches (Stäbchen) worked in rows, which creates a lightweight, draping fabric ideal for a cardigan silhouette. The pattern also incorporates popcorn stitch details (Noppenmuster), which are decorative raised bumps that add dimensional texture to specific sections of the garment.

The cardigan construction involves shaping through strategic stitch decreases. The pattern uses double treble crochet decreases (Stb2zus) to create fitted shaping at the armholes and along the front edges. This technique reduces stitch counts gradually across multiple rows, allowing the garment to conform to the body while maintaining the integrity of the stitch pattern. The piece is worked in separate sections—left front, right front, and back—which are likely joined together after completion.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (Luftmaschen/LfM): Used to create the foundation for each piece
• Single crochet (feste Maschen/fM): Used as part of the popcorn stitch construction and likely for finishing edges
• Treble crochet (Stäbchen/Stb): The primary stitch used throughout the main body of the cardigan, creating the base fabric
• Popcorn stitch (Noppenmuster): A decorative stitch created by working multiple treble crochets into the same stitch and pulling the loop through, creating a textured bobble effect
• Double treble crochet decrease (Stb2zus): Used to shape the garment by combining two treble stitches into one
• Turning chain (Wendeluftmasche/WLfM): Used at the beginning of each row to establish the correct height for the following row

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Abigail Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a double-knit weight yarn. This yarn choice provides a soft, luxurious feel with excellent drape, making it ideal for a cardigan that will sit elegantly on the body. The pattern specifies yardage requirements based on size: ranging from 18 to 22 balls of 50-gram skeins, depending on which of the nine sizes is being made. The yarn shown in the pattern photograph is worked in the colorway Toffee 203, a warm neutral tone.

The project requires a size 4 crochet hook (Häkelnadel Nr. 4) for all construction. This hook size is used consistently throughout the pattern for both the main treble crochet sections and the popcorn stitch details, ensuring uniform gauge and fabric consistency.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project to fit properly. The pattern specifies two different gauge measurements depending on the stitch pattern being used. For the main treble crochet sections, the gauge is 16 stitches and 9 rows over 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches). For the popcorn stitch sections, the gauge is 15 popcorn bumps (created using the sequence of 1 single crochet and 1 popcorn stitch, repeated 7 times, plus 1 final single crochet) and 17 rows over 10 centimeters. Both gauges are worked with the size 4 hook. Checking gauge before beginning is critical, as even small variations can significantly affect the final garment dimensions and fit.

Pattern Structure and Shaping

The left front panel begins with a foundation chain and is worked upward in rows of treble crochet. The piece is constructed to a specific length (approximately 76 to 85 centimeters depending on size) before armhole sh