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 and available in nine sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) through to 132–137 cm (52–54 inches). This garment is crafted using Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn, a luxurious lightweight yarn that provides softness and drape suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Craft and Technique

This is an intermediate-level crochet project that combines fundamental crochet techniques with decorative stitch work. The cardigan is constructed using a combination of treble crochet stitches and bobble stitch details, creating texture and visual interest throughout the garment. The pattern involves shaping through strategic decreases to create a fitted silhouette, particularly around the armhole and shoulder areas.

Stitches Used

• Treble crochet (tr): The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, worked in continuous rows to build the fabric. The tension for treble stitch is 16 stitches by 9 rows to 10 cm (4 inches).
• Treble crochet two together (tr2tog): A decrease stitch used to shape the cardigan, particularly during the armhole and shoulder shaping sequences where multiple consecutive decreases are worked to reduce stitch counts gradually.
• Double crochet (dc): Used as part of the bobble stitch construction.
• Bobble stitch (MB): A decorative textured stitch created by repeating the pattern [1 dc, MB] seven times followed by 1 dc. The bobble stitch sections are worked to a tension of 15 bobble stitches by 17 bobble rows to 10 cm (4 inches), creating dimensional surface texture that contrasts with the smooth treble sections.

Materials and Equipment

The Abigail Cardigan requires Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn, a 50-gram ball weight yarn. The yardage needed varies by size, ranging from 18 balls for the smallest size (71–76 cm bust) to 22 balls for the largest size (132–137 cm bust). The photographed sample is worked in the colorway Toffee 203. A 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook is used throughout the project to achieve the specified tension.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The pattern begins with a foundation chain that varies by size, starting with 45 chains for the smallest size and increasing to 77 chains for the largest. The first row establishes treble stitches across the foundation chain, creating the base fabric. The cardigan is then worked in continuous treble stitch rows until the piece reaches the required length before armhole shaping begins. Shaping is accomplished through alternating rows of decreases worked at each end of the row using the tr2tog technique, progressively reducing the stitch count to create the armhole opening and shoulder slope. Once the desired armhole depth is achieved, the piece is worked straight in treble stitch until the full length is reached, typically measuring between 84–94 cm depending on size.