Ada Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Ada Cardigan in Rowan Merino Aria

What is Being Made

The Ada Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet cardigan designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–86 cm up to 152–157 cm, offering five size options. This garment features a distinctive textured construction and is photographed in the Rowan Merino Aria colorway Snow 047. The cardigan is constructed using a diamond-shaped bobble stitch pattern that creates visual interest and dimension throughout the piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques. The construction involves working in rows with turning chains, creating structured garment pieces that are then assembled. The cardigan utilizes increases created by adding chain stitches at the beginning of rows to expand the fabric width, particularly for sleeve sections. Decreasing techniques are incorporated through single crochet stitches worked together to shape the garment. The pattern requires careful attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats to maintain the integrity of the diamond bobble design throughout.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (fM): The foundational stitch used throughout the cardigan, worked into chain stitches and previous rows to build the fabric structure.
• Chain Stitch (LfM): Used to create turning chains at the beginning of rows and to add width when constructing sleeve sections.
• Turning Chain (WLfM): A special chain stitch that does not count as a stitch and is worked at the beginning of each row to turn the work.
• Single Crochet Two Together (fM2zus): A decrease technique used to shape the cardigan by combining two stitches into one.
• Bobble Stitch (Noppe): A textured stitch that creates raised, dimensional elements. The pattern specifies a diamond-shaped bobble arrangement (rautenförmiges Noppenmuster) that repeats across rows in a 20-row sequence.
• Loop Stitch (SchlfM): A specialty stitch that creates loops approximately 5–8 cm in length on the surface of the fabric, adding textural variation to the design.

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The Ada Cardigan is worked to a gauge of 12.5 stitches and 15 rows per 10 × 10 cm square, measured over the diamond bobble pattern using a size 7 crochet hook. The diamond bobble motif is a 20-row repeat that forms the primary stitch pattern. Rows alternate between different bobble placements and single crochet stitches, creating a rhythmic, textured fabric. The pattern includes specific row-by-row instructions for rows 1–20, which are then repeated continuously throughout the body and sleeves of the cardigan.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Ada Cardigan is designed to be made with Rowan Merino Aria, a premium yarn available in 50-gram balls. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 18 balls for the smallest size to 26 balls for the largest size. The project requires one size 7 crochet hook throughout, maintaining consistent gauge and stitch definition across the entire garment. Rowan Merino Aria is a merino wool blend that provides softness, breathability, and drape suitable for a cardigan garment.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The cardigan is available in five sizes with the following finished bust measurements: 114 cm, 136 cm, 158 cm, 181 cm, and 203 cm. Length varies by size, with sleeve sections constructed to approximately 20–30.5 cm depending on the size selected. The pattern provides detailed instructions for each size variation, including specific stitch counts and row counts to achieve proper fit and proportions.