Ada Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Ada Cardigan in Rowan Merino Aria

What Is Being Made

The Ada Cardigan is a crocheted cardigan garment designed by Emma Wright. This intermediate-level project is available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–86 cm (20–34 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), with corresponding actual garment bust measurements from 114 cm (45 inches) to 203 cm (80 inches). The cardigan features a distinctive diamond bobble pattern throughout the body and sleeves.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Ada Cardigan employs several key crochet techniques to create its textured appearance. The primary stitch used is double crochet (dc), which forms the foundation of the garment structure. The defining design element is the diamond bobble pattern, which repeats over a 20-row sequence and creates raised, dimensional texture across the fabric.

The pattern utilizes specialized stitch techniques including:

• Bobble stitches (MB) – strategically placed throughout to form the diamond motif
• Double crochet 2 stitches together (dc2tog) – used for shaping and decreasing
• Back loop only (BLO) – a selective technique for working into only the back loop of stitches
• Front loop only (FLO) – working into only the front loop of stitches for varied texture
• Loop stitch – created by inserting the hook into a stitch and creating a length of loop with your finger for additional textural interest

The diamond bobble pattern is constructed through a carefully sequenced 20-row repeat. Rows alternate between different arrangements of bobble stitches and double crochet stitches, with varying spacing that creates the geometric diamond effect. For example, some rows feature bobbles spaced with 3 double crochets between them, while others use 5 or 7 double crochets to vary the pattern density and create the diamond silhouette.

Materials: Yarn and Hook

The Ada Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Merino Aria, a yarn produced by the Rowan brand. The pattern requires 18 to 26 balls of Merino Aria (50 gm each), depending on the size being made. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway Snow 047. A 7mm (US 10.75) crochet hook is used throughout the project.

Tension and Gauge

The specified tension for the Ada Cardigan is 12.5 stitches by 15 rows over the diamond bobble pattern to 10 cm (4 inches) when worked with the 7mm (US 10.75) crochet hook. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the cardigan to fit properly and for the diamond bobble pattern to display at its intended scale.

Construction Method

The Ada Cardigan is constructed by working the diamond bobble pattern continuously until the body reaches approximately 26 to 37 cm in length (depending on size), ending with the right side facing. The sleeves are then added to the back of the main body piece by chaining stitches and incorporating them into the pattern, creating a seamless integration of the sleeve caps with the cardigan body while maintaining the diamond bobble pattern throughout.