Agatha Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Agatha Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What is Being Made

The Agatha Cardigan is a crocheted garment designed by Emma Wright, available in nine size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 71 to 190 cm (approximately 28 to 75 inches). This intermediate-level crochet project creates a finished cardigan with a V-neckline and long sleeves, suitable for a range of body types and proportions.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and decorative crochet techniques to create texture and structure:

• Single Crochet (fM) – The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a dense, structured fabric that provides stability and drape
• V-Puff Stitches – A decorative stitch technique used to create visual interest in the main body section, worked in repeating patterns across multiple rows
• Chain Stitches (LfM) – Used to create foundation chains and turning chains (Wendeluftmasche) that establish the base for subsequent rows
• Increases and Decreases – Strategic increases are incorporated into the sleeve sections to create a fitted, tapered shape that transitions from the cuff to the armhole

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Agatha Cardigan combines basic and intermediate stitches to achieve its final design:

• Single Crochet (fM) – The foundation stitch for the majority of the garment, providing a tight, even fabric
• V-Puff Motif Repeats (Puff-M) – A textured stitch created by working three yarn overs and pulls through the same stitch, creating a dimensional, bumpy texture. The pattern specifies 5.75 V-Puff repeats per 10 cm width and 12 rows of V-Puff stitches in the main body section
• Treble Stitches (Stb) – Referenced in the abbreviations, these taller stitches may be incorporated in specific sections for added height or drape

Construction and Sizing

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a main body section and two matching sleeves. The body begins with a foundation chain and progresses through single crochet rows before transitioning to the decorative V-Puff stitch pattern. The body reaches a finished length of approximately 56 to 66 cm (22 to 26 inches) depending on size. Sleeves are worked from the cuff upward, beginning with 29 to 39 stitches and incorporating strategic increases every few rows to achieve the proper fit at the armhole, reaching 69 to 104 stitches at the widest point.

Materials: Yarn and Tools

Yarn: This pattern is designed specifically for Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a lightweight double-knitting weight yarn. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Off White 221. Yardage requirements vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 15 balls of 50-gram yarn and the largest size requiring 18 balls.

Crochet Hook: A size 4 mm (US size G/6) crochet hook is used throughout the project. This hook size is appropriate for working with DK-weight yarn and achieving the specified gauge.

Gauge and Tension

Accurate gauge is essential for this project to ensure proper fit. The pattern specifies two gauge measurements:

• 20 stitches and 22 rows = 10 x 10 cm (approximately 4 x 4 inches) when working in single crochet with a size 4 mm hook
• 5.75 V-Puff repeats and 12 rows = 10 x 10 cm when working the V-Puff stitch pattern with a size 4 mm hook

Working to gauge ensures that the finished cardigan will match the intended measurements across all nine size options.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Agatha Cardigan requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to follow multi-row stitch patterns. Crocheters should be comfortable with reading pattern abbreviations, increasing and decreasing stitches, and managing multiple pieces that will later be assembled. The V-Puff stitch adds decorative complexity while remaining achievable for those