Berroco Cruz Bay Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Berroco Cruz Bay Crochet Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Cruz Bay is an intermediate-level crochet cardigan designed by Donna Yacino. This garment is a versatile layering piece available in eight sizes, ranging from 36" to 64" bust measurements (closed). The cardigan features a finished length of 13 to 16 inches depending on size, making it a cropped style suitable for various occasions. The design is shown in size 44" and is engineered with 2–4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Construction and Techniques

The Cruz Bay cardigan employs a sophisticated construction method that combines multiple crochet techniques. The garment is worked flat for most components and incorporates seaming to join sections together. The sleeves are notably worked in the round, then seamlessly integrated with the back and front panels. The left and right sides of the garment are worked from the cuffs inward, with the right and left body pieces sewn together at the center of the back. The collar and bottom edge are crocheted as finishing elements after the main body is complete.

The primary stitch pattern utilized throughout the cardigan is single crochet, combined with lace elements that create visual interest and texture. The lace pattern repeats across the fabric, with specific gauge measurements of 3 pattern repeats equaling 3 inches horizontally and 18 rows equaling 4 inches vertically.

Stitches and Special Techniques

The pattern employs several specialized crochet stitches and decreasing techniques to achieve its structured silhouette:

• Single crochet (sc) – the foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Treble crochet (tr) – used in lace sections and decorative elements
• 2TRtog – a treble crochet decrease worked by leaving the last loop of each stitch on the hook, working 1 treble in each of the next 2 stitches, then yarning over and pulling through all loops to create 1 treble decrease
• 4TRtog – a multiple treble decrease worked across 4 stitches using the same technique, leaving 1 stitch remaining
• 5TRtog – a decrease spanning 5 stitches, worked by repeating the treble stitch method and pulling through all 5 loops at once
• 6TRtog – the most dramatic decrease, worked across 6 stitches using the same looped method

These decreases are essential for shaping the armholes, neckline, and other fitted areas of the cardigan.

Materials and Gauge

The Berroco Cruz Bay is designed to be worked with Berroco Estiva yarn, a premium yarn choice that contributes to the garment's drape and texture. The yardage requirements range from 3 cakes (150 grams each) for smaller sizes up to 5 cakes for the largest sizes. The yarn color featured in the sample is #2612 Curry, a warm, earthy tone.

Crocheters should use a 5.50 mm (size I) crochet hook or adjust as needed to obtain the correct gauge. Achieving proper gauge is critical for this project: 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows should measure 4 inches in the single crochet pattern. For the lace pattern stitch, 3 pattern repeats and 18 rows should measure 3 inches by 4 inches respectively, with each chain and single crochet counting as 1 stitch.

The pattern also calls for 1 removable stitch marker to help track pattern repeats and construction progress throughout the project.

Skill Level and Notes

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate skill level project, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and stitch combinations. The combination of lace work, multiple decrease techniques, and the construction method of working pieces separately before seaming requires attention to detail and understanding of garment shaping principles.