Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Crochet Cardigan in Hayfield Spirit Chunky

What is Being Made

This is a crochet cardigan designed by Sirdar, crafted from Hayfield Spirit Chunky yarn in shade 402 Melody. The cardigan is available in seven sizes ranging from XS (71/76 cm chest) to XXXL (132/137 cm chest), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The garment features an open front design with a modern construction method using hexagonal motifs that form the body and sleeves.

Design and Construction

This cardigan uses a distinctive hexagon-based construction method, where geometric hexagonal pieces are worked to create the main body and sleeve components. The pattern involves working hexagons on three sides (back, lower edge of body, and front), which are then joined together to form the complete cardigan shape. This modular approach allows for flexible sizing and interesting visual texture throughout the garment.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch pattern used in this cardigan is the Eyelet Treble Pattern, which creates an open, decorative fabric with excellent drape suitable for chunky yarn. The pattern construction begins with a magic ring foundation, a modern crochet technique that creates a seamless center point for circular motifs. The hexagon rounds are worked in the round, with chain spaces and treble stitches creating the eyelet effect. Stitches used include:

• Treble stitches (tr) – the primary tall stitch creating the main fabric structure
• Chain stitches (ch) – used to create the eyelet spaces and turning chains
• Slip stitches (ss) – used to join rounds and connect pieces

Yarn and Materials

The cardigan is designed to be made with Hayfield Spirit Chunky yarn, a bulky-weight yarn in 100g balls. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 balls for the smallest sizes (XS and S) up to 10 balls for the largest size (XXXL). The chunky weight yarn creates a warm, substantial fabric that works up quickly and provides excellent stitch definition with the eyelet treble pattern.

Required tools include:

• 7.00 mm crochet hook (UK size 2) – used for the main eyelet treble pattern
• 6.00 mm crochet hook (UK size 4 / US size J/10) – used for finishing or border work
• Stitch markers – essential for tracking pattern repeats and hexagon construction points

Tension and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 12 stitches and 6 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) using the 7.00 mm hook with the Eyelet Treble Pattern. Accurate tension is crucial for achieving the correct finished measurements. The cardigan features consistent sleeve length of 47 cm (18½ inches) across all sizes, while the body length ranges from 57 cm to 66 cm depending on size. The chest measurements range from 71/76 cm for XS to 132/137 cm for XXXL, with proportional adjustments to width throughout the size range.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty, indicating it is suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The hexagon modular construction and eyelet pattern require understanding of working in the round, managing stitch counts, and joining pieces together, making it an excellent project for developing intermediate crochet skills.