Leonie Long Sleeves Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Leonie Long Sleeves Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite 4ply

What Is Being Made

The Leonie Long Sleeves Cardigan is a crocheted cardigan designed by Kim Hargreaves, available in two distinct versions: a long version with short sleeves and a short version with long sleeves. This pattern offers versatility for different seasons and style preferences. The garment is engineered to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), accommodating nine different size options for a broad range of body types.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level crochet project that employs strategic decreasing techniques to shape the garment. The pattern uses a structured approach to shaping, with decreases worked across multiple rows to create a fitted silhouette. The decreasing method involves working stitches at the beginning and end of rows, progressively reducing stitch counts to achieve the desired fit. This technique requires careful attention to pattern instructions and understanding of how decreases affect overall garment construction.

Stitches Used

The Leonie cardigan is constructed primarily using half treble crochet stitches (htr) as the foundation stitch. The pattern incorporates a distinctive V stitch motif that creates texture and visual interest throughout the garment. The V stitch is repeated across rows to form the main fabric pattern. Chain stitches (ch) are used at the beginning of rows to establish height and turning points. The combination of these stitches—half trebles and V stitches—creates a fabric with moderate drape suitable for a cardigan silhouette.

Materials

The cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. Yarn requirements vary by size and version: the long version with short sleeves requires between 6 and 13 balls, while the short version with long sleeves requires between 7 and 13 balls, depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

Two crochet hooks are specified for this project:

• 2.00mm (US B1) crochet hook
• 2.50mm (US B1/C2) crochet hook

The use of two hook sizes allows for gauge control and potential ribbing or edging work at a tighter tension if required by the pattern instructions.

Design Details

The pattern is available in multiple colorways, with the long version featuring short sleeves photographed in Vintage Claret 443, and the short version with long sleeves shown in Blushes 420. This range of color options allows crafters to customize their finished cardigan to personal preference while working from the same pattern instructions.