Plymouth Yarn Crochet Cardi Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Pima Rino Crochet Cardi

What Is Being Made

The Plymouth Yarn Crochet Cardi (Pattern No. 3317) is a classic button-front cardigan sweater designed in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. The finished chest measurements range from 36 inches for the smallest size to 48 inches for the largest, with a finished length of 21 inches across all sizes. This garment is an ideal layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Construction Method

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach, meaning the pieces are crocheted from the lower edge upward and worked in flat rows rather than in the round. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the complete garment. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping and sizing control throughout the project.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The pattern features a sophisticated combination of crochet techniques that create visual texture and structure:

• Post Stitches: The pattern prominently uses Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) and Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC) stitches. These raised stitches are worked around the post of previous stitches rather than into the top loops, creating dimensional ribbing and textured panels. The FPDC is worked by inserting the hook from front to back around the designated stitch post, while the BPDC is worked from back to front to back, with both completed using the standard double crochet yarn-over and pull-through sequence.
• Lace Elements: The cardigan incorporates lace techniques through strategic chain-space patterns. The pattern uses chain-1 spaces alternated with double crochet stitches to create openwork sections that add visual interest and breathability to the design.
• Half Double Crochet (HDC): Used as a foundational stitch, particularly in wrong-side rows, providing structure and stability to the fabric.
• Double Crochet (DC): Employed throughout the pattern to build height and create the main fabric structure, especially within the lace sections.

Materials and Tools

The cardigan is crafted using Plymouth Yarn Pima Rino yarn in the color Light Brown. Yardage requirements vary by size: the Small size requires 10 fifty-gram balls, the Medium requires 11 balls, the Large requires 12 balls, and the Extra Large requires 13 balls. The pattern specifies an F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook as the primary tool. Additional notions include pins for marking stitch locations and 7 optional half-inch buttons for closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to be worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 11 rows equaling 4 inches in the stitch pattern. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Directions are provided for the smallest size with larger sizes indicated in parentheses throughout, allowing crocheters to easily identify which numbers apply to their chosen size. The sample shown in the pattern was worked in the Small size.

Pattern Structure

The back piece begins with a foundation chain of 72 stitches for Small (80, 88, 94 for larger sizes), worked into half double crochets to establish the base. The pattern then progresses through set-up rows that establish the post stitch ribbing and lace sections. The right-side rows feature Front Post Double Crochets combined with chain-space lace sections, while wrong-side rows use Back Post Double Crochets to create the dimensional ribbed texture. This alternating pattern of post stitches and lace openings continues across the width of the garment, creating a balanced design with both textural and visual elements.