Rowan Leonie (Short Sleeve) Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Rowan Leonie Short Sleeve Cardigan by Kim Hargreaves

What is Being Made

The Rowan Leonie Short Sleeve is a crocheted cardigan designed by Kim Hargreaves, available in nine sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–152 cm (28–60 inches). This garment features a short sleeve construction and is worked in a long version silhouette, offering a versatile layering piece suitable for intermediate crocheters. The cardigan is fastened with five shell buttons measuring 1.2 cm each.

Construction Method and Approach

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up building method, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat in rows rather than in the round, allowing for a structured, tailored fit. Once all pieces are completed, they are seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach provides excellent stitch definition and allows for precise shaping throughout the design.

Techniques and Stitch Work

The Leonie Short Sleeve incorporates lace techniques as a primary design element, creating an open, airy fabric texture. The pattern instructions reference V stitches (abbreviated as V sts) as a core structural stitch, which are worked in varying quantities across different rows to create the lace pattern. The garment also features half treble crochet stitches (htr), which form the foundation of the fabric and appear at strategic points throughout the pattern, including edge stitches and decreases.

Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing and increasing techniques. The pattern demonstrates decreasing methods such as missing stitches at the base of turning chains and combining stitches, which gradually reduce stitch counts across specific rows. These decreases are worked symmetrically at both ends of rows to maintain balanced shaping. The pattern also includes rows where stitches are maintained or increased to create the desired silhouette.

Materials Required

Yarn: Rowan Summerlite 4 ply yarn is used for this project. The yardage varies by size, ranging from 6 to 13 balls of 50-gram weight (the photographed sample is shown in Vintage Claret 443, a deep burgundy colorway).

Crochet Hooks: Two hook sizes are required for this project. A 2.00mm (US B1) crochet hook is used for certain sections, while a 2.50mm (US B1/C2) crochet hook is used for other parts of the construction. The use of two hook sizes allows for variation in fabric density and drape.

Notions: Five shell buttons, each measuring 1.2 cm in diameter, are needed to complete the cardigan's button band closure.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, indicating that crocheters should have foundational knowledge of basic stitches and techniques before beginning. The combination of lace work, precise shaping through decreasing, and the seaming of multiple pieces requires moderate experience and attention to pattern instructions.