Scarborough Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Scarborough Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Scarborough Cardigan is a crocheted cardigan garment designed by Lisa Richardson. This pattern is available in nine different sizes, ranging from a chest measurement of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 97 cm (38¼ inches) at the smallest size to 181 cm (71¼ inches) at the largest size.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This cardigan is constructed using filet crochet, a technique that creates an open, lacy fabric through the strategic placement of solid and open blocks. The pattern uses a chart-based approach, requiring the crocheter to follow a detailed chart throughout the construction process. The garment is worked in separate pieces—including body sections and sleeves—which are then assembled.

The construction involves working foundation chains and building the fabric by working into the opposite side of these chains. Sleeve shaping is achieved through strategic block decreases at the beginning and end of rows, reducing the stitch count gradually to create fitted armholes and sleeve caps. The pattern includes specific shaping instructions for both the left and right fronts, with precise block counts for each size.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches employed in this pattern include:

• Chain (ch) — used for foundation chains and turning chains
• Treble (tr) — the main stitch forming the structure of the filet mesh
• Double crochet (dc) — used in certain sections of the pattern
• Slip stitch (ss) — used for joining and finishing

The filet mesh fabric is created by combining solid blocks (formed by consecutive trebles) and open blocks (formed by chain spaces), which together create the characteristic open, geometric pattern of filet crochet.

Materials: Yarn and Hook

This pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double-knitting weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The photographed sample is worked in the colorway Mushroom 454. The pattern requires a 3.50mm (US E4) crochet hook for working the main fabric.

The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 9½ rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the filet mesh fabric using the 3.50mm hook. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly across all nine size options.

Skill Level

The Scarborough Cardigan is rated as advanced beginner difficulty. While filet crochet is a relatively straightforward technique based on chains and trebles, this pattern requires careful attention to chart reading and the ability to maintain stitch counts accurately across multiple rows and size variations. Crafters should be comfortable following written instructions alongside a visual chart and managing shaping decreases.