Siza Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Siza Cardigan in Berroco Ultra Wool DK

What is Being Made

The Siza Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet garment designed by Alison Green. This cardigan features a classic construction with a back panel and two front panels worked flat and then seamed together. The design includes decorative vertical stripes added using surface slip-stitches after the main pieces are completed. The cardigan is available in ten different sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 39 inches to 73 inches (99 cm to 185.5 cm), with finished lengths between 24½ and 27½ inches (62 cm to 70 cm). The pattern recommends 4 to 12 inches of positive ease for a comfortable fit.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches Used

The Siza Cardigan employs several fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method involves working pieces in rows using a repeating pattern stitch. The pattern stitch is based on a multiple of 15 plus 5 stitches and combines half double crochet (hdc) with chain-1 spaces (ch-1 sp) to create an open, textured fabric.

The stitch pattern follows a systematic approach: the first row begins with half double crochet in the third chain from the hook, then alternates between half double crochet stitches and chain-1 spaces in a specific sequence. This creates groups of 6 consecutive half double crochet stitches separated by chain-1 spaces, which are repeated across each row. Subsequent rows maintain this pattern by working half double crochet into each stitch and chain-1 space from the previous row.

After the main pieces are completed and seamed, surface slip-stitches are used to add vertical stripes as a decorative finishing element. This technique involves working slip stitches on the surface of the finished fabric rather than into individual stitches, creating raised linear details.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

The Siza Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a worsted-weight yarn. The pattern calls for three colors: Fog (MC) as the main color, Verbena (CC1) as a contrasting color, and Ocean (CC2) as a second contrasting color. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 3 to 6 balls of the main color (100 g per ball) and 2 balls each of the two contrasting colors.

The recommended crochet hook size is size 7 (4.5 mm), or a size that achieves the specified gauge. The pattern includes stitch markers as notions to help track pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 11 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in the pattern stitch, with each half double crochet and chain-1 space counted as individual stitches. Gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important step to ensure accurate finished measurements. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to save time and ensure the cardigan fits as intended.