Valley Yarns Pomona Crocheted Cardigan Pattern Pattern

Valley Yarns Pomona Crocheted Cardigan

Project Overview

The Pomona Crocheted Cardigan is a seamless, worked-flat crochet design created by Kirsten Hipsky for Valley Yarns. This cardigan is constructed in five finished sizes ranging from 33" to 49" in width, making it suitable for various body measurements. The garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with set-in sleeves and a decorative edging detail.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs seamless construction and is worked flat rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and customization. The design is built in distinct sections: the left half (front and back), right half (front and back), and sleeves are worked separately and then seamed together. The shoulder seams are sewn or crocheted together for a secure, professional finish. This modular approach enables adjustable sizing and makes the pattern accessible to crocheters of varying skill levels.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Pomona cardigan utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined into a structured pattern repeat. The Main Body Pattern Stitch forms the foundation of the garment and is worked in rows, creating a cohesive fabric throughout the front, back, and sleeves. The pattern incorporates:

• Single crochet (sc) stitches for structure and definition
• Double crochet (dc) stitches for drape and coverage
• Chain stitches (ch) for spacing and creating openwork elements

A repeating motif of [1dc, 1ch, 1dc, 1ch, 1dc] creates visual texture and is interspersed with single crochet stitches throughout the pattern. This combination produces an attractive, lacy appearance while maintaining structural integrity. The Body Edging, worked in Rows 1–4, provides a finished border that frames the cardigan and prevents curling at the edges.

Body and Sleeve Construction

The left half begins with a foundation chain of 122 to 134 stitches (depending on size) and is worked upward in rows using the Main Body Pattern Stitch until the piece measures between 7.5" and 11.5" from the starting chain. An armhole is then created by leaving a section unworked and adding a new chain for the underarm, which is incorporated into subsequent rows. The body continues in pattern until it reaches a total length of 20.5" to 32.5" from the starting chain, at which point the Body Edging is worked and the section is fastened off.

The left sleeve is picked up from the armhole edge by attaching yarn to the wrong side of the bottom of the armhole and working in the Main Body Pattern Stitch. Stitches are worked around the entire armhole opening, including the shoulder seam area, creating a set-in sleeve. The sleeve is worked to a length of 19.5", which is 2" less than the desired finished length, allowing for the final edging to bring the sleeve to the desired measurement. The Body Edging is then applied to complete the sleeve.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Pomona cardigan is available in five sizes with finished chest measurements of 33", 37", 41", 45", and 49". Each size features proportional adjustments to the initial chain count and length measurements, ensuring proper fit across the range. The sleeve length can be customized by adjusting the number of rows worked before applying the final edging.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked with crochet yarn and a crochet hook appropriate to the chosen yarn weight. The specific yarn type, yardage requirements, and hook size are detailed in the full pattern materials section. Valley Yarns products are recommended for optimal results, though any yarn of comparable weight and fiber content may be substituted.

Pattern Format

The Pomona Crocheted Cardigan is available as a downloadable PDF, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions, schematic measurements, and sizing information to guide crocheters through each stage of construction.