Specifications
| Brand: | Valley Yarns |
| Yarn Weight: | Bulky, DK | Light Worsted, Worsted |
| Designer: | Sara Delaney |
| Craft: | Crochet |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Pages: | 3 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced Beginner |
| Finished Size: | To Fit Bust:36" to 52” |
| Techniques and Construction: | Bottom Up, Seamed, Worked Flat |
| Pattern Code: | B7 |
Product Description
A return to our classic Basics line, this time for crochet! This simple, crew-neck, drop-shoulder, bottom-up, seamed cardigan can be worked in any gauge with any weight yarn, though it’s shown here in a worsted weight. Written a little differently from other patterns, this line demonstrates the important relationship between gauge and pattern numbers and pares away distractions from the fundamental structure of the garment, making it a great choice for budding pattern designers. The simple combination of single and half-double crochet rows used here gives you a supple, flexible fabric.
Finished Measurements: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)” chestYarn Requirements:
DK weight: about 1800 (2000, 2200, 2400, 2600) yds
Worsted weight: about 1500 (1700, 1900, 2100, 2300) yds
Bulky weight: about 1200 (1400, 1600, 1800, 2000) yds
Hook: Size that gives you your desired gauge
Other Materials: desired number of ¾ to 1½" buttons.
Gauge:
It's especially important to make a gauge swatch for this pattern. Crochet a large swatch (4” - 6” square) in the below st pattern at the gauge you'd prefer for the yarn. Wash and block the swatch the same way you'll wash the sweater. Measure how many stitches and rows you have in 4” (this helps accommodate for an uneven gauge), then divide by 4 to figure out how many stitches and rows you have per inch.
In order to be crocheted at any gauge, directions are given in inches instead of a stitch count. So if the directions say to chain 20” worth of stitches for your size, and your gauge is 4 sts to the inch, you'll chain 80 sts.
Valley Yarns B Basic Crochet Cardigan
What Is Being Made
The Valley Yarns B Basic Crochet Cardigan is a classic, crew-neck cardigan designed by Sara Delaney. This garment features a drop-shoulder silhouette and is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach. The cardigan is available in five finished sizes: 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The design is intentionally simple and versatile, allowing crafters to work the pattern in any yarn weight and at any gauge, demonstrating the fundamental relationship between gauge and finished garment dimensions.
Techniques Used
This cardigan employs several key crochet construction techniques that make it an excellent project for advanced beginners. The garment is worked flat, meaning pieces are created in flat rows rather than in the round, which simplifies shaping and finishing. The bottom-up construction method means you begin by crocheting the body and sleeves from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Once all pieces are complete, they are seamed together using a joining technique, creating clean, professional seams along the sides and sleeve caps. This modular approach allows for easier customization and adjustment during the construction process.
Stitches Used
The Valley Yarns B Basic Crochet Cardigan uses a simple, two-row repeating stitch pattern that alternates between two fundamental crochet stitches. The pattern combines single crochet (sc) and half-double crochet (hdc) stitches. The stitch pattern begins with a set-up row of single crochet worked into the foundation chain. Row 1 consists of half-double crochet stitches worked across, while Row 2 returns to single crochet. These two rows are then repeated throughout the pattern to create the fabric. This combination of single and half-double crochet produces a supple, flexible fabric that drapes beautifully while maintaining structural integrity. The simplicity of this stitch pattern makes it accessible for less experienced crocheters while still creating a sophisticated finished garment.
Materials and Yarn Requirements
The Valley Yarns B Basic Crochet Cardigan is designed with remarkable flexibility in yarn choice. Yardage requirements vary depending on both the finished size and the yarn weight selected:
- DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 1800 (2000, 2200, 2400, 2600) yards for sizes 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches
- Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 1500 (1700, 1900, 2100, 2300) yards for sizes 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches
- Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 1200 (1400, 1600, 1800, 2000) yards for sizes 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches
You will need a crochet hook in a size that achieves your desired gauge with your chosen yarn. Additional materials include a desired number of buttons ranging from ¾ to 1½ inches for the cardigan front closure and stitch markers to help track your progress and pattern placement.
Gauge and Pattern Customization
Gauge is particularly critical for this pattern, as the directions are written in inches rather than specific stitch counts. This innovative approach allows the cardigan to be customized to any gauge and yarn weight. To determine your gauge, you should crochet a large swatch measuring 4 to 6 inches square in the stitch pattern using your chosen yarn and hook size. The swatch should be washed and blocked using the same methods you plan to use for the finished sweater, as this ensures accurate measurements. After blocking, measure the number of stitches and rows within a 4-inch section, then divide by 4 to calculate your gauge per inch. For example, if the pattern instructs you to chain 20 inches worth of stitches for your size and your gauge is 4 stitches to the inch, you would chain 80 stitches. This gauge-based approach makes the Valley Yarns B Basic Crochet Cardigan an excellent educational tool for understanding how gauge directly impacts finished garment dimensions and demonstrates the important relationship between gauge and pattern numbers.
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