Zen Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Zen Cardigan in Lion Brand Coboo

What is Being Made

The Zen Cardigan is a beginner-friendly crochet cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa and available in two size ranges: S-L with a finished bust of approximately 54 inches (137 cm) and 1X-3X with a finished bust of approximately 64 inches (162.5 cm). The cardigan features a finished length of about 18 inches (45.5 cm) for smaller sizes and 20.5 inches (52 cm) for larger sizes. This open-front cardigan is constructed as a single piece beginning at the lower back edge, with the piece divided at the back neck to allow the fronts to be worked separately down to the lower front edge.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The cardigan is worked primarily in double crochet stitches, which form the structural foundation of the garment. The pattern incorporates chain spaces (ch-1 sps) that create an open, airy fabric structure. The design utilizes stitch groupings, working multiple double crochets together to form defined 11-double crochet groups separated by chain-1 spaces, creating a textured and visually interesting fabric. The pattern also includes reverse single crochet (rev sc), which is single crochet worked from left to right (or right to left for left-handed crocheters), typically used for finishing edges with a decorative, rope-like border.

Stitches Used

• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan body, creating the main fabric structure
• Chain Stitch (ch): Used for foundation chains and to create spaces within the pattern
• Single Crochet (sc): Used in the reverse single crochet edging technique
• Reverse Single Crochet (rev sc): Single crochet worked directionally (left to right or right to left) to create finished edges

Materials and Tools

The Zen Cardigan is designed to be worked with Lion Brand Coboo (Art. #835), a yarn that offers a soft, sustainable alternative to traditional fibers. The pattern calls for 5 balls of yarn in the Denim colorway for smaller sizes (S-L) and 7 balls for larger sizes (1X-3X). Construction requires a Lion Brand crochet hook size E-4 (3.5 mm), which works in conjunction with the yarn to achieve the specified gauge of 23 double crochets over approximately 4.75 inches (12 cm) in width and 9.5 rows over approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in height. Additional tools include Lion Brand stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together if necessary.

Pattern Notes

This pattern is written for the smaller size with changes for the larger size indicated in parentheses throughout. When only one number appears without parentheses, that measurement applies to both sizes. To ensure accuracy and ease of following the pattern, crocheters are advised to circle all numbers pertaining to their chosen size before beginning work. Checking gauge is emphasized as essential to achieving the correct finished dimensions.