Crocheting Your Own Sweater: A Beginner's Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Used
3. Creating the Patchwork Squares
   1. Making the Chain Stitch
   2. Making the Double Crochet Stitch
   3. Making the Front and Back Post Double Crochet
   4. Repeating the Steps for Each Row
4. Connecting the Patchwork Squares
5. Dealing with Color Variation
6. Making the Ribbing
   1. Making the Single Crochet Stitch
   2. Creating the Ribbing Rows
   3. Connecting the Ribbing
7. Adding the Ribbing to the Sweater
8. Finishing Touches
9. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Have you ever been inspired by a piece of clothing and thought, "I wish I could make that myself"? Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I saw Harry Styles wearing the JW Anderson colorblock patchwork cardigan. Determined to recreate it, I embarked on my very first sweater-making journey. In this article, I will walk you through the process of creating this beautiful sweater step by step, sharing the tips and tricks I learned along the way.

Materials Used

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of sweater-making, let's start by going over the materials you will need for this project. Here's what you'll need:

• Red Heart yarn (various colors)
• 6mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle

Now that we have our materials ready, it's time to begin our knitting adventure.

Creating the Patchwork Squares

The first step in making our sweater is creating the patchwork squares. These squares will eventually come together to form the front and back of the sweater. Here's how you can create the patchwork squares:

Making the Chain Stitch

To start, we need to make a chain stitch. This will serve as the foundation for our patchwork squares. Follow these steps:

1. Place the yarn over the hook, with the end facing toward you.
2. Bring the end of the yarn to the back, wrapping it around the longer end.
3. Bring the longer end over to the front of the hook and pull the yarn through the loop created.
4. Congratulations! You've just made a slip knot, which is your first chain stitch.

Continue making chain stitches until you have 15 stitches. Then, add 2 additional chain stitches to start the next row, bringing the total to 17 chain stitches.

Making the Double Crochet Stitch

Now that we have our chain stitches in place, it's time to make the double crochet stitch. This stitch will give our patchwork squares a beautiful texture. Follow these steps:

1. Yarn over, then go through the fourth chain from the end.
2. Yarn over again and pull it through the loop.
3. Yarn over, pull it through 2 loops, then yarn over again and pull it through both loops.

Repeat this process with each chain stitch until you reach the end of the row. Make 2 chain stitches to start the next row and turn the work over.

Making the Front and Back Post Double Crochet

To give our patchwork squares an interesting pattern, we'll be alternating between front post double crochet and back post double crochet stitches. Follow these steps:

1. For the second post, make a front post double crochet. Yarn over, go in front and through the post, yarn over again, and pull it through the post. Yarn over, pull it through 2 loops, then yarn over again and pull it through both loops.
2. For the third post, make another front post double crochet.
3. For the next three posts, make a back post double crochet. Yarn over and go behind and through the post. Yarn over again and pull it through the post. Yarn over, pull it through 2 loops, then yarn over again and pull it through both loops.

Repeat this pattern for the rest of the row, alternating between front and back post double crochet stitches. For the last post, go through the chain stitch and make a double crochet. Make 2 chain stitches to start the next row and turn the work over.

Repeating the Steps for Each Row

Continue repeating the steps mentioned above for each row until you have 10 rows of patchwork squares. Each row should consist of 5 squares in a row and 5 squares in a column. Remember to use different colors for each square to achieve the desired colorblock effect.

Connecting the Patchwork Squares

Now that we have our patchwork squares ready, it's time to connect them together. Here's how you can do it:

1. Use a slip stitch to connect the patches. Start by going through both loops of the first stitch of both patches.
2. Yarn over, pull it through the loops, yarn over, and pull it through the loop.
3. For the next stitch, go through both loops of the two patches, yarn over, and pull it through all loops.

Continue doing this for the rest of the row. At the end, make a chain stitch, cut the yarn, and pull it through the loop.

Connect the patchwork squares by rows first, then by columns. To connect the sides of the patch, go through one loop and double knot the yarn where the two squares meet. Weave the ends back and forth a few times before cutting the extra yarn. Leave the edges alone for now.

Dealing with Color Variation

While connecting the patchwork squares, you may notice slight color variation between the squares. This is most likely because the yarn was dyed in different batches. To mix in the new colors seamlessly, follow these steps:

1. Take apart the patches where the new colors will be added.
2. Integrate the new colors by interweaving them with the existing squares.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a cohesive color pattern for your sweater.

Making the Ribbing

To add a finishing touch to our sweater, we'll be making ribbing for the bottom of the front pieces, the back piece, and the cuffs. Here's how you can create the ribbing:

Making the Single Crochet Stitch

To start, we'll need to make a single crochet stitch. Follow these steps:

1. Go through the yarn, yarn over, and pull it through the loop.
2. Yarn over again and pull it through both loops.

Repeat this process for each chain stitch until you reach the end. Make a chain stitch to start a new row, then turn the work over.

Creating the Ribbing Rows

To create the ribbing, we'll be making two rows per rib. Follow these steps:

1. Go through the back loop and make a single crochet.
2. Repeat this process for the rest of the row.

Make a chain stitch, turn the work over, and continue making single crochets through the back loop. Repeat this process for the second row of ribbing.

Connecting the Ribbing

Now that we have our ribbing rows ready, it's time to connect them together. Use a slip stitch to connect each row of ribbing.

For the cuffs, go through the first row of ribbing and the first stitch of the sleeve, then make a slip stitch. Repeat this process for the rest of the sleeve.

For the bottom of the front pieces and the back piece, fold the ribbing over with the backside facing out. Connect the sides using slip stitches. Double knot the ends, weave them, and cut the extra yarn.

Adding the Ribbing to the Sweater

With the ribbing ready, it's time to add it to the sweater. Here's how you can do it:

1. Make a long strip of ribbing that goes around the open part of the sweater.
2. Attach the ribbing to the sweater using slip stitches.

Double knot the ends of the ribbing, weave them, and cut the extra yarn.

Finishing Touches

To complete our sweater, we need to turn it inside out. Double knot the ends of the trim, weave them, and cut the extra yarn. Once everything is secured, turn the sweater inside out and admire your beautiful creation.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making your very own JW Anderson-inspired colorblock patchwork cardigan. It may have taken you a month to make, but the end result is truly worth it. Remember, sweater-making is a journey, and with practice, you'll become even more proficient. So, grab your yarn and crochet hooks, and let your creativity shine through. Happy knitting!

Highlights

• Learn how to recreate the JW Anderson colorblock patchwork cardigan.
• Step-by-step instructions on creating the patchwork squares.
• Tips for connecting the patchwork squares seamlessly.
• Dealing with color variation in your sweater.
• Adding ribbing for a finishing touch.
• Completing your sweater with beautiful trim.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different colors for the patchwork squares? A: Yes, using different colors for each square will create a striking colorblock effect.

Q: How do I connect the patchwork squares? A: Use a slip stitch to connect the squares by rows and columns.

Q: What should I do if there's color variation between the squares? A: To blend in the new colors seamlessly, interweave them with the existing squares.

Q: How do I add ribbing to the sweater? A: Follow the instructions provided in the article to create and connect the ribbing.

Q: Can I customize the sweater pattern? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different patterns and colors to make the sweater truly unique.