Easy Crochet Meshed Cardigan | Fall Cardigan Dress

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Step 1: Creating the Base Chain
4. Step 2: Working the Mesh Pattern
5. Step 3: Creating the Armholes
6. Step 4: Working on the Sleeves
7. Step 5: Finishing Touches
8. FAQ

How to Crochet a Simple Cardigan

Crocheting a cardigan is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to create a stylish and cozy piece of clothing. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of crocheting a simple cardigan. You'll learn how to create the base chain, work the mesh pattern, create armholes, and finish off the sleeves. With a few basic crochet skills and some yarn, you'll be able to make your very own cardigan in no time!

Materials Needed

Before you get started, here are the materials you'll need for this project:

• 7.5mm crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Yarn in your desired color

Make sure you have all these materials handy before we begin. Once you're ready, let's move on to the first step.

Step 1: Creating the Base Chain

To start crocheting your cardigan, you'll need to create a base chain. The length of your base chain will determine the size of your cardigan. For our example, we'll create a base chain that measures 40.1 inches or 103 centimeters.

To create the base chain, follow these steps:

1. Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand and make a slip knot with the yarn.
2. Insert the hook into the slip knot and tighten it.
3. Yarn over (wrap the yarn over the hook) and pull the yarn through the slip knot loop. This creates your first chain stitch.
4. Repeat step 3 until you reach the desired length for your base chain, in our case, 40.1 inches or 103 centimeters.

Once you have completed your base chain, it should look like a row of interconnected loops. Now, let's move on to the next step and start working the mesh pattern.

Step 2: Working the Mesh Pattern

In this step, we will be creating a mesh pattern using the double crochet stitch. The mesh pattern consists of chains and double crochet stitches, which create a lacy and airy texture for the cardigan.

To work the mesh pattern, follow these steps:

1. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch of the base chain.
2. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch, creating three loops on the hook.
3. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook, leaving two loops remaining.
4. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook. This completes one double crochet stitch.
5. Chain two stitches.
6. Skip the next two chain stitches in the base chain.
7. In the third chain stitch, work a double crochet stitch.
8. Chain two stitches again.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 until you reach the end of the base chain.

By following these steps, you will be creating a mesh pattern by chaining two stitches, skipping two stitches, and working a double crochet stitch in the third stitch. Continue working this pattern until you reach the end of the base chain.

Step 3: Creating the Armholes

After completing the mesh pattern, it's time to create the armholes for the cardigan. This step involves marking the positions for the armholes and working the necessary stitches to create them.

Here's how to create the armholes:

1. Count 13 mesh holes from the beginning of your work and place a stitch marker to indicate the position of the armhole.
2. Repeat step 1 on the other side of your work.
3. Insert your hook into the designated stitch and chain four stitches.
4. Work a double crochet stitch on top of the next double crochet stitch.
5. Continue working the mesh pattern as before, chaining two stitches and working a double crochet stitch on top of the corresponding stitch.

By following these steps, you will create armholes by inserting your hook, chaining four stitches, and working a double crochet stitch on top of the existing stitches. Keep working the mesh pattern until you reach the desired length for the cardigan.

Step 4: Working on the Sleeves

Now that the main body of the cardigan is complete, it's time to work on the sleeves. We will be working in rounds to create the sleeves and achieve the desired length.

To work on the sleeves, follow these steps:

1. Insert your hook at the edge of the armhole and work in rounds by following the mesh pattern.
2. Work a single crochet stitch to secure the yarn at the top of the armhole.
3. Chain two stitches and work a double crochet stitch on top of the next double crochet stitch.
4. Continue working the mesh pattern by chaining two stitches and working a double crochet stitch on top of the corresponding stitch.
5. After a few rows, you can start reducing the number of stitches to create a tapered effect for the sleeves.
6. To reduce stitches, skip one stitch and work a double crochet stitch on the next stitch.
7. Continue working the mesh pattern, including the reduction stitches, until you reach the desired length.

Repeat these steps for the other sleeve, mirroring the design of the first sleeve. Once you have completed both sleeves, it's time for the final step.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

To complete the cardigan, you can add any desired embellishments or details. This could include attaching buttons or adding a border to the edges. Get creative and make the cardigan uniquely yours.

Once you are satisfied with the final touches, your cardigan is ready to be worn. Try it on and admire your handmade creation. Crocheting a cardigan is a wonderful way to express your creativity while staying warm and stylish.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different size crochet hook for this project? A: While a 7.5mm crochet hook is recommended for this tutorial, you can certainly experiment with different hook sizes to achieve the desired outcome. Keep in mind that changing the hook size may alter the size and drape of the cardigan.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete a cardigan? A: The time it takes to crochet a cardigan can vary depending on your skill level, the complexity of the pattern, and the amount of time you dedicate to the project. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete a cardigan.

Q: Can I customize the measurements of the cardigan to fit my body? A: Absolutely! Crocheting allows for easy customization, and you can modify the base chain length and the number of rows to achieve the desired fit. Take proper measurements of your body and use them as a guide to adjust the pattern accordingly.

Q: Can I use different yarn weights or colors? A: Yes, you can use different yarn weights and colors to personalize your cardigan. Keep in mind that using a different yarn weight may require adjustments in hook size and stitch counts to maintain the desired size and fit.

Q: Can I make this cardigan for children or babies? A: Yes, you can adapt this pattern to create cardigans for different sizes, including children and babies. Adjust the measurements and stitch counts accordingly to achieve the desired size.

Q: Are there any other finishing touches or embellishments I can add to the cardigan? A: Absolutely! You can add pockets, decorative buttons, ribbed cuffs, or even a belt to enhance the look of the cardigan. Get creative and add your personal touch to make it truly unique.

This completes our tutorial on how to crochet a simple cardigan. We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy the process of creating your very own cardigan and make it a cherished addition to your wardrobe. Happy crocheting!