Although the first several years of my design career were focused on knitting, I actually learned how to crochet long before I learned to knit, and crochet has always held a strong position in my crafting heart. Whenever people ask me which I like more, I always say it’s like choosing between one’s own children! It’s my firm belief that there are different things that each craft does beautifully, and I’m happy to see more and more crafters take up both.

For this sweet little cardigan, I knew I wanted it to be mainly crocheted, but felt that knitted ribbing at the cuffs, hem, and front bands would tie it together nicely. If you are a crocheter but not a knitter, it’s possible to approximate the look of ribbing, though the fabric will feel a bit bulkier.

The crocheted stitch pattern is simultaneously open and airy while retaining some body via the cluster stitches with the mesh like pattern. It’s an easy two-row repeat.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest circumference at underarm: 35(39.25, 43.5, 47.75, 52, 56, 60.25, 64.5, 68.75) inches/ 89(99.5, 110.5, 121.5, 132, 142, 153, 164, 174.5) cm
Length: 17(18.25, 18.75, 19.5, 19.5, 20, 20.75, 20.75, 20.75) inches / 43(46.5, 47.5, 49.5, 49.5, 51, 52.5, 52.5, 52.5) cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Berroco Lanas Light (100% Wool; 383 yd/350 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein); color: 78106 Tea Rose; 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses a sport-weight 2-ply wool yarn. The yarn has a balance between crimpy wool (which adds volume) with finer micron wool (for softness).

Recommended needle size
(always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique)
1 US F-5/3.75mm hook
1 US #3/3.25mm circular needle, 36-inch/90-cm long
1 set US #3/3.25mm needles for small circumference in the round: traditional or flexible DPNs, 1 long circular or 2 shorter circulars as you prefer.

Notions
open-ring crochet markers
six 5/8-inch/16mm buttons
yarn needle

GAUGE
4 pattern repeats = 4.25 inches/11 cm wide in pattern stitch
12 rows (6 vertical repeats) = 3.75 inches/9.5 cm long in pattern stitch
24 sts and 40 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in knitted rib
Note: gauge is always measured after blocking.