How to Crochet Cardigans

Put your crocheting skills to use to create a cardigan.

If you have learned the basics of crocheting a piece but have yet to work on a cardigan, this new challenge is sure to be an enjoyable one. Cardigans are constructed in the same way as sweaters, apart from the fact that the garment has two front panels. If you don't have a specific crochet pattern in mind, it's best to start with a purchased pattern to ensure that your cardigan is shaped correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet hook
• Yarn
• Pattern
• Scissors
• Plastic sewing needle
• Buttons

Instructions

1. Create a chain of crochet stitches required by your pattern's specifications for the back of the cardigan. The number of chain stitches will be the width of your first piece. Single crochet the following rows until you have reached the portion of the panel that aligns with your waist.

2. Decrease a few stitches from the waistline to make the cardigan more fitted. Do this gradually, such as two stitches per row for three rows. After you pass the smallest portion of your waist, increase the work's number of stitches again.

3. Shape the armholes and neckline according to your pattern's requirements, then make the shoulder straps as long as necessary to cover up to the tops of your shoulders, then fasten off your yarn and trim away the excess.

4. Create a chain of stitches to create the first panel. This should be half the width of the back panel. Single crochet the piece in the same way as the previous one, then shape the neckline on one side and the armhole on the other. Fasten off the piece when you reach the top of the shoulder.

5. Create a mirror image of the second panel to create the opposite side of the cardigan.

6. Crochet a pair of sleeves, ensuring that they are longer at the middle than at the armhole. This will allow them to fit in snugly against the shaped armholes.

7. Crochet a thin panel as long as the cardigan's front panel openings, dividing the panel into two in the middle. When you have crocheted enough rows to accommodate a button, join the two lots of stitches together. Repeat the process for the next button.

8. Sew the cardigan's pieces together at the seams, then sew the buttonhole panel onto the opening of the front right hand piece. Sew the buttons onto the left-hand piece across from the buttonholes.

References

• Classic Elite Yarns: Web-Letter, Issue 64 -- Ashlar Crochet Cardigan
• Garn Studio: DROPS Crochet Cardigan in Cotton Viscose
• Learn to Knit: Buttonholes