How To Crochet a Woman's Cardigan

Crochet your own cardigan

There is nothing quite so rewarding as working on projects for yourself, and making your own clothing is no exception. Cardigans come in many styles, and if you love to crochet, you will have fun making just the right one for yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Yarn
• Crochet hook
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions

How to Crochet a Woman's Cardigan

1. 

   Various textures and colors

   Choose your pattern. By searching the Internet for "how to crochet a cardigan," you will find patterns for various styles of cardigans. Note that some patterns are more difficult than others. Pick a pattern that most closely matches your level of expertise. A free pattern for a dressy cardigan can be found on the DMC website: http://www.dmc-usa.com/mjRS/1/doc/US_freedesigns/crochetwoolcardigan1.pdf

2. 

   Purchase the supplies

   Purchase supplies. Your pattern will tell you how many balls or skeins of yarn you will need to complete the project, the size of the crochet hook, and other accessories such as appliques, buttons, ribbons, or lace.

3. 

   Practice the stitch

   Practice the stitches. Sometimes you just can't resist a pattern and love the texture created by the crochet stitches, but you are not sure how to do that particular stitch. Most patterns include instructions on how to do each stitch required by the pattern. Practice the ones you are not familiar with before beginning the project.

4. 

   Measure the gauge

   Check the gauge. Every crochet pattern includes a gauge--the measurement of a specified number of crochet stitches. Before beginning to crochet the cardigan, you should practice crocheting a few stitches and check that the gauge in your stitch is the same as that in the pattern. This is very important to make sure your cardigan will fit properly. You may need to use a larger or smaller crochet hook in order to create the same gauge as in the pattern. If so, be sure to use that same hook as you crochet the cardigan.

5. 

   Crochet and finish the project

   Crochet your cardigan, following the pattern. Usually the back is crocheted first, then the front and finally the sleeves. When all of the pieces are crocheted, sew them together using a whip stitch and yarn needle. Finally, add buttons or appliques to finish the project.

Tips & Warnings

• Tip 1: When purchasing the yarn, be sure to buy the same size, ply and weight as shown in the pattern. If you substitute yarns, the cardigan will end up too large or too small.

• Tip 2: Use old scraps of yarn to practice the stitches you are not familiar with. Don't practice with the yarn you purchased for the cardigan; you may be ripping the stitches out a few times in order to get the stitch done right, and eventually this weakens and stretches the yarn.

• Tip 3: Be sure to look at the washing instructions for the yarn you are purchasing. If you don't like to wash by hand, you shouldn't buy a yarn that will require you to do so. Many yarns are able to be washed in a machine, using cold water and a gentle cycle.

References

• Free cardigan pattern

Resources

• Free crocheted cardigan patterns
• How to crochet