How to Crochet a Simple Cardigan
Crocheted cardigans can be completed by beginners and experienced crocheters. These cardigans make great jackets to wear in the fall and early winter with scarves. Various patterns for crocheting cardigans are available on the Internet or through crochet hobby magazines. Although there are plenty of crochet classes available, you can follow steps to start a simple cardigan project on your own.
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Instructions
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Choose a simple cardigan pattern from the Internet or hobby magazine to start with. The pattern should include a clear picture of the front and back of the cardigan. For a beginner crocheter, select a pattern that calls for creating pieces of the cardigan first such as the sleeves, two front panels and the back. These pattern instructions are typically easier to follow and can be attempted multiple times without botching the entire cardigan. Patterns should also list the level of difficulty such as beginner, intermediate and advanced. Find free crochet patterns in magazines or over the Internet (see Resources).
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Select the type of yarn from an Internet store or from a hobby store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby. For lighter weight cardigans to wear in the early fall, choose fine yarns that are acrylic or silk. For heavier weight cardigans to wear in the late fall and winter, choose yarns made of wool or ones that have more strands in them. Also consider your cost for the overall project. Acrylic yarns typically run about $2 to $8 per skein or bundle, while silk skeins run from $10 to $20 per skein depending on the weight. If your pattern needs more skeins, consider using a more economical cost per skein.
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Purchase the remaining supplies called for in the pattern to finish the cardigan. Threads, needle and scissors are helpful to sew the crocheted pieces of the cardigan together. Consider purchasing pretty buttons to finish off the cardigan so that it closes like a jacket. Also, purchase a gauge or stitch ruler, which measures the width of finished crochet stitches in a row.
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Sew the cardigan crochet pattern according to the instructions. Redo sections of the patterns if necessary to avoid problems at the end of the project. Measure completed stitches with the gauge ruler to prevent producing a cardigan that is too small or too large. Consider crocheting a sample piece before starting, and measure the rows to check the gauge.
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Attach finished crochet pieces, including the two front panels, two sleeves and back, together. If the pattern included pockets and lapels, attach these pieces last using a ruler to ensure that they are even.
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Mark the two front panels for buttonholes, if desired. Position the entire cardigan flat on a table and lay a long ruler or straightedge across the front panels. Mark a place for the button on the right side and the corresponding buttonhole on the left side. Mark all buttons before sewing. Sew decorative, color-coordinated buttons onto the front panel using tight, multiple stitches with coordinating thread. On the opposite side, make a buttonhole by sewing tight stitches around the previous mark made in the yarn. The tight stitches will create an opening for the button to slip into in and out of. Use coordinating thread that matches the cardigan's color. Also, make sure to sew buttons and buttonholes with the entire cardigan laying flat on a table.
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References
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