Swing into spring

Swing into Spring Crochet Cardigan by Fiona Kelly

Garment Overview

Swing into Spring is a downloadable crochet pattern designed by independent designer Fiona Kelly for creating a soft and fluffy Aran weight swing coat. This intermediate-level project features a relaxed, flowing silhouette with a removeable hood and optional decorative daisy flower appliqués. The finished coat measures approximately 65 centimeters and is sized to fit infants from newborn to 12 months.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a swing-style coat, a loose-fitting garment that drapes away from the body for comfort and ease of movement. The design includes a removeable hood component, allowing customization based on preference. Optional daisy flower appliqués can be added as decorative embellishments, providing creative personalization options for the finished garment.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The primary stitch used throughout this project is double crochet (DC), which forms the fabric base of the swing coat. Double crochet creates a dense, structured fabric suitable for garment construction while maintaining softness and drape. The pattern utilizes standard crochet techniques for shaping and construction, making it accessible to intermediate-level crocheters with foundational skills in increasing, decreasing, and joining.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 6 x 50g balls of Velvet Touch Aran weight yarn or similar yarn of equivalent weight and yardage. Aran weight yarn, also known as worsted weight, provides the soft and fluffy texture characteristic of this design. The pattern includes a note that using different yarn types may affect the finished garment size, so yarn selection should match the specified weight for accurate results.

For the optional daisy flower appliqués, small oddments of white, yellow, and green yarn are required. The pattern specifies that 6 grams of yellow, 6 grams of green, and 4 grams of white cotton DK weight yarn were used to create all four sample flowers, though crafters may adjust quantities based on desired appliqué size and quantity.

Tools and Notions Required

• 4.5mm crochet hook for working with the Aran weight yarn
• Stitch or row marker (optional) for tracking pattern progress
• Sharp scissors for cutting yarn
• Sewing thread in a color matching the yarn
• Sharp sewing needle for attaching buttons
• 9 daisy or similar buttons with shanks approximately 15mm in size
• Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends

Tension and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a tension of 16.5 stitches and 13 rows to 10 centimeters when working in double crochet fabric. Achieving correct tension is essential for ensuring the finished coat measures the intended 65 centimeters and fits properly. The one-size design accommodates infants from newborn through 12 months of age.

Pattern Format and Usage

Swing into Spring is provided as a free downloadable PDF pattern. The pattern is intended for personal use only, with copyright protection prohibiting commercial sale or distribution of the design or finished garments made from it.