Anwenna

Anwenna Crochet Cardigan by Liz Rundle

What is Being Made

Anwenna is a beautiful panelled crochet cardigan designed by Liz Rundle at Fire Opal Designs. This garment combines a flattering feminine silhouette with a semi-swing shape, particularly through the back panels. The cardigan features shaped panels that are crocheted separately and then joined together, creating clean seams and intentional design lines. The piece includes pointed panels on both the body and sleeves for added visual interest and shaping, along with a separate neck warmer accessory that echoes the pointed design elements throughout the garment. The cardigan is designed to fit UK sizes 14 and 16, with a back length of 65 centimeters, across-chest measurement of 43 centimeters, and total bust measurement of 53 centimeters at the base of the sleeves.

Techniques Used

The construction method for Anwenna relies on a modular approach where all shaped panels are crocheted as individual pieces before being assembled. This technique allows for precise shaping and creates a structured garment with intentional design lines. The separate construction of panels means each piece can be worked flat, making the project more manageable for intermediate crocheters. The crochet edging worked down the front edges serves a dual purpose: it provides both a finished edge and creates natural buttonholes for closure. The neck warmer is also constructed separately, allowing it to be a removable or coordinating element that complements the main cardigan.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout Anwenna is trebles, which form the foundation of the fabric. The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 10.5 rows over 10 centimeters in trebles. This stitch choice creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a cardigan silhouette. Crochet edging is also incorporated down the front panels, providing both a finished appearance and functional buttonholes without the need for separate button bands.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 7 x 100 gram balls of DK weight yarn. The pattern recommends King Cole Panache DK or King Cole Riot DK. The photographed sample uses King Cole Panache DK in Seaspray (colour 2071) and King Cole Riot DK in Dude (colour 400).
• Crochet Hook: 4.00 mm hook size
• Notions: One 3 centimeter diameter button for the main closure, with the option to add smaller buttons along the front edge for additional closure points

Yarn Weight and Fiber Characteristics

Anwenna is designed in DK weight yarn, a lightweight yet substantial yarn that provides warmth without bulk. DK yarn is an ideal choice for cardigans as it creates a fabric with good structure and drape. The pattern specifically recommends King Cole Panache DK and King Cole Riot DK, both of which are suitable for achieving the required tension and creating the intended semi-swing silhouette. The use of DK weight ensures the finished cardigan will be warm but not heavy, making it appropriate for layering and transitional seasons.

Difficulty Level

Anwenna is rated as an intermediate crochet project. This difficulty level is appropriate given the modular construction method, the need to work multiple panels with shaping, and the assembly process required to join the pieces. Intermediate crocheters will have the skills necessary to execute treble stitches consistently, maintain proper tension, and successfully join panels together. The separate construction of each element makes the project less intimidating than working a cardigan in the round, as each panel can be approached as an individual mini-project.