Bead Stitch Cardigan

Bead Stitch Cardigan by KnitcroAddict

What is Being Made

The Bead Stitch Cardigan is a crocheted cardigan designed by KnitcroAddict as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is constructed in 5 separate pieces that are sewn together to create the finished cardigan. The pattern is available in US women's sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL, making it accessible for a range of body types. The cardigan features a distinctive bead stitch texture throughout, creating an elegant, dimensional fabric suitable for intermediate-level crocheters.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs the bead stitch technique as its primary design element. The bead stitch creates texture by working multiple loops through the post of double crochet stitches, resulting in a beaded appearance across the fabric. The pattern follows a 4-row repeat (rows 2-5), which means once you establish the pattern sequence, you repeat these same four rows throughout the construction of each piece. The garment uses a multiple of 2+3 chain foundation, a standard construction method for achieving proper stitch alignment. All pieces are blocked after completion before assembly, ensuring even tension and professional finishing.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch used to create the base of the pattern
• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch that forms the structure of the cardigan
• Bead Stitch: A specialty stitch consisting of 1 double crochet followed by yarn over, inserting the hook behind the post of the previous double crochet from right to left, yarn over and pull up a loop, repeated 2 more times into the same post (creating 7 loops on hook), then yarn over and pull through the first 6 loops, followed by yarn over and pull through the remaining loops
• Skip (sk): Used to create shaping and pattern variation
• Yarn Over (YO): A fundamental technique used throughout the pattern and especially within the bead stitch construction

Materials

This cardigan is worked with #2 Sport/Fine weight yarn. The designer used Alize Bella yarn in their sample. Yarn requirements vary by size: 920 yards for XS, 980 yards for S, 1,040 yards for M, 1,130 yards for L, 1,190 yards for XL, and 1,250 yards for XXL. A 5 mm crochet hook is required for this project. Additional materials include scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the pieces together, and a stitch marker to track your place within the pattern. The gauge when blocked is 14 double crochet stitches by 7.5 rows over 4 inches, which is important to achieve for proper fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the basic stitches used are relatively straightforward, the bead stitch technique requires understanding how to work into the post of stitches and manage multiple loops on the hook simultaneously. Additionally, constructing the cardigan in separate pieces and seaming them together requires intermediate-level assembly skills and attention to detail for proper alignment and finishing.