Lazy Weekend Cardigan

Lazy Weekend Cardigan by Coffee and Crocheting

What is Being Made

The Lazy Weekend Cardigan is a five-piece crochet construction project consisting of two front sections, one back section, and two sleeves that are seamed together and finished with ribbing. This intermediate-level cardigan offers design flexibility, allowing makers to omit buttons and adjust the neckline construction accordingly. The pattern is written in US crochet terminology and is designed to be a versatile, comfortable layering piece suitable for casual wear.

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan employs several intermediate crochet techniques to achieve its structured fit and shaping. The pattern utilizes increases and decreases throughout the pieces to create proper garment shaping and silhouette. Short rows are incorporated into the design, a technique that adds depth and dimension to specific areas without adding rows across the entire piece, allowing for more sophisticated tailoring in a crochet garment. The five separate pieces are then seamed together to create the finished cardigan, and ribbing is added as a final finishing detail to edges and openings.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Lazy Weekend Cardigan is half double crochet (HDC), worked in the back loop only (BLO). This stitch choice creates a dense, structured fabric with a subtle textured appearance. Chain stitches are used for foundation chains and stitch counts, though the pattern notes that chains do not count as stitches in the overall stitch count calculations.

Materials and Gauge

The Lazy Weekend Cardigan is designed to be worked with Aran weight yarn (also known as Worsted, 10 ply, or 4-weight yarn). The pattern recommends Drops Nepal or similar yarn in this weight category. Gauge is critical for proper fit and is provided for two hook sizes:

• With a 5 mm crochet hook: 15 half double crochet stitches in back loop only measure 10 centimeters (4 inches) over 10 rows
• With a 3.5 mm crochet hook: 18 half double crochet stitches in back loop only measure 10 centimeters (4 inches) over 10 rows

Yarn yardage requirements vary by size and are detailed in the pattern's size guide. The pictured sample is shown in size Small.

Pattern Notes

This downloadable PDF pattern offers customization options for makers who prefer a buttonless design. Those choosing this option should begin the front sections from row 6 instead of the original starting point and chain 5 additional stitches before row 1, while maintaining the same total row count throughout the piece. Stitch counts for each section are provided in parentheses within the pattern guide for easy reference and verification during construction.