Neehan

Neehan Crochet Jacket by Caroline Murphy

What is Being Made

Neehan is an intermediate-level crochet jacket designed by Caroline Murphy. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 114cm (45 inches) with a length from shoulder of 47cm (18.5 inches) and sleeve length from underarm of 53.25cm (21 inches). The jacket is constructed using a modular square motif approach, creating a structured yet flexible garment suitable for various body types and layering options.

Construction Technique

The Neehan jacket is built using a square motif construction method, where individual crochet squares are worked separately and then joined together to form the complete garment. This technique allows crafters to work on manageable sections at a time, making the project less overwhelming and easier to customize. The modular approach also provides flexibility in color placement and yarn management, as the pattern uses assorted colours throughout approximately 1,350 metres (1,477 yards) of yarn.

The jacket employs color contrast techniques in its construction. Squares are worked in one color and then joined with contrasting yarn colors, creating visual interest and definition between sections. This method is particularly effective for creating geometric patterns and allows makers to experiment with color combinations.

Stitches Used

The Neehan pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches written in American crochet terminology:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch used to begin rounds and create chain spaces
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch for building fabric density and structure
• Single crochet (sc) – used for creating tighter, more defined edges
• Slip stitch (ss) – employed for joining rounds and connecting sections seamlessly
• Chain spaces (ch-sp) – decorative gaps created between groups of stitches that add openness and visual rhythm to the design

The pattern demonstrates stitch grouping techniques, where multiple double crochets are worked into the same stitch or chain space to create texture and dimension. Corners are typically reinforced with chain-2 spaces that serve as turning points in the square motifs.

Materials and Tools

The Neehan jacket requires approximately 1,350 metres (1,477 yards) of DK weight yarn in assorted colors. DK (double knit) yarn is a medium weight that provides good stitch definition while remaining lightweight enough for a comfortable jacket.

Two crochet hook sizes are specified for this project:

• 5mm crochet hook – the primary hook used for constructing the main body and squares, worked to a tension of 16 stitches and 7 rows over 10cm (4 inches)
• 4mm crochet hook – a smaller hook reserved for finishing edgings, creating neater, more refined edges around the neckline, cuffs, and hem

Using two hook sizes is a professional finishing technique that ensures the jacket maintains its shape and drape while providing polished, well-defined borders. The smaller hook creates tighter, more stable edgings that prevent stretching and curling over time.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Neehan jacket is suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable reading pattern abbreviations and following multi-round instructions. The modular square construction makes this project accessible to intermediate makers, as it breaks the jacket into repeatable units rather than requiring complex shaping or increases and decreases across the entire piece. The use of assorted colors also allows makers to practice color changes and weaving in ends, valuable skills for advancing crocheters.