Dorothy Short Sleeved Crochet Cardi

Dorothy Short Sleeved Crochet Cardi by Amanda Perkins

What is Being Made

Dorothy is a short sleeved crochet cardigan designed by Amanda Perkins. This garment features a loose, comfortable fit and is available in two sizes: Small (up to 97cm/38 inch chest) and Medium/Large (98cm to 117cm/39 to 46 inch chest). The cardigan is fastened with two buttons and offers a relaxed silhouette suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Construction and Techniques

Dorothy is constructed using block motifs as its primary building technique. The design combines square and triangle motifs that are individually crocheted and then joined together to form the complete garment. This modular approach allows for flexibility in customization and makes the project manageable by breaking it into smaller, repeatable components. The motifs are blocked to establish precise measurements before joining, ensuring accurate fit and professional finishing.

Crochet Stitches and Methods

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern excerpt provided, the motif-based construction indicates the use of fundamental crochet stitches worked in geometric patterns. The pattern requires establishing proper tension through multiple swatches that are blocked to determine the correct hook size for your individual gauge. This emphasis on tension and blocking is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions of the motifs.

Materials and Yarn Weight

Dorothy is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, with a worsted weight alternative option available. The Small size requires 17 x 100gm skeins, while the Medium/Large size requires 18 x 100gm skeins.

Recommended Yarn Options:

• Fyberspates Scrumptious DK in Slate or Vivacious DK in Verdegris
• Easyknits Deeply Wicked DK or Splendour DK
• Skein Queen Desire, Blissful Plum, or Voluptuous
• John Arbon Textiles Knit by Numbers or Viola
• The Little Grey Sheep DK Gotland DK
• Cascade 220 Sport
• Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
• King Cole Merino Blend DK

Tools and Notions Required

To complete Dorothy, you will need a 4.5mm crochet hook (or the size required to achieve your personal tension), a 4mm crochet hook for finishing details, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and joining motifs, and two buttons for fastening the cardigan.

Difficulty Level

Dorothy is rated as an intermediate crochet project. The motif-based construction and emphasis on proper blocking and tension make this suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with geometric shaping and garment assembly techniques.