Narbflaith

Narbflaith Crochet Jacket by Caroline Murphy

Garment Overview

Narbflaith is an intermediate-level crochet jacket designed by Caroline Murphy. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a colorful, modular garment constructed from crocheted squares that are joined together to form a finished jacket. The design showcases a modern approach to jacket construction by building the piece from individual motifs rather than working in traditional rows or rounds from a single starting point.

Finished Measurements

• Bust circumference: 116.75cm (46 inches)
• Length from shoulder: 61cm (24 inches)
• Sleeve length from underarm: 56cm (22 inches)

What Is Being Made

The Narbflaith jacket is a wearable garment featuring a modular construction method. The jacket is built by crocheting individual squares (referred to as Square A in the pattern) and then joining them together to create the body and sleeves. This technique allows crafters to work with assorted yarn colors throughout the project, making it an excellent choice for using up yarn stash or creating a multi-colored, visually dynamic finished piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

• Motif construction: The pattern uses individual crocheted squares as the foundation of the design, with Square A serving as the primary motif unit.
• Circular construction: Each square begins with a magic circle or chain ring, worked in rounds to create a flat, square shape with corner chain spaces.
• Modular joining: Completed squares are joined together to form larger sections, allowing the crafter to assemble the jacket piece by piece.
• Edging work: A separate edging is added to the finished jacket using a finer crochet hook, providing a polished finish to the garment.
• Color work: The pattern incorporates contrast yarn changes between rounds and squares, enabling multi-color design without the complexity of traditional color-work techniques.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): Used to create the foundation ring and to form decorative chain spaces between stitch groups.
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used to build the body of each square motif, creating a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a jacket.
• Single crochet (sc): Used in edgings to create a neat, finished border around the completed jacket.
• Slip stitch (ss): Used to join rounds and to connect completed squares together, as well as to fasten off yarn.
• Chain space (ch-sp): Decorative openings created by chains between stitch groups, forming the characteristic lacy appearance of the motif.

Materials and Yarn

The Narbflaith jacket requires approximately 1,520 metres (1,663 yards) of DK weight yarn in total. The pattern is designed to be worked in assorted colors, making it ideal for stash-busting or creating a deliberately multi-colored garment. DK yarn is a lightweight, versatile yarn weight that produces a fabric with excellent drape, making it well-suited for a jacket that will move comfortably with the wearer.

Tools Required

• 5mm crochet hook: The primary hook size used for constructing the main body of the jacket squares. This hook size is calibrated to achieve the pattern's specified tension of 16 stitches and 7 rows over a 10cm (4 inch) square.
• 4mm crochet hook: A smaller hook used exclusively for working the edgings, creating a tighter, more refined finish around the jacket's perimeter.

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This is a downloadable PDF pattern written using American crochet terminology. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it is suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic stitches. The modular construction method requires understanding of how to work in rounds, manage color changes, and join motifs together, but the repetitive nature of working multiple identical squares makes it accessible to crafters building their skills. The pattern includes a comprehensive abbreviations guide to support clarity throughout the instructions.

Designer Information

The Narbflaith jacket is designed by Caroline Murphy, an independent designer. The pattern is available through Caroline Murphy Designs on Ravelry, where additional patterns and projects may be found.