Spring Day Cardigan

Spring Day Cardigan by Nicole Wang

What Is Being Made

The Spring Day Cardigan is an easy intermediate crochet cardigan designed by Nicole Wang. This garment is a versatile layering piece available in multiple sizes, with finished bust measurements of 40" for S/M, 56" for L/XL, and 64" for 2X/3X. The cardigan features a consistent length of 30" across all sizes, making it a classic, wearable silhouette suitable for spring and transitional weather.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This crochet cardigan utilizes fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques appropriate for crafters with some experience. The pattern employs a structured approach using chain stitches to establish the foundation and subsequent rows built upon these chains. The construction method involves working in rows rather than in the round, which is a common technique for cardigan construction as it allows for easier shaping and finishing of front openings.

The pattern incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistency across rows. The use of a yarn needle is required for finishing and weaving in ends, which is essential for a polished final garment. The gauge is set at 12 double crochets and 6 rows in pattern equal to 4 inches (10 cm), which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): The foundational stitch used to create the base of the cardigan and to establish stitch counts at the beginning of rows
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, with the opening chain 3 counting as a double crochet at the beginning of each row
• Single crochet (sc): Used for construction details and finishing elements
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or sections and for seamless transitions
• Treble crochet (tr): A taller stitch used to create texture and visual interest in the pattern
• Treble crochet 2 together (tr2tog): A decrease stitch that combines two treble crochets into one, used for shaping
• Treble crochet 3 together (tr3tog): A more pronounced decrease stitch combining three treble crochets into one, used for additional shaping and creating special stitch details

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Spring Day Cardigan is designed to be worked with Lion Brand 24/7 Worsted Cotton Yarn, a worsted weight yarn suitable for warm-weather garments. The yardage requirements vary by size: the S/M size requires 6 skeins (approximately 1200 yards), the L/XL size requires 7 skeins (approximately 1350 yards), and the 2X/3X size requires 8 skeins (approximately 1500 yards).

The recommended crochet hook size is an I/9 hook measuring 5.50 mm, which is the standard hook size for worsted weight yarn and will produce the correct gauge specified in the pattern. Additional materials needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a yarn needle for finishing and weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The pattern is written for the smallest size (S/M) with larger size measurements provided in parentheses throughout. This tiered sizing system allows crocheters to follow a single pattern while adjusting stitch counts and row repeats based on their chosen size. When only one number appears without parentheses, that instruction applies uniformly across all sizes, simplifying the pattern reading process.