Clarice Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine - FW230 - Downloadable PDF

Clarice Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine – Crochet Pattern Summary (FW230)

The Clarice Cardigan is a charming children's crochet cardigan designed by April Garwood and published by Cascade Yarns as a free downloadable PDF pattern (FW230). Sized for children aged approximately 2 through 8, this lightweight, warm-weather-friendly cardigan is an ideal project for beginner and easy-level crocheters looking to build confidence while creating a wearable, polished garment for little ones.

What Is Being Made

The Clarice Cardigan is a children's crocheted cardigan worked in a sport-weight cotton yarn. It is designed in four sizes to fit children with chest measurements ranging from 23½ inches up to 29 inches, with finished lengths between 12¼ inches and 15½ inches. The finished piece features button closures, making it a practical and adorable layering piece for everyday wear. Two small 9/16-inch (1.4 cm) buttons are used to fasten the front opening, lending the cardigan a neat, finished appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine, a 100% Pima Cotton yarn that comes in 50 g (1.75 oz) skeins with approximately 136.7 yards (125 meters) per skein. The sample shown is worked in color #3767 Deep Coral. Depending on the size being made, the pattern requires 3 to 4 skeins. Pima cotton is prized for its exceptional softness, smooth texture, and subtle sheen, making it especially well-suited for children's garments that need to be gentle against sensitive skin while also being durable and easy to care for.

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine, 100% Pima Cotton, sport weight
• Color shown: #3767 Deep Coral
• Skeins needed: 3 (3, 4, 4) skeins
• Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
• Notions: 2 stitch markers, yarn needle, 2 buttons (9/16"/1.4 cm), sewing needle, and matching sewing thread

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is important for sizing accuracy. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches by 8 rows = approximately 4 inches (10 cm) worked in Double Crochet. Crocheters are encouraged to swatch and adjust hook size as needed to match this gauge before beginning the garment.

Techniques and Construction

The Clarice Cardigan is rated as an Easy skill level, making it accessible to crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to try a simple shaped garment. The construction uses a combination of flat and worked sections, with stitch markers used to track key points during shaping. The button bands and front edges are finished neatly, and buttons are sewn on using a sewing needle and matching thread for a professional result.

One notable technique used in this pattern is the Foundation Double Crochet (Fdc), a method that simultaneously creates a foundation chain and a row of double crochet stitches in one step. This technique produces a more flexible and even starting edge than a traditional chain foundation, which is particularly beneficial in garments where the cast-on edge is visible or needs to stretch comfortably.

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch) – the fundamental building block used throughout
• Slip Stitch (Sl) – used for joining and finishing
• Single Crochet (Sc) – used for edging and finishing details
• Double Crochet (Dc) – the primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan
• Double Crochet 2 Stitches Together (Dc2tog) – a decrease stitch used for shaping
• Extended Double Crochet (Edc) – a special