Mercantile Cardigan

Mercantile Cardigan by Jess Coppom Make & Do Crew

What Is Being Made

The Mercantile Cardigan is a reversible crochet cardigan designed to offer versatility in appearance and wear. This intermediate-level project creates a sweater that can be styled two different ways depending on which side of the fabric faces outward, making it a dynamic addition to any handmade wardrobe.

Design and Visual Appeal

The cardigan features a mysterious aesthetic that blurs the line between knitting and crochet. By alternating two yarns throughout construction, the finished piece displays either distinct stripes or a knit-like garter stitch appearance depending on which side is worn as the front. This dual-sided design means you're essentially creating two different looks from one garment.

Crochet Techniques Used

Tunisian Crochet is the primary technique for this project. Specifically, the pattern utilizes Tunisian simple stitch, which creates the reversible fabric quality that makes this cardigan special. The "wrong side" of Tunisian simple stitch is intentionally showcased as a design feature, resembling traditional knit garter stitch texture. This technique requires intermediate crochet skills but rewards makers with minimal counting and straightforward construction.

Yarn and Materials

The Mercantile Cardigan is worked in worsted weight yarn. The pattern calls for Lion Brand Heartland in the colorway Mammoth Cave, with yardage requirements ranging from approximately 290 yards for smaller sizes up to larger quantities for extended sizes. The pattern includes sizing options to accommodate various measurements.

Construction Details

This design prioritizes ease of construction with very little counting required during the crochet process, making it accessible for intermediate crafters who may find complex stitch counting tedious. The pattern also features minimal seaming, reducing finishing work and allowing makers to complete their cardigan efficiently without extensive assembly.

Reversibility and Styling Options

• Wear with the regular front side of Tunisian simple stitch facing outward for more pronounced striped definition
• Reverse the cardigan to display the backside of the fabric for a garter stitch-like appearance

This reversible quality means the Mercantile Cardigan functions as two distinct garments in one, offering flexibility in styling and extending the visual variety of your handmade collection.