Caia Cardigan

Caia Cardigan by Kristine Mullen

What is Being Made

The Caia Cardigan is a wearable crocheted cardigan sweater designed by Kristine Mullen. This garment is crafted using Tunisian crochet techniques and is available in eight size options ranging from extra small (XS) through 5X, with finished bust measurements from 30 inches to 62 inches. The cardigan is suitable for a range of body types and sizing preferences, making it an inclusive design option for crocheters of various skill levels.

Construction and Techniques

The Caia Cardigan is worked from the bottom up using a specific Tunisian crochet method. The sweater body is constructed first, then split at the armholes to create the upper body shaping. After the main body is complete, the border is added as a finishing detail. The garment is seamed at the shoulders to join the pieces together. A distinctive feature of this pattern is that there is no turning during the project—all rows are worked with the right side (RS) facing throughout, which is characteristic of Tunisian crochet construction.

The pattern notes indicate that while the design calls for a Tunisian cable hook, crocheters using a straight Tunisian hook will need to construct the sleeves flat and then sew them onto the finished body, offering flexibility for different hook types and preferences.

Stitches and Crochet Methods

This pattern employs Tunisian crochet as its primary technique, which combines elements of traditional crochet and knitting. The Caia Cardigan is classified as a Beginner/Advanced difficulty level project that uses beginner stitches with no shaping, making it accessible to those new to Tunisian crochet while offering a satisfying finished garment. The use of standard US crochet terminology ensures clarity for English-speaking crocheters.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Caia Cardigan is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn (classified as #2 Fine). The sample shown was created using Premier Cotton Fair in Succulent, a cotton yarn that provides structure and breathability ideal for a cardigan garment.

Yarn yardage requirements vary by size:

• XS and Small: 1000–1150 yards
• Medium and Large: 1200–1350 yards
• Large and XL: 1400–1600 yards
• 2X and 3X: 1650–1900 yards
• 4X and 5X: 2000–2200 yards

Crochet Hooks and Gauge

This pattern requires two different crochet hooks to achieve the proper fabric. A Tunisian cable hook in size I/9 (5.5 mm) is used for the main body construction, while a standard crochet hook in size G/6 (4 mm) is used for other portions of the pattern. The gauge is set at 18 stitches by 22 rows over 4 inches, which should be verified before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all size options.

Additional Notions and Pattern Notes

Beyond yarn and hooks, the only additional notions required is a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the shoulder seams together. The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology and is presented as a downloadable PDF format, making it convenient for digital reference while working on the project.