Ladies Crochet Edge Cardigan in Deramores Studio DK Acrylic - Downloadable PDF

Ladies Crochet Edge Cardigan by Sarah Murray – Pattern Summary

The Ladies Crochet Edge Cardigan is a beautifully detailed women's cardigan pattern designed by Sarah Murray, available as a downloadable PDF. This intermediate-level project combines classic knitting with a decorative crochet border, making it an ideal choice for crafters who are confident with both techniques. The finished garment is a fitted, button-front cardigan featuring a distinctive crochet edging that is worked separately and applied once the knitted body is complete — a clever construction detail that gives the piece its elegant, polished finish.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a ladies' cardigan worked in stocking stitch with shaped armholes, a split neckline, and short three-quarter-style sleeves. The cardigan is sized to fit bust measurements from 86 cm (Size 10) through to 112 cm (Size 20), with six sizes in total. Finished lengths range from 55 cm to 61 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths range from 24 cm to 26 cm. The crochet edging is applied as a final step, running lengthways along the front bands and other edges to create a decorative trim that sets this cardigan apart from a standard knitted design.

Construction and Structure

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together before the crochet border is added. Key structural elements include:

• Armhole shaping achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then decreasing at each end on alternate rows
• Neck shaping worked by placing stitches on a stitch holder and casting off for the neckline curve
• Shoulder shaping via stepped cast-offs to create a neat shoulder line
• A crochet border worked separately and applied lengthways after the knitting is complete, using a 3.5mm crochet hook
• An optional 3mm 80cm circular needle recommended for working the border more comfortably if preferred

The pattern notes specify that the sample was knitted in the smallest size, and all instructions are written for multiple sizes with figures given in sequence throughout.

Knitting Techniques Used

The primary construction method is knitting, and the main fabric is worked entirely in stocking stitch (st-st) — knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows. This smooth, classic fabric provides an ideal base for the textural contrast of the crochet edging. Additional knitting techniques used in this pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on for a neat, elastic edge
• Skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) — a left-leaning decrease used in shaping
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used to create decorative eyelets or as part of lace-effect detailing
• Stitch holder usage for holding live stitches during neck shaping
• Standard cast-off techniques for armholes, shoulders, and neckline

Crochet Techniques Used

The crochet element of this pattern is what gives the Ladies Crochet Edge Cardigan its signature look. The border is worked using standard crochet stitches applied as a finishing trim. Crochet techniques and stitches referenced in the pattern include:

• Double crochet (dc) — the foundation stitch of the edging
• Treble (tr) — a taller stitch used within the border pattern to add height and texture
• Chain (ch) — used to create spaces and structure within the crochet edging
• Slip stitch (sl st) — used for joining and finishing
• Working into spaces (sp) within the crochet fabric for a lacy, open effect

The combination of double crochet and treble stitches with chain spaces creates a delicate,