Little Ripples

Little Ripples Crochet Cardigan by Kat Goldin

What is Being Made

Little Ripples is a sweet children's cardigan designed by Kat Goldin, featuring a charming ripple pattern on both the back and front panels. This garment is crafted using crochet techniques and is designed with set-in sleeves for a fitted, polished finish. The pattern includes nine size options ranging from newborn (0-6 months) through to children's size 10 years, with chest measurements from 49.5cm (19.5 inches) to 77.5cm (30.5 inches). The cardigan is fastened with buttons, with quantities ranging from 7 to 12 buttons depending on the size selected.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several specialized techniques to achieve its distinctive design. The pattern utilizes alternating double and treble crochet stitches to create the ripple texture across the garment's front and back pieces. The construction incorporates set-in sleeves, a tailoring technique that provides a professional fit by attaching sleeves at a specific armhole depth rather than working them in the round from a single point.

The pattern also features short row shaping, achieved through short row double crochet (srdc) and short row treble (srtr) techniques, which allow for precise shaping without cutting yarn. Additionally, the design includes raised stitches—specifically raised half treble crochet (RhtrB) and raised treble front (RtrF)—which create dimensional texture by working into the posts of previous rows rather than into the standard stitch tops. Foundation treble crochet (ftr) is used to establish the initial chain base with integrated first row of stitches, eliminating the need for a separate foundation chain.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) — the fundamental crochet stitch used for foundation and transitions
• Double crochet (dc) — a shorter stitch used in alternation with treble to create the ripple pattern
• Treble crochet (tr) — a taller stitch alternated with double crochet for textural variation
• Raised half treble crochet (RhtrB) — worked into the post of previous stitches for dimensional effect
• Raised treble front (RtrF) — front post treble variation for textured surface detail
• Short row double crochet (srdc) — short rows worked in double crochet for shaping
• Short row treble (srtr) — short rows worked in treble for shaping
• Foundation treble crochet (ftr) — creates chain and first row simultaneously

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with Ripples Craft BFL 4ply yarn in the colorway Stormy Seas. The yarn is 100% Blue Faced Leicester wool, a premium natural fiber known for its softness and elasticity, with a yardage of 400 meters. A 4mm crochet hook is required to achieve the correct tension, along with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing details.

The pattern is written in UK crochet terminology, which uses different stitch names than US terminology (for example, UK double crochet equals US single crochet). The recommended tension is 18 stitches and 16 rows in alternating double and treble crochet to measure 10x10cm (4x4 inches) using the 4mm hook, though hook size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper tension with your specific yarn.

Pattern Format and Skill Level

Little Ripples is classified as an intermediate-level crochet project, suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and specialty stitches. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use once purchased. The intermediate skill level reflects the inclusion of set-in sleeve construction, short row shaping techniques, and raised stitch variations, which require understanding of garment construction principles beyond basic stitch work.