Soft Sage Circle Jacket in Caron Simply Soft - Downloadable PDF

Soft Sage Circle Jacket in Caron Simply Soft – Crochet Pattern by Doris J. Chan

The Soft Sage Circle Jacket is a free, downloadable crochet pattern designed by Doris J. Chan and worked in Caron Simply Soft yarn. Described as "funky and free-spirited," this intermediate-level garment is a stylish choice for transitional fall dressing. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF at no cost, making it an excellent project for crocheters ready to move beyond beginner techniques and explore more architectural, garment-construction methods.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's circle jacket — a garment shaped using circular and radial crochet construction rather than traditional flat-panel seaming. The result is a relaxed, draped silhouette with a finished bust measurement ranging from 36 inches (Small) to 44 inches (Large) and a finished length of 24 to 26 inches depending on size. Sleeve length is 17 inches. The three available sizes are Small, Medium, and Large.

Techniques Used

• Circle/radial construction: The jacket is built using circular crochet shaping, which gives the garment its distinctive flowing, wrap-like drape without relying on traditional set-in sleeves or side seams.
• Base chain/single crochet (Base ch/sc): This advanced foundation technique replaces a standard starting chain. It creates a stretchier, more even foundation row by simultaneously forming the chain and the first row of single crochet. Each stitch is worked into the stem of the previous stitch, producing a neat, elastic edge ideal for garment construction.
• Adding stitches with Base ch/sc: The pattern also instructs crocheters to extend rows using additional base ch/sc stitches worked at the end of a row without turning, a technique used to shape the circular silhouette.
• V-stitch pattern: The main body fabric is worked in a V-stitch pattern, creating an open, lacy mesh that gives the jacket its lightweight, airy drape.
• Leaf pattern: A decorative Leaf stitch pattern is incorporated as a design element, with each repeat measuring approximately 2½ inches / 6.5 cm.
• Working in rounds: Portions of the jacket are crocheted in the round, consistent with circle jacket construction methods.
• Marker placement: Split ring markers or contrasting yarn scraps are used throughout to track stitch placement and shaping points.
• Improvised button construction: Uniquely, the pattern calls for crocheting around plastic bone rings to create handmade buttons, adding a crafted, artisanal finishing detail.

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) – used in the base foundation and finishing
• Chain stitch (ch) – used throughout for foundation, turning, and within stitch patterns
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and finishing
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch within the V-stitch pattern
• V-stitch (V st): worked as (dc, ch 2, dc) in the same stitch or space, creating an open, decorative mesh
• V in V: a V-stitch worked specifically into the ch-2 space of the previous V-stitch, building the mesh fabric row by row
• DC 4-tog Cluster (CL): a four-double-crochet cluster stitch used as part of the Leaf pattern, creating a gathered, textured leaf shape
• Yarn over (yo) – referenced throughout as a construction element within cluster and double crochet stitches

Materials

• Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Sage (colorway 9705), an aran-weight yarn sold in 170 g / 6 oz skeins with approximately 288 m / 315 yards per skein. The pattern requires 4