Autumn Garden Sweater

Autumn Garden Sweater by Despoina Tsilogianni

What Is Being Made

The Autumn Garden Sweater is a crocheted pullover garment designed in multiple sizes ranging from extra-small to 4XLarge. This intermediate-level crochet project features a classic sweater construction with separate front and back pieces that are worked flat and assembled. The sweater offers versatile sizing options: XSmall–Small (50cm length, 53cm width), Medium–Large (55cm length, 44cm width), XLarge–XXLarge (61cm length, 55cm width), and 3XLarge–4XLarge (76cm length, 68cm width).

Techniques Used

This crochet sweater employs fundamental and intermediate techniques suitable for crafters with some experience. The garment is constructed using the flat-panel method, where the front and back pieces are crocheted separately in rows and later assembled. A notable technique featured in this pattern is the Half Double Crochet in 3rd Loop, a special stitch that deviates from standard crochet practice by working into the loop behind the normal stitch rather than into the traditional V-shaped stitch opening. This creates unique texture and visual interest in the finished piece. The pattern also incorporates shaping methods such as single crochet 2 together (Sc2tog) for decreasing stitches where needed for proper garment fit.

Stitches Used

The Autumn Garden Sweater utilizes a focused selection of fundamental crochet stitches:

• Single Crochet (Sc) – the primary stitch used throughout much of the pattern for structure and density
• Double Crochet (Dc) – employed for areas requiring more drape and lighter fabric
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc) – used for transitional sections and varied texture
• Chain (Ch) – used for foundation chains and turning chains between rows
• Slip Stitch (Sl st) – utilized for joining and finishing edges
• Single Crochet in Back Loop Only (Sc BLO) – creates a ridged texture by working only through the back loop of stitches
• Single Crochet 2 Together (Sc2tog) – a decrease technique for shaping the garment
• Half Double Crochet in 3rd Loop – the special stitch unique to this pattern that adds distinctive textural variation

Materials and Tools

The Autumn Garden Sweater is worked in worsted weight cotton yarn, specifically designed to be made with 5 to 8 balls depending on the size selected (each ball contains 200 metres). The designer used Alize Cotton Gold Plus for the original sample, though any worsted weight cotton yarn at 9 wraps per inch (wpi) will work. A 5mm crochet hook is required to achieve the specified gauge of 16 stitches and 19 rows over a 10cm × 10cm swatch. Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembling pieces, and scissors for cutting yarn. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for sweaters intended for warmer seasons or transitional weather, offering breathability and a smooth, polished finish suitable for an autumn-themed garment.