Easnadh

Easnadh – Block Party Crochet Jacket

What Is Being Made

Easnadh is a modular crochet jacket designed by Caroline Murphy. This intermediate-level project creates a structured outerwear piece that fits chest sizes 81–101.5cm (32–40 inches), with an actual finished measurement of 111.75cm (44 inches). The jacket features a length of 59.5cm (23.5 inches) from shoulder to hem and sleeves measuring 49.5cm (19.5 inches) from underarm to cuff. The design uses a block-based construction method, allowing crafters to build the garment from geometric modules that are joined together to form the finished jacket.

Construction Techniques

The Easnadh jacket employs a modular block construction technique, a popular approach in contemporary crochet design. This method involves creating individual geometric blocks or motifs that are subsequently joined to form larger sections of the garment. The pattern begins with small circular foundations—created by chaining and joining with a slip stitch to form a ring—which are then expanded outward in rounds. Each round increases in complexity, incorporating chain spaces and staggered double crochet groups to build dimensional blocks. This approach offers several advantages: crafters can work on portable, manageable pieces; the modular structure allows for easy customization of fit and length; and the repetitive nature of block construction makes the pattern accessible despite its intermediate difficulty rating.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundational stitch used to create the base rings and chain spaces that form the structure of each block.
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the blocks, providing height and density to the fabric.
• Single crochet (sc): Used in edgings to create neat, finished borders around the jacket openings and seams.
• Slip stitch (ss): Employed to join rounds and connect blocks together, as well as to finish off sections cleanly.
• Chain spaces (ch-sp): Deliberate gaps created by chaining stitches, which add openwork detail and visual interest to the block pattern.

Materials and Tools

The Easnadh jacket requires approximately 1,510 metres (1,652 yards) of DK weight yarn in assorted colours. The use of multiple colours is integral to the "Block Party" design concept, allowing crafters to create a vibrant, multi-coloured finished piece or to work with a coordinated palette of their choice. Two crochet hooks are needed: a 5mm hook for the main fabric construction, which should produce a tension of 16 stitches and 7 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in double crochet, and a 4mm hook for working the edgings, which creates a tighter, more refined finish on necklines, armholes, and hem edges. The pattern is written using American crochet terminology, making it accessible to crocheters familiar with standard US abbreviations and stitch definitions.

Difficulty Level and Pattern Format

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Easnadh jacket is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction and shaping. The modular block method, while requiring attention to pattern detail and consistent tension, breaks the jacket into manageable sections that build confidence. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing crafters to work from digital instructions and print sections as needed. This format is ideal for the block-by-block construction approach, as crafters can reference individual block instructions repeatedly throughout the project.