Estella Crochet Hexagon Cardigan by Cassie Ward in Retreat Twist Chunky - Downloadable PDF

Estella Crochet Hexagon Cardigan by Cassie Ward – Pattern Summary

The Estella Crochet Hexagon Cardigan is a striking, intermediate-level crochet pattern designed by Cassie Ward and published by West Yorkshire Spinners. It is available as a downloadable PDF and is worked in the brand's own Retreat Twist Chunky yarn. The design is built entirely from crocheted hexagon motifs that are joined together to form a relaxed, textural cardigan — a technique that gives the finished garment its distinctive geometric character and makes it an engaging project for crocheters who are comfortable with motif construction and assembly.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a crochet hexagon cardigan — a wearable, cosy outer layer constructed from individual hexagonal motifs. Hexagon-based garments are a beloved tradition in crochet because the modular approach allows the maker to work in manageable, satisfying units before assembling them into a full garment. The result is a cardigan with an artisan, handcrafted aesthetic that is both practical and visually eye-catching.

Construction Technique

The cardigan is built using a modular motif construction method. Each hexagon is crocheted individually in the round, starting from a central ring and working outward in rounds until the motif reaches its full size. Once all the required hexagons are completed, they are joined together to form the body and sleeves of the cardigan. This join-as-you-go or seamed assembly approach is a hallmark of hexagon garment construction and requires careful attention to layout and orientation.

The pattern specifies the use of mattress stitch for seaming the project once the individual motifs are complete. Mattress stitch is a neat, professional finishing technique worked on the right side of the fabric that creates an almost invisible seam — ideal for preserving the clean lines of geometric motifs.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Hexagon motif construction — working in the round from a central ring outward
• Standard crochet stitches typical of motif work, including chains, slip stitches, and likely double crochet and/or treble crochet clusters to form the hexagon shape
• Joining motifs — assembling individual hexagons into a cohesive garment structure
• Mattress stitch seaming — the recommended finishing method for joining completed sections

Materials – Yarn

The specified yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Retreat Twist Chunky, a chunky weight yarn with a composition of 100% Bluefaced Kerry Hill wool. This is a British breed wool, prized for its softness relative to other chunky wools and its natural loft and warmth — qualities that make it well suited to a cosy, textural crochet cardigan. Each ball contains approximately 140 metres (153 yards) and weighs 100g.

The yarn is available in a range of colourways referenced in the pattern, including Summer Sky, Azure, Solar Flare, Winter Night, Aurora, and Golden Hour, giving makers a variety of seasonal and tonal options to personalise their finished cardigan.

Hook Size and Tension

The pattern calls for a 6.5mm crochet hook (US size 10.5). The recommended tension is 14 stitches over a 10cm / 4-inch square. As with all crochet garments, achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended sizing and fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it ideal for crocheters who have moved beyond beginner projects and are confident working in the round, managing multiple motifs, and seaming a garment. The modular hexagon approach also makes it a satisfying project to pick up and put down, as each motif represents a self-contained unit of progress.

Pattern Credits

The Estella Crochet Hexagon Cardigan was designed by Cassie Ward, with technical editing by Helen Birch and Sharon