Martha’s Crop Crochet Cardigan

Martha's Crop Crochet Cardigan by Joanne Johncey

What is Being Made

Martha's Crop Cardigan is a cropped-length crochet cardigan designed by Joanne Johncey. This intermediate-level garment is constructed as a single-piece project and features decorative crocheted flowers. The cardigan is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with the photographed sample shown in size Small. The finished length ranges from 43cm to 51cm depending on size, making it a true crop style that sits above the natural waistline.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern provides detailed measurements for three sizes:

• Size Small: Chest circumference 80cm, shoulder to shoulder 28cm, length to underarm 22cm, total length 43cm
• Size Medium: Chest circumference 83cm, shoulder to shoulder 31cm, length to underarm 26cm, total length 47cm
• Size Large: Chest circumference 86cm, shoulder to shoulder 34cm, length to underarm 30cm, total length 51cm

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs a streamlined construction method by working the entire piece in one piece rather than creating separate components and seaming them together. This technique reduces finishing work and creates a more cohesive garment. The pattern uses fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters, including foundation chains, single crochet, treble stitches, and decreases.

Stitches Used

Martha's Crop Cardigan utilizes a range of standard crochet stitches:

• Chain (CH): Used to create the foundation and throughout the pattern
• Double Crochet (DC): Applied in the foundation row for structure
• Treble (TR): The primary stitch used across rows 2–16 and throughout much of the garment body
• Treble Two Together (Tr2tog): A decrease stitch for shaping
• Half Treble (Htr): Used for specific sections requiring a medium-height stitch
• Double Treble (Dtr): Employed for taller stitch elements
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used for joining and finishing

Materials Required

The pattern calls for 300g of DK-weight yarn as the primary material. The designer used Hayfield Bonus DK in Lilac 0959 for the main cardigan body shown in the photographs. Additional oddments of different-coloured yarn are needed to crochet the decorative flowers that embellish the cardigan. A 4mm crochet hook is required for working with the DK-weight yarn.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches by 8 rows over 10cm, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Crocheters should swatch and measure their gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper fit.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, Martha's Crop Cardigan is suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and shaping techniques. The single-piece construction and use of standard decreases make this an accessible project for those ready to move beyond beginner patterns.