Men's Shawl Collar Cardigan

Men's Shawl Collar Cardigan by Jennifer Renaud

What is Being Made

This is a men's shawl collar cardigan designed by Jennifer Renaud as a downloadable crochet pattern. The cardigan features a classic shawl collar construction and is available in seven sizes ranging from Men's XS through 3XL, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The garment is fastened with four 1-1/8" buttons and is designed with a structured yet comfortable fit appropriate for everyday wear.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

The cardigan is worked using a vertical construction method, with rows worked from bottom to top. The bottom hem is worked alongside the body of the cardigan in a coordinated manner. This technique creates a seamless integration between the hem and the main body, resulting in a polished, professional finish. The shawl collar is a signature design element that adds sophistication and visual interest to the piece.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used for foundation and structural elements
• Single crochet (sc) – Provides a tight, dense fabric suitable for structured garment pieces
• Half double crochet (hdc) – Offers a balanced fabric weight between single crochet and double crochet
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds and finishing edges

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The cardigan is designed to be worked with worsted weight yarn, also referred to as weight category 4. The recommended yarn is Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch Antimicrobial in Charcoal #204-152AE, which features a blend of 65% recycled polyester and 35% Amicor acrylic. Each 100-gram skein provides 3.5 ounces and 186 yards (170 meters) of yardage. The specific yardage required varies by size and is detailed on page 2 of the pattern.

Tools and Notions Required

To complete this project, you will need three crochet hooks in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• J/10 hook (6.00mm) – Primary hook for main construction
• I/9 hook (5.50mm) – Secondary hook for refined sections
• G/6 hook (4.00mm) – Smaller hook for detailed finishing

Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a measuring tape for checking sizing and gauge, and locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases. Four buttons measuring 1-1/8" are required for the front closure.

Skill Level and Gauge

This pattern is rated at an Easy/Intermediate experience level, making it accessible to crocheters with some foundational knowledge who are ready to tackle garment construction. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements across all seven sizes. Detailed gauge and gauge swatch instructions are provided on page 3 of the pattern to ensure accurate results.

Pattern Notes

Important construction notes include the fact that turning chains are not included in stitch counts unless specifically noted otherwise. This convention helps maintain consistency in stitch counts throughout the pattern. Size adjustments are clearly marked for all seven sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL, with a comprehensive size chart provided on page 2 for reference before beginning your project.