Lilac cardi

Lilac Cardi Crochet Pattern by Izabela Firlová

What is Being Made

The Lilac Cardi is a beginner-friendly crochet cardigan designed by independent designer Izabela Firlová. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up construction method, with the body worked first before sleeve holes are created and sleeves are added separately. The cardigan features a decorative border along the front opening and a finished rim at the bottom edge. The design is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XXL, accommodating a width range from 106 cm (42 inches) to 170 cm (67 inches).

Construction Technique

The Lilac Cardi employs a straightforward bottom-up construction approach, which is ideal for beginners learning cardigan construction. The pattern begins with a foundation chain and builds the body in rows before incorporating sleeve placement. Rather than working sleeves in the round from the armhole, this design creates designated holes for the sleeves and adds the sleeves as separate components, simplifying the construction process. The cardigan is finished with a decorative border worked along the front edges and a ribbed or finished rim applied to the bottom edge for a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The Lilac Cardi pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches suitable for beginners:

• Chain stitch (ch) – the foundation stitch used to create the base of the garment and throughout the pattern
• Single crochet (sc) – a short, tight stitch that appears regularly throughout the pattern for structure and texture
• Double crochet (dc) – a taller stitch used in groups to create the primary fabric texture and visual interest
• Slip stitch (ss) – used for joining rounds and finishing edges

The pattern employs a repeating stitch sequence that alternates groups of double crochets with single crochet stitches, creating an openwork or textured fabric. The notation () – made in one st indicates stitches worked into a single stitch, while ** - this part is being repeated marks sections that recur throughout the pattern rows.

Materials Required

The Lilac Cardi is designed to work with aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that provides good drape and structure for a cardigan. The pattern recommends using mohair or alpaca fibers for a soft, luxurious finish. The designer used Drops Brushed Alpaca Silk, requiring a total of 1683 meters across 11 balls of 25g yarn. A 4.5 mm crochet hook is specified for this project. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches to 9 rows over a 4-inch (10 cm) square, which helps ensure the finished garment matches the intended dimensions across all size options.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent choice for those new to crochet or those learning to construct garments. The use of basic stitches, straightforward shaping, and a logical bottom-up construction method keep the pattern accessible while still producing a wearable, finished cardigan.