479 Nakota Cardigan - Crochet Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Southwick

479 Nakota Cardigan - Crochet Pattern for Women

Garment Overview

The Nakota Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet pattern designed by Sara Delaney, created for women in five finished sizes: 34", 38", 42", 46", and 50". This cardigan features a distinctive wave stitch texture worked flat, combining multiple coordinating colors in a structured, wearable design suitable for various skill levels beyond beginner.

Construction Technique

The cardigan is constructed using the flat working method, meaning pieces are crocheted in rows rather than in the round. This approach allows for easier shaping and finishing of individual components including sleeves, body panels, and button bands. The pattern requires careful color changes throughout, with new colors joined at the beginning of designated rows and previous colors fastened off at row ends to create clean transitions between the multicolor sections.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The Nakota Cardigan showcases a sophisticated wave stitch pattern that forms the foundation of its visual appeal. The wave structure is created through a combination of fundamental crochet stitches worked in strategic sequences:

• Single crochet (sc) - used at wave peaks and valleys for definition
• Half double crochet (hdc) - creates transitional height between single and double crochet
• Double crochet (dc) - forms the primary body of the wave pattern
• Treble crochet (tr) - creates the highest points of each wave for dimensional texture
• Decrease stitches (dc2tog) - used to shape and define wave valleys
• Chain spaces (ch2) - creates decorative openings within the wave structure

The gauge is established at 2 waves (10 stitches per wave) and 11 rows equaling 5 inches, providing a structured measurement for accurate sizing across all five garment dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

The Nakota Cardigan is designed for Valley Yarns Southwick, a blend of 52% Pima Cotton and 48% Bamboo, offering breathability and drape ideal for a cardigan. The yarn is provided in 50-gram skeins with 105 yards per skein, classified as DK weight—a versatile weight that creates fabric with excellent stitch definition for displaying the wave pattern.

The color palette consists of a main color (MC) in Toffee, with five coordinating accent colors: Mineral Green, Persimmon, Natural, African Violet, Iguana, and Ginger. Yardage requirements vary by size, with the main color requiring 6 to 8 skeins and each accent color requiring 2 to 3 skeins depending on the finished size selected.

Construction requires a US G/6/4.00mm crochet hook (or the size needed to achieve proper gauge) and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the project.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Nakota Cardigan assumes familiarity with basic crochet stitches and techniques. The complexity arises from managing multiple color changes, maintaining consistent wave stitch repeats, and executing decreases for proper shaping. The flat working method and detailed stitch sequences make this pattern suitable for crocheters who have completed several projects and are ready to expand their technical skills.