546 Alexandrium Cardigan - Crochet Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Huntingto

546 Alexandrium Cardigan - Crochet Pattern

About This Design

The 546 Alexandrium Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet pattern designed by Sara Delaney. This women's cardigan features a sophisticated lace construction with colorful striped accents, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various skill levels beyond complete beginners. The pattern is available in six finished sizes ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches, accommodating a wide range of body measurements.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach, meaning you begin crocheting from the lower edge and work upward, with pieces created flat on the hook rather than in the round. The garment is then seamed together to form the finished cardigan. The design incorporates lace and stripe techniques to create visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

The lace band is a key design feature that begins at the center back and works equally around both sides to the front edges. This lace band follows a repeating color sequence using the main color and two contrasting colors, creating a coordinated striped effect within the lace pattern itself.

Stitches and Special Techniques

The Alexandrium Cardigan uses fundamental crochet stitches including:

• Double crochet (dc) - the primary stitch used throughout the garment, creating a fabric with good drape
• Single crochet (sc) - used in construction and finishing details
• Half double crochet (hdc) - incorporated for stitch variation
• Chain (ch) - used for foundation and lace openings
• Picot - a special decorative stitch created by working a single crochet in an indicated stitch or space, chaining 3, then slip stitching to the base of the chain, adding delicate embellishment

The pattern uses standard abbreviations and includes detailed special stitch instructions to guide crocheters through the picot technique and the structured lace band construction.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Huntington, a 4-ply weight yarn composed of 75% Superwash Merino and 25% Nylon. This fiber blend provides durability, easy care, and a soft feel suitable for a wearable cardigan. The yarn yields 218 yards per 50-gram skein.

Yardage requirements vary by size: the pattern requires 4 skeins of the main color (MC) in shade 605/Grey for sizes 32 and 36 inches; 5 skeins for sizes 40 and 44 inches; 6 skeins for size 48 inches; and 7 skeins for size 52 inches. Additionally, 1 skein each of color 23/Sea Gull (CC1) and color 26/Harvest Orange (CC2) are needed for the contrasting stripe details in the lace band.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern is worked with a US size D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all six sizes.

The target gauge is approximately 20 stitches and 12 rows equaling 4 inches when worked in double crochet. For the lace band specifically, approximately 2 waves measure 6 inches wide, and 4 waves measure 6 inches in height. Checking gauge before beginning ensures your finished cardigan will match the intended dimensions.

Finished Sizes

The 546 Alexandrium Cardigan is available in six finished bust measurements: 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches. The pattern shown in the sample photograph is size 36 inches, providing a reference for how the finished garment will appear when constructed.