Angelica Cardigan

Angelica Cardigan by Rachel Counts

What is Being Made

The Angelica Cardigan is a crocheted cardigan sweater designed by Rachel Counts and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is constructed using a modular approach, with the cardigan worked in three separate rectangular pieces that are subsequently sewn together at the sides and shoulders. Once the main body sections are assembled, sleeves are joined at the armhole and worked in the round to complete the finished sweater. The pattern is offered in six sizes ranging from S to 3XL, making it accessible for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

The Angelica Cardigan employs a structured construction method that breaks down the garment into manageable components. The three-rectangle construction technique simplifies the building process and allows for easier customization of fit. Rather than working the entire cardigan in one continuous piece, this modular approach means you complete the front and back panels as flat rectangles, then assemble them through seaming at strategic points. The sleeves are then picked up and worked circularly from the armhole opening, which creates a seamless sleeve cap and allows for adjustable sleeve length during the working process. This method is particularly beginner-friendly as it reduces the complexity of managing increases and decreases across multiple sections simultaneously.

Stitches Used

The Angelica Cardigan pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches that are well-suited for beginners, combined with a few specialty stitches for textural interest. The core stitches employed include:

• Chain (ch) – used for foundation and turning chains
• Foundation Single Crochet (fsc) – creates a finished foundation edge
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and connecting pieces
• Single Crochet (sc) – the shortest and most basic stitch
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – a medium-height stitch that forms the primary fabric; chain 2 on hdc rows counts as a stitch
• Double Crochet (dc) – a taller stitch used for texture and drape
• 2-dc Cluster – a specialty stitch created by working two double crochets together into the same stitch, which adds visual texture and dimension
• TR Cluster – a more complex specialty stitch with a tutorial provided in the pattern appendix

The pattern notation includes standard abbreviations such as rep (repeat), rnd (round), sk (skip), st(s) (stitch/stitches), RS (right side), and WS (wrong side) to guide construction.

Materials and Tools

The Angelica Cardigan is designed to be worked with Ella Rae Cozy Alpaca yarn in an aran weight, which is a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly while providing excellent drape and softness. The yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (S) requires 1068 yards across 6 hanks, while the largest size (3XL) requires 1958 yards across 11 hanks. A size G crochet hook is recommended, though you should use the hook size that allows you to obtain the correct gauge as specified in the pattern. Additionally, you will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the three rectangular pieces together at the sides and shoulders. The aran weight yarn and G hook combination creates a fabric with good structure and definition, making the specialty stitches clearly visible in the finished cardigan.