Cherry Blossom Wrap Cardigan

Cherry Blossom Wrap Cardigan by Coffee and Crocheting

What is Being Made

The Cherry Blossom Wrap Cardigan is a top-down raglan cardigan designed and created by coffeeandcrocheting. This wrap-style cardigan is worked as a single continuous piece, making it an efficient construction method that minimizes seaming. The garment features balloon sleeves that provide generous room for movement, though the pattern allows for customization to achieve more fitted sleeve options through adjusted decrease rounds and stitch counts.

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a top-down raglan method, which begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem. The sleeves are worked in the round directly on the body piece, eliminating the need for separate sleeve construction and seaming. The balloon sleeve design is a key feature, offering a relaxed, flowing silhouette that can be modified by adjusting the number of decrease rounds and initial half double crochet stitches.

The pattern uses slip stitch through back loops only (BLO) as a finishing technique, which the designer notes can be challenging to execute, particularly when working with darker yarn colors. Achieving proper gauge is emphasized as critical for accurate sizing, requiring consistency in both row height and stitch width across the fabric.

Stitches Used

• Half Double Crochet (HDC) – the primary stitch used throughout the cardigan
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – used in back loops only for finishing details
• Chain stitches – used for foundation and shaping (note: chains do not count as working stitches in this pattern)

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, which provides a lightweight, drape-friendly fabric ideal for a wrap cardigan. The recommended gauge is 12 rows and 15.5 half double crochet stitches over 10 centimeters (4 inches). Reaching accurate gauge in both dimensions is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. The pattern is written using US crochet terminology and is provided as a downloadable PDF format.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project requires familiarity with fundamental crochet techniques including half double crochet, slip stitches, and working in the round. The top-down raglan construction and the need to maintain consistent gauge add moderate complexity, making this suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond absolute beginner level.