Nevina

Nevina Crochet Jacket by Caroline Murphy

What is Being Made

Nevina is a downloadable crochet jacket pattern designed by Caroline Murphy. This intermediate-level garment features an open, modular construction built from crocheted squares that are joined together to create a finished jacket. The design produces a garment with an actual bust measurement of 144.75cm (57 inches) and a length from shoulder of 55.75cm (22 inches), with sleeve length from underarm measuring 58.25cm (23 inches). The jacket is worked in assorted colours of DK weight yarn, creating a colourful, patchwork aesthetic.

Crochet Techniques and Construction Method

The Nevina jacket employs a square-by-square modular construction technique, a popular method in crochet garment design. Rather than working the jacket in one continuous piece, the pattern is built by crocheting individual squares that are then joined together. This approach offers several advantages: it makes the project portable and manageable, allows for creative colour changes between squares, and provides natural stopping points throughout the project.

The pattern begins with a foundational square worked in the round from a chain circle. Subsequent rounds expand the square using chain spaces and double crochet clusters, with contrasting yarn colours introduced to create visual interest. The modular technique requires careful attention to tension and stitch placement to ensure squares join seamlessly and the finished jacket maintains proper shape and fit.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch used to create the initial circle and chain spaces throughout the pattern
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used to build the body of each square, worked in clusters to create texture and structure
• Single crochet (sc): Used for joining and finishing edges
• Slip stitch (ss): Used to join rounds and secure yarn when fastening off
• Chain space (ch-sp): The openings created between stitch clusters, which add openness and drape to the finished garment

Materials and Tools

The Nevina jacket requires approximately 1,520 metres (1,663 yards) of DK weight yarn in assorted colours. The pattern calls for two crochet hook sizes: a 5mm hook for the main construction of the squares, and a 4mm hook for working edgings. The specified tension is 16 stitches and 7 rows over 10cm (4 inches) when measured on the 5mm hook, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

The pattern is written using American crochet terminology, making it accessible to crocheters familiar with this standard notation system. The downloadable PDF format allows crafters to work through the pattern at their own pace and reference instructions as needed throughout the project.

Difficulty Level

Nevina is classified as an intermediate-level crochet project. While the individual stitches used are relatively straightforward, the modular construction, colour changes, and the need to maintain consistent tension across multiple squares require some crochet experience. Crafters should be comfortable reading crochet patterns, managing multiple yarn colours, and joining pieces together neatly.