A cozy, Tunisian crochet cardigan designed with the beginner in mind!
Scroll down to read all about the design or click your preferred shop below to grab the pattern!
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ABOUT
The Carefree Cardigan is a timeless, Tunisian crochet layer that is relaxing to make and fun to wear! It features a classic V-neckline, relaxed drop shoulders, and beautiful texture.
The pattern includes easy to follow, row-by-row, color coded instructions for 9 sizes, example photos & video tutorials, and a whole lot of options. (Scroll down to find out more about that!) PLUS, it includes additional made to measure instructions for those 9 sizes just in case you didn't want to meet my gauge or wanted to use a different weight yarn!
1 PATTERN. ENDLESS OPTIONS.
Want a puff sleeve, buttoned cardigan made with bulky weight yarn? Done.
Prefer a lightweight cardigan with ribbing and no buttons? You got it!
CONSTRUCTION
You'll start by crocheting each body panel (front right, front left, and back) separately from the bottom-up. Once those 3 panels are finished, you'll seam the shoulder straps and begin working the sleeves from the top-down off of the body panels. You'll finish by adding a simple crochet edging.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Although this cardigan was published in December 2023, I actually designed and made it back in 2021 on our way to the Smoky Mountains!
Before making the sketch, I knew I wanted it to be easy to create. Something someone could make right after learning the basic stitches of Tunisian crochet. An enjoyable and relaxing project with minimal shaping and counting required. That's when I decided on the drop shoulder style!
Next up, I needed to decide which stitch(es) to use. (Or lack thereof.) If I wanted it to be easy, then I needed to use an easy stitch! And what's easier than the Tunisian Simple Stitch? Plus, I adore the look of the "wrong" and "right" side of it and love how it's reversable!
Now, onto the neckline. I had already designed a crew neck Tunisian crochet cardigan (Point Sal Cardigan), so I decided to change it up and try a V-neckline!
After making all 3 body panels, it was time for the sleeves.
I knew creating the sleeves separately would've probably made this project even easier, but after trying different seaming methods, I ended up choosing to work off of the body panels because 1) it created less gaps than seaming and 2) doing so made it so much easier to determine the perfect sleeve length!
Last but not least, I decided to make the sleeves have a slight puff by the wrists since adding ribbing and shaping would change the difficulty level.
And voila! The Carefree Cardigan was born.
SIZES & MEASUREMENTS
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
YARN: Arabella by Yarn Bee
Great substitutions include Homespun by Lion Brand Yarn, Soft & Sleek Chunky by Yarn Bee, Hue & Me by Lion Brand Yarn, or any Aran/bulky weight yarn.
Approximate yardage:
XS: 695
S: 825
M: 935
L: 1010
XL: 1120
2X: 1235
3X: 1320
4X: 1435
5X: 1490
NOTIONS: scissors, blunt threading needle, st markers, tape measure, optional 4-5 buttons (40 mm)
PIN IT NOW. MAKE IT LATER!
TESTERS
Below are the amazing women who tested this pattern! They each gave up time, used up yarn, and shared knowledge to help make this pattern the best it can be and for that, I'm truly grateful. Click that right arrow to see how stunning it looks on everyone and don't forget to click on each photo to give some love on Instagram!
So, whatchya waiting for, friend? Grab the pattern by clicking your preferred shop below and start creating it today!
