One of the top accessories in the wardrobe of modern women is crochet cardigan. Made according to the same patterns, but from different types of yarn, they can be useful both on cool summer evenings and in the off-season bad weather.
Openwork cardigan
Depending on the figure, style, fashion, purpose and many other factors, this type of clothing is divided into cardigans:
- summer shortened;
- medium length;
- elongated openwork chasubles;
- with sleeves of different lengths;
- straight, flared or figured cut;
- thick and warm cardigan coats.
The crochet cardigan for women, the pattern of which is presented below, is a model of a long summer chasuble with sleeves to the wrist line. Its straight silhouette is perfect for slim and medium-heavy women.
Made of thin cotton yarn with the corresponding hook number 1-2, it can be used as a smart summer option, worn over a blouse with short sleeves or a short sleeveless dress. The color scheme of the cardigan can be anything. It can shade the thing with which it is used or, on the contrary, create an original contrast with it.
This model can also be knitted from thicker yarn containing wool or mohair. Then the orientation of the cardigan changes to colder weather conditions and can serve as a kind of coat.
This cardigan goes great with jeans or a business trouser suit:
- Before you start working, it is recommended to make certain calculations. For experienced craftswomen, a few measurements are enough to create a complete picture of the model drawing. But beginner needlewomen should definitely make a cardigan pattern of the required size.
- Once it is ready, it is recommended to knit a small sample of the pattern according to the diagram and count how many loops there are per 1 cm, that is, determine the density. Then calculate the number of full rapports required for the pattern, taking into account allowances for freedom of movement. If the number is incomplete, then calculate so that the right and left sides of the cardigan have symmetrical edges.
- To make the model even and without distortions, it can be made without side seams, in straight and reverse rows, ending and starting on the front panel.
- When designing the armholes, you will need to divide the fabric into 3 parts: 2 front halves and a back one.
- After completing the armholes and neckline, it is advisable to sew the shoulder seams.
- When starting to knit the sleeve cap, it is recommended to apply the work to the pattern as often as possible to avoid excessive length and width. Try to avoid sharp bevels or protrusions, as this will negatively affect the shape of the finished sleeve after sewing it into the armhole.
- When finished, decorate the neck and fastener strips with decorative piping. At the same time, think over and make the loops. They can be located along the entire length of the cardigan or on some part of it. Sew on the buttons and carry out wet-heat treatment of the finished product.
A damp cardigan made of wool or mohair should be dried only in a horizontal position and steamed at a minimum temperature.
With short sleeves
A summer openwork cardigan with short sleeves will look light and stylish.
Its lower part is made of square motifs, and the upper part is made of alternating stripes of a solid small pattern, the diagram of which is presented below, and the same motifs.
To create it, variations are possible from thin yarns of different compositions.
This could be:
- cotton thread;
- cotton yarn containing viscose;
- acrylic thread with a slight twist;
- silk or acetate yarn.
The optimal hook number should correspond to the thickness of the yarn and be 1 position larger. The color of the cardigan is an individual choice. But traditional white and milky are more preferable.
After completing the main fabric, it is recommended to tie its edge with a solid narrow binding, the rows of which are made in a circle.
An attractive element in this model is a bow, which also serves as a fastener for the cardigan. But other methods are also possible in the form of hanging loops and buttons or a decorative pin, brooch. After finishing the work, iron the finished product. But when making a cardigan from acrylic yarn, this procedure should be done carefully and at a minimum temperature.
Delicate summer cardigan
The crochet cardigan for women, the pattern of which is shown below, is a lightweight summer option.
Made in classic white color from soft and thin yarn will provide comfort and coziness on cool summer evenings. To create airiness and lightness of such a cardigan, it is better to use thin acrylic yarn or containing a small part of wool or lint-free mohair. It is also advisable to take a thin hook No. 1-2. The knitting density should not be thick and hard.
The pattern used in this model is uniform and can be selected at will. Several possible schemes are offered below.
When using patterns that express a vertical direction, a cardigan can create a modeling effect. It will visually add height to the owner and make the figure slimmer. A horizontally located ornament, on the contrary, will make thin forms more appetizing. The proposed model can be made in one piece, without side seams.
This will add elegance to the product. You can make a flare at the bottom of the sleeve both when knitting it from the bottom up and from the top down. When knitting with the first option, you should more carefully calculate the bottom edge of the sleeve. After dialing the required length of the chain and knitting several rows, gradually decrease the extra loops until you reach the wrist circumference measurement plus an allowance for a free fit.
Then do it in the usual way according to the pattern. You can also resort to the third method. Knit the sleeve in the traditional way without flaring. And then do it as a binding, starting from the lower edge of the knitted sleeve.
After finishing the main parts of the fabric and sleeves, assemble them and decorate the cuts with a thin decorative border. In the process of knitting it, make ribbons for tying them in pairs. This is how the cardigan fastener will be made.
The product made from the yarn used does not require heat treatment. It is enough to moisten it, lay it out on a horizontal surface and let it dry.
Warm cardigan
The crochet cardigan for women, the pattern for which is presented here, is irreplaceable on cool spring or autumn days. It is made of semi-woolen soft yarn with a weak twist. The fabric from such a thread will not be rough, not stiff and comfortable when in contact with the body. The thickness of the hook should be 1-1.5 numbers more than with regular knitting.
This will result in a relief pattern and better thermal conductivity of the product. The pattern used in this model is not complicated and can be easily made by a novice needlewoman. It is easy to read according to the symbols next to the diagram. This model can also be made without side seams. The neck and bottom of the product are decorated with a narrow edging with a frequent "piqué" in the outer row.
The fastening is done with slit loops, which are knitted in the process of shaping the longitudinal edge of the cardigan with a strip, and buttons. The combination of such a cardigan with strict trousers or a midi skirt will emphasize the effective business style of a woman.
Depending on the chosen color scheme, it can be used both for everyday use and for special occasions. A special charm will be given by a cardigan made in white or light tones, used with a plain dress of medium length or just above the knees.
Being a single, uniform piece of fabric, this model allows for the possibility of using decorative trim in the form of a flower or a small composition.
The final wet and heat treatment of such a product should be carried out carefully and at a minimum temperature, since yarn containing wool can shrink at elevated temperatures, and with strong twisting, deformation of the fabric is possible.
Long cardigan
This model is a universal type of elongated cardigan. It is made with a simple pattern, the diagram of which is shown nearby. To avoid discrepancies in the area of the side seams and a more beautiful appearance, it is recommended to knit such a cardigan with a solid fabric up to the beginning of the armholes.
It can replace a light demi-season coat if it is made from thicker yarn containing natural fibers. High narrow cuffs and a wide collar, knitted with needles and evenly sewn to the main parts, also give it a resemblance. The fastener is a 4 cm wide strip made of rows of single crochets with slit loops.
The bottom of the product can be decorated in the same way as the fastener.
If you need to knit a cardigan with the same pattern, but a lighter form, it is recommended to choose thinner threads containing mercerized cotton or its mixture with viscose fiber. To increase the openwork, the hook number should be increased by one. If you need a denser fabric, it is recommended to choose a thinner hook number.
When decorating the neck, the bottom of the sleeves and the cardigan itself, as well as the longitudinal edges, it is advisable to use a figured binding with a relief edge. The fastener can be modified and implemented on several hanging loops and buttons, securing only the upper part of the product. The final finishing of the finished cardigan should be done depending on the yarn used.
With a hood
The original model of a cardigan-coat with a hood is presented in this photo. The straight, loose silhouette will suit women with medium and curvy shapes. It is made of large hexagonal motifs in one piece without obvious seams.
It is recommended to use medium and thick yarn for its execution. The thicker the thread, the more the cardigan function moves towards the coat. The hook can be used both smaller and larger numbers. It depends on what knitting density you need to get as a result.
Since large diameter motifs do not fit all sizes, it is necessary to make a sample before starting knitting, compare it with the pattern and determine the optimal number. If this is not possible, it is recommended to take measures to either increase or decrease the diameter of the motif, or replace the element itself with a more suitable one.
When working with the presented model, you will need full motifs, as well as their halves. The schemes for their implementation are presented below. In the process of knitting, you should connect the elements together in a certain sequence. It is also presented in the diagram.
Having knitted the fabric of the cardigan and the hood, you should decorate its cut and the bottom of the sleeves with a tight binding, ending with a row of “crayfish step”.
At the same time, make hanging loops for the fastener.
Moisten and iron the finished product.
From hexagons
The crochet cardigan for women, the pattern of which is shown nearby, is a truly charming product. This model is made without seams, since the connection of the hexagonal floral motifs is carried out in the process of knitting the outer row of elements. The places of coupling are indicated on the pattern with colored arrows.
To knit such a cardigan, you can use yarn of various structures and compositions. From cotton to acrylic, wool or their mixtures. The hook numbers also depend on the threads used and can vary from 1.5 to 4. Before you start knitting this model, you must make a calculated sample.
After knitting it and carrying out wet-heat treatment, it is necessary to calculate the number of full motifs corresponding to the pattern of a certain size. Since the fastener of the presented cardigan is a wrap, a slight discrepancy in measurements is acceptable.
If the longitudinal sections of the product provide for fastening with hanging loops and buttons, then the calculation of the number of motifs should be approached more carefully. It is also necessary to carefully calculate the width of the sleeves, which are made with a straight cut.
If it is necessary to achieve a more precise match to the pattern in the armpit area, you can use motifs with 5 angles instead of 6. But you should be very careful when using this option and calculate in advance the required number of elements and the places of their application in order to avoid further errors.
After all the work on knitting the main fabric is done, the edge of the cardigan and the bottom of the sleeves are decorated with a solid edging, knitted separately. Its pattern is given above and is a chain of air loops, tied on both sides with openwork waves.
Before knitting the finishing border, it is necessary to measure the dialed chain, the length of which should be equal to the solid length of the cardigan, taking into account the neck and the bottom. Then, having knitted the lower part of the pattern, and moving on to the upper one, carry out the coupling of the binding with the main fabric in the process of making arcs of seven air loops. Subject the finished product to wet and heat treatment.
Made of wool
A crochet cardigan for women, used in the off-season, is made of dense motifs. Schemes of its variations for a better fit of the model on the figure are presented below.
To obtain a sufficiently dense and warm fabric, it is recommended to use a thread containing at least 50% wool, medium thickness and twist. It is advisable to take a hook corresponding to the yarn or even 1 number smaller. The three-color combination of motifs gives the cardigan an extraordinary beauty and elegance.
The color scheme can be completely different:
- monochromatic;
- in several tones of the same color;
- in different colors of the same range;
- contrasting.
When knitting motifs consisting of several colors, experienced knitters advise to do the following to avoid numerous knots.
Namely:
- Complete part of the motif with the first color.
- Insert the second color thread into the work, grabbing it with the hook and pulling it through the last loop of the previous color.
- Cut the original thread, leaving a section of 4-5 cm from the loop.
- Place the remaining pieces of the two flowers along the edge of the motif and tie them in the process of subsequent work. This way they will be secured and hidden.
In order not to get confused in the sequence of connecting the colored motifs, it is recommended to connect them during knitting the outer row. After finishing the work, it is not necessary to tie the edges of the cardigan.
Also, to give shape to the finished product, it is enough to moisten and dry it in a horizontal position.
Plus Size Models
Curvy women are not left without attention either. An elongated straight-cut cardigan will help them visually hide unwanted areas of the figure. And a well-chosen pattern will add height and give a slim look. Below is a lightweight version of a cardigan for a full-figured woman.
It can be made from different types of yarn, from cotton to acrylic. It is advisable to use thin thread to give the product lightness, delicacy and elegance. The hook should match the thickness of the yarn. You can also take 1 number more.
When knitting a pattern sample, the diagram of which is presented above, it is recommended to adjust the density of the fabric with a suitable hook. It should not be loose to avoid tightening the figure, and not thick and stiff, so as not to give the product massiveness.
Having completed the pattern sample and the pattern drawing according to the example given in the diagram, compare them and calculate the required number of full rapports. If this cannot be achieved, you can use part of the rapport, but do it in a symmetrical ratio at the beginning and end of the row.
Having knitted the main part of the fabric up to the beginning of the armholes and the neckline bevel, you should make an additional calculation of the decrease in loops for an even and gradual beveling of the sleeve cap and neckline.
To do this, you should follow this sequence:
- Calculate the difference between the initial and final sections (before and after decreasing the stitches).
- Determine the number of loops corresponding to this parameter.
- Divide the resulting number by the number of rows that make up the vertical decrease section.
- The result will be a number indicating in which row it is necessary to decrease each subsequent loop.
After all the details of the cardigan are completed, they should be sewn together and the edges should be trimmed with binding. When processing the vertical edge, make slit loops for the fastener (or hanging ones), depending on how the model provides. Complete the process with a wet and thermal procedure. The following model is a stylish summer cardigan of medium length.
Simple to make, it will perfectly complement or add a twist to any dress, top or sleeveless blouse. A distinctive nuance from the previous model in this cardigan is the presence of vertical stripes in the pattern. This is what visually conceals the width of curvy shapes and adds height to a woman.
To complete the image, it is advisable to make the product in dark, discreet tones. This color scheme will perfectly harmonize with the main ensemble and will give the woman more self-confidence. To knit this cardigan, it is advisable to use thin cotton threads and hook No. 1-2.
This model does not have a clasp, but this does not mean that it can be present at the woman’s discretion.
After completing the knitting work on the parts, they are connected and the bottom of the sleeves and the edge of the cardigan are decorated with relief arcs of air loops, subsequently tied with a row of single crochets.
Thanks to the variety of possibilities to crochet a cardigan for women of different builds, using, as examples, the presented models and patterns for them and listening to the advice of experienced craftsmen, you can create a unique and comfortable image for any needlewoman. The main thing is to have an irresistible desire to do it.
Video on how to make a crochet cardigan for women
How to crochet a cardigan: