Color Theory: Emerick Cardigan
Cardigans are one of my favorite things to make, because I love the end result so much. Open front garments are so easy to throw on atop any ensemble to add a layer of warmth or some extra handmade texture. The Emerick Cardigan is a quick and easy crochet cardi with endless color combo possibilities and the tie front makes it extra special. Scroll down for the free pattern, purchase a printer-friendly PDF of the pattern here, or purchase the kit with all the Color Theory yarn you’ll need here.
The linen stitch is SUCH a fun way to add color work to crochet fabric. It’s super easy and quick to work up, and I love the graphic, high contrast quality it has. Working with three colors in crochet linen stitch allows you to create single color stripes without cutting your yarn, so there are also very few ends to weave in, which is a huge win in my book!
I really wanted the edging to stand out on this piece, so I chose three neutrals for the main body and a more vibrant hue for the the cuffs, hem, and collar. I love the way it pops and adds a nice balance with thicker bands of color against the more dotted, thin lines of the main fabric.
The tie is the cherry on top of this piece. You could easily wear it open, but I love how the little bow in front makes the whole garment feel like it’s more of a main character rather than just another layer on your outfit.
This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, half double crochet, skipping stitches, working into chain spaces, and changing colors at the end of a row.
MATERIALS
2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins each Lion Brand Color Theory in Ivory 619-098AW (color A), Bone 619-122X (color B), Thunder 619-150BE (color C)
1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) Lion Brand Color Theory in Dijon 619-170AE (color D)
(worsted weight 4; 246yds/225m per skein)
Size US J/10 (6mm) crochet hook
Size US H/8 (5mm) crochet hook
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
GAUGE
8 sc + 8 ch sp x 16 rows = 4”/10cm in linen stitch* laying flat with US J/10 (6mm) hook
*Note that this stitch will stretch lengthwise when held up
16 sts x 12 rows = 4”/10cm in half double crochet with US H/8 (5mm) hook
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Suggested positive ease: 11-13”/28-33cm
Pictured in a size S/M on model with 34”/86cm bust
ABBREVIATIONS
*All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms.
Ch – chain
Ch sp – chain space
Hdc – half double crochet
Rep – repeat
Rnd(s) – round(s)
RS – right side
Sc – single crochet
Sk – skip
St(s) – stitch(es)
Notes: Cardigan is worked flat in one piece, sideways from cuff to cuff. Turn at the end of each row. To change colors, work the last yarn over of the last stitch of the row in the next color. At the end of each row, rather than cutting the yarn, simply drop the color just used and carry it up to the row when it is next needed. Three skeins will be in use throughout. Cuffs, bottom edging, and center front band are worked after construction. Pattern is written for seven sizes: XS (S/M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL/4XL, 5XL).
RIGHT SLEEVE
With color A and larger hook, ch 54 (58, 66, 70, 78, 82, 90).
Row 1: Starting in 4th ch from hook, sc 1, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc 1, rep from * across row. (26 (28, 32, 34, 38, 40, 44) sc + (26 (28, 32, 34, 38, 40, 44) ch sp)
Change to color B.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as turning ch + 1 ch sp here and throughout), sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row.
Change to color C.
Row 3: Rep row 2.
Change to color A.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Rows 5-43 (43, 43, 49, 49, 49, 49): Rep rows 2-4, 13 (13, 13, 15, 15, 15, 15) more times, changing colors as indicated.
Rows 44 (44, 44, 50, 50, 50, 50)+45 (45, 45, 51, 51, 51, 51): Rep rows 2 and 3.
Fasten off and cut all colors.
BODY
Turn work as to begin next row. Row numbers will restart for simplicity.
Row 1: With color B, ch 49 (51, 51, 51, 53, 53, 53), then change to color A and ch 2 (this creates 1 more ch in color B and 1 ch in color A), then working across last row of sleeve, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row, then change to color B (it can be cut from the 1st part of this row) and ch 52 (54, 54, 54, 56, 56, 56).
Continue with color B.
Row 2: Starting in 4th ch from hook, sc 1, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc 1*, rep from * to * across ch, then working across previous row, **ch 1, sc in next ch sp**, rep from ** to ** across row, then working across next ch, rep from * to * across ch. (76 (80, 84, 86, 92, 94, 98) sc + (76 (80, 84, 86, 92, 94, 98) ch sp)
Change to color C.
Row 3: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row.
Change to color A.
Row 4: Rep row 3.
Change to color B.
Row 5: Rep row 3.
Rows 6-23 (29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59): Rep rows 3-5, 6 (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) more times, changing colors as indicated.
Row 24 (30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60): Rep row 3.
Split fronts for back neck:
Cut color B. Change to color A. Row numbers will restart for simplicity.
Row 1: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch sp) 39 times, turn leaving remaining sts unworked. (38 (40, 42, 43, 46, 47, 49) sc + 38 (40, 42, 43, 46, 47, 49) ch sp)
Change to color B.
Row 2: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row.
Change to color C.
Row 3: Rep row 2.
Change to color A.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Rows 5-28: Rep rows 2-4, 8 more times, changing colors as indicated.
Rows 29+30: Rep rows 2 and 3.
Begin other front side:
Change to color A. Row numbers will restart for simplicity.
Row 1: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row, then change to color B and ch 78 (82, 86, 88, 94, 96, 100).
Cut color A and change to color B.
Row 2: Starting in 4th ch from hook, sc 1, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc 1, rep from * across ch, then working across previous row, **ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from ** to end of row.
Change to color C.
Row 3: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row.
Change to color A.
Row 4: Rep row 3.
Change to color B.
Row 5: Rep row 3.
Rows 6-23 (29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59): Rep rows 3-5, 6 (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) more times, changing colors as indicated.
Row 24 (30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60): Rep row 3.
Fasten off and cut all colors.
LEFT SLEEVE
Turn work as to begin next row. Row numbers will restart for simplicity.
Row 1: Sk 24 (25, 25, 25, 26, 26, 26) sc and 24 (25, 25, 25, 26, 26, 26) ch sp plus 1 more sc, and join color A in next (25th (26th, 26th, 26th, 27th, 27th, 27th) ch sp. Starting in same ch sp as join, ch 2, sc in next ch sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch sp) 25 (27, 31, 33, 37, 39, 43) times, turn leaving remaining sts unworked. (26 (28, 32, 34, 38, 40, 44) sc + 26 (28, 32, 34, 38, 40, 44) ch sp)
Change to color B.
Row 2: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row.
Change to color C.
Row 3: Ch 2, sc in 1st ch sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch sp, rep from * across row.
Change to color A.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Rows 5-46 (46, 46, 52, 52, 52, 52): Rep rows 2-4, 14 (14, 14, 16, 16, 16) more times, changing colors as indicated.
Fasten off and cut all colors.
CONSTRUCTION
Fold cardigan at shoulders and seam sides from bottom edge up to underarm and down underside of sleeves with a slip stitch seam or other technique of your choice.
BOTTOM EDGING
With smaller hook and RS facing, join color D at the bottom left center front corner.
Row 1: Ch 1 and starting in same st as join, hdc into the space at end of each row along the bottom edge of the cardigan.
Note: If fabric flares out, work into fewer spaces, such as 5 out of every 6 spaces; if the fabric gathers in, switch to a larger hook.
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc across row.
Rows 3-6: Rep row 2, 4 more times.
Fasten off.
CUFFS
Cuffs are worked in joined, turned rounds. Turn at the end of each round.
With smaller hook and RS facing, join color D in the st to the left of the seam along the edge of one sleeve.
Rnd 1: Ch 1 and starting in same st as join, hdc every ch sp and st along the edge, sl st to 1st hdc to join.
Note: If fabric flares out, work into fewer spaces; if the fabric gathers in, switch to a larger hook.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, then starting in sl st that joined the previous rnd, hdc around, sl st to 1st hdc to join.
Rnds 3-6: Rep rnd 2, 4 more times.
Fasten off. Rep for other cuff.
NECKBAND
With smaller hook and RS facing, join color D at the bottom right center front corner.
Row 1: Ch 1 and starting in same st as join, hdc into the space at end of each bottom edging row, then into every ch sp and st along right center front edge, then into the space at end of each row along back neck, then into every ch sp and st along left center front edge, then into the space at the end of each bottom edging row.
Note: If fabric flares out, work into fewer spaces; if the fabric gathers in, switch to a larger hook.
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc across row.
Rows 3-6: Rep row 2, 4 more times.
Fasten off.
CENTER FRONT TIE
Measure approx. 10-12”/25.5-30.5cm (or desired amount) down from shoulders along center front and place a marker on either side.
With smaller hook and RS facing, join color D at marker and ch 49.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, hdc across, then sl st into an adjacent st along the center front to secure. (48 sts)
Fasten off. Rep for other tie.
Secure and weave in all ends.
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