Geimhreadh Crochet Cardigan – Free Pattern
The Geimhreadh Crochet Cardigan is a cozy, oversized cardigan featuring a beautiful herringbone stitch texture and a relaxed, draped fit. Designed with colder days in mind, this handmade cardigan is perfect for throwing over you favorite outfit when you need an extra layer of warmth.
The name Geimhreadh means winter in Irish, making it a fitting name for this soft, snuggly design.
What makes this free crochet pattern especially appealing is its easy construction. The main body begins as a simple rectangle, which is folded and seamed to create the cardigan shape. Additional row, a collar and sleeves complete the design.
I chose a soft alpaca blend yarn for my cardigan, giving it a warm, lightweight feel. The herringbone stitch adds lovely texture throughout, creating an elegant finish without the need for complicated shaping.
With its generous fit and easy to wear style, the Geimhreadh Cardigan looks just as lovely paired with jeans and a simple top as it does layered over a dress.
Although I designed mine as a winter cardigan, you could also experiment with a suitable cotton yarn for a lighter version to wear during warmer months.
How the Geimhreadh Crochet Cardigan is Constructed
The Geimhreadh Cardigan is made using a surprisingly simple construction method. Rather than crocheting separate front and back panels, we begin with one large rectangle that forms the main body of the cardigan.
This makes the design approachable for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and want to try making an oversizes cardigan.
First, crochet a large rectangle to the measurements specified in the pattern. Once the required number of rows are completed, fasten off and use a yarn needle to seam both sides of the rectangle once folded. leaving openings for the arms.
This creates the basic cardigan shape without complicated shaping techniques. next, attach a new strand of yarn along the bottom edge of the cardigan and crochet additional rows to create the required length.
The collar is then crocheted directly onto the cardigan, creating a continuous finish around the opening. Finally, crochet two separate sleeves and seam them to the armholes. Once the sleeves are attached and all yarn ends have been woven in, your Geimhreadh Cardigan is complete.
Crochet Geimhreadh Cardigan at a Glance
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Sizes: S/M (M/L, L/XL, 2XL/3Xl)
- Fit: Relaxed, oversized
- Yarn weight: aran/ medium
- Main stitch: herringbone stitch
- Construction: One large rectangle, folded, seamed at sides
- Terminology: US crochet terms
Sizing & Measurements
The sizing for the Geimhreadh Cardigan are as follows:
S/M(M/L, L/XL, XL/2XL, 2XL/3XL).
To fit actual bust size:
S/M – 32-36″
M/L – 36-40″
L/XL – 40-44″
XL/2XL – 44-48″
2XL/3XL – 48-52″
Materials
Yarn – Drops Air – weight 4/medium/aran/10 ply – 65% alpaca, 28% polyamide, 7% wool – 150m per ball
Approximately 9(9, 10, 10, 11) balls
Sizes 6.5mm + 6mm crochet hooks
Notions – tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers, scissors.
Stitches & Abbreviations
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
hbst = herringbone stitch
hdcblo = half double crochet in back loop only
slst = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
rem = remaining
SPECIAL STITCH = herringbone stitch (hbst): insert hook into bottom of previous st, pull yarn through, yo, insert hook into next st, pull yarn through, yo, pull through 4 loops on hook.
GAUGE: 12 sts x 11 rows in hbst = 4 “
Crochet Geimhreadh Cardigan Pattern
*This free written pattern is accompanied with a step by step video tutorial. Please scroll down to view.
If you prefer an ad-free printable pattern you can find one at my ETSY STORE.
Ch 116(124, 130, 134, 140)
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, *hbst in the bottom of previous hdc and next ch, rep from * across, turn.
Row 2: ch 2 (does not counts as a stitch) hdc in first st, hdc in next st, *hbst in the bottom of previous hdc and next st, rep from * across, turn.
Rep row 2 until you have a total of 62(68, 70, 70, 70) rows completed.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Seaming
Fold the rectangle in half so the last row you completed is touching your foundation row.
Measure 5″ from the top downwards and place a stitch marker. Rep on the other side.
With your yarn needle and long tail seam from the bottom up until you reach the stitch marker. Rep on the other side.
Lay your shrug cardigan flat on a hard surface in a sort of triangular shape. The video below will depict this better. You will next place stitch marker each side of the bottom where there is a crossover in the fabric.
Attach yarn to one of the stitches with the stitch marker.
Row 1: ch 2, hdc in first st, hdc in next st, *hbst into bottom of previous st and into the next st, rep from * across, turn.
Rep row 1 until the end of row 13. Feel free to add more rows here for more length. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.
Continuing on from where you are now and changing to the smaller hook:
Collar
Row 1: ch 1, hdc all the way around the inner edge until you reach the other side. Turn.
Row 2: ch 1, hdcblo in each st around, turn.
Rep row 2 until the end of row 20(22, 22, 24, 24). Fasten off.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Ch 29
Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across, turn.
Row 2: ch 1, hdcblo in each st across, turn.
Rep row 2 until the end of row 16(16, 18, 18, 20). Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Using your yarn needle and long tail, seam the sleeve closed by folding in half.
Seam sleeves to cardigan.
Weave in all your ends and enjoy!
