Learn to crochet the ultimate winter cardigan. Designed by crocheting a simple rectangle and seaming a few inches each side, this cardigan will be a staple to any wardrobe.
The word Geimhreadh [gev-rew] means winter in Irish and I thought the name was absolutely suitable for this piece. With it’s oversized look and beautiful herringbone stitch throughout, this cardigan is perfect paired with jeans and a tee, or draped over a dress. I’ve chosen a really soft wool blend yarn for this piece for added warmth but you can easily swap for a cotton yarn for something that’s more suitable for summer.
CONSTRUCTION
The Geimhreadh Cardigan is crocheted by creating a simple rectangle to the stated dimensions in the pattern. Once you have a certain number of rows completed we will fasten off and using a yarn needle and some yarn, we will seam up both sides leaving openings for each arm. Next we will add more length to the bottom of the cardigan by attaching new yarn and crocheting a few more rows. The collar is then crocheted directly into the cardigan. Finally we will crochet two sleeves and seam those to the cardigan.
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!
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