The X-capade Cardigan crochet pattern was an idea that manifested near the beginning of this year. The original idea was to make it triangular in shape, but I had a hard time figuring out the rate of increase and decrease for it have a nice edge. No one wants to wear or make an item that looks wonky. After having made numerous sketches in my sketch book, on graph paper and the back of an envelope, I finally had clarity on the shape of the cardigan. I wanted the X-capade Cardigan to be truly unique, and look WAY more complicated than it is.  Although I didn’t do extensive research, I haven’t seen anything like it, so I think I met the goal for uniqueness. Additionally, I had to stay true to my design style of minimizing visible seams and avoid too many ends to weave in. I flexed my creative muscles to do just that!

The X-capade Cardigan crochet pattern is graded from a XS/S through 5X! I didn’t want anyone to not have the option to be as fly as they want to be this fall and winter. And with this airy design, the cardigan can be worn in the spring too. Personally, I like wide sleeves on my sweaters so I don’t feel like my shirt sleeve is twisted while wearing a cardigan, so there pattern has the option to have wide, slightly tapered sleeves, and the option to make a more fitted sleeve through a simple change. ?

Yarn?

Let’s talk yarn. When designing this in the spring, I had visited one my local Michaels store during a yarn sale, and had to snatch up some Caron Big Cakes. Everyone else had been on the cake frenzy for a while, and I had used the Premier Yarn Sweet Roll to make a poncho for a gift for my mom in 2017. I decided to finally give in to the cake craze, and discovered Toffee Brickle. I really liked the blend of colors to be warm with a touch of brightness with the orange and yellow.

You don’t have to use Caron Big Cakes yarn for your cardigan. You can use another favorite cake yarn, or use up those partial skeins that are collecting dust in your stash. One tester used the same weight yarns from her stash for a BEAUTIFUL color combination for her cardigan. Another tester created a pink cardigan with white sleeves and collar for a fabulous pseudo color blocking. So have fun with your yarn choice, as long as it’s worsted weight. I can’t wait to see your X-capade Cardigan!

Ready for pattern details?

Difficulty: Intermediate

Materials Needed:

Hook: I/9 (5.5mm) and hook needed to obtain gauge

Yarn: Caron Big Cakes (100% acrylic, 10.5 oz/300g, 603yd/551m): 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) cakes, or 1,809 yd/1,653m (1809; 2412; 2412; 3015; 3015; 3618, 3618) worsted weight yarn

4-6 Stitch Markers

Scissors

Needle

Stitches Used:

ch(s): chain(s)

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

slst: slip stitch

fdc: foundation double crochet

yo: yarn over

tr: treble crochet

dc2tog: double crochet 2 together

st(s): stitch(es)

sp: space

FO: fasten off

PM: place marker

sk: skip

Special Stitches:

• CSDC: Chainless Starting Double Crochet – pull up a tall loop, holding loop, yarn over (YO), insert hook in first stitch, YO, pull up a loop, yarn over, [pull through 2 loops] twice
• Str: Starting Treble Crochet – single crochet (sc) in first stitch without a chain 1, insert hook through middle of first sc and under 2 loops, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, [insert hook through middle of last sc and under 2 loops, YO, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops] twice
• X-St: each X-St is followed by a treble as follows – YO 2 times, insert hook in next stitch, YO, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), YO, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), YO (4 loops on hook), skip next 2 stitches, insert hook in next stitch, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), [YO, pull through 2 loops] four times, chain 2, YO, insert hook from right to left under two loops in center of the X (not under the legs of the X), YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice. Complete a standard treble crochet in the next st [YO 2 times, insert hook in next stitch, YO, pull up a loop, (YO and pull through 2 loops) three times].
  • The X-St as written will cover 5 stitches of the row below. The first leg of the X will be in one stitch, two stitches are skipped, and the second leg of the X is placed in the next stitch (4th stitch). The treble crochet is placed in the next stitch (5th stitch of row below)
  • Need help with the stitch? Check out this tutorial

Gauge: 16 dc x 8 rows of dc = 4 inch, 4 X-Stitch Rows = 4 inch

Measurements: Pattern was designed to have 2” positive ease

• XS/S: 36″ bust, 30″ length
• M: 40″ bust, 30″ length
• L: 44″ bust, 30″ length
• XL: 48″ bust, 32″ length
• 2X: 52″ bust, 33″ length
• 3X: 56″ bust, 33″ length
• 4X: 58″ bust, 36″ length
• 5X: 64″ bust, 36″ length

Pattern includes schematics to demonstrate the shape of the body piece and how to layer the body pieces.

Grab your copy here:

Pattern tech edited by Emily Day Reiter of Fiat Fiber Arts. Pattern tested by Sherry S., Hulene W., Jealene A, Daphne B. and Eva V.

Want to talk about yarn goodness, crochet tips, and exclusive weekly deals?

Join my Facebook Group, Creations By Courtney Community.

If we’re not hanging out on social media yet, come check me out on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Join my newsletter for sneak peeks, crochet tips, and more. HERE

Use #CreationsByCourtney on social media when sharing your projects.

PIN IT FOR LATER

©2018 This pattern is not to be duplicated or resold, and not to be reproduced commercially. You may sell finished products on Etsy, at farmers markets, and craft fairs, but please credit Creations By Courtney as the pattern’s author. Visit Copyright for more information.