Beach Cardi Cover Up
Get ready for summer with this simple cardigan for beginners available in size S up to 5XL. It can be used as a beach cover-up or cardigan and is big enough to wrap around like a blankie when you’re cold after a swim. You’ll be surprised by the simplicity of this pattern: it’s made out of 3 rectangles with a simple and repetitive stitch forming little triangles. All you need to know is how to make chains, single crochet, double crochet and treble crochet. Normally longer cardigans use a lot of yarn, but thanks to this open stitch, you’ll only need 5 balls for size S!
Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free PDF version of this pattern on Etsy and Ravelry. The PDF is designed for printing and this way you can support me!
Beach Cardi Cover Up: a simple cardigan for beginners
About the design
I wanted to design a beach cover-up that can also be used as a cardigan. This way it can be worn all seasons and not just summer. I’ve used an open stitch that features little triangles and adds a bit of a boho touch.
I aimed for a longer length so it covers the thighs when worn over a bikini. The front panels are made extra wide so you can easily wrap yourself into the cardigan like a little blankie. Optionally you can wear a belt to add a bit more structure and upgrade your look.
About the pattern
This simple cardigan for beginners truly has a simple construction: it’s made out of 3 identical rectangles which are worked separately and then sewn together on the sides and shoulders.
It uses a triangle stitch which I’ve changed a bit to make it easier, faster and more relaxing to work with with a better result. Below you can find my video tutorial which shows you how to make this simple Beach Cardi Cover Up.
About the yarn
For this Beach Cardi Cover Up I’ve used Lion Brand’s 24/7 Cotton yarn which is a worsted-weight mercerized cotton yarn. Mercerized means it has an incredible color and sheen which will last through multiple washing cycles. It’s available in 24 colors and perfect for summer clothing or home items.
Click here to grab the kit which includes all the 24/7 Cotton yarn you need for your size and a PDF version of this pattern.
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Pattern
- Get the ad-free printable PDF on Etsy and Ravelry.
- Favorite this pattern on Ravelry (thank you!)
- PIN this pattern to Pinterest
Materials
– Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Weight 4/Medium, 3.5 oz/100g, 186 yds/170m)
5 (5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) skeins in Charcoal [761-150]
or 420 (465, 550, 630, 680, 750, 840, 900) grams*
*incl optional belt
Click here to grab the kit which includes all the yarn you need for your size + a PDF version of this pattern!
– Crochet hook 6 mm (US J/10)
– Scissors
Sizes
S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
For reference, model is 1.63m/5’4″ tall with a 34” bust and is wearing the cardigan in size Small.
Finished measurements
S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | |
Bust | 32-34 | 36-38 | 40-42 | 44-46 | 48-50 | 52-54 | 56-58 | 60-62 |
Panel width | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 31 |
Panel length | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 |
Arm hole | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Gauge
3.3 triangles x 3.5 rows equal 10 cm / 4” after blocking & wearing
or:
4 triangles = 4.8″
4 rows = 4.6″
Stitches & abbreviations (US terms)
– st: stitch
– ch: chain
– ch-sp: chain space
– sc: single crochet
– dc: double crochet
– tr: treble crochet
* *: repeat what is between the asterisks as many times as directed
( ) at end of a row: amount of stitches you should have at the end of that row
Notes
– This pattern is written in US terminology
– Pattern is worked in three identical rectangles which are joined on the sides and shoulders
– Pattern contains instructions for sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL. Directions for sizes are in parentheses such as “14 (15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25) times” whereas 14 stands for size S, 15 for M, 17 for L, 19 for XL, 20 for 2XL, 22 for 3XL, 24 for 4XL, 25 for 5XL. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow the pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.
Video
In this video you can see how to make this simple cardigan for beginners.
* Click here to watch the video on YouTube
Pattern
** Note: You can purchase the ad-free PDF version of this pattern on Etsy and Ravelry. The PDF is designed for printing and this way you can support me! **
Panel (make 3x)
Row 1:
[ch 6, 1 sc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 tr in last ch] 14 (15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25) times (14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25 triangles)
Row 2:
ch 11, 1 sc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, sl st in ch-sp of 1st triangle, *ch 6, 1 sc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 tr in last ch, sl st in next triangle* repeat across (14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25 triangles)
Repeat row 2 until row 28 (29, 30, 31, 32, 32, 33, 34) or until your panel measures 32 (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)”. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Assembly
Lay down all 3 panels next to each other and sew the side seams as following. Begin at the bottom, work your way up and leave 6 (7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9) triangles or 7 (8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10)” open for the arm hole.
Fold left panel to the inside and seam the shoulder seam as following. Start on the outside and seam up to 7 (7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 12.5) triangles or till you reach the centre. Repeat on the other side.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Belt (optionally)
Hold 3 strands together and chain 142 (154, 164, 176, 188, 200, 210, 222) or until it measures 50 (54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74, 78)”.
Share a picture!
If you are going to make this simple cardigan for beginners, please tag me @wilmawestenberg on Instagram and add this pattern to your Ravelry queue. I would love to see what colors you used and feature some of your pictures!
Questions?
If you have any questions about my simple cardigan for beginners, feel free to join my Facebook Group. I created this group for you to share pictures/ progress, ask questions and to help each other out.
Wilma I am interested in the free pattern for the sleeveless vest with scarfie yarn. My project will not fit exactly as yours; my yarn is different.