Touch of Merino Cardigan
Make this simple crochet cardigan with my beginner-friendly pattern for beginners available in size S up to 5XL. All you need to know is how to make chains and double crochet stitches. It has a simple construction with the back and front panel worked in one piece and sleeves joined in the arm hole. It also features a beautiful ribbed neckline which is worked in rows. If you know how to make double crochet stitches and chains, you can make this cardigan!
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!
Touch of Merino Cardigan
About the design
The design of this simple crochet cardigan is inspired by one of my favorite cardigans which I wear almost every day. I aimed for the same length and fit and used Lion Brand’s Touch of Merino yarn which is very soft. Bigger projects can become very expensive as you need a lot of yarn. I wanted to use a stitch that doesn’t eat too much yarn and used one of my favorite stitches: the v-stitch which is made with (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the same stitch. This stitch truly is a yarn saver, because I only needed about 3.5 balls for size S!
This simple crochet cardigan is designed keeping beginners into account and you’ll be surprised by the simplicity of this project. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced crocheter looking for something different than shawls, this is a great garment project to start with! If you know how to make double crochet stitches and chains, you can make this cardigan.
About the pattern
The complete cardigan is made out of V-stitches: (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the same stitch. The cuffs and neckline are made with fpdc & bpdc alternating, creating a fun textured ribbing. The front and back panels are worked in one piece and sleeves are joined in the arm hole with continuous rounds. Below you can find my video tutorial which shows you how to make this simple crochet cardigan.
About the yarn
For this cardigan I’ve used Lion Brand’s Touch of Merino yarn which is part of the ‘Touch of Luxe Yarn collection’. This acrylic and merino wool blend has springy stitches, cashmere-like feel and excellent drape. It’s available in 8 colors and an affordable alternative to the expensive merino wool options.
Click here to grab the kit which includes all the Touch of Merino yarn you need for your size and a PDF version of this pattern from Lion Brand.
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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 Touch of Merino (Weight 3/Light, 3.5 oz/100g, 257 yds/237m)
4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7) skeins in Oxford Grey
or 355 (385, 425, 460, 510, 540, 565, 620) grams
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)
– Crochet hook 5 mm (US H/8) for the cuffs
– Scissors
Sizes
S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
For reference, model is 1.63m/5’4″ tall with a 34” bust and wearing the cardigan in size Small.
Finished measurements
| S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | |
| Bust | 34 | 38 | 42 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 58 | 62 |
| Length | 21 | 21,5 | 22 | 22,5 | 23 | 23,5 | 24 | 24,5 |
| Arm hole | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 |
| Sleeve length | 17.5 | 17.5 | 18 | 18 | 18.5 | 18.5 | 19 | 19 |
Gauge
5.3 ch-sp x 8 rows equal 10 cm / 4”
Stitches & abbreviations (US terms)
– st: stitch
– sl st: slip stitch
– ch: chain
– ch-sp: chain space
– dc: double crochet
– fpdc: front post double crochet
– bpdc: back post double 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 one piece from the back panel bottom-up to the first front panel without breaking yarn, then rejoined for the second front panel. Sleeves are joined in the arm hole and worked in continuous rounds. Hemline ribbing is worked in back and forth rows.
– 3 turning chains do not count as a stitch
– Pattern contains instructions for sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL. Directions for sizes are in parentheses such as “chain 67 (73, 85, 91, 103, 109, 115, 127)” whereas ch 76 stands for size S, 73 for M, 85 for L, 91 for XL, 103 for 2XL, 109 for 3XL, 115 for 4XL, 127 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 cardigan.
* 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! **
Back panel
With hook size 6mm, chain 67 (73, 85, 91, 103, 109, 115, 127), turn
Row 1:
(1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in 4th chain from hook, *skip 2 ch, (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in next ch* repeat across, turn (22, 24, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38, 42 ch-sp)
Row 2:
ch 3 (does not count as a st here and throughout), (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in each ch-sp across, turn (22, 24, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38, 42 ch-sp)
Repeat row 2 until row 42 (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49) or until it measures 21 (21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5)”. Don’t break yarn yet as we’re going to continue working on the first front panel.
Front panel
Row 1:
ch 3, (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in next 11 (12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21) ch-sp, turn (11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21 ch-sp)
Repeat row 1 until row 42 (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49) or until front panel measures 21 (21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5)”. Fasten off and leave a long end for sewing. First front panel is finished.
Join yarn to the next stitch and repeat on the other side to create the second front panel. Do not break yarn after second front panel.
Assembly
Match the side seams and sew both sides together. You can either use a mattress stitch or single crochet to seam up the sides. Work 1 sc in the first stitch, *2 sc in each ch-2 sp, 1 sc in between the spaces* across. Make sure to use a loose tension. Begin at the bottom, work your way up and leave 14 (16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22) ch-sp or 7 (8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11)” open for the arm hole. Fasten off, weave ends.
Sleeves
With hook size 6 mm, join yarn to first ch-sp of arm pit. Leave a long beginning tail to use for seaming later.
Round 1:
ch 3, (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in each ch-3 turning space around, sl st in 1st dc (14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22 ch-sp)
From now on we’ll work in continuous rounds.
Round 2:
(1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in each ch-sp around (14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22 ch-sp)
Use a tapestry needle and your long beginning tail to close the hole between the first and last ch-sp.
Repeat round 2 until round 26 (26, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29, 29) or until sleeve measures 15.5 (15.5, 16, 16, 16.5, 16.5, 17, 17)”. Don’t break yarn yet as we’re going to continue working on the cuff.
Sleeve cuffs
Work in continuous rounds. With hook size 5 mm:
Round 1:
sl st in next ch-sp, ch 3 (does not count as first dc), 2 dc in each ch-sp around (28, 32, 32, 36, 36, 40, 40, 44 dc)
Round 2:
*1 fpdc in next st, 1 bpdc in next st* repeat around (28, 32, 32, 36, 36, 40, 40, 44 st)
Repeat round 2 until round 7 or until your cuff measures 2″. End cuff with a sc in next st, sl st in next st. Fasten off, weave ends. Repeat sleeve + sleeve cuff on the other side.
Neckline ribbing
Join yarn to one of the corners. With hook size 6 mm:
Row 1:
ch 3, 1 dc in 1st st, 2 dc in each ch-sp across, 1 dc in last st (176, 180, 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204 st)
Row 2:
ch 3, 1 dc in 1st st, *1 fpdc in next st, 1 bpdc in next st* repeat across, 1 dc in last st (176, 180, 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204 st)
Repeat row 2 until row 7 or until your total neckline ribbing measures 2″. Fasten off, weave ends.
Share a picture!
If you are going to make this simple crochet cardigan, 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?
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I have just finished my tenth one, all done in a variety of sizes. Everyone loves them, from the kids to the mums
Please tell me which yarn I could use instead of A Touch Of Merino since it’s discontinued. I love this pattern and want to make a solid color for Spring. I appreciate your help
I usually use DK yarn
This is the BEST pattern! My sweater came out great and I wear it all the time!
I would love to try making this cardigan but can you recommend a different yarn as I’m allergic to wool.
Hi! Great cardigan can i ask if this is double crochet in uk terms or triple crochet in uk terms pls xxx
What a lovely pattern to crochet. Every step was perfect. When I fit it on, it was absolute a nice feeling. Thank you for sharing it and the videos. I will definitely safe this pattern for future use.
what a joy to have a cardigan with clear simple lines, sleeves ending just right with no baggy back
hoo thank you no button holes i have found unless the ribbing is tight the button bands pull the fronts out of shape or make it look rugged up and not laying smoothly
please keep designing simple clear line clothing
very nice fit. sleeves perfect, body fit perfect. most of what i’ve seen in sweater patterns are ill-fitting. yours is perfect!
Where can I get the free pattern for the grey touch of Merino sweater?
I love your crochet patterns, Wilma, but this one is probably my favorite out of everything I have ever made in my four years of crocheting! It’s just such a relaxing and simple pattern, with such a pleasing and useful result. I’ve made two of these cardigans so far in Touch of Merino red (L) and pink (XS) colors and am looking forward to making a third soon in blue (XL). Thank you so much for your clear, well-written patterns, Wilma!
Hi, How many balls of wool will be needed for a 2xl size, thank u
I’m one who likes to button her sweaters, but I really, really want to make this pattern. Do you think I could add buttons and loop closures without ruining the front line? Thank you! Pat
I have made 2 of these cardigans. The first one I used Red heart’s Roll With It Sparkle yarn, the second I used Lion Brand Scarfie. It is a wonderful pattern to work with & adapt to different yarns & hooks. Both cardigans were warmly welcomed by their new owners. I’m almost finished the butterfly shawl & will be making the sleeveless scarfie top next for a friend. Your patterns are absolutely beautiful. The videos that you make to go with them are very well done & very helpful. Thankyou for sharing your talent with us
Your admirer & friend in Canada
Hi, can you show us how to make a gauge and measure it? Please
Do you have a pattern for a mans cardigan sweater that has tight stitches and large pockets? preferably something like this style.
How do you measure chain spaces to do the gauge swatch? Do you mean to do the V stitch and then measure the spaces you create with it? I bought the pattern but it doesn’t explain this.
Thanks
Hi Sabra, a gauge with 5.3 V-st = 4 inch means that when you work 5.3 v-stitches (1 v-st = 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc), it should measure 4 inch. You measure from dc to dc. Hope this helps!
I found Simple crochet cardigan pattern for beginners: Touch of Merino Cardigan very educational.
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What does 5.3 ch-sp mean?
5.3 chain spaces
What exactly is the 5.3? I’m sorry. It’s not clicking for me.
5.3 means five and a little bit