Here’s a simple summer crochet cardigan with lace openwork and mesh stitch detail. This simple kimono sleeve cardigan is quick to make in cotton yarn.
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This kimono lace cardigan is a summer must have. It’s lacy, light and goes with anything. Make sure you have one in several colours so that no outfit is off limits! The beauty of the kimono cut is the way it can flatter any shape. With the wide sleeves and open front, it has drape and moves beautifully on the wearer.
All you need to know for this pattern is the double crochet stitch (US terms), chain and slip stitch join.
If you need to refresh your knowledge of crochet terms, I have a handy blog post here.
This kimono style cardigan is worked sideways.
It is constructed by making two horizontal panels. The two panels are then folded lengthwise and the sleeves are worked in the round.
The left half is then seamed to the right half at the back and it is ready to wear!
Skills required to make this simple crochet cardigan:
- Making a chain. This is essential to every beginner crochet pattern.
- Double crochet (UK treble crochet). If you don’t know what that is, please check my handy stitch guide for crochet beginners.
- Slip stitch join. If you don’t know what that even means, look at my post about joining granny squares. It’s the same join!
Yarn required to make this simple, lightweight crochet cardigan with mesh stitch.
I used Cygnet 100% cotton DK, which is a firm favourite at Germander Cottage Crafts but sadly, this yarn is discontinued. I have suggested some alternatives. This particular shade is called Peony pink!
If you can’t get your hands on this particular yarn, here are some great alternatives to consider:
Paintbox yarns cotton DK: £2.75 per 50g ball and it comes in a great range of vibrant or pastel colours, as well as neutrals. It’s 125m per 50g ball so you will need another ball or two depending on the size you’re making. It also comes in value packs.
Debbie Bliss Piper DK 5 ball value pack: £40 for 5 balls of this 50% cotton 50% viscose yarn from Debbie Bliss. It’s 200m per 100g ball so matches the Cygnet cotton requirement perfectly. Warm, yet lightweight, Debbie Bliss’ Piper is a versatile DK weight yarn with a crepe texture that drapes beautifully. Piper produces fantastic stitch definition and it’s gloriously silky and smooth to knit. The colour palette is made up of 16 fresh and contemporary shades, which are perfect for seeing you through the changing seasons.
King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK: King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK is a fabulous yarn choice for summer knits and baby clothes! Bamboo yarns are famous for their non-allergic properties, and Bamboo Cotton DK is deliciously smooth on the skin, thanks to its 50/50 mix of bamboo and cotton. Ideal for a cotton summer cardi and robust enough for baby clothes that need to be in and out of the wash, Bamboo Cotton DK comes in a gorgeous range of pastels, deliciously muted berry shades and some deep accent colours. It’s £5.69 per ball and you get 230m per 100g ball!
The Pattern: Crochet Summer Lace Cardigan Pattern.
US crochet terms used throughout.
Sample shown in size M on a 44” bust.
Glossary
| Ch | Chain. Insert hook, yarn over pull through loop. |
| Ch sp | The chain space or gap created by the chains of the previous row. Work into the space rather than the chain or stitch. |
| Dc | Double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through 2. Yarn over and pull through 2. |
| Rep | Repeat |
| Sl st | Slip stitch. Insert hook into loop, yarn over and pull through both loops. |
| Sk | Skip a chain. |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
Gauge: 12 sts and 10 rows per 10cm/4in in dc using 4mm hook and DK yarn.
1 3Dc cluster measures 2cm tall. Cluster gauge is approximate because of the loose stitch.
Materials:
- 350g/400g/450g of Cygnet 100% cotton DK in Peony PInk. (200m/219yd per 100g/3.5oz).
- 4mm/US 6 crochet hook or size needed to meet gauge.
- Tapestry needle
- 4 removable stitch markers.
Sizes:
S can fit chest sizes 32-40″
M can fit chest sizes 42-48″
L can fit chest sizes 50- 56″
Lace pattern:
Row 1: Ch3 (counts as 1st Dc) dc in each of next 3 ch *ch 3 sk next 3ch, Dc in each of next 3 ch* rep from * to last st. Dc in last ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). *3Dc in next ch- 3 loop, ch3*; rep from * to last Dc. Dc in last ch. Turn
Row 3: Ch3 (counts as 1st dc) *3Dc in first ch 3 sp, ch 3* repeat * to last ch 3 sp. Dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
Panel measurements:
S: 156cm (61in) long and 42cm (16.5in) wide
M: 162cm (64in) long and 46cm (18in) wide.
L: 174cm (68.5 in) long and 50cm (19.5in) wide.
Lace pattern (above)
Sample shown in size M.
S- 26 3 Dc clusters.
M- 27 3 Dc clusters.
L- 29 3 Dc clusters.
Panel (make 2)
Ch 160/166/178 (3 ch counts as 1st dc) Turn.
Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in every ch. Turn. (158/164/176 sts total)
Ch 3, Dc in every Dc to end. Turn. (158/164/176 sts total)
Work lace pattern (page 2) for 9 (10/11) rows.
Next section:
Ch3 *3Dc in ch sp, Dc in next 3 Dc* Repeat * to end. Ch 3 and turn.
Dc in every dc to end. Turn. (2 dc rows total)
Work lace pattern for 9 (10/11) rows.
Ch3 *3Dc in ch sp, Dc in next 3 Dc* Repeat * to end. Ch 3 and turn.
Dc in every Dc to end. Turn. (2 dc rows total). Fasten off.
Mark for armholes:
Count 47 (49/51) dc sts. Place removable marker on next st. Count another 61 (63/71) sts. Place marker on 62nd (64th/72nd) st. 48 (50/52) Dc sts after second marker.
Fold the piece lengthwise so that the two markers are matched. Secure the markers together.
Do this for the opposite panel also.
Markers are matched to mark the sleeve opening.
Seam the side.
Using sl st join or a tapestry needle, seam the side of the piece from the hem to the underarm. This makes it easier to make the sleeve.
Sleeve
Reattach yarn and ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Dc in every dc st around. (62/64/72) dc sts in total. Sl st to join the round.
Work 5 more rounds. Fasten off.
The stitches should be split like this:
S- 158ch 48/62/48
M- 164ch 50/64/50
L- 176ch 52/72/52
Assembly
Join the two back pieces, right sides together using sl st, or seam with a tapestry needle.
Back seam should be 51cm/ 53.5cm/56cm (20in/21in/22in) long.
Weave in ends and enjoy!
Thank you for using this free crochet cardigan pattern! If you have a Ravelry account, why not save it as a project?
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