Free Crochet Pattern for Spring Cardigan – Loose Fit, Boho Chic Wear

Are you dreaming of spring? I know I am. I am growing impatient looking outside and seeing snow. I am longing for sunny days, walking in the park and most of all I miss wearing my maxi skirt and loose fitted country blouses.

 If you are like me , a diva with a taste for free spirited look and boho chic wear you will love this pattern.

I started looking for this type of cardigan after stumbling via Pinterest on Gipsy Loving Light blog. Believe it or not, her style and mine are one and the same minus the super slender figure :)))).

However since I am huge fan of functional, cute, trendy and practical outfits with a hint of “freedom” hidden in their fabric, I chose this beautiful open weave finish cardigan to be my next project.

The pattern is a very simple one and you can use any type of summer yarn from acrylic – cotton mix to mercerized cotton. The recommended yarn is medium and a 2,5-3,5 mm hook, however you can choose a thicker yarn and a larger hook ( in this case remember to measure the sample for accurate stitch casting).

Main pattern

The cardigan is worked: back , 2 x front , 2x side lace garnish ( pineapple stitch)

The back and front sections ( how to read the chart)

Measure and chain accordingly multiple of 17 stitches.

1. Ch 5, - start your repeating sequence: *2dc ch2 2dc ( in the next chain from the hook-shell stitch), ch3,sk3,1sc (in the next ch),ch5,sk3,1sc,ch5,sk3,1sc,ch3,sk3, 2dc ch2 2dc*…repeat this sequence till the end of the row.
2. Ch5,- start your repeating sequence: *2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below) ch4,sc ( in the first 4ch space) ch5,sc (in the second 4ch space) ch4, 2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below)* …repeat till the end of the row
3. Ch5,- start your repeating sequence: *2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below),ch2,sc ( in the 4chspace below),ch3, 1dc ch3 1dc (V stitch) in the 5ch space below,ch3, sc ( in the 4chspace below), 2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below)* … repeat till the end of the row
4. Ch5,- start your repeating sequence: *2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below),ch2,7dc in the V stitch below,ch2, 2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below)*…repeat this sequence till the end of the row.
5. Ch 5, - start your repeating sequence: *2dc ch2 2dc ( in the shell stitch below),ch3,1sc (in the first dc),ch4,sk2,1sc,ch4,sk2,1sc,ch3, 2dc ch2 2dc (in the shell stitch below),*…repeat this sequence till the end of the row.

Repeat 2,3,4,5 until you get the required length .

To get the hour glass effect around waistline ( for slim figures) avoid working the first group of *2dc ch2 2dc* and start and end the rows ( around the mid section) with 1dc. Same thing goes for decrease.

Sleeves are worked in the same way. Measure the arm opening and work the sequence staring from the opening or work two rectangles and join when done.

When done with the waistline revert to the initial chart.

Lacy border( pineapple stitch)

 I am not a fan of the pineapple pattern. Blame me if you want to, but I like more geometrical shapes…but this is just me.

However in this particular case I love the way it combines with the base model.

So here is how to read the chart:

1. You start by linking to the inner edge of the front section with the ch5space .
2. Chain 5, 2dc ch2 2dc (shell stitch) in the first chain, chain 5, 2dc ch2 2dc ch2 2dc ( in the 2ch space)
3. Chain5 (linking to the edge again- this is mandatory for each beginning of each uneven row), 2dc ch2 2dc in the shell stitch below,ch 3, 2dc ch2 2dc in the ch2 space below
4. Chain 5, 2dc ch2 2dc,ch2, 1dc ch3 1dc ( in the chain space below), 2dc ch2 2dc
5. Chain 5 ( link), 2dc ch2 2dc,ch2, 8dc in the ch space below,ch2, 2dc ch2 2dc

6.     Chain5, 2dc ch2 2dc, 1dc ch1,1dc ch1,1dc ch1,1dc ch1,1dc ch1,1dc ch1,1dc ch1,1dc,ch2, 2dc ch2 2dc

7.     Chain 5 (link) , 2dc ch2 2dc,ch3, 1sc ,ch3, ( repeat -total 6 ch3 clusters and 1 sc for each chain space) ch3, 2dc ch2 2dc.

Repeat the sequence decreasing the number of chain clusters and increasing the number of chains worked after and before the 2dc ch2 2dc.

This is my challenge to you. Dare and try reading the chart further.

I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Make sure to work the lacy garnish on both sides long enough so they  will serve as a collar too as shown in the picture.

I hope you like this post and take on my challenge of trying reading charts and sharing this lesson further for all those challenged by charts .

Have fun making this fabulous cardigan and join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ for more amazing crochet projects.

xoxo

Eva