Take a trip to the coast of North Carolina in this gorgeous simple to stitch crochet sweater. Hear about my inspiration, design process, and find the free pattern below!
You can grab the kit which includes all the yarn and the pattern from my friends at Lion Brand here!
The Inspiration
North Carolina has been my home for ten years, but I’ve always felt like I was born here. The people, the communities, the coast…all of it mean so much to me.
Cedar Island is one of our small coastal towns. I’ve always loved that the coastal communities of North Carolina are as integral to the landscape of this state as the mountains. They have their own way of life, their own appreciation of the land, and their own love for this great state.
This sweater was inspired by the coastal way of life. It’s simple, chic, and easy to wear. Throw it on with a pair of jeans for a day of shopping, or over a dress for a night on the town. Dressed up or dressed down, it’s the perfect accent to your summer wardrobe.
The Design
This sweater uses a style of crochet construction that was popular a few decades ago, which is often referred to as a ‘T’ style construction. You begin by working the body of the sweater and add the sleeves by adding stitches at the beginning and end of the row. Then, you continue to work the sweater until the sleeves are the desired width.
It’s simple to stitch and a perfect canvas for stitch patterns and colorwork. This is why I chose to feature a graphic white pop of color.
The ‘V’ design is created by working a single chart from right to left, then left to right. It’s much simpler than it looks and you only need to know how to change a color.
A note on sizing. This pattern is made slightly cropped and offers sizes in a range of 34 – 46 inches, to fit a bust of 30 – 46 inches. The sample shown is in the 46 inch size on a model with a 46 inch bust. The length show in 17.75 inches and shown on a model who is 5′ 10″ tall.
The Pattern
Note: This pattern does require color changes. For a quick and easy video please check here.
Skill Level: Easy
Materials:
Lion Brand Yarn Coboo Yarn (50% Cotton/50% Bamboo; CYC 3: Light; 232yds/212m; 3.5oz/100g)
Yarn A: Tan (#835-123) x 3 (4, 4, 5) balls
Yarn B: White (#835-100)x 1 ball
US H/8 (5mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Gauge: Work 16dc and 8 rows to measure 4in x 4in over double crochet using 5mm hook, or size required to obtain gauge.
Dimensions:
To Fit Bust: 30-34 (34-38, 38-42, 42-46) inches
Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46) inches
Sleeve Seam: 9 inches
Length: 17 (17.25, 17.5, 17.75) inches
Top shown is an Extra Large. Model is 5’10” tall with a 46” bust.
Abbreviations:
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
St(s) – Stitches
Rep – Repeat
In – Inch
WS – Wrong Side
Notes:
Front and back (including sleeves) are each worked in one piece from the bottom up.
Follow the chart for intarsia pattern.
Pattern Instructions
Front
With 5mm hook and yarn A, ch 70 (74, 78, 82).
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (68, 72, 76, 80 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout), dc in each dc across, turn.
Rep row 2, and at the same time start color chart at starting point given for chosen size, and follow it until piece measures 10in., ending with a WS row.
Note: If a longer sweater is desired, simply work more rows as needed before beginning intarsia chart.
Chart
Work chart from starting point, right to left to center then return left to right across second half of sts. Each section represents a size. Section 1 (the smallest section) is for SMALL. Section 2 (next size up) is for MEDIUM. Section 3 is for LARGE. Section 4 is for EXTRA LARGE.
White – Color A
Grey – Color B
Shape Sleeves
Row 1: Working at end of row, ch 38, dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, continuing to follow chart, do not turn. (104, 108, 112, 116 sts)
Row 2: Ch 38, dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, continuing to follow chart, do not turn. (140, 144, 148, 152 sts)
Row 3: Ch 2, dc in each dc across, continuing to follow chart, turn.
Rep Row 3 until piece measures 17 (17.25, 17.5, 17.75)in. from beginning.
Fasten off.
Back
Work as for front, omitting color changes.
Seam sides and underarms. Seam top of sleeves to center 32 stitches. Work an optional single crochet border with Yarn B, if desired.
Weave in ends. Steam block to finish.
Rohn Strong 