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Mermaid Filigree Cardigan

This beautiful Mermaid Filigree Cardigan is one of our most popular sweater patterns, and it's easy to see why! The gorgeous, trendy color will make you feel like you belong near the sea and has an instantly calming effect. It's an elegant design that will flatter any body type. The edging around the sweater is just exquisite, and the button closure gives you the option of wearing it open or closed with a cami underneath.

The light and lacy design of this crochet pattern makes it a nice layering piece for any time of the year. Cardigans can sometimes feel like an afterthought, but this one is so pretty that it will soon be a key piece in your closet. Whether you're headed to a holiday party or a spring wedding, this cardigan is sure to earn you tons of compliments. 

Crochet HookH/8 or 5 mm hook

Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Crochet GaugeIn back pattern, 1 repeat = 3¼”; 8 rows = 4”. In edging pattern, 2 repeats = 4”; 4 rows = 2½”. In sleeve pattern, 14 dc = 4”; 4 rows = 2½”. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Finished SizeDirections for sweater are for size Small. Changes for Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large are in parentheses. Finished Bust: 35 (40, 44, 46, 52)” Finished Length: 20 (20, 21, 21, 21)”

Materials List

  • STITCH NATION by Debbie Stoller™ “Bamboo Ewe™”: 5 (7, 8, 9, 10) balls 5529 Mermaid.
  • Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8], 6mm [US J-10].
  • 1½” button, yarn needle.
  • PATTERN

Back

  1. With larger hook, fsc 52 (60, 68, 72, 81).

  2. Row 1 (right side): Ch 1, dc in first 10 (14, 18, 20, 20) fsc, *skip next 2 fsc, shell in next fsc, skip next 2 fsc, dc in next 4 fsc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in last 6 (10, 14, 16, 16) fsc, turn – 4 (4, 4, 4, 5) shells.

  3. Row 2: Ch 1, dc in first 10 (14, 18, 20, 20) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in last 6 (10, 14, 16, 16) dc, turn.

Armhole Shaping

  1. Row 3: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 9 (13, 17, 19, 19) dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in next 5 (9, 13, 15, 15) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  2. Row 4: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 8 (12, 16, 18, 18) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in next 4 (8, 12, 14, 14) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  3. Row 5: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 7 (11, 15, 17, 17) dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times more, dc in last 3 (7, 11, 13, 13) dc leaving last dc unworked, turn.

  4. Row 6: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 6 (10, 14, 16, 16) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in next 2 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  5. Row 7: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 5 (9, 13, 15, 15) dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in last 1 (5, 7, 11, 11), turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  6. Row 8: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 4 (8,12,14,14) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in next 0 (4, 8, 10, 10) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  7. Row 9: Ch 1, skip first 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) dc, dc in next 4 (7, 11, 13, 13) dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times more, dc in last 0 (3, 7, 9, 9) dc leaving last dc unworked, turn.

  8. Row 10: Ch 1, skip first 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) dc, dc in next 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in next 0 (2, 6, 8, 8) dc, turn, leaving last 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) dc unworked.

  9. Row 11: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in last 0 (2, 6, 8, 8) dc, turn.

  10. Row 12: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in last 0 (2, 6, 8, 8) dc, turn.

  11. Row 13: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times more, dc in last 0 (2, 6, 8, 8) dc, turn.

  12. Row 14: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc; repeat from * 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) times, dc in last 0 (2, 6, 8, 8) dc, turn.

  13. Repeat rows 11-14 until armhole measures 8 (8, 9, 9, 9)” from beginning. Fasten off leaving a sewing length.

Right Front

  1. With larger hook, fsc 17 (21, 25, 27, 36).

  2. Row 1: Ch 1, dc in first 2 fsc, *skip next 2 fsc, shell in next fsc, skip next 2 fsc, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 10 (14, 18, 20, 16) dc, turn.

  3. Row 2: Ch 1, dc in first 10 (14, 18, 20, 20) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  4. Row 3: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 9 (13, 17, 19, 15) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  5. Row 4: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 8 (12, 16, 18, 18) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  6. Row 5: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4)

  7. dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 7 (11, 15, 17, 13) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked,

  8. Row 6: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 6 (10, 14, 16, 16) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  9. Row 7: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 5 (9, 13, 15, 11) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  10. Row 8: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 4 (8, 12, 14, 14) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, , 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  11. Row 9: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 4, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 1, 1) time, dc in next 4 (7, 11, 13, 9) dc, turn, leaving last 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) dc unworked.

  12. Row 10: Ch 1, skip next 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) dc, dc in next 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  13. Row 11: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 4 (6, 10, 12, 8) dc, turn.

  14. Row 12: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  15. Row 13: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 4 (6, 10, 12, 8) dc,

  16. turn.

  17. Row 14: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  18. Repeat rows 11-14 until armhole measures same as finished back.

  19. Fasten off, leaving sewing length.

Left Front

  1. With larger hook, fsc 17 (21, 25, 36, 36).

  2. Row 1: Ch 1, 10 (14, 18, 20, 20) fsc, *skip next 2 fsc, shell in next fsc, skip next 2 fsc*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  3. Row 2: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 10 (14, 18, 20, 16) dc, turn.

  4. Row 3: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in first 9 (13, 17, 19, 19) dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space)*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  5. Row 4: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 chspaces, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 8 (12, 16, 18, 14) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  6. Row 5: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 7 (11, 15, 17, 17) dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn,

  7. Row 6: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 6 (10, 14, 16, 12) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  8. Row 7: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 5 (9, 13, 15, 15) dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space)*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  9. Row 8: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 chspaces, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 4 (8, 12, 14, 10) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  10. Row 9: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in first 4 (7, 11, 13, 13) dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  11. Row 10: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last next 4 (6, 10, 12, 8) dc, turn, leaving last 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) dc unworked.

  12. Row 11: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 9, 12, 12) dc, *ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space)*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, , 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.

  13. Row 12: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 chspaces, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 4, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 1, 1) time, dc in last 4 (6, 10, 12, 8) dc, turn.

  14. Row 13: Ch 1, dc in first 4 (6, 10, 12, 12) dc, *skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces*, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.

  15. Row 14: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *ch 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 4 (6, 10, 12, 8) dc, turn.

  16. Repeat rows 11-14 until armhole measures same as finished back.

  17. Fasten off, leaving sewing length.

  18. Sew shoulder and side seams.

Sleeve (make 2)

  1. With larger hook, fsc 41 (45, 47, 49, 49).

  2. Row 1: Ch 1, dc in first 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) fsc, skip next 2 fsc, shell in next fsc, skip next 2 fsc, dc in last 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) fsc, turn.

  3. Row 2: Ch 1, dc in first 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, ch 1, dc in next dc ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc] 3 times, ch 1, dc in last 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, turn.

  4. Row 3: Ch 1, dc in first 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 next ch-1 spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in last 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, turn.

  5. Row 4: Ch 1, dc in first 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, ch 1, dc in last 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, turn.

  6. Row 5: Ch 1, dc in first 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in last 18 (20, 21, 22, 22) dc, turn.

  7. Repeat rows 2- 5 until sleeve measures 12½” ending with row 4 of pattern.

Shape Cap

  1. Row 1: Sl st in first 3 sts, ch 1, dc in the next 15 (17, 18, 19, 19) dc, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, shell in next ch-1 space, skip next 2 ch-1 spaces, dc in last 15 (17, 18, 19, 19), turn, leaving remaining 3 sts unworked.

  2. Row 2: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 14 (16, 17, 18, 18) dc, ch 1, dc in next dc [ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc] 3 times, ch 1, dc in next 14 (16, 17, 18, 18) dc, leaving last dc unworked, turn.

  3. Row 3: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 13 (15, 16, 17, 17) dc, ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, 1 dc), sc in next ch-1space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 2 ch-spaces, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), dc in next 13 (15, 16, 17, 17) dc, leaving last dc unworked, turn.

  4. Row 4: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 12 (14, 15, 16, 16) dc, ch 1, sc in next ch-2 space, (ch 1, sc) in each of next 3 ch-spaces, ch 1, dc in next 12 (14, 15, 16, 16) dc, leaving last dc unworked, turn.

  5. Row 5: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 11 (13, 14, 15, 15) dc, skip next 2 ch-1 space, shell in next ch-1 space, skip 2 ch-21 spaces, dc in last 11 (13, 14, 15, 15) dc, leaving last dc unworked, turn.

  6. Continue in pattern of Rows 2-5, decreasing one dc at beginning and end of every row for 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) more rows. Cap should measure 5 (5, 5½, 5½, 6)” from beginning. Fasten off.

  7. Sew sleeve into armholes, easing in fullness.

Edging

  1. With right side facing and smaller hook, join yarn in bottom righthand corner of right front.

  2. Round 1: Working across ch edge of fsc, ch 1, sc in first fsc, *ch 2, skip next fsc, sc in next fsc: repeat from * across bottom edge to next corner, working in ends of rows, (ch 2, sc) in each row-end st up to collar, working across neck edge, ch 2, sc in every other stitch or ch-space across to next corner, working in ends of rows, (ch 2, sc) in each row-end st down to bottom edge, ch 2, join with a sl st in first sc.

  3. Note: Change to larger hook. Turn at the end of each round.

  4. Round 2 (right side): Sl st in first ch-2 space, ch 3, 6 dc in same space, *skip next 2 ch-2 spaces, shell in next ch-2 space; repeat from * as evenly as possible around, join with sl st in top of beginning ch, turn.

  5. Note: It may be necessary to skip only 1 ch-2 space near the end, to come out even.

  6. Round 3 (wrong side): Ch 1, sc in space between shells, *skip next dc, (ch 1, dc) in each of next 5 dc, ch 1 skip next dc, sc in space between shells; repeat from * around, join with sl st in first sc, turn.

  7. Round 4 (right side): Sl st in next 4 sts, ch 3 (counts as dc, ch 1), (dc, ch 1) in each of next 2 dc, *dc2tog worked across next 2 dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 1) in each of next 3 dc; repeat from * around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-3, turn.

  8. Round 5 (wrong side): Ch 1, *sc in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next dc2tog, sc in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-1 space), sc in next dc, ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc); repeat from * around, join with sl st in first sc, do not turn.

  9. Repeat rounds 2-5 twice, then repeat rows 2-3 once. Fasten off.

Sleeve Edging

  1. With smaller hook, join yarn in sleeve seam on cuff edge of sleeve, working across ch edge of fsc, ch 1, sc in first fsc, *ch 2, skip next fsc, sc in next fsc: repeat from * around, join with sl st in first sc.

  2. Repeat rows 2-5 of edging, then repeat row 2 once. Fasten off.

  3. Repeat sleeve edging on other sleeve.

Finishing

  1. Weave in ends. Sew button to lower left front, using opening in stitches on right front for buttonhole.

You can also find this crochet design in Christmas Gifts for Her: Crochet Gifts for Mom.

Abbreviations

Foundation single crochet (fsc)
Ch 2, insert hook in 2nd chain from hook and pull up a loop (ch stitch made) *yo and pull through 2 loops on hook (sc made), insert hook in ch stitch and pull up a loop; repeat from * for as many fsc as called for in pattern.
Decrease Double Crochet (dc2tog)
[Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, draw up a loop, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook] twice, yo, draw yarn through 3 loops on hook.
Shell
7 dc in same st or space.
ch
chain
dc
double crochet
sc
single crochet
mm
millimeters
st(s)
stitch(es)
[ ]
work directions in brackets the number of times specified
* or **
repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated.
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