Victorian Romance Cardigan
This crochet sweater is both comfy and beautiful with the lace made from foundation single crochet and the shell stitch.
Worked in worsted weight yarn with an H crochet hook, all you need after this gorgeous cardigan after you're done crocheting is a pretty button to pull the look together.
The instructions include sizing from small to xx large, so anyone can wear this wonderful sweater. There's nothing like the perfect sweater to go with anything.
A special thank you to AllFreeCrochet user spida1023 for helping us name this pattern!
NotesDirections are for size Small. Changes for Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large are in parentheses.
Crochet HookH/8 or 5 mm hook
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
Crochet GaugeGAUGE: In back pattern, 1 repeat = 3¼” [8.5 cm]; 8 rows = 4” [10 cm]. In edging pattern, 2 repeats = 4” [10 cm]; 4 rows = 2½” [6.5cm]. In sleeve pattern, 14 dc = 4” [10 cm]; 4 rows = 2½” [6.5 cm]. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
Finished SizeFinished Bust: 35 (40, 44, 46, 52) in [89 (101.5, 112, 117, 132) cm] Finished Length: 20 (20, 21, 21, 21) in [51 (51, 53.5, 53.5, 53.5) cm]
Materials List
- RED HEART® Soft®: 4 (5, 6, 7, 7) balls 9518 Teal
- Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8], 6mm [US J-10]
- One 1/2” [13 mm] button
- Yarn needle
Pattern
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- cm: centimeters
- dc: double crochet
- mm: millimeters
- sc: single crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- tog: together
- [ ]: work directions in brackets the number of times specified
- * or **: repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated
Special Stitches
- Fsc (foundation single crochet): Ch 2, insert hook in 2nd chain from hook and draw up a loop (ch stitch made) *yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (sc made), insert hook in ch stitch and draw up a loop; repeat from * for as many Fsc as called for in pattern.
- dc2tog: [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 2 times, yarn over, draw through all loops on hook
- Shell: 7 dc in same st or space.
Back
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With larger hook, fsc 52 (60, 68, 72, 81).
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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.
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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.
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Shape Armhole:
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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Row 8: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 4 (8, 12, 14, 14) dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 chspaces, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Repeat rows 11-14 until armhole measures 8 (8, 9, 9, 9)” [20.5 (20.5, 23, 23, 23)cm] from beginning. Fasten off leaving a sewing length.
Editor's Note: Click on image below to enlarge.
Right Front
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With larger hook, fsc 17 (21, 25, 27, 36).
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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.
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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.
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Shape Armhole:
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. -
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.
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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) dc; repeat from * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in next 7 (11, 15, 17, 13) dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.
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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.
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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.
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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, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, turn.
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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.
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Repeat Rows 11-14 until Armhole measures same as finished Back. Fasten off, leaving sewing length.
Editor's Note: Click on image below to enlarge.
Left Front
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With larger hook, fsc 17 (21, 25, 36, 36).
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Row 1: 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 0 (0, 0, 0, 4) dc; repeat from * to * 0 (0, 0, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
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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.
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Shape Armhole:
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. -
Row 4: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Row 8: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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, 0, 1) time, dc in last 2 dc, turn, leaving last dc unworked.
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Row 12: Ch 1, dc in first 2 dc, *(ch 1, sc) in each of next 4 ch-spaces, 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.
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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.
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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.
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Repeat Rows 11-14 until Armhole measures same as finished Back. Fasten off, leaving sewing length.
Sew shoulder and side seams.
Editor's Note: Click on image below to enlarge. -
Back
Sleeve (make 2)
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With larger hook, fsc 41 (45, 47, 49, 49).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Repeat Rows 2- 5 until Sleeve measures 12½” [31.5 cm], ending with Row 4 of pattern. -
Shape Cap:
Row 1: Slip st in first 3 sts, ch 1, dc in 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. -
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.
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Row 3: Ch 1, skip first dc, dc in next 13 (15, 16, 17, 17) dc, ch 2, skip next (ch-1 space, dc), sc in next ch-1 space, (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.
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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.
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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.
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)” [12.5 (12.5, 14, 14, 15) cm] from beginning. Fasten off. -
Sew Sleeve into Armholes, easing in fullness.
Editor's Note: Click on image below to enlarge. -
Lower Edging:
With right side facing and smaller hook, join yarn in bottom front corner of Left Front.
Note: If you crochet left-handed, join in corner of Right Front.
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.
Notes: Change to larger hook. Turn at the end of each round. -
Round 2 (right side):Slip 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 slip st in top of beginning ch, turn.
Note: It may be necessary to skip only 1 ch-2 space near the end to come out even. -
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 slip st in first sc, turn.
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Round 4 (right side): Slip 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 slip st in 2nd ch of beginning ch-3, turn.
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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 slip st in first sc, turn.
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Repeat Rounds 2-5 twice, then repeat rounds 2-3 once. Fasten off.
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Sleeve Edging
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 slip st in first sc.
Repeat Rounds 2-5 of Edging, then repeat Round 2 once.
Fasten off. Repeat Sleeve Edging on other sleeve.
Finishing
Weave in ends.
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Sew button to lower left front, using opening in stitches on right front for buttonhole.
Editor's Note: Click on image below to enlarge.
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