How to Crochet an Alpine Stitch Cropped Sweater

27 Aug 2023 | Patterns | 14 comments

About the author: Karmen Režek

From Ljubljana, Slovenia, I aspire to inspire others with the same joy and fulfillment that crocheting has given me.

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A Fusion of Elegance and Comfort

Hello to all my crochet enthusiasts!

I’m thrilled to unveil my latest design: the Crop Alpine Stitch Crochet Sweater Pattern. This isn’t just any sweater; it’s a blend of classic crochet craftsmanship and contemporary flair. Imagine wrapping yourself in a chic cropped silhouette, accentuated with delicate ribbing that graces the waist, sleeves, shoulders, and neckline. And those puffy sleeves? They’re the cherry on top, adding a dash of sophistication to the entire ensemble.

Now, here’s the exciting part: for those of you eager to recreate this beauty, I’m sharing the free pattern for size XS right here on the blog! Whether you’re looking to make a bold fashion statement or simply want to snuggle up in style, this sweater is your perfect companion.

But wait, there’s more! For all the visual learners out there, I’ve got you covered with a YouTube tutorial where I walk you through creating this sweater in size XS. It’s a step-by-step guide, ensuring you can follow along with ease and confidence.

For those who’ve already fallen in love with this design and are thinking, “But what about other sizes?” – fret not! The pattern is also available for a range of sizes, ensuring everyone can rock this look.

Alpine Stitch: A Crochet Classic with Texture and Depth

The Alpine Stitch is a beloved crochet technique known for its rich texture and intricate design. At first glance, it might seem complex with its alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet, front post treble crochet, but in reality, it’s a harmonious blend of basic stitches that come together to create a stunning visual effect.

What sets the Alpine Stitch apart is its raised diamond pattern, which gives projects a tactile, three-dimensional quality. This stitch is not only visually appealing but also versatile, making it perfect for a variety of projects, from cozy blankets to stylish garments. Its depth and texture provide warmth, making it a favorite for winter accessories and home décor.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your crochet repertoire or an experienced crocheter seeking a stitch with a bit of flair, the Alpine Stitch is a delightful addition to any project.

So, grab your hooks and yarn, and let’s dive into the world of alpine stitches and chic designs.

Happy crocheting!

Prefer visual instructions? No problem, watch the YouTube tutorial linked above.

Materials

YARN: DROPS LOVES YOU 7, color 30, yarn group: A (23 – 26 stitches) / 5 ply / sport

XS: 500 g / 18 oz, 1700 m / 1850 yds

Hook:  4 mm, 5 mm

Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Markers

Size

XS

Shoulder Width (in cm): 56

Length (in cm): 41

Stitch Key (US terminology)

ch = chain

st = stitch

sts = stitches

sl st = slip stitch

sl sts = slip stitches 

sc = single crochet 

dc = double crochet 

dc 3 = dc in next 3 stitches 

2 dc = two double crochet stitches in one stitch

fpdc = front post double crochet 

bpdc = back post double crochet 

fptc = front post treble crochet

sk = skip

Specialty Stitch & Technique Key

Alpine stitch 

Rows 1-3: Setting up Alpine Stitch

Start alpine stitch with any odd number of stitches. 

Row 1: ch 2, double crochet in every stitch, turn.

Row 2: ch 1, single crochet in every stitch, turn.

Row 3: ch 2, *front post treble crochet, double crochet, repeat from * to the last two stitches, double crochet 2, turn.

Row 4: ch 1, single crochet in every stitch, turn.

Row 5: ch 2, *double crochet, front post treble crochet, repeat from * to the last stitch, double crochet, turn.

Row 6: ch 1, single crochet in every stitch, turn.

Repeat rows 3–6 to continue the pattern.

Foundation Double Crochet 

STEP 1: Ch 2

STEP 2: Yarn over and insert your hook into the first chain.

STEP 3: Yarn over and draw up a loop.

STEP 4: Yarn over and draw yarn through the first loop on your hook.

STEP 5: Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook.

STEP 6: Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on your hook.

STEP 7: Yarn over and insert your hook under both loops of the base of the previous stitch (the chain you created in Step 4).

STEP 8: Yarn over and pull up a loop.

STEP 9: Yarn over and pull through 1 (like you did in Step 4), yarn over, and pull through 2 twice (as you did in Steps 5 and 6).

Keep repeating steps 7-9 to grow your foundation double crochet row.

Notes

  • Ch 2 doesn’t count as a stitch unless it says otherwise. 
  • Use a 4 mm hook unless it says otherwise. 
  • The sweater is made of 2 panels (front and back), and sleeves. 
  • It’s crocheted from bottom to top. 
  • First you will make the back and front panel and then the sleeves.  You will sew the front panel and the back panel together on shoulders, attach the sleeves, sew the sleeves and body sides together, crochet the ribbing around the waist and finish with a round of slsts around the neck hole. 
  • If you want the sweater to be longer, just add rows on the front and back panel. The same you can do with the sleeves, if you want them longer.
  • I recommend you watch my YouTube tutorial if there are any uncertainties. 

Instructions

FRONT AND BACK PANEL (make 2)

Fdc 101

Row 1: ch 1, turn. Sc in every stitch across. 

Row 2: ch 2, turn. *Fptc, dc* repeat from * to the last 2 sts, dc in the last 2 sts. 

Row 3: ch 1, turn. Sc in every stitch across. 

Row 4: ch 2, turn. *dc, fptc* repeat from * to the end, dc in the last st. 

Row 5: ch 1, turn. Sc in every stitch across. 

Repeat rows 2–5 until row 47. Row 47 will be row with fptcs and dcs.

Row 48: ch 2, turn. Dc in the 1st st, *bpdc, fpdc* repeat from * to the end, dc in the last st.

Row 49: ch 2, turn. Dc in the 1st st, *fpdc, bpdc* repeat from * to the end, dc in the last st. 

Repeat rows 48 and 49 until row 54. 

Finish off. 

SLEEVES (make 2)

Fdc 52

Row 1: ch 2, turn (ch 2 counts as a stitch here and across). *Fpdc, bpdc* repeat from * to the end finishing with a dc in the space between the last stitch and the ch 2.

Row 2: ch 2, turn. *Bpdc, fpdc* repeat from * to the end finishing with a dc in the space between the last stitch and the ch 2.

Row 3: ch 2, turn. *Fpdc, bpdc* repeat from * to the end finishing with a dc in the space between the last stitch and the ch 2.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until row 6.

Row 7: Ch 2, turn (ch 2 doesn’t count as a stitch here and across). Dc in 1st 2 sts, 2 dc in the front loop of the next st and 2 dc in the back loop of the same st. You have 4 dc sts in that st. *dc 3, 2 dc in the front loop of the next st and 2 dc in the back loop of the same st (you have 4 dc sts in that st)* repeat from * to the end finishing with a dc in the last st. 

Row 8: ch 1, turn. Sc across. 

Row 9: ch 2, turn. *Fptc, dc* repeat from * to the last  2 sts, dc in the last sts.

Row 10: ch 1, turn. Sc across. 

Row 11: ch 2, turn. *dc, fptc* repeat from * to the end, dc in the last st. 

Row 12: ch 1, turn. Sc in every stitch across. 

Repeat rows 9–12 until row 53. Row 53 will be a row with fptcs and dcs.

Finish off. 

ASSEMBLING 

With a slst sew the shoulders together (right sides of front and back panel facing. Work 23 slsts on each side. 

With a slst sew the sleeves on the body sides. 

With a slst sew the sleeves and body sides together. 

When you are done with the 2nd side don’t finish off, continue to work on the waist. 

WAIST

Round 1: Ch 2 and with the wrong side facing work: *fpdc, bpdc, sk 2* repeat from * to the end, finishing with a bpdc. Slst in the space between ch 2 and 1st st to join. 

Round 2: ch 2, turn. *Fpdc, bpdc( repeat from * to the end, finishing with a bpdc. Slst in the space between ch 2 and 1st st to join. 

Repeat round 2 until round 7.

Finish off.

A tip: if you need a larger waist, work: 

Round 1: Ch 2 and with the wrong side facing work: *fpdc, bpdc, fpdc, bpdc, sk 2* repeat from * to the end. Slst in the space between ch 2 and 1st st to join. 

Round 2: ch 2, turn. *Fpdc, bpdc( repeat from * to the end. Slst in the space between ch 2 and 1st st to join. 

Repeat round 2 until round 7.

Finish off.

NECKLINE 

With a 5 mm hook attach the yarn in the center of the neck hole on the back panel. Ch 1 (counts as a stitch) slsts around the neck hole, slst in the ch 1 to join the round. 

Finish off. 

Video tutorials

You’ll find just about every pattern I offer on my YouTube channel. This is because I want to share my love and knowledge for crochet as far and wide as I can!

Need different sizes and more detailed instructions?

Get the full PDF for optimal viewing on any device or print.

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14 Comments

  1. The pattern is gorgeous, but is it supposed to be very oversized? I made the first couple rows of the front panel with 105 stitches and it’s almost big enough to wrap around me on its own! Is that normal or should I change my hook/tension?

    Reply
  2. So it’s only free if you wear an XS?

    Reply
  3. How do we get the free download for the fall blog hop? No code was given and when I click on the blog hop “get pattern” icon it takes me to ravelry where it isn’t free.

    What am I missing?

    Thanks!

    P.s. this sweater is ridiculously cute and the color is incredible.

    Reply
    • Hi, Kristi! Thank you for reaching out. The pattern is free on the blog for size small, for a pdf where all the sizes are included, you have a discount 30% in October.

      Reply
      • I’m also following the Blog Hop. I’m disappointed in the decision to allow a free pattern for smaller individuals but to require those of us who wear a larger size to have to pay in order to make the same garment.

        Reply
      • I think you may have misunderstood how the blog hop works. If the pattern is usually free on your blog anyway then on the day you are featured on the blog hop the pdf/extra sizes should be made available for free. That’s what each of the other designers have done. Linking just to your blog isn’t really the point.

        Reply
      • I love it.

        Reply
      • That sounds really exclusive. You’re literally making people who are bigger than a small pay. Why do the skinny people get a free pattern, but the fatties have to pay? That is so awful and I will never use any of these patterns out of morality,

        Reply
    • Yes, I thought this was supposed to be a free download for today.

      Reply
  4. Thanks for sharing Karmen! looks lovely.

    Reply
  5. I love this pattern and just how calming the video is, I’m gonna try it myself, thank you for this amazing website!

    Reply
    • Thank you! I’m glad you love the pattern and found the video calming. Enjoy trying it out, and feel free to reach out if you need any help.

      Reply
      • thank you! You’re so kind 🙂

        Reply
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