How to crochet a Ruffle Charm Cropped Cardigan

27 Nov 2023 | Patterns | 5 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 Crochet Journey

Dive into the world of crochet with the Ruffle Charm Cropped Cardigan, a pattern that blends simplicity with a touch of elegance. While not specifically tailored for beginners, those with a basic understanding of crochet will find this pattern within their reach, offering an opportunity to enhance their skills.

Materials and Tools

The recommended yarn is Go Handmade Vintage, a delightful blend of 70% wool and 30% bamboo in light beige. However, the true beauty of this pattern lies in its versatility. Feel free to choose any yarn that matches the characteristics of the recommended one in terms of weight and texture. The amount of yarn needed ranges from 400 g for XS/S to 550 g for 2XL.

Gauge and Sizing

The gauge for this pattern is 18 extended single crochet (esc) stitches and 16 rows equaling 10 cm. The finished cardigan is available in sizes XS to 2XL, ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide range of body types.

Stitch Key

This pattern uses US crochet terminology. You’ll encounter stitches and techniques like chain (ch), yarn over (yo), slip stitch (slst), single crochet two together (sc2tog), extended single crochet (esc), foundation single crochet (fsc), and more. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with these terms; the pattern includes detailed instructions for each stitch and technique.

The Pattern

The Ruffle Charm Cropped Cardigan is worked in a raglan style from the top down. You’ll start by working around the neckline, creating a foundation that sets the stage for the rest of the garment. The pattern includes instructions for increasing stitches to create the ruffled look that gives this cardigan its charm. The sleeves are worked separately, and you can easily adjust their length to suit your preference.

Materials

  • Yarn: Go Handmade Vintage, 70% wool, 30% bamboo, light beige
  • Size XS/S: 400 g / 960 m
  • Size M/L: 450 g / 1080 m
  • Size XL: 500 g / 1200 m
  • Size 2XL: 550 g/ 1320 m
  • Hook:  4 and 5 mm
  • Button 
  • Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Markers

Gauge

18 esc sts = 10 cm

16 esc rows = 10 cm

Finished sizes

XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Size chart        

XSSMLXL2XL
Chest / Bust73.583.594104114.5125
Back Waist Length424343.544.54545.5
Cross Back / Shoulder to Shoulder36.537.54042.544.545.5
Armhole Depth161718.519.52122.5
Waist6065738494104

                                                       

Stitch Key (US terminology)

  • ch = chain
  • yo = yarn over
  • st = stitch
  • sts = stitches
  • slst = slip stitch
  • slsts = slip stitches 
  • slstflo = slip stitch front loop only 
  • sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together 
  • esc = extended single crochet 
  • 2 esc = two extended single crochet stitches in one stitch
  • fsc = foundation single crochet
  • sp = space 
  • RS = right side 
  • WS = wrong side

Specialty Stitch & Technique Key

Foundation single crochet 

Step 1: Make a slip knot and chain 2.

Step 2: Insert hook in the 2nd chain from the hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook).

4. Yarn over and pull a stitch through the first loop only – you should still have two loops on your hook. You have now created the chain part of Fsc – mark this chain if needed, because this is the stitch where you will insert your hook starting the next foundation single crochet.

5. Next, yarn over again and pull through both of the loops on your hook to make a single crochet. You should have only one loop on your hook. This completes your first single crochet.

6. To make the next fsc, insert your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch (refer to point 2) – between the chain and the single crochet. There should be two strands on the left of the hook and one loop on the right of the hook.

7. Yarn over and pull a stitch through. You should now have 2 loops on the hook.

8. Yarn over and pull a stitch through the first loop only – you should still have two loops on your hook.

9. Next, yarn over again and pull through both of the loops on your hook to make a single crochet. You should have only one loop on your hook. This completes your next single crochet.

To make the next foundation single crochet, insert your hook into the chain part of the previous stitch and repeat instructions from steps 3- 5.

Notes

  • Fsc counts as round 1
  • You will start working around the neck (it’s a raglan style cardigan, one piece, no sewing), leaving the holes for the sleeves/armholes, working on the body and finishing with the sleeves. 
  • You will be working in joined rounds on the sleeves.
  • WS is on even number of rows/rounds
  • The pattern is designed for a cropped length, but you can easily extend it by following the guidelines in the ‘Body’ section.
  • If you prefer longer sleeves, refer to the instructions in the ‘Sleeves’ section of the pattern. 
  • I recommend you watch my YouTube tutorial if there are any uncertainties. 

Instructions (size small)

Fsc 88

Row 2: ch 1, turn. Esc in the next 17 sts, V stitch in the next st, esc in the next 8 sts, V stitch in the next st, esc in the next 34 sts, V stitch in the next st, esc in the next 8 sts, V stitch in the next st, esc in the next 17 sts.

Row 3 – 8: ch 1, turn. Esc until you reach the ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the next ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the  ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until the end of the round.

Increases for the front and back

Row 9: ch 1, turn. *Esc in the 1st st, 1 esc in the back loop of the next st and 1 esc in the front loop of the same st* repeat from * until you reach the ch 1 sp (front). V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the next ch 1 space (sleeve). V stitch in the ch 1 sp, *esc in the next st, 1 esc in the back loop of the next st and 1 esc in the front loop of the same st* repeat from * until you reach the ch 1 sp (back). V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the ch 1 sp (sleeve). V stitch in the next st, *1 esc in the back loop of the next st and 1 esc in the front loop of the same st, esc in the next st * repeat from* until the end of the row. 

Row 10 – 21: ch 1, turn. Esc until you reach the ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the next ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the  ch 1 sp, V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until the end of the round. 

Separating body and sleeves

Row 22: ch 1, turn. Esc until you reach ch 1 sp, esc in the 2nd st of the V st on the other side of the sleeve and across the back panel until you reach next ch 1 sp. Esc in the 2nd st of the V st on the other side of the sleeve and across the front panel. 

Body

Row 23 – 57: ch 1, turn. Esc across until the end of the row. 

Sleeves

Round 1: WS facing attach the yarn in the ch 1 sp of the V stitch on the right side of the sleeve and ch 1:

Work sc2tog in the ch 1 sp, the side of the esc row from separating body and sleeves and the ch 1 sp on the other side:

Work esc around and join with a sl st in the 1st st of the round. 

Round 2 – 43: ch 1, turn. Esc around, sl st to join.

Finish off. 

Placket

Work with a 5 mm hook on this section. 

Left side:

Row 1: RS facing, attach the yarn in the bottom corner and ch 1. Work 1 slst in each esc row.

The end of row 1:

Row 2: ch 1, turn. Slstflo in the 1st st, ch 4 (or as many chains you need to fit the button), sk 4 (or as many chains you made for the button), slstflo across.

Row 3: ch 1, turn. Slstflo across. 

At the end of row 3 work on the neckline:

Ch 1 and slst evenly across until you reach the right side of the placket. Do not finish off, continue on to the right side of the placket. 

Right side:

Row 1: Ch 1, slst across. 

Row 2 and 3: ch 1, turn. Slstflo across. 

Finish off and attach the button. 

Customization

One of the great things about this pattern is its versatility. While it’s designed as a cropped cardigan, you can easily modify it to create a longer garment. Simply follow the guidelines in the ‘Body’ section of the pattern to add extra length. Similarly, if you prefer longer sleeves, the ‘Sleeves’ section provides instructions for making adjustments.

Support and Resources

If you’re a visual learner or if you find yourself needing a bit of extra help, I’ve got you covered. I’ve created a detailed YouTube tutorial for the small size of this cardigan, where I walk you through each step of the pattern. This video is a fantastic resource, especially if you’re new to crochet or if you’re trying a raglan style garment for the first time.

Sharing the Love

Crochet is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to express creativity, relax, and even connect with others who share your passion. I encourage you to share your progress, ask questions, and engage with the crochet community as you work on your Ruffle Charm Cropped Cardigan. Whether you’re posting photos of your finished cardigan or sharing tips with fellow crocheters, your journey is an important part of the larger story of handmade crafts.

So grab your hook and yarn, and let’s start this crochet adventure together. Happy crocheting! 🧶🌟

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!

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5 Comments

  1. I think there is a typo at the last front section . Shouldn’t it be a *esc, before the backloop and frontloop * before repeat section?

    Sizes XL, XXL
    Row 13: ch 1,turn. *Esc in the 1st st,1 esc in the back loop ofthe next st
    and 1 esc in the frontloop ofthe same st* repeatfrom * until you reach
    the ch 1 sp (front). V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you reach the next ch 1
    space (sleeve). V stitch in the ch 1 sp, *esc in the next st,1 esc in the back
    loop ofthe next st and 1 esc in the frontloop ofthe same st* repeatfrom
    * until you reach the ch 1 sp (back). V stitch in the ch 1 sp, esc until you
    reach the ch 1 sp (sleeve). V stitch in the next st, *1 esc in the back loop of
    the next st and 1 esc in the frontloop ofthe same st * repeatfrom* until
    the end of the row. 256 (256) esc
    Stitch count
    XL, XXL: 36, 36 (sleeves); 92, 92 (front + back)

    Reply
    • Hi, Patricia! Thank you for your comment. I checked and everything seems okay to me. Can you tell me why Do you think there is a typo?

      Reply
      • maybe I’m reading wrong but isn’t there an esc in between the back loop and front loop then another esc in next stitch?

        Reply
        • OH, now I see it. It should say: “*1 esc in the back loop of the next st and 1 esc in the front loop of the same st, esc in the next st * repeat from* until the end of the row. 256 (256) esc”
          Thank you so much for this feedback. I give a 25% discount to be used in my Ravelry store to anyone who gives me feedback on my patterns, so I’ll email you that code now if you do decide to use it.

          Reply
  2. Thanks so much Karmen for the lovely pattern!!!
    and in different sizes;)

    Have a wonderful day !
    gr. Arina

    Reply
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