Countryside Cardigan — Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern for Cropped Short-Sleeve Button-Up Top
Hi friends!
This post is all about the Countryside Cardigan! It includes everything you need to know about the pattern — this one is my design of a cropped button-up top with short sleeves.
This pattern is size-inclusive from XS-5XL, and beginner-friendly with step-by-step photos. It is also included in my first pattern book, Retro Crochet Style, which you can learn more about here!
Before we start, here are a few links for you:
The PDF version is available on:
For any questions about this pattern, please email me at sspstitches@gmail.com — I usually respond within 24 hours!
Get my new book, Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet, here!
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All of this info is in the PDF of the pattern, but for those of you who look for more info on a pattern before you buy it, this is for you! You can look at the yardage, unique stitches/crochet methods, etc. so you can make a more informed decision on whether or not to crochet this design. As always, if you have any questions, please email me at sspstitches@gmail.com — I’m more than happy to answer!
Happy crocheting <3
About
The Countryside Cardigan is a cropped button-up top with short sleeves; I love it as a lightweight layering piece for summer. The XS-5XL size range, tested by pattern testers representing a variety of sizes, ensure that this pattern will be perfectly fit to every body — and as with all of my patterns, there is a Customized Sizing option to fit the design even better to your measurements.
This pattern is also beginner-friendly, with step-by-step photos for every single part of the pattern and links for more advanced techniques, like whipstitch.
The Countryside Cardigan pattern is also included in my first book, Retro Crochet Style! I never expected this design to be as popular as it is; I wear it quite often, since it’s a simple layering piece and pretty easy to throw on.
Sizing
This pattern is written for 9 sizes which correspond to the Craft Yarn Council standard sizing for women. All my patterns are written with the sizes as numbers instead of letters (XS, L, 3XL) to encourage you to look outside of your typical standard size and go with your measurements. The sizes are written as 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9).
This top is designed to be worn with up to 6 inches (15 cm) of positive ease (aka the garment’s measurements are up to 6" (15cm) larger than your own measurements), depending on the size you are making. If between sizes, size up. This chart shows the finished garment measurements.
The following sizing & yardage chart is straight from the pattern PDF:
Materials
Hook: 5mm or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions:
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Yarn: Worsted/aran/size 4; for amount needed for each size, see sizing chart above
I've used both Wool and the Gang's Shiny Happy Cotton & acrylics like Big Twist Value/Red Heart Super Saver to make this. I recommend a similar cotton or acrylic for your own project; you can find good substitutes on yarnsub.com.
Always make a swatch before beginning to make sure you meet gauge (also important so your garment isn’t too big or too small) and are happy with the fabric created!
Gauge
4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) = 15.5 sts and 8 rows in double crochet
4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) = 14 sts and 20 rows in single crochet
If your swatch is too small, try using a bigger hook. If it's too big, try using a smaller hook.
Pattern Notes
Skill Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Sizing: This design is written in nine sizes as follows: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9). These sizes correspond to XS-5XL. Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.
Construction: First, the back panel is crocheted, then the two front panels are crocheted directly onto the back panel. The sleeve panels are crocheted separately, then attached. The button bands and collar are then crocheted directly onto the piece, and finishing details are completed.
Abbreviations
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
sc: single crochet
sk: skip
slst: slip stitch
st/sts: stitch/stitches
The pattern includes step-by-step photos for every part along the way to ensure you’re on the right track! Here are a few of them:
This pattern has been tested in a range of sizes to ensure everybody is satisfied with how it fits. Here are some photos from the lovely testers who provided wonderful feedback and helped perfect the pattern for you! They put a lot of time and effort into their samples, and deserve a lot of appreciation — especially because each iteration is just so gorgeous!
If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading all this! I hope it’s given you all the info you need on the Countryside Cardigan pattern. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me at sspstitches@gmail.com!
Find the pattern in these places:
You can find my pattern book, Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet, on the shelves of all major retailers — or see your purchasing options (US + international) here!
