Secret Garden Sweater — Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern for Patchwork Floral Pullover
Hi friends!
This post is all about the Secret Garden Sweater! It includes everything you need to know about the pattern — this one is a fun, simple sweater made of both plain and floral granny squares.
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!
If you want to be notified when I release a new pattern (with a discount code for all new paid ones), sign up here!
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 Secret Garden Sweater is a patchwork drop-shoulder sweater design with cinched ribbing at the hem and sleeves. There is also an optional folded turtleneck collar that you can add; see examples in the tester gallery at the bottom of this page. The XS-5XL size range, tested in a variety of sizes by pattern testers of all skill levels, 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 Secret Garden Sweater pattern is also included in my first book, Retro Crochet Style! I’ve been surprised by its popularity — but maybe I shouldn’t have, as every time I’ve worn it out, I’ve gotten compliments.
Sizing
This pattern is written for 5 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).
This sweater is designed to be worn with up to 8 inches (20 cm) of positive ease, depending on the size you are making. For example, if your chest size is 45” (114cm), you should choose a size up to 8” (20cm) bigger, so size 3 in this example. 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 acrylics like Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca and Red Heart Super Saver to make this; I recommend using a similar acrylic or wool. 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
Note: For a patchwork pattern like this, the size of the squares is the most important part of meeting gauge. I'd recommend making a square first before a swatch; instructions for the square and for the gauge below are included in the pattern.
4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) = 15 sts and 7.5 rows in double 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 five sizes as follows: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5). These sizes correspond to XS-5XL. Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.
Construction: Each of the body and sleeve panels are worked separately, then attached together. The button band is then worked, and buttons are sewn on. Finishing details are then completed.
Abbreviations
blo: back loops only
ch: chain
ch-sp: chain space
ch1sp: chain 1 space
ch2sp: chain 2 space
dc: double crochet
dc4tog: double crochet 4 together
hdc: half-double crochet
ps: puff stitch
sc: single crochet
sc3tog: single crochet 3 together
slst: slip stitch
st/sts: stitch/stitches
tc: triple crochet
yo: yarn over
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; please check out their Instagrams, linked in this post! They put a lot of time and effort into their samples, and deserve a lot of appreciation — especially because each version 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 Secret Garden Sweater 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!
