Sera Cardigan a Free Crochet Cardigan Pattern

The Sera Cardigan is a lightweight and easy to layer sweater. Featuring a classic fit this crochet cardigan is comfortable for around the house or a day out. It’s perfect for an evening walk, or passeggiata serale.

Made with double crochets, the stitch pattern is simple and easy to remember. I wanted minimal seaming on this design, but all the customizing ability. You can easily adjust length of the sweater or the sleeves. And there are only seams on the shoulders and armholes!

You can purchase an ad-free pdf here {scroll down for the free pattern}

More Cardigan Patterns

–Summer’s End Cardigan short and long versions available

–Spring Cardi top down crochet cardigan

–Sorella Cardigan open lacy summer cardigan

I’ve had this Vanna’s Style yarn in my stash for a while, I knew I wanted to create a spring cardigan with it. The texture and sheen pairs so well with the stitch.

Unfortunately it’s discontinued, although you can still find it in some places. It’s a #3 lightweight/dk yarn, but I found it to be a thicker #3 yarn. When I need to sub out yarn I almost always check YarnSub.com for comparable.

If you only have #4 medium worsted weight yarn, I think that could easily work for this pattern. However, you’ll need to meet gauge with your chosen yarn/hook. Otherwise, your cardigan might not fit!

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Materials

• #3 lightweight yarn, pictured is Vanna’s Style Yarn in Olive yds by size: (XS) 1000 (S) 1100 (M) 1225 (L) 1300 (XL) 1450 (2X) 1600 (3X) 1700 (4X) 1800 (5X) 1950
• 5mm hook, pictured below is my Furls Odyssey in Peach, stitch markers, yarn needle, measuring tape, scissors

Notes

1. Please read through all notes and pattern before you begin.
2. Work up a gauge swatch using the provided gauge information. Measure your swatch and if your gauge matches, great continue on; if not, change your hook size and swatch again. Are your stitches are smaller? Then go up a hook size, and if they’re larger, go down a hook size. 
3. Ch 3 counts as a stitch, I highly recommend using a ch 3 alternative, here’s my favorite.
4. St multiple is 2 + 6.
5. Check stitch count before starting a new section.
6. Pattern is written for multiple sizes, with the smallest size written first and each subsequent size written in parentheses XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). For example: Row 1. FDC 104 (120, 136, 144, 160, 176, 184, 200, 208). To make an XS you would foundation double crochet 104, for a M you would foundation double crochet 136 and a 4X you would foundation double crochet 200.

Stitches/Abbreviations

FDC-foundation double crochet

Sk-skip the indicated stitch

rep-repeat

sc-single crochet

ch(s)-chain(s)

dc-double crochet

rnd(s)-round(s)

sl st-slip stitch

st(s)-stitch(es)

Gauge

4” x 4” = 13 dc x 8 rows of dc

Skill Level

Construction

 The main body is crocheted as one piece, bottom up. We will then separate the cardigan into three pieces, creating armholes for the sleeves, while also creating the front and back panels. These are seamed together at the shoulder. The sleeves are worked separately, from the wrist up and in the round, but turned to keep the stitch pattern the same. The sleeves are seamed on at the armholes.

Fit/Adjustment

Pattern adds 2-4” of ease to bust measurement, for a classic fit. For a looser fit, go up a size, for a snugger fit, go down a size. To adjust length of cardigan add or subtract rows before dividing. Measure from your underarm to where you want the cardigan to stop. This is your desired length before dividing. 

ChristaCoDesign patterns use Craft Yarn Council sizing standards.

Pattern

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Row 1. FDC 104 (120, 136, 144, 160, 176, 184, 200, 208) or if you’re unfamiliar with FDC you can CH 106 (122, 138, 146, 162, 178, 186, 202, 210), dc in the 4th ch and in each ch across, turn. 

Row 2. Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st across, turn. 

Row 3. Rep Row 2. Now is a good time to check your “actual bust”: 32 (36.9, 41.9, 44.2, 49.2, 54.2, 56.7, 61.6, 64)”

Row 4. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 3 sts left, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (104,120, 136, 144, 160, 176, 184, 200, 208) sts

Rows 5-31. Rep Row 4. If you would like a longer cardigan add more rows here, end on an odd row. *We will add 6 (7, 7.5, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10)” to the length once panels are divided. 

Divide

*Check stitch count before dividing.

Now we’ll divide the front right (when wearing), back, and left front (when wearing) panels. Count off (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) and place 1st st marker in next st. First (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) are the Front Right Panel. 1st st marker begins the back panel. Begin with the marked st and count (52, 60, 68, 72, 80, 88, 92, 100, 104 sts) place 2nd st marker in the last st counted. This marks the end of the Back Panel. The remaining (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts) are the Front Left Panel (when wearing). *Note the marked sts are a part of the Back Panel st count.

Finished panels will look like the picture:

Front Right Panel {when wearing}

-Row count starts over.

  Row 1. (RS) Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st before marker, dc in next st, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)

Row 2. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 3 sts left, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)

Row 3. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st left, dc in last st, turn.

Row 4. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 7 sts left, **{sk next st, 1 DC in next st} rep from ** 1 more time, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)

Row 5. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st left, dc in last st, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)

Rows 6-11. Rep Rows 4-5. (18, 22, 26, 28, 32, 36, 38, 42, 44 sts) shoulder width = (5.5, 6.8, 8, 8.6, 9.9, 11, 11.7, 12.9, 13.5)”

XS

Row 12. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 6” from divide row.

S 

Row 12-13. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 14. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7” from divide row.

M

Row 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7.5” from divide row.

L

Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 16. Rep Row 2.  Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.

XL

Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 16. Rep Row 2.  Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.

2X

Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.

3X

Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.

4X

Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.

5X

Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3.

Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.

Back Panel

With RS up, join yarn with sl st to 1st marked back panel st = st # (27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 47, 51, 53)

Row 1. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til 2 sts before marker, sk next st, dc in last st, turn. (52, 60, 68, 72, 80, 88, 92, 100, 104 sts) 

Row 2. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * til one st left, dc in last st, turn. (52, 60, 68, 72, 80, 88, 92, 100, 104 sts)

Row 3. – Row 12, 14, 15, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20. Rep Row 2, cut yarn.

Front Left Panel {when wearing}

With RS up, join yarn with sl st to first st left of back panel, st # (79, 91, 103, 109, 121, 133, 139, 151, 157)

Row 1. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st,} rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)

Row 2. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, dc in last st, turn. (26, 30, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52 sts)

Row 3. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn.

Row 4. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *{sk next st, 1 DC in next st} rep from * one more time, **{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from ** to one st left, dc in last st, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)

Row 5. Ch 3, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn. (24, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50 sts)

Rows 6-11. Rep Rows 4-5, ending with (18, 22, 26, 28, 32, 36, 38, 42, 44 sts) and a shoulder width = (5.5, 6.8, 8, 8.6, 9.9, 11, 11.7, 12.9, 13.5)”

 XS

Row 12. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 6” from divide row.

S 

Row 12-13. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 14. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7” from divide row.

M

Row 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 7.5” from divide row.

L

Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 16. Rep Row 2.  Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.

XL

Rows 12-15. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 16. Rep Row 2.  Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 8” from divide row.

2X

Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.

3X

Rows 12-17. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 18. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 9” from divide row.

4X

Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3. 

Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.

5X

Rows 12-19. Rep Rows 2-3.

Row 20. Rep Row 2. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn. Measures 10” from divide row.

Seam

Turn cardigan WS out so RS are touching. Line up  shoulders to back panel. Use the mattress stitch to sew shoulders to back panel. Cut yarn. Now is a good time to try it on and make any adjustments. 

Sleeves

Make 2

-Join and turn each round.

-Sleeves are worked from the wrist up, so you can try them on at anytime and add or subtract increases as needed. 

-We will increase on either side of the join, at this point the stitch pattern will look a little different, but this will be our faux seam so it will be on the underside. 

-Sleeves XS-3X are written for 18.5” and 4X-5X for 19” in length. 

-To adjust your sleeve length: try on your sleeveless cardigan, measure from the shoulder edge down to your hand-or where you want your sleeves to end. This is your desired sleeve length. You can add or subtract rounds according to your need.

Rnd 1. FDC 32, or ch 34 and dc in the 4th ch from your hook and in each ch across, join with sl st to first st and turn. (32 sts)

Rnds 2-3. Ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to first st to join, turn. 

Rnd 4. Ch 3, dc in same st, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, sk last st, sl st to first st to join, turn. (32 sts)

Rnds 5-7. Ch 3, dc in same st, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, sk last st, sl st to first st to join, turn.

Rnd 8. Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 DC in next 2 STS, *{sk next st, 2 dc in next st} rep from * to one st left, 2 dc in last st, sl st to first st to join, turn. (36 sts) 

XS

Rnds 9-12. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 40 sts and sleeve is 6” wide flat. 

Rnds. 13-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

S

Rnds 9-16. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 44 sts and sleeve is 6.8” wide flat. 

Rnds. 17-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

M

Rnds 9-20. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 48 sts and sleeve is 7.4” wide flat. 

Rnds. 21-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

L

Rnds 9-24. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 52 sts and sleeve is 8” wide flat. 

Rnds. 25-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

XL

Rnds 9-24. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 52 sts and sleeve is 8” wide flat. 

Rnds. 25-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

2X

Rnds 9-28. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 56 sts and sleeve is 8.6” wide flat. 

Rnds. 29-35. Rep Rnd 4 or til you have reached your desired sleeve length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

3X

Rnds 9-32. Rep Rnds 5-8 til you have 60 sts and sleeve is 9” wide flat. 

If you need more sleeve length Rep Rnd 4 til you have reached your desired length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

4X

Rnds 9-36. Rep Rnds 5- 8 til you have 64 sts and sleeve is 9.8” wide flat.

For more sleeve length Rep Rnd 4 til you have reached your desired length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

5X

Rnds 9-36. Rep Rnds 5- 8 til you have 64 sts and sleeve is 9.8” wide flat.

For more sleeve length Rep Rnd 4 til you have reached your desired length. Leaving a long tail for seaming, cut yarn.

Seam

With cardigan body WS out and sleeve RS out, slide armhole end of sleeve into the cardigan. Make sure the faux seam is on the bottom (where your elbow will be). Line up the armhole end of sleeve with the armhole opening. Sew sleeve to armhole with mattress stitch. If needed, seam side of armhole to close. Rep for both sleeves. Cut yarn. Weave in ends.

Finishing

Turn cardigan RS out. Join yarn with sl st to bottom corner of the Front Right Panel (when wearing) Ch 1, sc evenly up front panel, continue along back panel and down left front panel. Cut yarn. Weave in ends.

Join yarn with sl st to sleeve cuff on the backside. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, sl st to join. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Rep on second sleeve.

I’d love to see your #seracardigan tag me @christacodesign on Instagram if you post a pic. Or share it to my Facebook Group, I love to see your work!

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