9. Hooded Cardigan
Wrap yourself in pure cozy sunshine with this classic handmade hooded cardigan, crafted with rich, textured half double crochet stitches and featuring practical patch pockets. Measuring 50 cm in length with a comfortable 52 cm width per size specification, this timeless layering piece takes approximately 18 hours to complete and brings classic warmth to any handmade wardrobe.
Quick Facts
| Skill level | Finished size | Yarn | Hook | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 50 cm length x 52 cm width | Worsted weight wool blend yarn (Cat. 4) | 5.5 mm (US I-9) | 18 hours |
Materials You Will Need
- Worsted weight wool blend yarn (Cat. 4) in Mustard Gold: 800 grams (approx. 1400 metres)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (4)
- Measuring tape
Gauge
13 sts x 10 rows = 10 x 10 cm in half double crochet using a 5.5 mm hook. Gauge is important for achieving the correct drape and finished measurements.
Sizes
| Size | To fit bust | Finished bust | Length | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 82-86 cm | 96 cm | 50 cm | 45 cm |
| M | 90-94 cm | 104 cm | 52 cm | 46 cm |
| L | 98-102 cm | 112 cm | 54 cm | 47 cm |
| XL | 106-110 cm | 120 cm | 56 cm | 48 cm |
Ease: 10 cm positive ease. The photographed piece is size M.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc2tog: half double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BLO: back loop only
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
UK terms: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Pattern Notes
- The cardigan body is worked in one piece from the bottom up to the armholes, then divided into front panels and back panel.
- The turning chain-2 at the beginning of rows does not count as a stitch unless stated otherwise.
- Use stitch markers to indicate armhole split points on the main body.
Instructions
Cardigan Body – Mustard Gold, make 1
Ch 136 (148, 160, 172) to begin.
Row 1 (RS): Work 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook (skipped chs do not count as st), hdc in each ch across, turn. (134, 146, 158, 170 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (134, 146, 158, 170 sts)
Rows 3 to 30: Repeat Row 2. (134, 146, 158, 170 sts)
You now have 134 (146, 158, 170) sts. The piece measures 30 cm in height.
Divide for armholes: Work 31 (34, 37, 40) sts for Right Front, join new yarn for Back over next 72 (78, 84, 90) sts, join new yarn for Left Front over final 31 (34, 37, 40) sts. Work each section separately for 16 rows, then fasten off.
Sleeves – Mustard Gold, make 2
Ch 42 (44, 46, 48).
Row 1: Work 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across, turn. (40, 42, 44, 46 sts)
Row 2 to 45: Ch 2, working hdc in each st across while increasing 1 st at each end every 6th row, turn. (50, 52, 54, 56 sts)
Fasten off, leave a 40 cm tail for sewing.
Hood – Mustard Gold, make 1
Ch 65.
Row 1: Work 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across, turn. (63 sts)
Row 2 to 24: Ch 2, hdc across, turn. (63 sts)
Fold the top edge of the hood in half and seam the top back seam together. Fasten off.
Patch Pockets – Mustard Gold, make 2
Ch 22.
Row 1: Work 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across, turn. (20 sts)
Row 2 to 18: Ch 2, hdc across, turn. (20 sts)
Fasten off, leave a 30 cm tail for sewing.
Assembly
Sew shoulder seams of the front and back panels together using mattress stitch, leaving the central 30 sts open for the neck opening. Attach the bottom edge of the hood around the neckline opening evenly. Sew sleeves into the armhole openings. Sew patch pockets to the lower front panels, positioned 6 cm up from the bottom hem and 8 cm in from the front opening edge.
Finishing
Weave in all loose yarn ends securely on the wrong side. Block the cardigan lightly with steam to even out stitches and establish a crisp drape.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Count your stitches at the end of every row to maintain an even rectangular shape.
- Do not pull turning chains too tightly, as this causes the front edges to warp.
- Ensure pockets are pinned securely in place before sewing to prevent skewing.
- Block individual pieces before assembly for cleaner seams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the length of the cardigan body?
Yes, simply add or subtract rows before dividing for the armholes, making sure to adjust your yarn quantity accordingly.
How do I prevent the sleeves from flaring out too much?
Stick strictly to the specified rate of one increase per side every 6th row rather than increasing every row.
What is the best method for joining the hood to the neckline?
Pin the center of the hood to the center back neck, then pin both ends to the front edges, easing out any minor fullness evenly before whipstitching.
How should I wash this wool blend cardigan?
Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent, gently press out excess water without wringing, and lay flat to dry in shape.
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