Wrap yourself in the comforting, rich warmth of an autumn afternoon with a tailored layer designed to elevate your everyday handmade wardrobe. Featuring deep cranberry red hues paired with dark walnut buttons and a structured, tactile grid, this piece bridges the gap between cozy cabin comfort and polished urban style.
Quick Facts
- Stitches Used: Chain (ch), Single Crochet (sc), Double Crochet (dc), Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc), Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc), Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Size Fit: Designed with a tailored, modern fit ranging from XS through 3XL (32″ to 62″ bust circumference)
- Estimated Hours to Complete: 25–35 hours of engaging, rhythmic stitching
- Gift-Appeal: An heirloom-quality handmade garment that looks boutique-bought, making it an extraordinary gift for a cherished friend or a well-deserved treat for yourself
Sizing customization tips are included later in this article to help you achieve your ideal fit.
This design gets its signature structured relief from the classic 3D waffle stitch, which creates deep pockets of thermal warmth and a sophisticated geometric grid. Working alternating front-post and double crochet stitches over a foundation grid gives the fabric a thick, cushiony drape without feeling overly heavy. The clean ribbed collar and matching tapered sleeve cuffs anchor the plush texture, while the button band securely holds dark walnut buttons for a timeless, professional finish.
Skill Level
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Advanced beginner to intermediate crocheters comfortable working post stitches and following multi-row pattern repeats
- Required Skills:
- Working in rows and turning chains
- Front-post and back-post crochet manipulation
- Basic garment assembly (seaming shoulders and side seams)
- Working evenly spaced stitches along vertical raw edges for the button band
💡 Designer Tip: If you are new to post stitches, practice a small 4-inch swatch of the waffle stitch first to get comfortable finding the post underneath the loops before diving into the main body panels.
Finished Measurements
| Size | Bust Circumference | Length | Sleeve Length | Armhole Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32″ (81 cm) | 22″ (56 cm) | 18″ (46 cm) | 7.5″ (19 cm) |
| S | 36″ (91.5 cm) | 22.5″ (57 cm) | 18″ (46 cm) | 8″ (20.5 cm) |
| M | 40″ (101.5 cm) | 23″ (58.5 cm) | 18.5″ (47 cm) | 8.5″ (21.5 cm) |
| L | 44″ (112 cm) | 24″ (61 cm) | 19″ (48.5 cm) | 9″ (23 cm) |
| XL | 48″ (122 cm) | 25″ (63.5 cm) | 19.5″ (49.5 cm) | 9.5″ (24 cm) |
| 2XL | 52″ (132 cm) | 26″ (66 cm) | 20″ (51 cm) | 10″ (25.5 cm) |
| 3XL | 56″ (142 cm) | 27″ (68.5 cm) | 20.5″ (52 cm) | 10.5″ (27 cm) |
Materials You Will Need
- Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (4)
- Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, measuring tape, locking stitch markers, 6-7 natural dark walnut buttons (approx. 1 inch / 25mm diameter)
| Colorway / Shade | Yarn Type / Fiber | Total Yardage Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Cranberry Red | 100% Peruvian Highland Wool (or premium wool-acrylic blend) | 1,450 – 2,200 yds (1,325 – 2,010 m) |
Yarn Suggestions
| Brand & Line Name | Yarn Weight | Yards per Skein | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Yarns 220 | Worsted (4) | 220 yds (200 m) per 100g | 100% Wool; excellent stitch definition for post stitches. |
| Lion Brand Wool-Ease | Worsted (4) | 197 yds (180 m) per 85g | Acrylic/Wool blend; machine washable, great drape. |
| Knit Picks Wool of the Andes | Worsted (4) | 110 yds (100 m) per 50g | 100% Peruvian Wool; crisp texture and rich color palette. |
⚠️ Note: Avoid loosely spun single-ply roving yarns or slippery novelty yarns. They lack the structural integrity required to hold the crisp geometric shape of the waffle stitch and may distort over time.
Gauge
| Measurement Type | Stitch / Row Count | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Waffle Stitch Pattern | 16 sts x 12 rows | 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm) |
⚠️ Note: Always work a gauge swatch in the waffle stitch pattern and block it before beginning your project. Post stitches can pull tightly; adjust your hook size up or down to match the exact gauge to ensure your garment fits the measurements chart.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Term |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| fpdc | front post double crochet |
| bpdc | back post double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
Special Stitches Explained
- Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch below, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice.
- Waffle Stitch Grid (4-row repeat):
- Row 1 (RS): Working across foundation dc row, *1 dc in next st, 2 fpdc in next 2 sts; rep from * across, end with 1 dc in last st.
- Row 2 (WS): *1 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 2 bpdc in next 2 sts; rep from * across, end with 2 dc in last 2 sts.
- Row 3: *1 dc in next st, 2 fpdc in next 2 sts; rep from * across, end with 1 dc in last st.
- Row 4: *2 dc in next 2 sts, 2 bpdc in next 2 sts; rep from * across, end with 2 dc in last 2 sts.
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Back Panel
Row 1 (Foundation): Ch 76 (84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124), 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (75 [83, 91, 99, 107, 115, 123] sc)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st here and throughout), 1 dc in each st across, turn. (75 [83, 91, 99, 107, 115, 123] dc)
Rows 3–54 (or desired length to armhole): Begin working the 4-row Waffle Stitch Grid sequence established in Special Stitches. Continue repeating Rows 1–4 until piece measures approx. 14.5″ (37 cm) from foundation edge, ending with a WS row. Fasten off.
✅ Checkpoint: Measure the back panel width and height to confirm it matches your target size specifications before proceeding to front panels.
Section 2: Left and Right Front Panels (Make 2)
Row 1 (Foundation): Ch 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60), 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (35 [39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59] sc)
Row 2: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st across, turn. (35 [39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59] dc)
Rows 3–54: Work Waffle Stitch Grid sequence matching the back panel height. Shape the neckline on the inner edge by omitting waffle texture for the final 6 rows on the collar side, working plain dc instead to create a smooth slope. Fasten off.
Section 3: Sleeves (Make 2)
Row 1 (Foundation): Ch 40 (44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64), 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (39 [43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63] sc)
Row 2: Ch 2, 1 dc in each st across, turn. (39 [43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63] dc)
Rows 3–48: Begin waffle stitch sequence. Increase 1 st at each end every 6th row 4 times to shape the tapered sleeve. (47 [51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71] sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Section 4: Assembly & Edging
- Lay Back Panel RS up. Place Left and Right Front Panels on top, aligning shoulder seams. Seam shoulders using mattress stitch or whipstitch.
- Fold sleeves in half lengthwise and align center of sleeve cap with shoulder seam. Sew sleeve in place along armhole curve.
- Seam side edges of front and back panels together, and seam sleeve undersides from cuff to underarm.
- Button Band & Collar: Join yarn at bottom right front corner. Work an even row of sc up the right front edge, evenly spaced around the back neckline, and down the left front edge. Work 3 more rows of ribbing (alternating fpdc and bpdc) to create a sturdy button band. On the buttonhole band side (typically right side for women’s wear), create buttonholes by ch 2, skipping 2 sts at regular intervals spaced 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Securely sew dark walnut buttons opposite each buttonhole. Weave in all loose ends.
Size Customization Tips
- To size up: Add multiples of 8 stitches to your foundation chain for the body panels to expand the bust circumference by approximately 2 inches (5 cm) per increment.
- To size down: Subtract multiples of 8 stitches from your foundation chain to decrease the overall bust width proportionally.
- To adjust length: Add or subtract complete 4-row repeats of the waffle stitch sequence before starting the armhole shaping.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild wool-safe detergent.
- Do not bleach or wring.
- Gently press out excess water in a clean towel.
- Lay flat on a blocking mat, reshaping to exact finished measurements, and allow to air dry completely away from direct sunlight.
Thank you so much for crafting along with me today! I hope your new cranberry cardigan brings warmth and joy to your handmade wardrobe. If you make one, please share your photos on Instagram and tag me, save this project to your favorite board on Pinterest, and drop a comment below to let me know how your project turned out!