Any Yarn Will Do: A top-down raglan crochet cardigan pattern
After the success of the Any Yarn Will Do Crochet Sweater pattern, I am thrilled to introduce its sibling; the Any Yarn Will Do Crochet Cardigan pattern.
The Any Yarn Will Do (AYWD) crochet cardigan is made top-down using a seamless raglan construction, with a gentle v-neck and the option to add buttons.
If the term raglan is new to you, you can check out this post which discusses common types of crochet garment construction styles.
The pattern is written for 5 gauge measurements which relate to the 5 most commonly used yarn weight categories. In other words… you can crochet it in any of the following 5 yarn weights;
- 4ply / fingering / sock weight
- Double knit
- Aran / worsted weight
- Chunky / Bulky
- Super Chunky
Purchase the any yarn will do cardigan pattern from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts
You can learn more about the AYWD concept in this blog post which discusses the original sweater pattern the concept was created for.
The samples pictured are not only made in different yarn weights, but I intentionally chose a variety of fibres too so you can see the incredible flexibility and potential this pattern offers.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link to a product and go on to make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More than your average crochet pattern
This pattern not only includes instructions for each of the yarn weights in 7 sizes from XS – 3XL, but it contains a huge amount of supporting information, tips and guides to ensure you make a success of your cardigan.
On top of the comprehensive pattern notes, stitch explanations and clear instructions you may be used to seeing in a typical Dora Does crochet pattern, you’ll also find:
- Tips for swatching and adjusting your gauge
- Guidance on choosing the right size for you (including detailed sizing of each yarn weight option)
- Tips for crocheting the yoke and using stitch markers (read this post if you’re unsure about yokes!)
- A photo tutorial showing how to split the yoke – you may also find this post on tips for crocheting top down seamless garments helpful
- Tips for creating the sleeves (including a photo tutorial for avoiding gaps at the underarms)
- Two options to choose from for the button band, hem and cuffs
- A photo guide to creating button holes
- Guidance for adjusting for a custom fit
Skills Used
The pattern is written with beginner garment makers in mind. For many of my testers, this was the first garment they had attempted. This is why I have included all the supporting information.
The pattern will guide you through each step to successfully create a crochet cardigan you will love wear with pride.
For more experienced crocheters, this will be a relatively simple and relaxing make, where I hope I can teach you a new trick or two.
The layout was designed to make it easy just print out the relevant pattern instructions you need, leaving all the guides and tutorials in digital form.
The pattern uses basic increases and decreases, working in rows and in turned rounds, and using stitch markers for the yoke section.
The cardigan is made using the extended single crochet stitch (UK extended double crochet). A full written explanation is included in the pattern and you can also find a full tutorial here.
The garment may require some light blocking at the end, but this will largely depend on the fibre you choose and your crochet style.
Gauge
The gauge for each yarn weight category is listed in the pattern.
I implore you to make a gauge swatch for this pattern so you can follow the instructions which most closely meet your gauge (not just your yarn weight category).
I have even included extra information in the pattern about how to adjust your gauge if your first swatch does not match gauge.
If you’ve never made a gauge / tension swatch before, you can learn all about how to do so here. It’s really not as intimidating as you may think!
The sizing of each pattern is based on matching gauge, so it’s really important to bear this in mind if you want your cardigan to fit.
I also encourage you to wash and block your swatch so you can see if your fabric grows with wear and therefore if you want to adjust your hook size or gauge option to match.
As well as the yarn used in the samples pictured, the materials section below details the hook sizes I used to achieve gauge, but, depending on your crochet style, you can change your hook size to meet the required tension.
The pattern offers some guidance on how to adjust your tension.
Sizing
The pattern is written for women’s standard sizes XS – 3XL, though it is a gender neutral design.
There is slight variation in sizing between yarn weight options, but the finished chest measurements are approximately as follows: XS: 88cm, S: 99cm, M: 109cm, L: 118cm, 1X: 130cm, 2X: 140cm, 3X: 152cm
The cardigan is designed to be a relaxed fit around the body, giving around 15-20cm of positive ease (that is 15-20cm larger than the body it’s intended to fit), with closer fitting sleeves.
The pattern contains detailed guidance and suggestions for making adjustments for a custom fit.
The length of the cardigan matches the AYWD sweater, but I encourage you to work the cardigan to a length that works for you, by simply working a different number or rows in the body. As you can see from the samples pictured, it looks great cropped or over the bum.
A few inches here or there on a cardigan based on your own body shape can make all the difference to the finished look, so it’s definitely one to personalise.
How to purchase a Dora Does crochet pattern:
I sell my PDF crochet patterns in my Etsy, Ravelry and Love Crafts stores. You can purchase this pattern on any of these platforms, depending on your preference. Simply click the relevant links throughout this pattern page to be taken to the listing, or visit the store homepages in the links at the start of this paragraph.
Materials
The pattern really does what it says on the tin in that you can use pretty much any yarn.
This makes it a great stash busting project. Indeed many of the samples you see here (the Chunky and the 4ply specifically) were made with yarn from my stash.
The AYWD cardigan is designed to accommodate yarn weights from 4ply / fingering weight up to super chunky/bulky yarn and everything in between.
But remember, matching gauge matters more than matching yarn weight class. If yarn weights are something that makes you pull a puzzled face then you may want to check out this article which explains yarn weights from the beginning.
You can find additional guidance on how to choose yarn for your project here.
I found that the cardigan used about 10-15% more yarn than its sweater counterpart because of the button band and hem.
Below are the yarns and hook sizes I used in the samples you see pictured. These include affiliate links.
I have included an approximate meterage requirement which will vary with the size chosen and modifcations made. The pattern itself includes approximate meterage broken down by size.
4ply / Fingering / Sock (US 2)
Hook: 4mm crochet hook
Yarn: Scheepjes Bamboo Soft, Fingering weight, 50% bamboo, 50% cotton. 50g ball – 150m / 164yds
Shades: Smoky Diamond (263), Hot Berry (262), Real Orange (261), Golden Nugget (260), Mighty Spruce (254), Celestial Blue (255), Blue Opal (S253), Royal Purple (252), Decadent Plum (250)
Quantity: 1200-2060m
Double Knit (US 3)
Hook: 4.5mm crochet hook
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab DK, 100% Wool. 100g ball = 225m / 248yds
Shade: Bottle Green (363)
Quantity: 1060-1850m
Worsted / Aran (US 4)
Hook: 5.5mm crochet hook
Yarn: Sirdar Saltaire, Aran, 55% Acrylic 25% Nylon, 20% Alpaca. 50g ball = 130m / 142yds
Shade: Otter (302)
Quantity: 900-1580m
Chunky (US 5)
Hook: 7mm crochet hook
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, 100% Acrylic. 100g = 136m / 149yds
Shades: Mustard Yellow (323), Lipstick Pink (351), Paper White (300)
Quantity: 740-1290m
Super Chunky (US 6)
Hook: 12mm crochet hook
Yarn: Wool Couture Cheeky Chunky, 100% Merino Wool. 200g hank = 130m / 143yds
Shade: Baby Pink, Red
Quantity: 480-790m
I think that’s all you need to know to get started, but any questions, just drop me a comment!
Buy the Any Yarn Will Do Cardigan Pattern now from Ravelry, Love Crafts or Etsy
I hope you enjoy crocheting this cardigan and look forward to seeing your makes. If you like to share your work on instagram, I’d love it if you could use the #anyyarnwilldo or tag me @doraexplored so I can see and share your efforts.
Happy Hooking!
Dx
Copyright Dora Does Limited, Registered in England, Company Number 13992263. This pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared or reproduced in written, photo, video or any other form without prior written consent. All rights reserved. Terms of service.
This is a crazy good pattern. I’m about half way through with my first go and I can see myself making it over and over in different weights and colors etc. Can’t wait to do the Any Yarn Will Do sweater too. There is so much information in this pattern that I’m sure having read it all and pondered everything, it will help me as I go on to make garments using other patterns as well.
I only have one thing that I question, and I guess it’s a design choice and can also be changed by the maker but I’ve never seen an open front garment, pattern or store bought, where the button band is worked before the hem stitches, whether there is ribbing or other hem stitches. I feel like the button band should go all the way to the bottom edge of the garment for an unbroken line down the front.
Anyway, thanks for a wonderfully written pattern and all the design expertise that went into it.
Thanks for the lovely words and thoughtful feedback. It’s super simple to customise this pattern so you can switch round the hem and button band order if you prefer. 🙂
Love, Love this sweater!
Thanks 😊
Hi – I’ve just purchased the pattern through Raverly & wanted to compliment you on a beautifully written pattern! Pretty sure every question & contingency is covered 🙂 Thank you for helping a learner pattern reader out!!
Thank you so much for the additional feedback. This was exactly my intention with this pattern so I’m so happy to hear this! Happy hooking! 😊
I purchased the AYWD pattern in April and just started the sleeves on the chunky size medium, I’m having trouble with stitch count and color. I’m wondering if there were any changes to pattern count or color that I am missing?
Hi there, If you from me an email to the help address on the front page of the pattern, with details of what stitch count you get vs the pattern then I should be able to help you out. (There was a change in the stitch count tables just after release but I think that was related to the aran version if memory serves (and depending on where you bought your pattern it should all be up to date). I’m not quite sure what by mean by the colour issues though as I don’t specify colour ways in the pattern, but please do elaborate in your email and I’ll be happy to help you out.
Dora
Love the idea of this garment! I hope different STITCHES can be used also??
Well, there’s one way for me to find out… I’m putting the AYWD pattern in my shopping cart to check it out 🙂
Thank you! The design is created based on the gauge with the extended single crochet. If you substitute with a stitch that works to the same gauge / tension then it may work out fine. But if it’s taller or shorter or wider or narrower then the sizing will be quite different.
Gorgeous design!!! Congratulations!! I love the flexibility and creativity of your pattern, can’t wait to give it a try. My stash won’t bust itself. 🙂
Haha, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy crocheting your stash into something wearable!! Happy hooking!
Oh well done you, Michelle !! Brilliant !
It’ll be the aran for me: for some reason it looks the warmest. No, don’t ask ! 😀
And don’t forget that down here we’ve just turned into winter, so I am, like, DRIVEN ..
You work so hard, and with such results. As well, yours is the most helpful site there is: no-one else comes even close to your output on how to do stuff.
You should be very, very chuffed; and I hope you are !
M.R.
Ahh, thank you so much! The aran version has some alpaca in the yarn so gives it that slightly fluffy cosy look. I even put some guidance in the adjustment section about creating increases after the yoke, for those who like their cardigans more a-line! 🙂