It’s Just Not Cricket

Who doesn’t love a classic cabled sweater? Especially one you can crochet yourself!

This classic v-neck pullover will have you yearning for the sound of leather on willow and looking for the orange segments at tea. It’s a gender neutral design and, for the warmer climbs, it comes with a sweater-vest / tank top variation.

You can read the full story behind what inspired this design here, as well as learning what is involved in designing a garment like this

When the idea for this sweater came to me, I thought that there must be lots of similar cabled crochet sweater designs out there already. But it turns out, there really isn’t. So I decided to go for it.

As I started to design this sweater, I realised why. Getting crochet cables ‘right’ within a garment design is hard!!

I persevered and after 6 months (with a bit of a time out half way through!), It’s Just Not Cricket is here!

You can purchase the PDF Pattern from Ravelry, Etsy or Love Crafts Crochet.

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

A note to mention: I am left handed so, whilst it will not impact the pattern, if you are right handed, the slanted ‘breaks’ between the cables with point in the other direction!!

Skills Needed

This is an intermediate pattern suited to experienced crocheters or adventurers. Whilst no single aspect is that complex on it’s own, there is a lot going on.

You’ll need to use increases and decreases, chainless foundation rows (though a modification is given for these), slip stitching and working in the front and back loops only.

The cable design is created using front post (UK raised front) stitches.

The sweater uses a drop shoulder design, constructed by making flat panels which are seamed together.

The neckline, hem and cuffs are added to finish. There are some photo guides in the pattern illustrating this construction too.

The pattern includes a link to a video demonstration of the swatch which explains the pattern repeat and includes some additional tips.

The pattern is written in English using US standard crochet terms

Sizing

The pattern is written in 8 sizes to fit chest sizes from 71-147cm, that translates to standard women’s sizes XS – 4X or men’s sizes XS – 3X.

Whilst the pattern is designed based on women’s standard body measurements, it is a gender neutral design. Additional guidance is given within the pattern to adjust to fit.

A full schematic of the sweater and each of the panels is included to help you in choosing your body and sleeve sizes.

The sweater pictured is a size small and the vest is a medium, both worn by me, UK 8-10 (US 4-6), 5ft 2 in.

Materials

You will need 1200-2200m of double knit yarn, depending on which size you choos).

The pullover pictured uses Stylecraft Life DK in Cream, for the main colour and Stylecraft Special DK in Kelly Green for the contrast.

If you are making the tank top / vest variation, you’ll only need around two thirds the amount of yarn used for the jumper. The tank top you see here uses Deramores Studio Baby DK in Sapphire and Lollipop (no longer available).

The majority of the sweater is made using a 4mm crochet hook, or size needed to meet gauge. A larger (5mm) hook is used for the neckline, cuff and hem.

I used a Clover Amour Crochet Hook for this project – one of my favourites – learn more about different crochet hooks here.

Yarn substitutions

I’ve already had a lot of people ask about making this in cotton. I made the first swatch for this sweater using cotton, but I wasn’t keen on the stitch definition so switched to a wool / acrylic mix which I much preferred. However, now the design is complete, I think it could work well, though I have not tried it.

I think that the vest in particular would lend itself to a cotton yarn. I always worry about the weight of cotton in long sleeve garments (which is why I think the vest would work better). But if cotton is your thing then give it a try!

If you want to learn more about substitution yarns, this post may help!

You can download the full PDF from Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts Crochet now!

I hope you enjoy this sweater, weather you make it as a vest or long sleeve jumper (or, like me, both!!), I believe this design is a wardrobe staple that will serve you for years to come!

Sharing your finished makes

I love seeing your finished makes – it gives me all the happy feels!

Here’s how you can share them on social media, if that’s your cup of tea!

• On Instagram, you can use the hashtag #DoraDoes or just tag me @doraexplored
• You can tweet me your pictures, or add them to my Facebook page
• If you have the bug for creating garments, why not join my dedicated facebook group “My Crochet Wardrobe” and share them there?
• If Pinterest is your happy place, you can add them there too – check out my Pinterest account for lots more crochet inspiration from makers across the web!

Happy Hooking, I’m off to the wicket!!!

Dx

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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.