Crochet is my favorite way to celebrate the seasons, and the “Hint of Summer” cardigan is a perfect project to welcome the warmth and breezy days ahead. Designed by Rachel Goulding of Little Miss Drop Stitch, this pattern blends simplicity with versatility. Whether you’re strolling by the pool, attending a summer festival, or layering up for autumn, this lightweight cardigan is a must-make addition to your wardrobe.
This project not only invites creativity with its customizable size and style but also doubles as a stash-buster, allowing you to make use of leftover yarn in the most beautiful way. Let’s dive into the details of this timeless crochet piece!
What Makes the ‘Hint of Summer’ Special?
This cardigan is crafted from a single, large granny square, making it a straightforward and beginner-friendly project. Its seamless design is both stylish and practical, with airy stitches that suit warm weather but can easily be adapted for cooler seasons by using thicker yarn.
The pattern encourages personalization: you can adjust the fit, add decorative tassels, or play with color combinations to create your unique look. With simple stitches and a meditative rhythm, this project is as relaxing to make as it is rewarding to wear.
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beautiful cardigan to life:
Yarn
- Main Body: Scheepjes Whirl in shade 560 Jade Jimjam (~1000m/220g for a size small-medium).
- Sleeves: Scheepjes Whirlette in shade 879 Spearmint (~225m/50g for closer-fitting sleeves).
- Border: Scheepjes Whirlette in shade 856 Mint (~15g/70m for the border).
Tools
- Crochet Hook: Use a size that suits your chosen yarn. For the sample, a 3.5mm hook was used with 4-ply yarn.
- Wool Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Marker or Spare Yarn: To mark sleeve positions.
Before You Begin: Preparation Tips
- Gauge Matters: Work a test swatch to ensure your stitches match the intended drape and size of the cardigan.
- Understand UK Terms: The pattern uses UK terminology. Convert treble crochet (tr) to US double crochet (dc) and double crochet (dc) to US single crochet (sc) if needed.
- Choose Your Style: Decide on a close-fitting or baggy design before starting, as this will affect the size of your granny square.
- Watch the Tutorials: Rachel has provided helpful video guides on YouTube for techniques like creating a granny square and double crochet stitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of the steps to make the “Hint of Summer” cardigan. For detailed visuals, follow the linked tutorial below.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Crafting Your Granny Square
The foundation of this cardigan is a large granny square. Start by crocheting rounds until the square reaches your desired size. This will serve as the main body of your cardigan. Keep in mind the intended fit—baggy for a relaxed look or more tailored for a snug feel.
Assembling the Cardigan
Once your granny square is complete, follow these steps:
Side Seams
- Fold the square and mark the sleeve openings.
- Use slip stitches (sl-st) along the sides to create seams, leaving room for the sleeves.
Sleeves
- Work in rounds of double crochet (dc) stitches around the sleeve openings, adding chain stitches under the arms for comfort if needed.
- Continue until the sleeves reach your desired length.
Border
- Crochet a border in rounds of double crochet stitches, starting at the neckline or bottom center.
- Add as many rows as you like for a wider or more defined edge.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Symmetry is Key: When creating sleeves and borders, count your stitches to ensure both sides match.
- Tidy Ends: Use a wool needle to weave in ends neatly on the wrong side of the fabric.
- Test the Fit: Try on the cardigan at each stage to adjust as needed, especially for the sleeves and side seams.
- Add Flair: Customize your cardigan with embellishments like tassels, beads, or decorative buttons.
Share Your Work and Stay Connected
Your finished cardigan is not just a piece of clothing but a testament to your creativity and craftsmanship. Share your “Hint of Summer” cardigan with the Little Miss Drop Stitch community on Instagram, Ravelry, or TikTok. Don’t forget to tag @littlemissdropstitch so your beautiful work can inspire others!
For more free patterns and tutorials, support Rachel Goulding by subscribing to her YouTube channel and following her on social media. Your engagement helps her create more amazing designs for the crochet community.
Embrace the Season with Style
The “Hint of Summer” cardigan is more than just a crochet project—it’s an opportunity to create something personal, functional, and utterly charming. With its simple construction and endless possibilities for customization, this cardigan is a joy to make and wear.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, attending a festival, or layering up for cooler days, this cardigan will remind you of the warmth and creativity of summer. So grab your yarn, and let’s make something beautiful together!
