The Pattern

V-Stitch Summer Cardigan in soft white cotton yarn, styled with a tie front
Free Video Tutorial by MJ's Off The Hook Designs

V-Stitch Summer Cardigan

This cardigan from MJ's Off The Hook Designs is built around a simple, airy V-stitch that works up quickly and keeps the fabric light enough for warm weather. The pattern comes in two versions, a chic three-quarter sleeve tie front cardigan and a longer variation with full length sleeves and a ribbed edge, so you can pick the look that fits your wardrobe.

It is written in sizes XS through 5X, with bust measurements from 28 inches all the way to 62 inches, which makes it one of the more size inclusive garment patterns you will find for free. The full walkthrough lives on YouTube, so you can follow along at your own pace with the video paused on your lap.

Ready to start?

This free video tutorial is by MJ's Off The Hook Designs. The full walkthrough, sizing chart, and yarn details are all on their YouTube video.

Watch the Free Tutorial →

What You'll Need

The materials list is simple, but the yardage depends on the version and size you choose.

  • Yarn WeCrochet Comfy Fingering (weight 1), 75% Pima Cotton and 25% Acrylic. The sample is shown in White and Ivory. Any fingering weight cotton or cotton blend should substitute well.
  • Yardage (3/4 sleeve version) 790 to 1,400 yards depending on size. That works out to about 4 to 7 balls of the recommended yarn.
  • Yardage (long sleeve version) 1,350 to 2,300 yards depending on size. Plan for 7 to 11 balls of the recommended yarn.
  • Hooks US E/4 (3.5mm) and US G+/7 (4.5mm). Both hooks are needed, one for the body and one for the ribbing or edging sections.
  • Notions Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape, and stitch markers. The basics you likely already have in your project bag.
  • Blocking supplies Four to six 24 by 24 inch blocking mats, blocking pins, and wool wash. Blocking makes a real difference on a drapey summer garment like this one.

Tips Before You Start

A few things worth knowing before you cast on.

1

Measure your bust and pick your size before you buy yarn

Yardage jumps significantly between sizes and between the two sleeve lengths. Use the sizing chart in the video to pick your size first, then buy yarn for that specific version. Always grab one extra ball beyond the estimate to avoid dye lot headaches later.

2

Swatch your V-stitch before committing

The V-stitch can look very different depending on your tension, and it is the foundation of the whole cardigan. Make a small swatch with both hook sizes and check that the gauge matches the pattern. A loose V-stitch will make the cardigan drape longer than the sample.

3

Keep track of your hook changes

The pattern uses two different hooks, the 3.5mm for some sections and the 4.5mm for others. Place a sticky note or stitch marker at each transition point as you follow along with the video so you do not accidentally work a whole panel with the wrong hook.

4

Pick a cotton or cotton blend if you substitute yarn

The sample uses a cotton and acrylic blend for a reason. Cotton has the drape and breathability you want for a summer cardigan, while pure acrylic can feel warm and plasticky in hot weather. Look for a fingering weight cotton blend if you want to swap yarn.

5

Do not skip the blocking step

The materials list calls for four to six large blocking mats, wool wash, and pins for a reason. V-stitch fabric opens up beautifully when blocked and the drape improves dramatically. Wet block the finished cardigan on mats, pin to the measurements in the pattern, and let it dry fully before wearing.