Summary
Highlights
The mesh pattern starts by double crocheting into the 10th chain from the hook. To continue, chain three, skip three chains, and double crochet into the fourth chain, repeating across the row. Each completed mesh space is formed by these steps. To start a new row, chain six (three for double crochet, three for the mesh space), turn your work, and double crochet into the first mesh space from the previous row. This creates a continuous mesh.
Begin by making a slip knot and creating a foundation chain that determines the panel's width. The chain count must be a multiple of four plus ten extra chains. For the back panel, chain enough to span shoulder to shoulder, plus a bit extra. Front panels should be half the back's width, and sleeves should fit comfortably around the widest part of the arm. The tutorial demonstrates making a front panel with 13 mesh spaces, starting with 48 chains plus 10 extra.
The video includes a sponsorship segment for Craftsy, an online resource for various creative classes like crocheting. After this, the creator notes their back panel was 26 mesh spaces wide and 41 rows long. Front panels need to match this row count to align correctly.
This video provides a step-by-step guide to crocheting a customizable mesh cardigan, suitable for beginners. The cardigan is made from five panels (two front, one back, two sleeves) which are sewn together. Key materials include about 210g of Baby Merino yarn (or any yarn), a 4mm crochet hook, scissors, a tapestry needle, and optional stitch markers.
To create the V-neck shape on the front panels, begin by continuing the mesh pattern as normal. After creating two mesh spaces on a new row, chain three, skip the next mesh space, and double crochet into the one after that. This decreases the mesh count by one. A stitch marker is recommended to track decreases, which are typically done every other row to maintain a gradual V-neck.
For sleeves, the creator started with 26 mesh spaces and crocheted 32 straight rows before shaping. To taper the sleeve towards the wrist, decreases are used, ensuring they are alternated evenly on both sides for balance. To increase for wider sleeves, create three mesh spaces, then chain three and place a double crochet into the same mesh space as before, adding an extra mesh space.
Once all five panels are complete, it's time to sew them together. First, attach the front panels to the back panel at the top edges using a tapestry needle, aligning the mesh spaces. Then, attach the sleeve panels to the sides of the body panels, centering them at the shoulder seam. Finally, fold the cardigan in half (seams on the outside) and sew along the sides of the body and sleeves, connecting them.
To add the ties, choose a placement (e.g., between rows 25 and 26 before the V-neck). Use the foundation single crochet method to create the ties directly onto the cardigan. This involves making both the chain and single crochet stitch simultaneously. Insert the hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through one loop for the chain, then yarn over and pull through two for the single crochet. Repeat until the tie is the desired length, then fasten off.