Summary
Highlights
The video starts with the creator trying on the finished top, expressing relief that it turned out well. She introduces herself and highlights that the top is made to measure, allowing for perfect customization. She emphasizes the importance of watching demonstrations and explanations for customization, catering to beginners and intermediate crocheters. The video also mentions a written pattern is available in the description. The creator recommends using a 3, 3.5, or 4 mm hook with medium-weight acrylic yarn, noting she used 250-300g of yarn as a size small. She also shows off the customizable bow tie feature of the top.
The tutorial outlines three key measurements: shoulder width (A), desired cardigan length (B), and shoulder part length (C). The construction process is broken down: first, making the back panel as a large square, then adding small curved shoulder sections, followed by two front panels with a gradual slope, and finally, attaching sleeves. The video explains that the final step involves creating a long string for the bow tie that can be inserted into the mesh.
A gauge swatch is crucial for accurate measurements. The creator demonstrates how to make a slip knot and perform a foundation single crochet (FSC). This technique combines chaining and single crocheting into one step, making the base less tight. She emphasizes making the second loop loose and continues demonstrating until the FSC measures about 6 inches long (for her, 27 FSCs).
The next step is to crochet rows of mesh stitches. To start a new row, chain six, turn your work, skip two stitches, and single crochet into the third stitch. The pattern continues by chaining five, skipping two stitches, and single crocheting into the third. It's important that the initial number of foundation single crochets is a multiple of three. The creator recommends continuing this pattern for 5-6 more rows for a more accurate gauge measurement.
The video explains how to calculate the number of mesh stitches for the back panel based on shoulder measurement (A). Divide measurement A by four, then multiply that by how many mesh stitches fit in 4 inches of your gauge swatch. Round this number to the nearest whole number to get the total mesh stitches per row for your back panel. To get the number of foundation single crochets, multiply this by three. The back panel will then be crocheted to measurement B in length.
The tutorial moves on to forming the shoulder and front panels directly from the back panel. Measurement C determines the width of the shoulder part, which will be 3.5-4 inches long (9-10 rows). The creator demonstrates how to attach new yarn if working on the second side of the front panel. It then explains how to create the sloped front panel by selectively adding increases. The number of increases and rows is determined by dividing the back panel's total rows and mesh stitches in half. Increases are made by chaining five and placing two single crochets into the same mesh stitch at the beginning of a row, always on the inside edge of the cardigan.
After completing the increasing section to create the slope, the rest of the front panel is crocheted straight without increases until it matches the back panel's length. The creator demonstrates how her work looks with the shoulder rows and the sloped front panel. Once both front panels are complete, the side seams are joined, leaving a space for the armholes (e.g., 6.5 inches). Two joining methods are shown: slip stitching or sewing with a needle, emphasizing not to pull too tight to avoid bunching and ensuring stitches align.
Sleeves are crocheted directly from the armhole. The total number of mesh stitches around the armhole determines the stitch count for each sleeve round, with no increasing or decreasing for straight sleeves. The pattern is worked in rounds by chaining five, single crocheting into the next mesh stitch, and marking the first stitch of each round. To end a round, slip stitch into the first chain of the initial mesh stitch. To start a new round, turn the work, slip stitch into the mesh stitch, and chain five. This process is repeated for the desired sleeve length.
The tutorial concludes with adding a single crochet border around the sleeve opening for a neater finish. Four single crochets are placed into each mesh stitch, and one into the single crochet stitch. Finally, a single crochet border is added around the entire cardigan edge, ensuring two or three single crochets are placed into each mesh stitch depending on the desired flatness. The ties are made by chaining a long length (26-30 inches) and then slip stitching into the back bumps of the chains to create a sturdy cord, which can then be inserted through the mesh for a customizable bow.