The Elizabeth Cardigan – Crochet Along (CAL) – Free Crochet Pattern

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March 13, 2018 Ashlea 97 Comments

I’ve been holding my breath for a couple of weeks now, trying to decide if and when I should start my very first crochet along (CAL). Truth be told I’ve never actually participated in a CAL myself so I decided to jump in feet first with my NEWEST design which I am calling The Elizabeth Cardigan.

Scroll down to see the VIDEO tutorial.

The Elizabeth Cardigan – Crochet Along (CAL)

I decided to name this beauty The Elizabeth Cardigan because that is the stitch we’ll use. This stitch is also called the Mini Bean stitch, but I think the name “Elizabeth” really jazzes things up, don’t you think? I mean really, could you imagine sporting a “Mini Bean” Cardigan?! Ha!

I have designed this cardigan to be customizable for many body types. I’ve done this with some of my others patterns, such as the Cold Shoulder Coverup that was such a hit last summer (let’s bring that back around, mmmkay?) and as in the Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy pullover and the Four-Hour Fall Sweater. If you’ve made any of those designs – and even if you haven’t! – you can make this slouchy cardigan! All we need are a few body measurements, worsted weight yarn, and a 6mm hook!

Elizabeth Cardigan CAL Yarn Suggestions

Because this is a “slouchy” cardigan and we are not constructing shoulders, the fabric along the shoulder area will naturally pull and stretch. The yarn needed for this cardigan has more to do with the hook size and weave than the yarn itself. You could use anything from Big Twist, Red Heart, I Love This Yarn, to Mandala, Caron Cakes, a nice cotton yarn, or a DK/baby weight yarn!

I am using about 1500 yards for the “large” size and I believe that most sizes will be similar in yardage. The change in yardage will come into play most if you are taller than 5’9″ or shorter than 5’5″. Of course, as always I am available to answer any questions you may have before we start!

How a Crochet Along Works

The point of a crochet along (CAL) is to release portions of the pattern at a time, so that we are all “crocheting along” with one another as we make our cardigans. You’ll start part 1 when it is released, then part 2, part 3, etc. How fun is that?!

There will be FOUR parts to this CAL:

Part 1: Released on 3/15 – here
Part 2: Released on 3/22 – here
Part 3 & 4: Released on 3/29 here

I thought this CAL would be perfect to get our feet wet (for those of us that have never done a CAL) because of the way I need to explain each portion. There is a reason we are doing the back the way we are, and a reason we are doing different heights for different sizes. Because of this it is imperative that you read the entire text accompanying each of the parts!

Part ONE can be found here, part TWO can be found here, and parts THREE and FOUR can be found here. If you need to learn how to crochet the Mini Bean (Elizabeth) stitch, I have a BRAND NEW tutorial for that here. I’m excited!

VIDEO Tutorial

Comments

Maria Carr says
March 21, 2019 at 11:35 am

Hi Ashlea, I started the Elizabeth cardigan using #3 weight yarn bee yarn. i chose a J hook to start. The stitches are small, but coming along. it seems like the fabric is curling a bit, but when stretched it's fine. My question is when i am measuring the crocheted fabric, I'm assuming I do't stretch it to take measurements?? Please help. I'm getting close to creating the first armhole. I can send pictures if you need me to.

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Paula says
December 12, 2018 at 9:38 pm

Where can i find the chart for sizing??

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- Heart Hook Home says
  December 13, 2018 at 10:20 am
  
  Hi Paula! You can find those on the Part 1 post, which can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/the-elizabeth-cardigan-cal-part-1/
  
  Reply
Audra says
December 5, 2018 at 5:48 am

Love this sweater! I can’t wait to make it. I know you said you can use any yarn. I really like the way yours hangs and the color. Can you tell me what brand and color yarn you used?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  December 5, 2018 at 9:13 am
  
  Hi Audra! I used I Love This Yarn in Sungold.
  
  Reply
Kendra says
December 2, 2018 at 1:03 pm

Hi! I love this pattern. I started and had to frog bc of sizing issues but I am determined to get it! Lol. But I'd love to know what kind of yarn you used to make yours. Thank you!

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Becky says
September 28, 2018 at 10:13 pm

Hello!! I'm just beginning part 2 just past the arm holes and it is looking quite wavy will this work out ? Thank you for videos :)

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Di says
September 27, 2018 at 4:19 pm

Is the entire pattern available in one place? I am having trouble trying to find the pattern to print. Can you please point me in the right direction? Thanks.

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- Heart Hook Home says
  September 30, 2018 at 6:00 pm
  
  Hi Di! The ad-free printable version can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elizabeth-cardigan-2
  
  Reply
Jacquelyn Kay says
September 2, 2018 at 10:17 pm

I just started this the other day. Finally on to part 2, and I just want to say you explain things so clearly and your patterns are always so easy to follow! I also love that you made the cardigan for the bear! That video really helped :) can't wait to finish this!

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Shawna Blimkie says
July 24, 2018 at 8:26 pm

Hi there, I am just checking out your CAL and I was wondering if I have to buy the pattern. I want to start tonight but I couldnt find the gauge swatch count. Where do I find that? Thank you for this video, you are a great instructor and I cant wait to actually make this!

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- Heart Hook Home says
  July 24, 2018 at 10:11 pm
  
  Hi Shawna! No purchase necessary for this pattern...each part is free on my blog. If you would like to purchase the ad-free pdf version, it is available through ravelry. As for the gauge swatch, there isn't one for this pattern. This is a completely customizable piece and is worked to certain measurement, rather than certain stitch counts and rows. Hope that helps!
  
  Reply
  - Shawna says
    July 25, 2018 at 11:03 am
    
    Thank you for your promp response, now I can go get my yarn. I am 5’10 and am excited about crocheting my first sweater that will be easy to customize. I am also interested in making socks, but I’m such a slow knitter that I might never get a pair done! Thanks again!
    
    Reply
  - Joanne Engle says
    January 27, 2019 at 6:01 pm
    
    Hey Ashley can you direct me back t the free pattern I want to make another since my sister claimed mine lol
    
    Reply
    - Heart Hook Home says
      January 29, 2019 at 9:26 am
      
      Hi Joanne! Here is the link to part 1 of the cardigan: https://hearthookhome.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
      
      Reply
AMY says
June 21, 2018 at 7:16 pm

How come my mini beans look funny on the back? I have a part of the stitch stick out, like it's to loose or something. Help Please, I really want to make this. Thank you so much

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- Ashlea says
  June 27, 2018 at 10:43 am
  
  Hi Amy! Are you still having an issue? If so, could you email me a photo of your work so I can see? Thanks!
  
  Reply
  - Amy says
    September 27, 2018 at 1:22 am
    
    Thank you so much for getting back with me. I watched your video a couple more times, really carefully. I think I was doing it to loose. They look a lot better now. Also I was doing yarn over before going in the stitch. I need to pay better attention lol. I do have another question though. I want to make one for my sister, but she is a tiny thing , she is a small. Where could I find those measurements? Also, I so appreciate the bigger sizes. I am huge. Made it so nice. I wish I was a peanut like my sister. Lol
    
    Reply
Sandra Vaughn says
April 17, 2018 at 9:47 pm

I have 51 beans. Does it matter? I'm three rows in.

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- Heart Hook Home says
  April 18, 2018 at 10:27 am
  
  Hi Sandra! No, it doesn't really matter.
  
  Reply
Iris van Meer says
April 3, 2018 at 2:26 am

Hi there! I love the Elizabeth :D Could I maybe make a Dutch translation of it? Many Dutch people have difficulty reading English patterns, so I try and translate as many as I can (crochet) for the community :) I'd love to add some sweaters! Kind regards, Iris van Meer

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Julie says
March 21, 2018 at 5:34 pm

Hi, is there any way to start this with just a regular chain? Thank you

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 22, 2018 at 11:35 am
  
  Yes, you can chain in multiples of 2+1 then mini bean in the the 3rd chain from hook, skip one chain, mini bean in next...repeat across. A general guideline of how many chains to start with would be: 91 ch. for 30", 101 ch. for 33", and 111 ch. for 36". Once you get a few rows in, measure your piece to make sure it is at your desired length...if too long (or short), you will need to adjust your starting chain accordingly. Hope this helps!
  
  Reply
  - Diane says
    March 23, 2018 at 8:33 pm
    
    Is part 2 available yet? Where do I find it?
    
    Reply
    - Heart Hook Home says
      March 26, 2018 at 10:04 am
      
      Here is the link for Part 2: http://hearthookhome.com/elizabeth-cardigan-cal-part-2/
      
      Reply
Diane says
March 18, 2018 at 9:07 am

Hello! Thank you for doing this...I am a self taught crocheter and have pretty much stuck to blankets/scarves/amigurumi toys. Really excited to make a wearable piece of clothing!

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Carrie H says
March 16, 2018 at 6:18 pm

The gage swatch is killing me. I want to use Simply Soft but I don't want it super holey. If I just went up in pattern size so I could obtain the 30" would it make the placement of armholes off? I mean I can always hold to Joann's and buy big twist tho I'd rather not.

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Livvy says
March 16, 2018 at 4:42 pm

Hey Ashlea! I got through most of the Facebook Live video, but I didn't hear if anyone asked about Caron Jumbo as a possible yarn type.

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Jessica says
March 16, 2018 at 1:42 pm

Can we use I love this yarn please? And with what size hook if so?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 16, 2018 at 6:39 pm
  
  Yes you can. Use whichever hook needed to obtain gauge.
  
  Reply
Mary says
March 15, 2018 at 12:47 pm

Has the pattern been released and where can I find it. Thanks

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Shirley V Yost says
March 15, 2018 at 12:21 pm

Would it be okay to add some stitches to the width? I don't think I crochet tight

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 16, 2018 at 6:30 pm
  
  Hi Shirley, yes you can add stitches to your chain. Depending on how off you are on your gauge, i would say add 10-20 starting chains.
  
  Reply
Shirley V Yost says
March 15, 2018 at 12:18 pm

Hi Ashley I'm having a hard time getting gauge. I went up a size to the k and I still can't get the 4in across. Any suggestions would be helpful

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Beth says
March 15, 2018 at 10:03 am

Ashlea...Thanks for doing this for us !! I am between two sizes would you suggest to go up or down a size ? Thanks !!!

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 16, 2018 at 4:15 pm
  
  Hi Beth! I would say if you need more coverage in the chest area or are on the taller side, then go with the larger size...otherwise go with the smaller. I have added a chart to part 1 to help with how to choose your starting chain.
  
  Reply
Christel says
March 15, 2018 at 9:58 am

It is a lovely cardigan! All the yarns you recommended are acrylic though, while I tend to use natural materials such as merino and alpaca wool.. What would be an alternative to acrylic? Thank you so much for your help, and for the pattern :)

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- Marylin99 says
  March 15, 2018 at 10:46 am
  
  I was thinking the same thing for myself of using something more natural. My thinking is what ever you like best and just factor in the stretch of it I was thinking of some local yarns from the farmers market myself she spins and dyes herself. And it’s getting close to that season here. Good luck on your journey and enjoy.
  
  Reply
  - Christel says
    March 15, 2018 at 1:10 pm
    
    Good luck to you , and I hope you will enjoy it as well! I have enough big merino from Drops in my stash, I will give it a try. It is rather elastic though...
    
    Reply
Mary says
March 15, 2018 at 8:48 am

Where can I find the pattern

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- Päivi says
  March 15, 2018 at 9:07 am
  
  Wondering the same thing... ?
  
  Reply
- Heart Hook Home says
  March 15, 2018 at 9:50 am
  
  Part 1 of the pattern will be out later today (Thursday)! Keep your eyes peeled and your hooks ready!
  
  Reply
- Beth says
  March 15, 2018 at 10:37 am
  
  Pattern isn't out yet...but info on her blog.
  
  Reply
Angela Goosen says
March 14, 2018 at 11:37 pm

My yarn is slightly bigger. I did the gauge and it came to 4 in wide 5 in tall. Can we compensate for this in the pattern or will it get too difficult?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 15, 2018 at 9:54 am
  
  Hi Angela! As long as your gauge width is okay, you should be fine! The gauge height is a little less important as we will be working to measurements, rather than rows. Hope that helps!
  
  Reply
  - Angela Goosen says
    March 16, 2018 at 3:15 am
    
    Thank you
    
    Reply
Lory says
March 14, 2018 at 9:59 pm

I'm going to give it a try.

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Marcia says
March 14, 2018 at 7:59 pm

Can I assume this pattern is not for beginners? ;-) I've been crocheting for some time but have started this hear to actually follow patterns; which, in my eyes, makes me a beginner.

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- Connie says
  March 14, 2018 at 8:12 pm
  
  I think if you go learn the stitch (mini bean) you can make the sweater. CALs offer great help from others who are involved.
  
  Reply
- Heart Hook Home says
  March 15, 2018 at 1:40 pm
  
  Hi Marcia! I think this pattern would be great for beginners! The entire cardigan is done in the mini bean stitch, and it is all worked in one piece. If you need help with the stitch, I have a video tutorial posted here: http://hearthookhome.com/crochet-mini-bean-stitch-elizabeth-stitch-tutorial/ Try the CAL, you might surprise yourself!
  
  Reply
Danielle says
March 14, 2018 at 6:06 pm

Hi Ashlea, What would I need to do if I wanted to use a 5 weight yarn?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 15, 2018 at 1:37 pm
  
  Hi Danielle, if you want to use a chunky yarn, I would go use the recommended hook size for that yarn and use the sizing for the "shorter" size.
  
  Reply
Jean says
March 14, 2018 at 6:35 am

Ashlea, what is the gauge? What hook size did you use?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 10:48 am
  
  Hi Jean! Gauge is 6 mini bean stitches and 11 rows for a 4" square using a J hook.
  
  Reply
  - Cyndi says
    March 15, 2018 at 11:28 am
    
    Ok I have a question. I tested my gauge using a 6mm hook and I measured about 4 1/4”. So I dropped s hook size to a 5.5mm and across I measured bang on, but I was still measuring 4 1/4” in the length. Is this a big deal? Should I be pulling my stitches tighter? Or what do you suggest.
    
    Reply
    - Heart Hook Home says
      March 16, 2018 at 3:59 pm
      
      As long as your width is good, you'll be fine. The height of your gauge isn't as important.
      
      Reply
Pam Rule says
March 13, 2018 at 10:39 pm

This will be my first CA and my first piece of clothing. Will the instructions be available for more than a day or two, because I'm slow and new at this!

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 10:51 am
  
  Hi Pam! Each part of the CAL will stay up on the blog, so you can go at your own pace.
  
  Reply
Tracy says
March 13, 2018 at 10:15 pm

Super excited!! That’s my birthday (3/15) and I’m wanting to make myself a nice sweater that i can wear to work or around the house. This looks perfext.

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Shirley V Yost says
March 13, 2018 at 10:12 pm

I too crochet slow. I may not be able to keep up! Will the pattern be available for long? So that I can finish?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 10:53 am
  
  Hi Shirley! Each part of the CAL will remain up on my blog, so you can go at your own pace.
  
  Reply
Linda says
March 13, 2018 at 9:46 pm

Can't wait

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Ethel says
March 13, 2018 at 8:17 pm

I can't crochet that fast, Ashlea! Will it be OK if it takes me 3x as long as you? Will the instructions be downloadable or will they be up for a couple of days then gone when you post the new instructions? I'm just confused about how this works.

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 10:57 am
  
  Hi Ethel! Don't worry! Each part of the CAL will remain available on my blog...so you can go at your own pace. Once the CAL is over, an ad-free pdf will be available for download through Ravelry.
  
  Reply
Cathy says
March 13, 2018 at 8:10 pm

Omg I can’t wait!! First CAL I’m so excited I’m yarn shopping today!!!!!

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Dawn says
March 13, 2018 at 7:46 pm

I think I need one in every color!!

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- Cathy says
  March 13, 2018 at 8:11 pm
  
  That’s what I was thinking lol
  
  Reply
Jean says
March 13, 2018 at 7:38 pm

This will also be my first CAL. I have done them after the fact but never in real time. I'm looking forward to this one.

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Sheila says
March 13, 2018 at 6:54 pm

I'm so excited! Never done a CAL.. never crocheted a piece of clothing! (Bought the patterns and saved Ashlea's...) so very excited!

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heather says
March 13, 2018 at 3:22 pm

i can not wait i have never done a cal but i have been making lots of your of your patterns i never thought i would be able to make a cardigan tried a couple patterns gave up for a while then came across ashleas and fell in love with all the patterns icant wait to do this i have made the pcc and co ed cardigan and finishing the easy peasy sweater now need to make the blanket cardigan after this lol

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Marion says
March 13, 2018 at 2:13 pm

How do you sign up. I am a 3X

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- Brenda says
  March 13, 2018 at 3:30 pm
  
  I,too, am a 3x and want to purchase my yarn but don't have a clue as to how much. This is my first CAL and I'm excited!
  
  Reply
  - Heart Hook Home says
    March 14, 2018 at 10:59 am
    
    I would estimate you would need 2000-2200 yards.
    
    Reply
- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 11:01 am
  
  Hi Marion! You do not need to sign up...just stay tuned to the blog Thursday for the release of Part 1!
  
  Reply
Laurie-Ann says
March 13, 2018 at 12:10 pm

I am looking forward to finally making something for myself! Thank you. I also wanted to share that those following by your cell phone -i have an android and i have placed the Hearthookhome.com as a page on my main screen so i can go directly to updates as she releases them . You might want to do the same or even on your laptop you can add to your home page for easier access and to remember where to find updates and follow the release schedule.

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Julie Titus says
March 13, 2018 at 11:39 am

I am so happy that you are offering this CAL, just like everyone else I am very excited to get started on this project. This will be my first pattern of this type Julie

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Sherry says
March 13, 2018 at 11:39 am

I have never did A CAL as I crochet too slow andnwpuldnt be able to keep up

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 11:19 am
  
  Don't worry, Sherry! Each part of the CAL will remain on my blog, so "fast" or "slow", everyone can join in on the fun!
  
  Reply
Carlena Bulkley says
March 13, 2018 at 11:36 am

Not sure how this works. Will I receive an email the day/time it's starting?

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 11:23 am
  
  Hi Carlena! Just stay tuned Thursday for the release of Part 1!
  
  Reply
Terry says
March 13, 2018 at 11:21 am

I’ve always ways wanted to do a CAL and this looks like the perfect one to try! Beautiful cardigan! I’m excited!

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Penny says
March 13, 2018 at 11:09 am

I love it yeah

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Betty says
March 13, 2018 at 11:02 am

So excited! Can't wait. My first CAL as well.

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Renee says
March 13, 2018 at 10:56 am

What size(s) will the pattern accommodate? So excited. It's fabulous

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- Heart Hook Home says
  March 14, 2018 at 11:27 am
  
  Hi Renee! I will have sizing for XS-5X!
  
  Reply
Kathy says
March 13, 2018 at 10:48 am

Can’t wait to start on Thursday ♥️

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Cindy says
March 13, 2018 at 10:38 am

I'm excited! Just Hope I don't miss it! It seems like every Thursday something comes up that I'm not able to see you live!Hopefully I'll catch it this week. Thanks so much for you sharing your love of crocheting!

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Betty Capps says
March 13, 2018 at 9:58 am

Personally, I will have to save these CAL in order to finish a current project ( close to being finished for a soon to arrive baby). This will be my first CAL to try. Loving the look of the sweater. Thank you for sharing. I also like using Instagram, besides FB. Will these CAL series be available to us via email?

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Cindy says
March 13, 2018 at 9:48 am

I love your patterns. Can’t wait to make this sweater.

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Teri says
March 13, 2018 at 9:18 am

I literally spent hours last night/into the wee hours looking for a relaxed sweater for myself. This seems like it might be destined! From what I can see from your photo, I love the stitch & the drape of this. I’m curious about the sizing because I’m a 3X. I’ve never made a cardigan for myself. I had almost decided on a “blanket sweater” but I really don’t want a bulky, shapeless thing that makes me look bigger than I am. I’m excited to see how much yarn I’ll need and if I’m actually able to do the sizing adjustments! Fingers crossed!

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Brenda says
March 13, 2018 at 9:10 am

I'm almost finished with my first every adult garment, the PCC Cardigan. Your patterns are amazing and so easy to follow. Thank you for the work and time you invest in these patterns so we can trust they are accurate. I'll be traveling through Wichita soon and was wondering where you purchase your yarns there? Blessings to you and your family.

Reply
Taina says
March 13, 2018 at 9:01 am

This is exciting! I’ve never done a CAL and the Elizabeth Cardigan is truly beautiful!! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to start! Do we sign up to be a part of this CAL?

Reply
- Sarah says
  March 13, 2018 at 10:06 am
  
  Hi Taina! No, you do not need to sign up. Just stay tuned Thursday for the release of Part 1!
  
  Reply

The Elizabeth Cardigan – Crochet Along (CAL)

Elizabeth Cardigan CAL Yarn Suggestions

How a Crochet Along Works

VIDEO Tutorial

Comments

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