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

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98 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.

gold cardigan with shoes and necklace, sunglasses and jeans

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!

The Elizabeth Cardigan CAL

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!

The Elizabeth Crochet Along - free crochet pattern

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

  1. Maria Carr says

    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.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  3. Audra says

    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?
    Reply

  4. Kendra says

    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!
    Reply

  5. Becky says

    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 :)
    Reply

  6. Di says

    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.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Di! The ad-free printable version can be found here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elizabeth-cardigan-2
      Reply

  7. Jacquelyn Kay says

    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!
    Reply

  8. Shawna Blimkie says

    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!
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

        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

        Hey Ashley can you direct me back t the free pattern I want to make another since my sister claimed mine lol
        Reply

  9. AMY says

    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
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      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

        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

  11. Iris van Meer says

    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
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  13. Diane says

    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!
    Reply

  14. Carrie H says

    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.
    Reply

  15. Livvy says

    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.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  20. Beth says

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

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  21. Christel says

    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 :)
    Reply

    • Marylin99 says

      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

        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

  23. Angela Goosen says

    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?
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  25. Marcia says

    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.
    Reply

    • Connie says

      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

      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

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

      • Cyndi says

        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

  28. Pam Rule says

    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!
    Reply

  29. Tracy says

    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.
    Reply

  32. Ethel says

    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.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  35. Jean says

    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.
    Reply

  36. Sheila says

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

  37. heather says

    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
    Reply

  39. Laurie-Ann says

    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.
    Reply

  40. Julie Titus says

    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
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      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

  43. Terry says

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

  48. Cindy says

    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!
    Reply

  49. Betty Capps says

    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?
    Reply

  51. Teri says

    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!
    Reply

  52. Brenda says

    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

  53. Taina says

    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

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