I’m so glad you’ll be joining us for the Clear Skies Cardigan CAL event! Crocheting this cardigan project will leave you feeling so incredibly empowered and creative. Whether you’re a pro, or a beginner just working up the courage to crochet your first sweater, this fun crochet along project is for you!
You’ll find links to each part of the pattern instructions listed in the Schedule section at the bottom of the post during this event, which will run from Feb 1 until March 17. The pattern will be completely free in its CAL parts on my website until the end of March.
You’ll also find a link to the Ravelry pattern listing if you want to purchase the downloadable PDF pattern to keep in your library after the event is over.
Purchase the PDF Crochet Sweater Pattern on Ravelry

This slightly oversized lacy cardigan pattern is a perfect beginner crochet sweater project. I’m drawing inspiration from my Clearwater Beach Buttoned Cowl and Clearwater Beach Hat- but it won’t be the exact same stitch pattern.
Size Chart
This pattern is sized for XS – 3XL. You’ll see it notated in the pattern as XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X).
Be sure to check your measurements before choosing a size.
- XS – 30″ bust
- S – 34″ bust
- M – 38″ bust
- L – 42″ bust
- XL – 46″ bust
- 2X – 50″ bust
- 3X – 54″ bust
If you’re interested in making a different size, let me know! I’m already tempted to make some mommy and me cuteness with a girls’ sized pattern.
Materials Needed
This post contains affiliate links. For more details, read my disclosure.
J 6mm crochet hook – I used my Furls Streamline Swirl
Yarn Needle
Yarn Requirements
For this cardigan, I’m using Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Bonus Bundle. I’m in LOVE with how wonderfully this yarn works up and I know you’ll love it, too!
If you’re buying the same yarn, you’ll need 3(4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) balls, and you’ll use approximately 1200(1350, 1500, 1600, 1750, 1900, 2050) yards.
You can buy Touch of Alpaca from Lion Brand’s website here. Looking for more colors? You’ll need twice as many balls, but Touch of Alpaca can also be found here.
Looking to buy from out of the US? Shop here at LoveCrafts- they ship worldwide!
Here’s a table chart to help you find your size’s yarn requirements.
- XS – 3 balls or 1200 yards
- Sm – 4 balls or 1350 yards
- Md – 4 balls or 1500 yards
- Lg – 4 balls or 1600 yards
- XL – 5 balls or 1750 yards
- 2X – 5 balls or 1900 yards
- 3X – 5 balls or 2050 yards
Looking for yarn substitutes? You can substitute the worsted weight of your choice. As long as your gauge swatch matches, you’re good to go!
Here are some gorgeous yarns I found that should be awesome substitutes:
If you like to shop from LoveCrochet, you might like to try Cascade Cherub Aran, James C. Brett Aztec Aran, Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran. or Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran, which I LOVE.
Stitches and Abbreviations Used
Blo- back loop only – Used to make a ribbing effect using single crochet. Instead of inserting hook through both strands of the “V” on top of your stitch, work through only the back loop.
Ch- chain
Cl- cluster stitch – yarn over, insert hook into stitch indicated, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through three loops to complete cluster stitch.
Dc- double crochet
FSC- foundation single crochet (Optional, but provides a neater, stretchier fabric that is easier to seam.)
Sc- single crochet
Gauge
To keep the surprise going just a bit longer, here’s a really simple gauge swatch.
With J/6mm crochet hook and Worsted weight yarn:
Ch 9.
Row 1: Sc in back bump of 2nd ch and across. [8 sc]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, working through back loops only, sc across. [8 sc blo]
Rows 3-6: Repeat Row 2.
Your swatch should measure approximately 2.5″ square, with only some light finger blocking to make it lay flat.
Helpful Notes
If you want to make sure your sweater comes out the size you want, check out my article on troubleshooting crochet gauge problems! This will help you a TON. Promise.
Need More Help? Join our Facebook Group!
If you have questions about the pattern, leaving a comment in the Salty Pearl Crochet Circle on Facebook is the fastest way to get my attention. Plus, you’ll be able to get feedback from the other members of our community, too!
Of course, you can always email me or leave a blog comment, but sometimes those might take me a bit longer to respond to.
Pattern Segments and CAL Schedule
Jan 31- Materials list and Announcement (this page)
Feb 3- Part One: Gauge Swatch and Pockets
Feb 14- Part Three: Back Panel
Feb 28- Part Five Assembly and Collar Ribbing