Sandy Sea Shells Wrap Cardigan: Easy Crochet Crossover Sweater

The Sandy Sea Shells Wrap Cardigan by Michelle of MJ's Off The Hook Designs is a feminine crossover sweater that wraps around the body and ties at the back. The body is worked in one piece in a simple double crochet pattern, and pretty lace sleeves are made separately and sewn on, so you can make them as wide and as long as you like. The free pattern is on Michelle's blog, and the video walks you through every step.

Wrap Cardigan at a Glance

• Designer: Michelle of MJ's Off The Hook Designs
• Sizes: XS to 5X (the video shows size medium)
• Yarn: sport weight (2); the sample uses WeCrochet Galileo, a merino and bamboo blend
• Hooks: 4.5 mm (7) and 4 mm (G/6)
• Stitches: chain, single crochet, double crochet and a shell lace for the sleeves
• Video length: about 55 minutes

How the Cardigan Is Made

1. Back panel: worked flat in double crochet.
2. Front panels: increased into triangles that cross over each other at the front.
3. Ties: long ties are added to the front panels to wrap around and tie at the back.
4. Edging: a neat edge is worked all around and the body is blocked.
5. Lace sleeves: crocheted separately in a shell stitch, then seamed to the body.

Customize the Fit

From the Urbaki Store

Want to crochet something warm to wear? Get 25 cozy cardigan and sweater patterns in one illustrated guide.

An illustrated page for every project with a direct link to the free pattern, plus 2 printable bonus guides. Free updates and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

See what's inside →

Want 5 new ideas every week? Try The Crochet Club free for 30 days.

Because the sleeves are made separately, you can easily adjust their width and length, from elbow-length to full sleeves. The wrap style is also forgiving: you can tie it tighter or looser, which makes it a good first garment for many crocheters.

Images and patterns courtesy of MJ's Off The Hook Designs

Enjoy the Video Tutorial

Source: MJ's Off The Hook Designs

Tips for a Beautiful Wrap Cardigan

• Check your gauge in both the double crochet and the lace pattern before starting.
• Block the pieces before seaming, so the lace opens up and the edges line up.
• Choose a drapey yarn. Merino, bamboo or cotton-linen blends help the wrap fall nicely.
• Wear it two ways: tied at the back over a dress, or loosely wrapped over jeans and a tank.

More Cardigans from MJ's Off The Hook Designs

Try the Cabot Trail one-piece cardigan, the mesh crop cardigan or the Hello Pumpkin mosaic cardigan.