Distant Fog – Crochet Pattern for a V-Neck Sweater-Dress (from my book: Modern Crochet Sweaters)

Hi all!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Distant Fog Sweater Dress, a size-inclusive crochet pattern for a boxy, V-neck sweater dress with a cute little side-split. Not into dresses? Shorten it for a classic V-neck sweater that lands at the hips.

The Distant Fog Sweater Dress is from my book Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear. This book includes 20 size-inclusive sweater patterns using a variety of techniques and construction methods to ensure there is something of value for every skill level. Each pattern is written in 9 sizes from XS to 5XL and each size has been thoroughly tested! We had over 500+ crochet pattern testers for this book to make sure that each size fits its intended wearer in a way that makes them feel beautiful. You can buy this book with confidence, knowing that each pattern was written for you and your unique body measurements.

Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:

Find the PDF version on Ravelry here, on Etsy here, and on my website here.
- Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here.
Use the pattern hashtag #DistantFogSweaterDress on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #ModernCrochetSweaters, too!
Shop the recommended yarn, WeCrochet Simply Alpaca, here! (Be sure to scroll down to see other great yarn substitutes!)
Shop my book on Amazon (US) here.
Shop my book on Amazon (CA) here.
Shop my book on other platforms outside of North America here.
Read about my experience getting a book deal here!
For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!

Order my book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!

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About Distant Fog

Equal parts casual and graceful, Distant Fog is an infinitely versatile piece that doesn’t just enhance an outfit but becomes the outfit. This simple design paired with a relaxed fit make Distant Fog a staple piece that can be worn on any occasion without feeling overdressed. Soft elements like the deep, curving neckline and the delicate split hem help bring a lightness to this boxy dress. Changing the length is a simple way to breathe new life into a design without needing to modify any pattern math, and this humble sweater has the potential to be worn as a hip-length sweater or a dress that lands at the thigh for a comfortable, approachable outfit that suits your personal taste. Try defining your waistline with a belt for a more tailored fit.

The yarn choice can lead this design in many interesting directions. Hold a DK yarn together with mohair for a fuzzy halo effect or choose a fiber with a drape you would love to wear. This design is comprised of half double crochet stitches throughout, encouraging you to get creative with your yarn choices. Simple stitches like this are great opportunities to use any special, unique yarns you may have on hand that you want to show off without getting lost in a distracting stitch pattern. Speckled, variegated, self-striping and hand-dyed yarns pair best with a blank canvas of simple stitches to really let the yarn shine. If you crave more visual interest, break up the fabric by creating your own color-blocking pattern or use a contrasting yarn for the split-hem and sleeve cuffs for a two-toned effect.

Distant Fog is a sweater version of the Mountain Peaks Cardigan. Both designs are worked from the bottom up, entirely comprised of the same stitch, with angled shaping around the neckline, demonstrating how the slightest change in detail can create an entirely fresh design.

Distant Fog – Sweater Dress or Classic Sweater? Up to you!

This piece was designed to be adjustable based on your personal style. Distant Fog can be worn as a classic sweater landing at the hips or easily lengthened into a sweater dress as shown in my sample here. To do so, simply repeat Row 2 of the Body section until reaching your desired length before splitting for the V-neck! See the tester photos below for some shorter sweater-length Distant Fog samples.

Getting Started: the Distant Fog Sweater Dress

Yarn: DK/Aran—WeCrochet Simply Alpaca Aran in Alfie

100% superfine alpaca
246 yds [225 m] per 3.5-oz [100-g] hank
Find this yarn on crochet.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes.

Substitute WeCrochet Simply Alpaca Aran with any similar worsted (category #4) or DK (category #3) weight yarn that matches gauge. This particular yarn is labelled as a heavy worsted/aran weight, but it feels thinner, much like a DK weight yarn. When choosing a yarn, choose a fiber that gives you the best drape; one that you would like to wear against your skin for long periods of time. Any fiber should work out fine.

To match the look of the fiber used in this sample, choose an alpaca yarn. If you are prone to itching, choose an alpaca yarn that specifies “baby alpaca” as this is the softest type, or choose a different fiber altogether. Simply Alpaca is plied with a soft haze; a similar look can be achieved by using any DK fiber of your choosing paired with a mohair or Suri alpaca yarn.

Yardage*: 7 (8, 8, 8, 8) (9, 9, 10, 10) hanks of Simply Alpaca, or

1650 (1725, 1850, 1900, 1975) (2075, 2225, 2325, 2425) yds
[1509 (1578, 1692, 1738, 1806) (1897, 2034, 2126, 2217) m]

*Note: The yardage listed here is for the length provided in the sizing chart. For a longer sweater, additional yardage will be required.

Hook: Size U.S. G/7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, several locking stitch markers to help with seaming

Gauge: 5” x 5″ (13 x 13 cm) = 22 sts and 17 rows in half double crochet

Getting Started: Knowing Your Measurements

This book uses the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) to determine sizing. The CYC is the industry standard when it comes to knit and crochet sizing. While you will be able to produce a beautiful sweater by following the written patterns, I also like to include customization tips throughout each pattern so that you can adjust based on your unique body measurements; for example, shortening or lengthening a sleeve, or adjusting for a larger upper arm than written for your size. This way, you can modify the pattern with confidence, if needed. When making garments for myself, I usually need to shorten tops or sweaters because I have a short torso. My hips also fall under a different size than my bust. Not everyone fits perfectly into these sizing standards; they are simply averages, not set-in-stone numbers.

Understanding how your body deviates from the CYC standard measurements gives you the ability to tailor a sweater to perfectly fit you, rather than feel disappointed that your body doesn’t fit into the sizing standards. I recommend that you measure the largest part of your bust and then refer to the CYC website (click here) to find out which size you would fall under. Then, look at the other measurements that are included for your size, and see which of these measurements deviate from your actual body measurements. Knowledge is power, and once you understand how your body deviates from the CYC standards, you will be able to anticipate this deviation and assume it translates through most patterns. For example, if your upper arm circumference is slightly larger than the CYC sizing chart reads, then you can expect you may have to ignore a few decrease rows when working the sleeves of your next sweater, or even follow the sleeve instructions for the next size up, if possible.

Customization Ideas + Tips When Crocheting This Pullover

Tips

Sizing: This sweater is written in nine sizes as follows: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.
Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row/rnd. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row/rnd. If only one number is provided, it applies to all sizes.
Reversible: There is no right side or wrong side of this fabric; both sides are identical. You choose which side to wear as the “right side” when you work the neckline finishing row.
Seaming: When seaming your garment, make sure to keep all seams loose and do not pull tight in order to maintain some stretch, otherwise this seam will pucker during wear.
Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Right-handed vs Left-handed Crocheters: The pattern is written with right-handed crocheters in mind (those who hold their hook in their right hand and crochet each row toward the left). If you are a left-handed crocheter, any instructions referring to the “right-hand side” or “left-hand side” should be reversed.
Construction: This sweater is worked in four panels: a front panel, a back panel and two sleeves. The front and back body panels are worked first and seamed together along the shoulders and the sides, leaving openings for the sleeves to be attached. The sleeves are worked next, from the wrist upward in joined, turned rounds.

Customization Ideas

To make a sweater of any length: For a longer (or shorter) sweater, work additional (or fewer) rows than instructed in the Front Panel – Body section of the pattern. Make note of how many rows you added or eliminated so that you can make the same alteration to your back panel. Stop once you have achieved your desired sweater length up to the V-neck split.
For a deeper neckline: After working Rows 16-25 of the neckline as Row 10 reps, hold it up on your body to see how much deeper you would like the neckline to be. Work additional Row 10 reps here until reaching your desired neckline depth.
For a more shallow neckline: Rather than working Rows 16-25 as Row 10 reps, work fewer reps, ending at Row 20 for example.
Follow the sleeve instructions for any size: If you think the measurements of a different size would better suit your arm measurements, you can follow the instructions for any sleeve size; you don’t necessarily have to stick with the same size you have been working up to this point if you think another size will give you a better fit.
For a wider (or shorter) sleeve cuff: When you reach the Cuff section of the pattern, work a chain longer (or shorter) than 16 and follow the pattern as it’s written.
For tighter (looser) sleeves: If you need tighter or looser sleeves than written for your size, simply eliminate (or add) increase rounds as you see fit! The exact round numbers are written out for you, but you can adjust these as desired. Keep track of any modifications you make to your first sleeve so that you can easily make the same modification to your second sleeve.
For longer (or shorter) sleeves: For longer or shorter sleeve than written for your size, simply add or subtract non-increase rnds as you see fit. Keep track of any modifications you make to your first sleeve so that you can easily make the same modification to your second sleeve.
To add a tie and belt loops:
- For tie – leaving tail long enough to seam belt loop to sweater, work a regular chain that is long enough to wrap around your body and tie together. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, working into the back-bumps of your chain, turn. Ch 1, sc into each st across, turn. Repeat this last row until reaching your desired tie thickness
- For belt loops – work a chain that measures long enough to accommodate the thickness of the tie you have created. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. Repeat this last row until desired belt loop thickness. Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to seam your belt loop to your sweater dress. Seam in desired placement, probably along the sides below your underarms. Use the other tail from the beginning of your belt loop to seam the opposite end of the belt loop to your sweater.
Yarn Choice: Your yarn choice can lead this design in many interesting directions. This design is comprised of half double crochet stitches throughout, encouraging you to get creative with your yarn choices.
- Hold a DK yarn together with mohair for a fuzzy halo effect or choose a fiber with a drape you would love to wear.
- Simple stitches like this are great opportunities to use any special, unique yarns you may have on hand that you want to show off without getting lost in a distracting stitch pattern.
- Speckled, variegated, self-striping and hand-dyed yarns pair best with a blank canvas of simple stitches to really let the yarn shine.
- If you crave more visual interest, break up the fabric by creating your own color-blocking pattern or use a contrasting yarn for the split-hem and sleeve cuffs for a two-toned effect.
Two-Tone Version: Work the bottom Hem in your bottom colour, then continue with this colour to work the body until reaching the place where you’d like to switch to your top colour! Make sure to yarn-over your final stitch of the bottom colour using your new colour, then cut the bottom colour. When you work the sleeves, begin with your bottom colour, and switch to the new top colour whenever you prefer!
- Tip: You can partially try on your sweater with the sleeve to see where you would like your colour split to take place.

Crocheting into the row-ends of the ribbing: 3 hdc stitches for every 2 row-ends.

When working the finishing round on the neckline, you will begin here.

When working the finishing round on the neckline, you will end here.

This photo shows how to pin your sleeve in place to prepare for seaming.

Yarn Substitutions

The yarn used in my sample is a 100% Superfine alpaca and may be itchy to some. Feel free to use any fiber content that you like for your own version! The main factor to keep in mind is that it produces a fabric with great drape and feels good against your skin. With crocheted horizontal rows (like the ones used in this pattern), drape is crucial! Always swatch before beginning so you can be sure your chosen yarn creates a fabric you love. Listed below you will see a variety of yarns that will work just fine in place of Simply Alpaca Aran, so long as you match gauge!

Some of my favourite inexpensive places to order yarn online include LoveCrafts, WeCrochet, Hobbii, Lion Brand. Most of these brands ship worldwide.

Yarn Weight: Substitute WeCrochet Simply Alpaca Aran with any DK (category #3) weight or sport (category #2) weight yarn that matches gauge. This particular yarn is labelled as a heavy worsted/aran weight, but it feels thinner, more like a DK or sport weight yarn. When choosing a yarn, choose a fiber that gives you the best drape; one that you would like to wear against your skin for long periods of time. Any fiber you choose should work out fine. If you’re unsure what yarn to uses, see the tester photos below to help you decide!

Fiber Content: To match the look of the fiber used in this sample, choose an alpaca yarn. If you are prone to itching, choose an alpaca yarn that specifies “baby alpaca” as this is the softest type, or choose a different fiber altogether. Simply Alpaca Aran is plied with a soft haze; a similar look can be achieved by using any DK fiber of your choosing paired with a mohair or Suri alpaca yarn.

The following yarns can be used in this pattern and will produce a lovely finished sweater:

Lion Brand Yarns:

Lion Brand Coboo
Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca
Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool
Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino
Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Jeans
Lion Brand Mandala
Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
Lion Brand Truboo (this is a bamboo yarn and will likely grow with wear but will have great drape)
Lion Brand Wool-Ease

Knit Picks/WeCrochet Yarns:

LoveCraft Yarns:

Other Yarns:

Pattern Tester Photos

There were 500+ pattern testers for this book because I wanted to ensure all sizes are satisfied with the pattern and fit! Below you can see photos from the testing process to see how the sweater looks on different bodies with different modifications made using a variety of yarns.

Caitlin from @purlsandprejudice used Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca for her Distant Fog Sweater Dress!

Carly from @carlsb4d used the recommended yarn, WeCrochet Simply Alpaca Aran for her Distant Fog Sweater Dress!

Elizabeth from @myrustichook used Lion Brand Touch fo Alpaca in Taupe for her Distant Fog Sweater Dress! She then decided to add some stripes on the sleeves using a contrasting colour.