Lakeside Mist – Crochet Pattern for a Long, Textured Cardigan (from my book: Modern Crochet Sweaters)

Hi all!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Lakeside Mist Cardigan, a size-inclusive crochet pattern for a sophisticated, knit-like cardigan that lands at the mid-thigh.

The Lakeside Mist Cardigan 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 #LakesideMist on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #ModernCrochetSweaters, too!
Shop Berroco Ultra 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 Lakeside Mist

The perfect everyday cardigan is as integral to your wardrobe as a classic white tee or a well-fitting pair of jeans. This charming, flowy cardigan is possibly the most versatile design in the entire book, an everyday-essential that you’ll be reaching for time and time again. The slim-fit sleeves perfectly balance this relaxed cardigan, while the eye is drawn to the statement collar, a finishing detail that really brings this design to life. Slip it on for a comfortable yet polished look for a casual night out or a cozy weekend outfit. One thing’s for sure: You’re going to need one in every color.

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.

Getting Started: the Lakeside Mist Cardigan

Yarn: Worsted—Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Stone Washed Mix

50% Superfine alpaca, 50% Peruvian wool
219 yds [200 m] per 3.5 oz [100 g] hank
Find this yarn on lovecrafts.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes.
Visit this post for an extensive list of yarn substitutes and yarns used during testing.

Yardage: 9 (9, 10, 10, 10) (11, 11, 11, 12) hanks, or

1775 (1825, 1975, 2025, 2175) (2200, 2250, 2350, 2425) yds

[1624 (1669, 1806, 1852, 1989) (2012, 2058, 2149, 2218) m]

Substitute Berroco Ultra Alpaca with any similar DK (category #3) or light worsted (category #4) yarn that matches gauge. This yarn is labeled as worsted, but feels thinner than most other worsted weight yarns, closer to a light worsted or DK weight.

Hook: Size U.S. H/8 (5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

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

Gauge

4 x 4″ [10 x 10 cm] = 18.5 sts and 18 rows in Stitch Pattern, where each sc counts as a stitch and each ch counts as a stitch

I wanted to include the gauge swatch instructions below so that you could practice swatching with your chosen yarn to ensure you have a yarn that will work with this pattern ahead of time. This way, you can see if you have something in your stash that will work before ordering new yarn.

For swatch:

Ch 22.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch; rep from * to end of row, turn. [11 sc; 10 ch-sps]

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next ch-sp, sc in next sc; rep from * to end of row, turn.

Rep Row 2 until you have at least 20 rows worked.

Measure the inner 4″ [10 cm] of your swatch to get the most accurate measurement. If you plan to block your sweater, block your swatch.

Customization Ideas + Tips When Crocheting This Cardigan

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. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row. If only one number is provided, it applies to all sizes.
Reversible: There is no right side or wrong side; both sides are identical. You choose which side to wear as the “right side.”
Seaming: When seaming sleeves onto your garment, make sure to keep this seam loose and do not pull tight in order to maintain some stretch, otherwise this seam will restrict your arms and pucker during wear.
Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Construction: The body of this cardigan is worked in two identical pieces that get partially seamed together. The body is worked side-to-side, and the sleeves are worked bottom-up in joined rounds before being seamed onto the body.

Customization Ideas

To change the length of your cardigan: This piece is worked sideways and the beginning foundation chain is what determines the length of your cardigan. This chain is the length of the back and front combined. To adjust the length, add or subtract from this foundation chain in multiples of 4. Make note of how many multiples of 4 you adjusted.
- When working the Back-Neck section: If you adjusted the length of your cardigan – for every multiple of 4 stitches you adjusted to the foundation chain, add or subtract 1 repeat to the number provided in Row 1.
  - For example, if you add 8 stitches to your foundation chain (two multiples of four stitches), you will work 2 additional repeats in Row 1 and repeat the sequence 56 times instead of 54 times.
Follow Any Sleeve Size: If you think the sleeve 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. Many testers wanted looser sleeves and chose to follow the instructions for two sizes larger than the size they were following up to this point.
Adjusting Sleeve Tightness + Length: For tighter (or looser) sleeves, work fewer (or additional) increase rounds than instructed for your size. For longer (or shorter) sleeve, work additional (fewer) non-increase rounds wherever you see fit. Make note of any modifications so that you can create a second identical sleeve.
For a colour-blocked cardigan: Decide how thick you would like the bottom colour to be. Work your beginning foundation chain in your bottom colour until reaching the height at which you would like to make your colour change. Make note of how many stitches you worked in the bottom colour. Drop the old colour, continue with the new colour, but do not cut your yarn. Continue with the new colour until you are X stitches away from the end of your foundation row, where X equals the number of stitches you worked in your bottom colour.
To add a pocket: Work a foundation chain with an odd number of stitches that equals the height at which you would like your pocket to measure. Place a marker in the 6th stitch from the end to help you remember where the top ribbing will be placed. (After working into a marked st, move the marker up to the new st each row.) Work the pocket the same way you worked the main body panels until reaching your desired pocket width. Seam to cardigan using seaming method of your choice, being mindful that your cardigan may stretch over time. Place your pocket a few inches higher than you think is necessary to accommodate for any stretching that may occur.
To add a tie and belt loops:
- For tie – leaving tail long enough to seam belt loop to cardigan, 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 cardigan. Seam in desired placement, probably along side seams. Use the other tail from the beginning of your belt loop to seam the opposite end of the belt loop to your cardigan.

Yarn Substitutions

The yarn used in my sample is a 50% Superfine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool blend, however you are free to use any fiber content that you like for your own cardigan! The main factor to consider is the drape of your crocheted fabric; this airy stitch pattern pairs well with a DK weight or light worsted weight yarn. If you choose a yarn that is too heavy, your cardigan may feel (and look) too bulky, although some testers used regular worsted weight yarns (such as Lion Brand Heartland, Patons Canadiana, and Caron One Pound) and made gorgeous cardigans that they loved. (Scroll down to see the tester photos!) 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 Berroco Ultra Alpaca, so long as you match gauge!

Substitute Berroco Ultra Alpaca with any similar DK (category #3) or light worsted (category #4) yarn that matches gauge. This yarn is labeled as worsted, but feels thinner than most other worsted weight yarns, closer to a light worsted or DK weight.

Since Berroco Ultra Alpaca may not be easily accessible in every country, visit www.yarnsub.com and type “Berroco Ultra Alpaca” into the search box to find a suitable alternative. You will find hundreds of yarns with similar properties and you are bound to find a brand that is accessible to you. The YarnSub website is an incredible resource that I use regularly.

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

LoveCraft Yarns:

Lion Brand Yarns:

Knit Picks/WeCrochet 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.