Crochet Patterns / October 10, 2024

St. James Cardigan – Crochet Pattern for Shrug-Style Cocoon Cardigan Made From a Rectangle [XS-5XL]

Hi friends!

This post includes everything you need to know about the St. James Cardigan, a shrug-style, worsted weight cardigan featuring a wavy stitch pattern of double crochets and vertical eyelet columns for a warm, yet breathable fabric. Watch a simple rectangle transform into a chic, wearable sweater when folded and seamed, before adding the ribbed border and matching sleeves which really bring it to life. When I asked for name ideas, my mom suggested the name St. James Cardigan which I loved immediately since this is the area of Winnipeg where my late father grew up.

Get the Lion Brand Crochet Kit here (in your desired colourway)!

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

Find the PDF version on Ravelry, Etsy, and my website.
Add your finished project to Ravelry here!
Shop the recommended yarns, Lion Brand Color Theory, here.
- Shop the full Lion Brand crochet kit here on (comes with all yarn required + a FREE copy of the PDF pattern)!
For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!

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

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About

The St. James Cardigan is a fresh take on the classic shrug-style (or cocoon-style) cardigan made from a simple rectangle with a few extra details—including a wavy stitch pattern, a method of creating extra length without affecting the sleeves, and an inclusive size range to suit XS through 5X.

In the photo below, you can see how the base of this cardigan is created from a simple rectangle!

Materials

Yarn: Worsted—Lion Brand Color Theory in Ivory

100% Acrylic
246 yds (225 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein
Find this yarn on lionbrand.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

Yardage Required: 7 (7, 9, 10, 12) skeins for sizes XS (S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X), or

1600 (1700, 2000, 2400, 2800) yds
1463 (1554, 1829, 2195, 2560) m

Substitute Lion Brand Color Theory with any similar category 4 (worsted) medium weight yarn that matches gauge. Always swatch before beginning to ensure you are happy with the resulting fabric.

Hook: Size U.S. F/5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, several locking stitch markers

Gauge

I like to include gauge information for free in these posts so that you can test out something from your stash to see if you have something suitable on-hand before purchasing new yarn!

Main Gauge

4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = 2 pattern repeats and 8 rows in stitch pattern, blocked.

See Stitch Chart on page 9.

For Swatch:

Ch 33.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (these 3 skipped ch count as 1 dc), dc in next 3 ch, sk next 2 ch, *dc in next 4 ch, ch 2, dc in next 4 ch, sk next 2 ch; rep from * to last 4 ch, dc in next 3 ch, 2 dc in last ch, turn. [26 dc, 2 ch2-sp]

Rows 2-10: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in first dc, dc in next 3 dc, sk next 2 dc, dc in next 3 dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch2-sp, dc in next 3 dc, sk next 2 dc, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in last dc, turn.

Block your finished swatch.

Within 4” (10 cm), you should have 2 full pattern reps (count this as two sections of 4 dc and 2 eyelet columns) and 8 rows in order to achieve the finished measurements in the sizing chart.

Ribbing Gauge

4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = 18.5 hdc and 15 rows in hdcBLO, lightly blocked.

The sample shown uses the same hook size for the entire cardigan, but you may need to use a different hook size for each section depending on your unique tension.

Pattern Notes

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Sizing: This cardigan is written in five hybrid sizes as follows: XS (S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X). Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.

View full sizing chart on next page.

Reversible: There is no right side or wrong side to this fabric; both sides are identical. You choose which side to display as the “right side.”

Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row in italics. 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.

Turning Chain: The ch-3 turning chain counts as 1 dc. The ch-1 and ch-2 turning chains do not count as a stitch.

Construction: This pattern is crocheted in three pieces: the body and two sleeves. You will begin with the back panel, working a rectangle that will be partially folded and seamed to create a shrug with two sleeve openings. Next, another rectangular section is crocheted directly onto the bottom edge of your shrug to provide additional length. A ribbed bottom border is worked next, then a matching billowy collar is added. Lastly, you will crochet two identical rectangular ribbed sleeves that are each worked separately and seamed to the sleeve openings on the body of your sweater.