Pattern Drop: Fields Cardigan

FINALLY, I am so very pleased to introduce you to my first ever pullover/sweater/jumper design- the Fields Cardigan. This one has been rolling around in my mind since 2019 and has been in the works since Spring of 2020!

Yes. IT’S CROCHET.

You can find the printable pattern PDF for the Fields Cardigan in my ETSY and RAVELRY stores!

For more information and inspiration, check out this quick video all about the Fields Cardigan!

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The Inspiration: This cardigan is equal parts cozy Mr. Roger’s/grandpa-style relaxed fit, and modern and sophisticated fabulousness. Easily dressed up or down, the Fields Cardigan is a staple wardrobe piece that will have your non-maker friends going “YOU MADE THAT?” and your knitter friends jealously saying “WAIT, THAT’S CROCHET?”

As far as the name, no complicated backstory other than I thought the way the rows ran up and down the cardigan vertically (combined with the yellow I chose) looked like lines or furrows in a field! I toyed with a bunch of other more complex and hard to pronounce names, but “fields” just suited it!

The Cardigan:

The Fields Cardigan pattern is created in panels, from the bottom up, and seamed. The construction is unique so I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend doing a gauge swatch to be sure you’ll end up with a great fit (with any garment, but this one especially!). Row gauge will matter a much as stitch gauge! Sleeves are picked up and worked in the round off of the body, so it’s very easy to get a fit you like. It is made to fit with 2-4″ of positive ease. So it’s a very cozy, casual fit with extra long (but customizeable) sleeves. The pattern includes size XS-4XL (28″-56″ actual bust/32″-60″ finished garment. It’s also very easy to combine different bust and sleeve sizes if that would create a better fit for you (tips in pattern!).

The Yarn: I used some special gifted skeins of Life in the Long Grass in the colorway “Gorse” my parents brought me back from London YEARS ago. I’ve been hoarding them hoping to one day make a really awesome cardigan: CHECK! I complimented it with a contrast skein of “Leather” by Fiber for the People. I also made a version in a non-superwash base from Fiber for the People in the colorway “Chili”- and I love it just as much! You can easily make this a solid color project too, though! (See tester photos for all the color inspiration!)

It is a little bit of a yarn eater, so I totally understand if indie dyed is not the route for you. However, if it’s possible for you, I do highly encourage supporting indie dyers! It’s a fingering/1 weight/sock/fine weight yarn design. The pattern calls for 4 (4, 5, 5,) (6, 7, 7, 8) skeins for the main color and 1 skein (all sizes) of the contrast/ribbing color (or add 1 skein to main color if you’re making a solid version!). For more info on yardages, please see either the Etsy or Ravelry listing. I get a lot more numbery there!

But as always, there are plenty of other more budget friendly options. If you’re looking for something you can find at your local craft store I recommend checking out Woollike by Loops and Threads (Michael’s) (an 85/15 acrylic/nylon blend at $3 for 678 yds)- it comes in tons of solid colors! Or Soft and Sleek DK (Hobby Lobby) – it’s sold as DK but its definitely a fingering weight sub, and bonus it washes really well (its 100% acrylic, $5 for 478 yards, in an array of heathered colors). WeCrochet/Knitpicks is also a great resource for budget friendly options! And WEBS does discounts based on quantity which can be super helpful when buying a sweater amount!

I love to encourage crocheters to try out indie dyed yarn (it’s not just for knitters!!!!), but I never want you to feel like you can’t make my patterns without subbing in a yarn that works for you! Also, do not be intimidated by fingering weight yarn– yes, it is a time commitment. But it creates such beautiful wearable fit and drape that you will not regret it!!

What’s included: As I mentioned already, it’s a size inclusive pattern written for XS-4XL. The pattern pdf includes TONS of photos show fit, as well as photo tutorials for stitch placement and more complex techniques. Pattern is fully tested and tech edited.

The pattern is fully written (standard US crochet terminology), detailed instructions, and also includes a (super cute, might I add) schematic to help you decide with size/size combinations will fit you the best! This pattern is an Intermediate level due to unique construction (although a lot of testers said Advanced beginner because of all the visual help!). Also included as videos from my channel on how to add a project to Ravelry, as well as how to wet block a finished item.

The Testers: I had a lovely group of testers that stuck it out with me through the holiday season of 2021 (ooohhff.) I loved how they each made the sweater their own with color choices and button selection. One tester even MADE her own buttons! You can find more info about their individual pullovers in the Ravelry project pages!

Susie of @finishedobject never disappoints on colors and photos- I just LOVE this red! Just something bout a red cardigan, right?

Fatima of @aquarius_make took it all next level. As a dyer (check out her yarns!) she not only dyed her own color combo, but went and made glitter resin buttons to match!

I don’t know how to describe the color that Amy of @browneyedcrochetgirl chose as her main, but WOW what a statement. I would have thought a busier yarn would detract from the stitch pattern but apparently it’s just MORE awesome! (also her main color was also dyed by ^^Aquarius Make!)

Siobhan of @yarnoverfloyd is also a tester/indie dyer double threat! She made this combo that’s ever so slightly brighter than my original buttons with her own *NATURALLY DYED* yarn (you can check out her yarns HERE!). And those chicken buttons? Come on.

This red with the solid edging? YES. Carrie of @carrieperlf never disappoints. Also, note to self, find a covered bridge and take all the photos there.

Brittni of @emberjundesigns is speaking to my heart with that mustardy ribbing. LOVE this outdoorsy looking color combination!

A good plumy purple is also a way to my heart. I am loving this combo Kim of @kmdcrochet put together. And look at her being all extra stylish with a scarf (this vneck looks GREAT paired with your handmade shawls too!)

I also love when testers create color pairings I wouldn’t have thought to try! Take note, Heather of @heathershemmings is making this rose pink and teal work!

Julia of @juliakdonelly also threw in a teal pop. I love how this one is acting all neutral, but is still so fun!

Gahh, now I want a green one too. Heidi of @crochetcorgis IS looking all warm and cozy in that green that will work beautifully in any season!

Courtney of @shea_crochet created a beautiful neutral combo too, which can easily go dressy or casual!

ORAANNNGE? With that variegated? And a statement button? Love love love this combination from Cassie of @cassies_crochets. Do I need an orange one too?

And then Mary-Lynn of @whollyhooked with this magical fields cardigan in a field perfect red wind in her hair look? I JUST CAN’T.

Grab the pattern now on Etsy & Ravelry – or pin it for later!

I hope this inspired you to make your own Fields Cardigan and has answered any questions you might have on the design- don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more! Happy making, my friends!

SHARING IS CARING!
I would love to see how YOU rock your Fields Cardigan! Follow along with my on Instagram – @fiber.and.fox – & tag me in your finished pieces! Or use #fieldscardigan or #fiberandfoxmakes so we all can enjoy your new garment along you!

COPYRIGHT: Fiber & Fox (formerly Bella’s Custom Crochets), May 2021
The Fields Cardigan pattern & photographs are property of Isabella Tonski of Fiber & Fox & may be used for personal, non-commercial purposes only. You may not share, or sell this pattern in any way, ‘cause no one likes a copycat. You are more than welcome to sell the finished product, but please never use my photos in doing so! If you wish to sell finished pieces online, please credit Fiber & Fox by including a link to my pattern in your listing. If you have any questions in regards to distribution or translation of this pattern, please contact me by email at contact@fiberandfox.com