Pattern Drop: The Manoa Cardi

I don’t know about you, but the last few days I have awoke to that perfect 60 degree chill in the air, and though it’s still sweltering by midday, I can feel Fall is near! Autumn is hands down my favorite season, and like a good fiber fanatic, #sweaterweather is favorite time of year. As a New England dweller, I’m all about those cozy cool weather layers! Boxy over-sized pull overs and slouchy, comfy cardigans are my favorite layers to wear with leggings and boots, and this year I challenged myself to design my own cardigan.

And so the Manoa Cardi was born! It’s the perfect layer to add over any outfit to transition you into the cooler weather (and still be enjoyed throughout winter and into spring too!) . The Manoa Cardi is the perfect Spring or Fall crochet cardigan (layering piece!) Originally designed in a beautifully drapey bamboo blend yarn (Caron x Pantone Bamboo in “Ghost Gray”), the name was inspired by an anniversary trip to Oahu. There, on a hike to Manoa Falls, my husband and I found ourselves surrounded by a lush bamboo forest as we made our way to the cascading waterfall. As I was designing the cardigan I couldn’t help but be reminded of that adventure!

You can find the pattern for the Manoa Cardi in my Etsy & Ravelry shops!

The open, almost “lacey” motif of the cardigan is a spin off of my Stigandr Vest design. I wanted the same open, flowy feel, but in a cozy, slightly more fitted cardigan! With some changes in construction, gauge, and the obvious addition of sleeves, the Stigandr morphed into the Manoa.

Though mine was designed in the Bamboo blend yarn, you can use any worsted weight yarn you’d like! I really enjoyed the heavy drape of the Caron X Pantone Bamboo and the way the garment ultimately hung. But you could definitely use an acrylic or even a “fancier” wool! A lot of my testers actually made it in a cotton/cotton blend and the results were lovely! It could also be really fun in a multi-color or gradient yarn!

TOP Left to Right: @slostitches , @coycrochet , @croknitessentials MIDDLE L to R: @samsqueak , @carrieperlf BOTTOM L to R: @k._dianna , @rustedhookhandmade , @michbella17

The pattern has been tested and tech edited for women’s sizes XS- 2XL. (2021 update: it is my goal to get this regraded up to 4XL soon!) The length is meant to be a tunic style and the sleeves fit 3/4 length, but you could easily adjust both the sleeve and body length to fit your preferences. The cardigan fits loose and open in the front.

Unlike the Stigandr, which was constructed in panels and seamed, the Manoa is worked in one piece, from the bottom up, so there is no seaming! The sleeves are picked up around the arm holes and worked in the round. The sleeves also have some really nice details to them, like a special trick for keeping the joining seam in a straight line, as well as some details on the cuff to match the cardi motif and a nice faux-ribbing to finish!

I personally cannot wait for the weather to cool off just a bit more so I can start enjoying all of my crocheted items, but I am looking forward to styling my new Manoa Cardi especially! If you are making one too, I’d love to see pictures! Follow along with me on Instagram – @fiber.and.fox– & tag me in your finished pieces! Or use the tags #manoacardi & #fiberandfoxmakes so we all can enjoy your new cardigan along with you!