You are now viewing the Braided Nautical Cardigan by guest designer Anastasia Smith.
I am proud to introduce to you the Braided Nautical Cardigan!!
I am so excited to be featured by Joy Of Motion. So much in fact that I knew I had to step outside of my comfort zone for this! I wanted to make it completely my style but also wanted to up my game. For the 1st time EVER I designed a Raglan Style Garment!! I honestly cant believe I didn’t try it sooner.
Find more: Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns for Women.

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Yarn for the Braided Nautical Cardigan
The pattern was designed to use a dk / #3 weight yarn, with the option to use worsted / #4 Light Weight Yarn. This was to provide you with a light weight cardigan that can still keep you warm & cozy!
Lion brand Jeans Colors (100% acrylic 246 yards/225 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein)
THE INSPIRATION
For this special design I was immediately drawn to the ropes that the Navy uses. I loved the intricate braided details you can see close up. I then imagined what the ropes would look like floating in the water, & there is where I came up with the Braided Nautical Cardigan.
I designed this piece to be both simple yet textured all at the same time. The front is simple to help accentuate the back. The Back is made using a multiple of repeats using the zig zag Puff Stitch & Half Double Crochet to create braid designs just like the ropes, while the front is made using Half Double Crochet & Double Crochet. So I hope you enjoy my version!
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Braided Nautical Cardigan
About the Braided Nautical Cardigan
This pattern works up fast & is fun to make! There are 5 different sizes that use your bust measurement. This pattern was designed to be an oversized sweater.
Project level: Intermediate
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Materials
Crochet Hook Size
Yarn
- Yarn
- Lion Brand – Jeans Colors in color Stonewashed
- Weight
- 3 Light Yarn
- Fiber
- 100% acrylic
Yarn amount needed:
| Size | Yards |
|---|---|
| S | 1300-1550 |
| M | 1500-1700 |
| L | 1700-1900 |
| XL | 1900-2000 |
| 2XL | 1900-2200 |
One skein is 100 grams · 225 meters · 246 yards.
Other Materials Needed
Gauge
Measured over Half Double Crochet & Double Crochet stitches crocheted in rows:
15 stitches & 9 rows per 10 cm / 4".
Adjust hook to obtain gauge
Crochet Pattern Notes
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms (more details).
- All measurements given are unblocked.
- Note that measurements are given as exact as possible. But crochet tension & technique might give variations in the result, that changes from person to person.
- Read pattern instructions carefully before beginning to make sure you understand everything. It might save you hours frogging your work & crocheting it again!
- Make a swatch that measure at least 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches using the stitch the gauge is given for. If your swatch matches the gauge, you’re good to go. If the gauge is wrong, you might need to change your hook. Go up in crochet hook size if your stitches are smaller & go down in crochet hook size if your stitches are bigger (more details).
- Check yarn info if you want to find an alternative or test your yarn against the gauge (more details).
- At the end of each row, the stitch count is given in parenthesis.
- The pattern is worked in rows with the sleeves in rounds
- Chains at the beginning of each row/round does not count as a stitch
- This jacket is worked into 1 piece, Top Down, working in rows, Then you add onto the cardigan for the sleeves
- The sleeves are worked in the round working off of the arm hole. NO SEWING!!
- Beginning Ch 2 Does NOT count as 1st stitch or corner stitches
- Slip Stitch on sleeves Does NOT count as 1st. Make sure you DO NOT work in it.
- Each puff row increases by 2 puff sts. 1 before your puff sts start & 1 right after. Each between corner sts & puff sts
- To help keep count, I suggest putting a stitch marker in each corner (ch 2) sp
- If you are using 2 colors, I suggest using 2 skeins of Color A, 1 for each side
- Pattern sizes are written S(M, L, XL, 2XL)
This pattern can be used with both dk / #3 weight or a light worsted / #4 weight.
Sizes and Measurements
Adult Woman’s
Bust measurements
*Small –36”- 38”
*Medium – 40”- 42”
*Large – 44”- 46”
*X Large – 48” – 50”
*2XL – 52” – 54”
Size Adjustments
Adjustments can be made to both the length of the body & arms.
Abbreviations
- Ch = chain(s)
- ch-2-sp = refers to chain or space previously made, with 2 ch
- dc = double crochet
- dc2tog = Double Crochet 2 Together
- dc3tog = Double Crochet 3 Together
- dc4tog = Double Crochet 4 Together
- dc5tog = Double Crochet 5 Together
- hdc = half double crochet
- rep = repeat
- RS = Right Side
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch (es)
- WS = Wrong Side
- YO = yarn over
We try our best to include all crochet abbreviations in the list above for the crochet pattern, but sometimes we may forget one or two.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Stitches You Will Need
Puff stitch – * yo, insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, pull loop through stitch and make loop same height as previous sts in working row*- rep 3 more times, yo, pull through all but last loop, yo, pull through last 2 loops to close
You will be working the puff st around the double crochet stitch. See video below 👇👇
https://youtu.be/1DIgV7yTBq8

Instructions for the Braided Nautical Cardigan
Yoke:
*Whatever color you want your Collar to be, make your 1st 2 rows in that color
*WS & RS will alternate after each Repeating Section
1. Ch 61(61, 67, 67, 73), hdc in 2nd ch from hook & in each ch across, turn. 60(60, 66, 66, 72) hdc
• You can substitute for Foundation hdc
2. Ch 1, hdc in same st & in each st across, turn. 60(60, 66, 66, 72) hdc
3. (Color A) Ch 2, 2dc in same st, dc, 2dc, ch 2, 2dc in next st, dc next 16(16, 18, 18, 20) sts, 2dc, ch 2, 2 dc in next st, (Color B) *sk st, dc in next st, puff st in sk st* – Rep across for a total of 16(16, 18, 18, 20) sts, (Color A) 2dc, ch 2, 2dc in next st, dc next 16(16, 18, 18, 20) sts, 2dc, ch 2, 2dc in next st, dc, 2dc in last st, turn. 70(70, 76, 76, 82) sts

4. (Color A) Ch 1, hdc same st & each st across, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 sp, hdc across, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 sp, (Color B) hdc across until ch 2 sp, (Color A) *(2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 sp, hdc across* – Rep 1 more time, turn. 86(86, 92, 92, 98) sts
5. (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across, (2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in ch 2 sp, dc across, (2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in next ch 2 sp, (Color B) *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across, (Color A) *(2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc across*- rep 1 more time, turn. 102(102, 108, 108, 114) sts
• You should have 4 extra puff sts compared to row 3
6. (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across, (2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in ch 2 sp, dc across, (2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in next ch 2 sp, (Color B) sk st, dc in next st, puff st in sk st, dc in next sp between 1st & 2nd puff sts, puff in between 1st puff & dc in Color A, * skip st just worked by last dc, dc into sp between next 2 puff sts & puff st into the sp you just skipped (dc from last dc/puff worked)* – Rep across, skip dc, dc in last st before ch 2 sp, puff in sk st, (Color A) *(2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc across*- rep 1 more time, turn. 118(118, 124, 124, 130) sts

• You should have 2 more puff sts more than previous row
7. (Color A) Ch 1, hdc same st & in each st across, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 sp, hdc across, (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 sp, (Color B) hdc across, (Color A) *(2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch 2 sp, hdc across* – Rep 1 more time, turn. 134(134, 140, 140, 146) sts
8. (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across, (2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in ch 2 sp, dc across, (2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in next ch 2 sp, (Color B) *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across, (Color A) *(2dc, ch 2, 2dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc across*- rep 1 more time, turn. 150(150, 156, 156, 162) sts
• You should have 4 more puff sts compared to row 6
9-23. Rep Rows 4-8 230(278, 316, 316, 366) sts
• Small – Stop at Row 13
• Medium – Stop at Row 16
• Large – Stop at Row 18
• X-Large – Stop at Row 18
• 2XL – Stop at Row 21
DO NOT FINISH OFF, CONTINUE TO ROW 24

Body:
24. (RS) (Join for Body) (Color A) Ch 1, hdc same st & in each st across, 2 hdc in ch 2 sp, ch 3(3,3, 5,3) , sk to next ch 2 sp (arm hole), 2 hdc in ch 2 sp, (Color B) hdc across, (Color A) 2 hdc in ch 2 sp, ch3(3,3, 5,3), sk to last ch 2 sp (arm hole), 2 hdc in last ch 2 sp, hdc in remaining sts, turn. 118(140, 160, 160, 186) Sts

25. (WS) (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across, make 3(3,3, 5,3) dc in ch 3/ch 5 sp, (Color B) *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across, (Color A) make 3(3,3, 5,3) dc in ch 3/ ch 5 sp, dc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
• For Sizes M, 2XL, & 3XL – skip Row 26 & go to Row 29
26. For Sizes S, L, Xl, & 4XL (RS) (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44,46) total sts, (Color B) sk st, dc in next st, puff st in sk st, dc in next sp between 1st & 2nd puff sts, puff in between 1st puff & dc in Color A, * skip st just worked by last dc, dc into sp between next 2 puff sts & puff st into the sp you just skipped (dc from last dc/puff worked)*- Rep across, skip dc, dc in last st before ch 2 sp, puff in sk st, for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) dc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
27. (Color A) Ch 1, hdc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44,46) total sts, (Color B) hdc across for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) hdc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
28. (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44, 46) total sts, (Color B) *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) dc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
29. (Color A) Ch 1, hdc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44,46) total sts, (Color B) hdc across for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) hdc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
30. (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44,46) total sts, (Color B) *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) dc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
31. (Color A) Ch 2, dc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44, 46) total sts, (Color B) sk st, dc in next st, puff st in sk st, dc in next sp between 1st & 2nd puff sts, puff in between 1st puff & dc in Color A, * skip st just worked by last dc, dc into sp between next 2 puff sts & puff st into the sp you just skipped (dc from last dc/puff worked)*- Rep across, skip dc, dc in last st before ch 2 sp, puff in sk st, for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) dc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
32-36. Rep Rows 27-31 until you have reached a comfortable length (around mid thigh area for me)
37-38. (Color A) Ch 1, hdc in same st & in each st across for 31(37, 42, 44, 46) total sts, (Color B) hdc across for a total of 60(72, 82, 82, 100) sts, (Color A) hdc across, turn. 124(146, 166, 170, 192) sts
Finish off, weave in ends
Sleeves: (Make 2)
*Using Color A
Attach your yarn at bottom of arm hole, 1 st to the left of middle (3rd) st out of 5 sts or if you have 7 sts, Attach yarn to 2 sts over to the left from center st.
1. (RS) Ch 2, dc4tog working in st marker & next bottom st & in 1st 2 side sts, dc up and around until you have 2 sts left before reaching bottom arm sts, dc4tog, dc in last sts, sl st to 1st st, turn. 61(73, 81, 85, 93) sts
• Size L – Substitute the dc4togs for dc5togs
• Size 2XL – Substitute the dc4togs for dc6togs
2-3. Ch 2, sk sl st, dc5tog, dc around until you have 5 sts left, dc5tog, sl st to 1st st, turn. 45(57, 65, 65, 73) sts
• Sizes Xl & 2Xl – Substitute the dc5togs for dc6togs
4-6. Ch 2, sk sl st,dc3tog, dc around until you have 3 sts left, dc3tog, sl st to 1st st, turn. 45(45, 53, 53, 61) sts
• Size S – Substitute the dc3togs for dc in each st around
7-8. Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 45(45, 53, 53, 61) sts
• For Short Sleeves you can finish off after Row 8
9. (RS) Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around until you have 2 sts left, dc2tog, sl st to 1st st, turn. 44(44, 52, 52, 60) sts
10. (WS) Ch 2, sk sl st,dc2tog, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 43(43, 51, 51, 59) sts
11-17. Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 43(43, 51, 51, 59) sts
• For shorter sleeves Subtract a few dc repeat rows
18. (WS) Ch 2, sk sl st,dc2tog, dc around until you have 2 sts left, dc2tog, sl st to 1st st, turn. 41(41, 49, 49, 57) sts
19. (RS) Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 41(41, 49, 49, 57) sts
20-27. Rep Rows 18 & 19 – 4 times. 33(33, 41, 41, 49) sts
28. (WS) Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 33(33, 41, 41, 49) sts
29. (RS) Ch 2, sk sl st,dc2tog, dc around until you have 2 sts left, dc2tog, sl st to 1st st, turn. 31(31, 39, 39, 47) sts
30. (WS) Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 31(31, 39, 39, 47) sts
31. (RS) Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 31(31, 39, 39, 47) sts
32-37. Rep Rows 29-31. 27(27, 35, 35, 43) sts
32-38. (RS) Ch 2, sk sl st, dc around, sl st to 1st st, turn. 27(27, 35, 35, 43) sts
• You can make sleeves longer/shorter by adding/subtracting your Dc repeat rows
Finish off, weave in ends
Rep Rows 1-42 on other arm
Collar:
Lay Cardigan Flat with Front facing up (RS out), Attach your yarn at bottom inside left corner
1-8. Ch 2, dc in same st, dc up 1st front panel, around neck, & back down 2nd front panel.
Finish off, weave in ends
Pockets: (Make 2)
• Using your Color B
1. Ch 25, hdc in 2nd ch from hook & in each ch across, turn. (24) hdc
*You can substitute for Foundation hdc
2. Ch 2, dc 2, *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across, 2 dc in last 2 sts, turn. (24) sts
3. Ch 1, hdc in same st & in each st across, turn. (24) hdc
4. Ch 2, dc 2, *sk st, dc in next, puff in sk st* – Rep across, 2 dc in last 2 sts, turn. (24) sts
5. Ch 2, dc 2, sk st, dc in next sp between 1st & 2nd puff sts, puff in between 1st puff & dc, * skip st just worked by last dc, dc into sp between next 2 puff sts & puff st into the sp you just skipped (dc from last dc/puff worked)* – Rep across, 2 dc in last 2 sts, turn. (24 ) sts
6. Ch 1, hdc in same st & in each st across, turn. (24 ) hdc
7- 16. Rep Rows 2-6
Finish off, leave tail long enough to sew
Rep Rows 1-16 for 2nd pocket
*Lay Cardigan flat with Front facing up. Place your pockets on the front of your jacket, making sure to line them up evenly to each other & with your hand placement when cardigan is worn.
*Sew on side, bottom, & other side to the cardigan, to create your pockets.
Fasten threads & weave in ends.

Video Tutorial
This pattern also has a video tutorial. Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1DIgV7yTBq8
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