Drop-Shoulder Crochet Sweater
Rectangles and two tapered sleeves, with sideways ribbed bands. The Increase & Decrease Evenly tool spaces the stitches across each band.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) wool or wool blend.
- Hook
- G-6 (4 mm) for bands, H-8 (5 mm) for body
- Sizes
- Any adult size. Example: bust 37 in, finished chest 44 in (112 cm), relaxed fit.
- Example gauge
- 13 sts and 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in hdc
- Yarn needed
- About 1,700 yd (1,555 m) worsted.
US terms. The UK name follows in brackets the first time each stitch appears. Turning chains don’t count as stitches unless a step says so. See US vs UK crochet terms and crochet abbreviations.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel sts | (bust + 6–8 in) ÷ 2 × sts per in | 22 × 3.25 = 71.5 → 72 | Cast-On Calculator |
| Band rows | panel width × band rows per in | 22 × 4 = 88 rows | By hand |
| Pick-up row | 88 row ends → 72 hdc | the tool spaces them | Increase & Decrease Evenly |
| Sleeve top / cuff | 2 × 9 in × 3.25 / 9 in × 3.25 | 58 sts / 30 sts | By hand |
| Sleeve increases | (58 − 30) ÷ 2 = 14 each side | every other row | Size Charts |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- G-6 (4 mm) for bands, H-8 (5 mm) for body
- Locking markers
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Hdc swatch on the larger hook.
Instructions
Front and back (make 2)
Band: with the smaller hook, ch 8. Sc (UK dc) in 2nd ch from hook and each ch (7). Every row: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loop only. Work to the band rows (example: 88).
Change to the larger hook. Turn the band sideways and work 72 hdc (UK htr) across the row ends, spacing them with the Increase & Decrease Evenly (Crochet, Flat, 88 → 72).
Every row: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st. Work until the panel is 22 in (56 cm) from the band edge. Fasten off.
Sleeves (make 2)
Cuff band: as above, 36 rows (9 in). Work 30 hdc across the row ends (36 → 30 with the tool).
Inc row: Ch 1, turn, 2 hdc in first st, hdc to last st, 2 hdc in last st. Work an inc row every other row 14 times (58). Work to 13.5 in total.
Finishing
- Seam 6 in at each shoulder for a boat neck.
- Mark 9 in down from the shoulder on both panels. Sew the sleeves between the markers. Seam sides and sleeves.
- Work 2 rnds of sc around the neck. Weave in ends and block.
Designer’s notes
- Sleeve top must equal twice the armhole depth (58 sts ≈ 18 in = 2 × 9 in).
- Crop it: 18 in panels instead of 22 in.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: band rows. Counter 2: sleeve increases (goal 14).
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Increase & Decrease EvenlyEnter stitches now and stitches wanted; copy the written row it gives you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.