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Vail Topper – Easy Crocheted Cardigan Pattern

After sharing the Breckenridge Knit Topper, I received several requests for a crocheted version. So, here we go! This crocheted cardi is made with the luxurious Coboo yarn by Lion Brand which is both drapey and soft. The stitches are simple yet pretty and the fit is flattering on anyone! I’ve also made this available in more size options than ever, going from XS to 5XL. Read on to see how easy this cozy, comfy topper is to crochet. And isn’t it the perfect piece to go from summer to fall? Yes, I mentioned fall. 😉 See the full, free pattern below or you may purchase the advertisement free printable with all schematics from Etsy HERE, or the kit (available in any color you want!) on Lion Brand’s site HERE.

I was super happy with the look of the back too!

Here’s the progression of how this topper came to be. 🙂 A few seasons ago, I made the Telluride Knit Topper. It’s a super chunky, warm, winter piece that continues to be a popular make from the blog, but several folks were asking me to convert it for a worsted weight yarn. Enter, the Breckenridge Knit Topper (HERE). From there, I had requests for a crocheted version, and voila! I had to stick with the Colorado mountain town theme, and name it the Vail Topper. 🙂

I love all of these toppers for their easy construction and surprisingly comfortable fit. These toppers are my go-to for throwing over my shoulders on cool summer nights and fall days. They are also perfect for throwing over any ole’ shirt when you’re running late to drop your daughter off at school. 😉

How do we crochet this puppy? You’ll crochet two rectangles and seam them together up the back and the sides. For this pattern, you just need to be comfortable with half double crochet stitches and post stitches (for the pretty ribbing). I worked the half double crochet stitches in the spaces rather than into the stitches. This made it even easier and faster to crochet. It also gives the cardi a unique look to the fabric. When I see it from some angles, it almost has the look of knitting!

If you haven’t tried Coboo, it’s an awesome summer or fall yarn. It’s soft as can be on the skin and I love the color options. Several of you have asked me about whether it splits, and I do agree that it splits easier than some yarns. However, working the half double crochet stitches into the spaces really helped me be able to not have an issue with splitting. In fact, I really had no issue at all! This yarn is super unique in the comfort and drape that it gives the fabric, so I definitely recommend it for summer and fall wearables.

So shall we get to the pattern?!

Remember, you can see the full pattern below, or you can purchase the printable (sizes XS- 5X) from Etsy HERE!

Description: Grab your hook! Beginners and experts alike will love crocheting this drapey, wide sleeved cardigan. This topper is super simple yet features a knit-look fabric and an ultra comfortable fit.  Wear it over your favorite tee for a casual look, or pair it with a maxi dress for a playful summer outfit.  It’s the perfect cardi to take you from summer to fall.  All you need is basic crochet skills!

Skill Level:

Beginner

Materials:

US Size I, 5.5 mm Crochet Hook

6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18) Lion Brand Yarn Coboo light yarn in Taupe Grab the Kit HERE!

  Pattern uses approximately 530 g (651g, 778 g, 922 g, 1075 g, 1236 g,   1409 g, 1591 g, 1747 g)

Tapestry Needle

Measuring Tape

Scissors

Sizes:

XSmall, Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL

Please follow the key throughout the pattern according to the

size you are crocheting:

XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Width:

XS – 32”

S – 34”

M – 36”

L – 38”

XL – 40”

XXL –  42”

3XL – 44”

4XL – 46”

5XL – 48”

Bust Circumference:

XS – 64”

S – 68”

M – 72”

L – 76”

XL-  80”

XXL – 84”

3XL – 88”

4XL – 92”

5XL – 96”

Length (approximate):

XS – 19 ¼

S – 22 ¼

M– 25 ¼

L – 28 ¼

XL – 31 ¼

XXL – 34 ¼

3XL – 37 ¼

4XL – 40 ¼

5XL – 43 ¼

Abbreviations & Skills:

ch – chain

hdc – half double crochet

st – stitch

sts – stitches

FPhdc – Front Post Half Double Crochet – from the front, yarn over hook, insert hook under post of stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all loops on hook.

BPhdc – Back Post Half Double Crochet – from the back, yarn over hook, insert hook under post of stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all loops on hook.

Gauge:

Approximately 11 ½ sts and 11 ½ rows in 4” x 4” of stitch pattern

Notes:

This topper is crocheted by creating two long rectangles and seaming them at the sides and back.  The construction and easy stitches make it simple enough for adventurous beginners. Ribbing is worked along the edges of the panels by crocheting post stitches.  If you’ve never worked post stitches, you can find several tutorials by conducting a basic online search for how to crochet FPhdc and BPhdc ribbing.

Pattern Instructions

Panel Pattern (Make 2)

Ch 48 (51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66, 69, 72)

Row 1 Hdc in 3rd st from hook and in each ch st across. 46 (49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70)

Row 2 Ch2 (doesn’t count as a st here or throughout the pattern), turn, hdc in sp between 1st and 2nd hdc, and in each sp across to last hdc, hdc in sp between final hdc and ch 2.

46 (49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70)

Repeat row 2 until your panel measures approximately 35” (41”, 47”, 53”, 59”, 65”, 68”, 71”, 74”) long.

Tie off and weave in ends.

Next, you’ll create the ribbing along the sides of the panel.

Side Ribbing

Crochet the long edges of the panel (lengthwise).  You’ll alternate front post and back post half double crochet stitches in order to create ribbing.

Attach yarn to corner of panel.

Row 1 Work hdc stitches evenly across, approximately 1 st in each st, to the opposite end of the panel.

Row 2 Ch 2, turn, *FPhdc in 1st st, BPhdc in next st; repeat from * across the row.

Tie off and weave in ends. 

Repeat this pattern on the other long side of the same panel.

Repeat Side Ribbing Section for second panel.

Bottom Ribbing Section

Crochet along the short edges of the panel (widthwise).  You’ll repeat the same ribbing pattern as the sides, alternating FPhdc sts with BPhdc sts.

Attach yarn to corner of the panel

Row 1 Work hdc stitches evenly across, working 1 hdc st into each hdc to the opposite side of the panel.

Row 2 Ch 2, turn, *FPhdc in 1st st, BPhdc in next st; repeat from * across the row.

Row 3 Ch 2, turn, FPhdc in each FPhdc and BPhdc in each BPhdc across the row.

Repeat row 3 until bottom ribbing measures approximately 1 ¾” wide.

Tie off and weave in ends.

Repeat this pattern on the other short side of the same panel. 

Repeat Bottom Ribbing Section for second panel.

Assembly

Place both rectangular panels side by side lengthwise.  With a tapestry needle and length of yarn, sew them together with a basic whip stitch, working until 3” from the center. Tie off and weave in ends. 

Next, fold the panels down and seam up each side, leaving large openings for the arms.  Tie off and weave in ends.

That’s all there is to it! Enjoy your new topper!

Below: The two panels are placed side by side. You can see where you will fold it, and where the seams are worked.

BELOW: This schematic shows what the Topper will look like when it’s folded. Seam up the back and sides. There’s openings on both sides for the arms.

And that’s all there is to it!!

Have you ever made a topper like this? I think they are so comfy and versatile. I sure hope yours as much as I love mine!

XO,

Jessica

Vail Topper - Easy Crocheted Cardigan Pattern

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16 Comments

  1. I love this but I don’t have that particular yarn in my stash and it’s s so huge I want to use it up. I have some red heart super saver yarn which I rarely use but it’s very colorful and I think it would look great. However it may not drape as well. Is it possible to use the red heart with this pattern?

    1. While some yarns might not have the same drape, you can still use them! Definitely check your gauge to make sure the sizing turns out correctly. 🙂

  2. I am a former resident of Denver, and each time you post I am homesick! I am an experienced knitter but not crochet – this pattern makes me want to try a pattern for the first time. I am uncertain as to what size to make – my chest measurement is 44″. Which size would you suggest for the fit as it is (so pretilly) pictured?

    Thanks, Caroline Richter
    (now in ) Texarkana, AR 🙁

    1. Ahhh I bet you miss Denver, indeed! I’m wearing the size XS and am 5’5″ and 105 lbs. So there is A LOT of positive ease and it’s a generous fit. The measurements that I list are for the finished topper size, and not the size of our own bodies. Lol. I hope this helps!

  3. I loved the colour. I will make it for sure if I can find the wool . Always a shortage here. By the way, you look lovely in it.

  4. Hi Jessica: Is there anyway the line at the top, New Patterns via email could be taken off as I have signed up numerous times and it interrupts printing. Kindly appreciated. Deb

    1. That’s not good! It shouldn’t come up for 90 days when you close it out with the X. Maybe it’s not working right, so I will try to get it sorted out!

  5. Can you tell me what size topper you are wearing and what size you are? I am 5’1″ tall and 115 lbs. Don’t like things too form fitting, but don’t want to be overwhelmed either. Love the yarn and pattern!

  6. love your video for easy shrug! The written pattern is for a different garment and uses different stitches. Is there a written pattern for the shrug on the video? Thank you!

  7. Hi Jessica, This is so pretty. How could I miss it back in July? I think I’ll make the size you’re wearing, though I’m not as slim as you are. My shoulders are rather narrow and I’m just 5’2″. I don’t want to have it to be too oversized as I’m not tall. Best regards from Sweden! Mila

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