The Esme Cardigan-Free Crochet Pattern
The Esme Cardigan is a cozy and charming long-sleeve crochet design adorned with adorable heart motifs, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe. Made with Lion Brand Feels Like Butta yarn, it offers a buttery-soft feel and a lightweight warmth you'll love. This cardigan is as delightful to make as it is to wear, making it a must-have for crochet enthusiasts who adore stylish and heartfelt designs. Scroll down for the free version, grab the digital PDF in my shop or treat yourself to the complete kit from Lion Brand Yarn.
Love is in the air and The Esme Cardigan is just what you need to feel that love all year long.
I’ve had this idea in my head for almost a whole year. I don’t know about you, but I never seem to have my act together enough to get my holiday ideas out in the world on time. I knew that I had to get this idea out of my head and wasn’t going to let another year go by without doing that. While Valentine’s Day isn’t the biggest holiday, it sure is a fun one. I knew I wanted to design a set of sister designs and loved the idea of an all over heart pattern.
In August I went on the hunt for the perfect yarn that came in the best colors. It can be hard deciding on colors when you can’t always see them in person. Luckily Feels Like Butta from Lion Brand did not disappoint when it showed up on my doorstep a few weeks later. It’s super soft and comes in so many gorgeous color options. It’s 100% polyester and has a unique construction to it unlike traditional yarns. It glides smoothly over the hook and looks amazing when worked up.
When I started the design process, I knew I wanted to start with the crochet version and I’m glad I did. It as instant satisfaction to see the hearts forming with each row. Crochet color work can be intimidating, but I promise it’s not as hard as it looks. I used a combo of intarsia crochet and fair isle crochet for this design. So you’ll need individual balls of color B for each heart, but you’ll be carrying the main color throughout and floating the strands on the wrong side as you go.
To make it even easier, I’ve included a full video tutorial so you can see exactly how to make your hearts and assemble your Esme.
Plus, if you purchase the PDF version you’ll get a set of helpful charts/graphs for each panel too!
For the Esme Cardigan we will start by constructing all the panels, back panel, front left, front right and sleeves. We will start all panels with a simple back loop only ribbing and then work the main bodies directly into the edges of the ribbing and work up from there. The hearts are made using color work techniques so take your time with them and watch your tension. While the back and front panels are made straight up, the sleeves will have a taper to them so you’ll be increasing along both edges every few rows.
Once all panels are made we will seam the shoulders together, then attach the sleeves to the sides. From there it’s time to fold the cardigan in half and seam under the arms and down each side. The collar is made last and is an applied back loop only ribbing to match the rest of the cardigan.
When choosing the names for these adorable cardigans I knew I wanted to stick with the “love” theme. When I came across Esme and saw that it means “esteemed” or “loved” I knew it was the perfect fit. The black and grey of the crochet cardigan seemed to match perfectly with the gender neutral name of Esme. It’s unique and untraditional which I love. I hope you will love her just as much.
The Esme Cardigan Crochet Pattern
Materials:
1185-2000 yards (6-10 skeins) of Lion Brand Feels Like Butta in Color A (Charcoal)
140-265 yards (1-2 skeins) of Lion Brand Feels Like Butta in Color B (Black)
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
Notes:
1.Pattern is made of 5 panels (back, front right, front left and sleeves). All panels are worked from the bottom up. The collar is worked directly onto the front edge of the cardigan.
2.Pattern is written in sizes XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). It is recommended to go through and highlight your size in all sections.
3.The hearts are made using a combination of intarsia and fair isle crochet. Float Color A on the wrong side of the panels as you go.
Abbreviations:
Ch(s)- chain(s)
st(s)- stitch(es)
sc- single crochet
BLO- back loop only
FLO- front loop only
incr- increase (2scFLO)
RS- right side
WS- wrong side
Gauge:
16 sts X 15 rows = 4” X 4” in single crochet front loop only (scFLO)
Size:
XS: fits bust 28-30” (approx. 1185 yards/6 skeins Color A; 140 yards/1 skeins Color B)
S: fits bust 32-34” (approx. 1268 yards/6 skeins Color A; 140 yards/1 skeins Color B)
M: fits bust 36-38” (approx. 1380 yards/7 skeins Color A; 156 yards/1 skeins Color B)
L: fits bust 40-42” (approx. 1490 yards/7 skeins Color A; 156 yards/1 skeins Color B)
XL: fits bust 44-46” (approx. 1575 yards/8 skeins Color A; 175 yards/1 skeins Color B)
2X: fits bust 48-50” (approx. 1682 yards/8 skeins Color A; 200 yards/1 skeins Color B)
3X: fits bust 52-54” (approx. 1810 yards/9 skeins Color A; 200 yards/1 skeins Color B)
4X: fits bust 56-58” (approx. 1880 yards/9 skeins Color A; 245 yards/2 skeins Color B)
5X: fits bust 60-62” (approx. 2000 yards/10 skeins Color A; 265 yards/2 skeins Color B)
Video Tutorial:
Pattern:
Back Panel
Ribbing:
With Color A and 4mm hook, ch 8
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Row 2: scBLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Repeat Row 2 for a total of 73(81, 89, 97, 105, 113, 121, 129, 137) rows.
Main Body:
Turn ribbing 90 degrees. Row 1 of the main body is worked directly into the edges of the ribbing.
Row 1(RS): sc into each row edge, ch 1, turn. (73(81, 89, 97, 105, 113, 121, 129, 137)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (73(81, 89, 97, 105, 113, 121, 129, 137)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 3(3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5) small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 3: 12(16, 20, 24, 28, 8, 12, 16, 20)A, 1B, [23A, 1B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 12(16, 20, 24, 28, 8, 12, 16, 20)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: 11(15, 19, 23, 27, 7, 11, 15, 19)A, 3B, [21A, 3B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 11(15, 19, 23, 27, 7, 11, 15, 19)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: 10(14, 18, 22, 26, 6, 10, 14, 18)A, 5B, [19A, 5B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 10(14, 18, 22, 26, 6, 10, 14, 18)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 6: 9(13, 17, 21, 25, 5, 9, 13, 17)A, 7B, [17A, 7B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 9(13, 17, 21, 25, 5, 9, 13, 17)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 7: 8(12, 16, 20, 24, 4, 8, 12, 16)A, 9B, [15A, 9B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 8(12, 16, 20, 24, 4, 8, 12, 16)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 8-10: 7(11, 15, 19, 23, 3, 7, 11, 15)A, 11B, [13A, 11B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 7(11, 15, 19, 23, 3, 7, 11, 15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 11: 7(11, 15, 19, 23, 3, 7, 11, 15)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, [13A, 5B, 1A, 5B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 7(11, 15, 19, 23, 3, 7, 11, 15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 12: 8(12, 16, 20, 24, 4, 8, 12, 16)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, [15A, 3B, 3A, 3B] X 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4), 8(12, 16, 20, 24, 4, 8, 12, 16)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13-22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (73(81, 89, 97, 105, 113, 121, 129, 137)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2(2, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6) small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 23: 24(28, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 8)A, 1B, [23A, 1B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 24(28, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 8)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 24: 23(27, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 7)A, 3B, [21A, 3B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 23(27, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 7)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 25: 22(26, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 6)A, 5B, [19A, 5B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 22(26, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 6)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 26: 21(25, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 5)A, 7B, [17A, 7B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 21(25, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 5)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 27: 20(24, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 4)A, 9B, [15A, 9B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 20(24, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 4)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 28-30: 19(23, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 3)A, 11B, [13A, 11B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 19(23, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 3)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 31: 19(23, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 3)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, [13A, 5B, 1A, 5B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 19(23, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 3)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 32: 20(24, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 4)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, [15A, 3B, 3A, 3B] X 1(1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5), 20(24, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 4)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (73(81, 89, 97, 105, 113, 121, 129, 137)
Repeat Rows 3-42 ONCE.
Then Repeat Rows 3-14 ONCE.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
Front Left Panel
Ribbing:
With Color A and 4mm hook, ch 8
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Row 2: scBLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Repeat Row 2 for a total of 25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53) rows.
Main Body:
Turn ribbing 90 degrees. Row 1 of the main body is worked directly into the edges of the ribbing.
Row 1(RS): sc into each row edge, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1(1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2) small ball(s) of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)-ONLY
Row 3: 6(7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16)A, 1B, 18(19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: 17(18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27)A, 3B, 5(6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: 4(5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)A, 5B, 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 6: 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, 7B, 3(4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 7: 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, 9B, 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 8-10: 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, 11B, 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 11: 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 12: 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13-22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1(1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 23: 18(19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28)A, 1B, 6(7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 24: 5(6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15)A, 3B, 17(18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 25: 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, 5B, 4(5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 26: 3(4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13)A, 7B, 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 27: 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, 9B, 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 28-30: 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, 11B, 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 31: 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 32: 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, 3B, 1A, 3B, 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45)
Repeat Rows 3-42 ONCE.
Then Repeat Rows 3-14 ONCE.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
4X(5X)-ONLY
Row 3: 18(20)A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 6(8)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: 5(7)A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 17(19)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: 16(18)A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 4(6)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 6: 3(5)A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 15(17)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 7: 14(16)A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 2(4)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 8-10: 1(3)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 13(15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 11: 13(15)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 1(3)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 12: 2(4)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 14(16)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 13-22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (49(53)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2(2) small ball(s) of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 23: 6(8)A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 18(20)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 24: 17(19)A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 5(7)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 25: 4(6)A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 16(18)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 26: 15(17)A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 3(5)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 27: 2(4)A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 14(16)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 28-30: 13(15)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 1(3)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 31: 1(3)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13(15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 32: 14(16)A, 3B, 1A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 2(4)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (49(53)
Repeat Rows 3-42 ONCE.
Then Repeat Rows 3-14 ONCE.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
Front Right Panel
Ribbing:
With Color A and 4mm hook, ch 8
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Row 2: scBLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Repeat Row 2 for a total of 25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53) rows.
Main Body:
Turn ribbing 90 degrees. Row 1 of the main body is worked directly into the edges of the ribbing.
Row 1(RS): sc into each row edge, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1(1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2) small ball(s) of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)-ONLY
Row 3: 18(19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28)A, 1B, 6(7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: 5(6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15)A, 3B, 17(18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, 5B, 4(5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 6: 3(4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13)A, 7B, 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 7: 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, 9B, 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 8-10: 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, 11B, 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 11: 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 12: 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, 3B, 1A, 3B, 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13-22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1(1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 23: 6(7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16)A, 1B, 18(19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 24: 17(18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27)A, 3B, 5(6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 25: 4(5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)A, 5B, 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 26: 16(17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)A, 7B, 3(4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 27: 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, 9B, 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 28-30: 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, 11B, 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 31: 1(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 14(15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 32: 15(16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 2(3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (25(27, 31, 35, 37, 41, 45)
Repeat Rows 3-42 ONCE.
Then Repeat Rows 3-14 ONCE.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
4X(5X)-ONLY
Row 3: 6(8)A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 18(20)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: 17(19)A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 5(7)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 5: 4(6)A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 16(18)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 6: 15(17)A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 3(5)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 7: 2(4)A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 14(16)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 8-10: 13(15)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 1(3)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 11: 1(3)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13(15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 12: 14(16)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 2(4)A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13-22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (49(53)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2(2) small ball(s) of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 23: 18(20)A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 6(8)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 24: 5(7)A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 17(19)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 25: 16(18)A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 4(6)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 26: 3(5)A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 15(17)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 27: 14(16)A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 2(4)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 28-30: 1(3)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 13(15)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 31: 13(15)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 1(3)A, ch 1, turn.
Row 32: 2(4)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 14(16)A, ch 1, turn.
Rows 33-42: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (49(53)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Repeat Rows 3-42 ONCE.
Then Repeat Rows 3-14 ONCE.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
Sleeves- Make Two
Ribbing:
With Color A and 4mm hook, ch 8
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Row 2: scBLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (7)
Repeat Row 2 for a total of 31(31, 33, 33, 33, 33, 35, 35, 35) rows.
Main Body:
Turn ribbing 90 degrees. Row 1 of the main body is worked directly into the edges of the ribbing.
XS-ONLY
Row 1(RS): 2sc into 1st row edge, sc into each row edge until 1 edge remains, 2sc in last row edge, ch 1, turn. (33)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (33)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1 small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 3: 16A, 1B, 16A, ch 1, turn. (33)
Row 4: 15A, 3B, 15A, ch 1, turn. (33)
Row 5: 14A, 5B, 14A, ch 1, turn. (33)
Row 6: incr, 12A, 7B, 12A, incr, ch 1, turn. (35)
Row 7: 13A, 9B, 13A, ch 1, turn. (35)
Rows 8-10: 12A, 11B, 12A, ch 1, turn. (35)
Row 11: incr, 11A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 11A, incr, ch 1, turn. (37)
Row 12: 14A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 14A, ch 1, turn.
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 13-15: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (37)
Row 16: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (39)
Rows 17-20: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (39)
Row 21: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (41)
Row 22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (41)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 23: 8A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 8A, ch 1, turn. (41)
Row 24: 7A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 7A, ch 1, turn. (41)
Row 25: 6A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 6A, ch 1, turn. (41)
Row 26: incr, 4A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 4A, incr, ch 1, turn. (43)
Row 27: 5A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 5A, ch 1, turn. (43)
Rows 28-30: 4A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 4A, ch 1, turn. (43)
Row 31: incr, 3A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 3A, incr, ch 1, turn. (45)
Row 32: 6A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 6A, ch 1, turn. (45)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: Repeat Rows 13-22
You will have 49 sts at the end of this section.
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 43: 24A, 1B, 24A, ch 1, turn. (49)
Row 44: 23A, 3B, 23A, ch 1, turn. (49)
Row 45: 22A, 5B, 22A, ch 1, turn. (49)
Row 46: incr, 20A, 7B, 20A, incr, ch 1, turn. (51)
Row 47: 21A, 9B, 21A, ch 1, turn. (51)
Rows 48-50: 20A, 11B, 20A, ch 1, turn. (51)
Row 51: incr, 19A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 19A, incr, ch 1, turn. (53)
Row 52: 22A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 22A, ch 1, turn. (53)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 53-62: Repeat Rows 13-22
Rows 63-66: Repeat Row 22.
You will have 57 sts at the end of this section.
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
S(M, L)-ONLY
S/M Row 1(RS): sc into each row edge, ch 1, turn. (31(33)
L Row 1(RS): 2sc into 1st row edge, sc into each row edge until 1 edge remains, 2sc in last row edge, ch 1, turn. (35)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (31(33, 35)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1 small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 3: 15(16, 17)A, 1B, 15(16, 17)A, ch 1, turn. (31(33, 35)
Row 4: 14(15, 16)A, 3B, 14(15, 16)A, ch 1, turn. (31(33, 35)
Row 5: incr, 12(13, 14)A, 5B, 12(13, 14)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (33(35, 37)
Row 6: 13(14, 15)A, 7B, 13(14, 15)A, ch 1, turn. (33(35, 37)
Row 7: 12(13, 14)A, 9B, 12(13, 14)A, ch 1, turn. (33(35, 37)
Row 8: 11(12, 13)A, 11B, 11(12, 13)A, ch 1, turn. (33(35, 37)
Row 9: incr, 10(11, 12)A, 11B, 10(11, 12)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 39)
Row 10: 12(13, 14)A, 11B, 12(13, 14)A, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 39)
Row 11: 12(13, 14)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 12(13, 14)A, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 39)
Row 12: 13(14, 15)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 13(14, 15)A, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 39)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (37(39, 41)
Rows 14-16: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (37(39, 41)
Row 17: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (39(41, 43)
Rows 18-20: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (39(41, 43)
Row 21: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (41(43, 45)
Row 22: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (41(43, 45)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 23: 8(9, 10)A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 8(9, 10)A, ch 1, turn. (41(43, 45)
Row 24: 7(8, 9)A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 7(8, 9)A, ch 1, turn. (41(43, 45)
Row 25: incr, 5(6, 7)A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 5(6, 7)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (43(45, 47)
Row 26: 6(7, 8)A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 6(7, 8)A, ch 1, turn. (43(45, 47)
Row 27: 5(6, 7)A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 5(6, 7)A, ch 1, turn. (43(45, 47)
Row 28: 4(5, 6)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 4(5, 6)A, ch 1, turn. (43(45, 47)
Row 29: incr, 3(4, 5)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 3(4, 5)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (45(47, 49)
Row 30: 5(6, 7)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 5(6, 7)A, ch 1, turn. (45(47, 49)
Row 31: 5(6, 7)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 5(6, 7)A, ch 1, turn. (45(47, 49))
Row 32: 6(7, 8)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 6(7, 8)A, ch 1, turn. (45(47, 49)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: Repeat Rows 13-22
You will have 51(53, 55) sts at the end of this section.
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1 small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Row 43: 25(26, 27)A, 1B, 25(26, 27)A, ch 1, turn. (51(53, 55)
Row 44: 24(25, 26)A, 3B, 24(25, 26)A, ch 1, turn. (51(53, 55)
Row 45: incr, 22(23, 24)A, 5B, 22(23, 24)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 57)
Row 46: 23(24, 25)A, 7B, 23(24, 25)A, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 57)
Row 47: 22(23, 24)A, 9B, 22(23, 24)A, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 57)
Row 48: 21(22, 23)A, 11B, 21(22, 23)A, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 57)
Row 49: incr, 20(21, 21)A, 11B, 20(21, 22)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (55(57, 59)
Row 50: 22(23, 24)A, 11B, 22(23, 24)A, ch 1, turn. (55(57, 59)
Row 51: 22(23, 24)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 22(23, 24)A, ch 1, turn. (55(57, 59)
Row 52: 23(24, 25)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 23(24, 25)A, ch 1, turn. (53)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 53-60: Repeat Rows 13-20
You will have 59(61, 63) sts at the end of this section.
S(M)-ONLY
Rows 61-66: Repeat Row 20. (59(61)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
L-ONLY
Row 61: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (65)
Rows 62-66: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (65)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
XL(2X, 3X, 4X)-ONLY
XL/3X Row 1(RS): sc into each row edge, ch 1, turn. (33(35)
2X Row 1(RS): 2sc into 1st row edge, sc into each row edge until 1 edge remains, 2sc in last row edge, ch 1, turn. (35)
4X Row 1(RS): 2sc into 2 row edges, sc into each row edge until 2 edge remains, 2sc in last 2 row edges, ch 1, turn. (39)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (33(35, 35, 39)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1 small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 3: 16(17, 17, 19)A, 1B, 16(17, 17, 19)A, ch 1, turn. (33(35, 35, 39)
Row 4: incr, 14(15, 15, 17)A, 3B, 14(15, 15, 17)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 37, 41)
Row 5: 15(16, 16, 18)A, 5B, 15(16, 16, 18)A, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 37, 41)
Row 6: 14(15, 15, 17)A, 7B, 14(15, 15, 17)A, ch 1, turn. (35(37, 37, 41)
Row 7: incr, 12(13, 13, 15)A, 9B, 12(13, 13, 15)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (37(39, 39, 43)
Rows 8-9: 13(14, 14, 16)A, 11B, 13(14, 14, 16)A, ch 1, turn. (37(39, 39, 43)
Row 10: incr, 12(13, 13, 15)A, 11B, 12(13, 13, 15)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (39(41, 41, 45)
Row 11: 14(15, 15, 17)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 14(15, 15, 17)A, ch 1, turn. (39(41, 41, 45)
Row 12: 15(16, 16, 18)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15(16, 16, 18)A, ch 1, turn. (39(41, 41, 45)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (41(43, 43, 47)
Rows 14-15: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (41(43, 43, 47)
Row 16: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (43(45, 45, 49)
Rows 17-18: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (43(45, 45, 49)
Row 19: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (45(47, 47, 51)
Rows 20-21: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (45(47, 47, 51)
Row 22: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (47(49, 49, 53)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 23: 11(12, 12, 14)A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 11(12, 12, 14)A, ch 1, turn. (47(49, 49, 53)
Row 24: 10(11, 11, 13)A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 10(11, 11, 13)A, ch 1, turn. (47(49, 49, 53)
Row 25: incr, 8(9, 9, 11)A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 8(9, 9, 11)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (49(51, 51, 55)
Row 26: 9(10, 10, 12)A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 9(10, 10, 12)A, ch 1, turn. (49(51, 51, 55)
Row 27: 8(9, 9, 11)A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 8(9, 9, 11)A, ch 1, turn. (49(51, 51, 55)
Row 28: incr, 6(7, 7, 9)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 6(7, 7, 9)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (51(53, 53, 57)
Row 29-30: 8(9, 9, 11)A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 8(9, 9, 11)A, ch 1, turn. (51(53, 53, 57)
Row 31: incr, 7(8, 8, 10)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 7(8, 8, 10)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 55, 59)
Row 32: 10(11, 11, 13)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 10(11, 11, 13)A, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 55, 59)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 33: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (53(55, 55, 59)
Row 34: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (55(57, 57, 61)
Rows 35-36: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (55(57, 57, 61)
Row 37: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (57(59, 59, 63)
Rows 38-39: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (57(59, 59, 63)
Row 40: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (59(61, 61, 65)
Rows 41-42: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (59(61, 61, 65)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 3 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 43: incr, 4(5, 5, 7)A, 1B, [23A, 1B]X2, 4(5, 5, 7)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (61(63, 63, 67)
Row 44: 5(6, 6, 8)A, 3B, [21A, 3B]X2, 5(6, 6, 8)A, ch 1, turn. (61(63, 63, 67)
Row 45: 4(5, 5, 7)A, 5B, [19A, 5B]X2, 4(5, 5, 7)A, ch 1, turn. (61(63, 63, 67)
Row 46: incr, 2(3, 3, 5)A, 7B, [17A, 7B]X2, 2(3, 3, 5)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (63(65, 65, 69)
Row 47: 3(4, 4, 6)A, 9B, [15A, 9B]X2, 3(4, 4, 6)A, ch 1, turn. (63(65, 65, 69)
Row 48: 2(3, 3, 5)A, 11B, [13A, 11B]X2, 2(3, 3, 5)A, ch 1, turn. (63(65, 65, 69)
Row 49: incr, 1(2, 2, 3)A, 11B, [13A, 11B]X2, 1(2, 2, 3)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (65(67, 67, 71)
Row 50: 3(4, 4, 6)A, 11B, [13A, 11B]X2, 3(4, 4, 6)A, ch 1, turn. (65(67, 67, 71)
Row 51: 3(4, 4, 6)A, 5B, 1A, 5B, [13A, 5B, 1A, 5B]X2, 3(4, 4, 6)A, ch 1, turn. (65(67, 67, 71)
Row 52: incr, 3(4, 4, 6)A, 3B, 3A, 3B, [15A, 3B, 3A, 3B]X2, 3(4, 4, 6)A, incr, ch 1, turn. (67(69, 69, 73)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
XL(2X)-ONLY
Rows 53-62: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (67(69)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
3X(4X)-ONLY
Rows 53-60: Repeat Rows 13-20. (73(77)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
5X-ONLY
Row 1(RS): sc into each row edge, ch 1, turn. (35)
Row 2(WS): scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (35)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 1 small ball of Color B for the hearts.
Continue to work all stitches in scFLO. Use a separate ball of Color B for each heart and float Color A on the WS as you go.
Row 3: incr, 16A, 1B, 16A, incr, ch 1, turn. (37)
Row 4: 17A, 3B, 17A, incr, ch 1, turn. (37)
Row 5: incr, 15A, 5B, 15A, incr, ch 1, turn. (39)
Row 6: 16A, 7B, 16A, ch 1, turn. (39)
Row 7: incr, 14A, 9B, 14A, incr, ch 1, turn. (41)
Row 8: 15A, 11B, 15A, ch 1, turn. (41)
Row 9: incr, 14A, 11B, 14A, incr, ch 1, turn. (43)
Row 10: 16A, 11B, 16A, ch 1, turn. (43)
Row 11: incr, 15A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 15A, incr, ch 1, turn. (45)
Row 12: 18A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 18A, ch 1, turn. (45)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Row 13: incr, scFLO across until 1 st remains, incr, ch 1, turn. (47)
Rows 14: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (47)
Rows 15-22: Repeat Rows 13-14. (55)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 2 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 23: incr, 14A, 1B, 23A, 1B, 14A, incr, ch 1, turn. (57)
Row 24: 15A, 3B, 21A, 3B, 15A, ch 1, turn. (57)
Row 25: incr, 13A, 5B, 19A, 5B, 13A, incr, ch 1, turn. (59)
Row 26: 14A, 7B, 17A, 7B, 14A, ch 1, turn. (59)
Row 27: incr, 12A, 9B, 15A, 9B, 12A, incr, ch 1, turn. (61)
Row 28: 13A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 13A, incr, ch 1, turn. (61)
Row 29: incr, 12A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 12A, incr, ch 1, turn. (63)
Row 30: 14A, 11B, 13A, 11B, 14A, incr, ch 1, turn. (63)
Row 31: incr, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, 5B, 1A, 5B, 13A, incr, ch 1, turn. (63)
Row 32: 16A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 15A, 3B, 3A, 3B, 16A, ch 1, turn. (63)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 33-42: Repeat Rows 13-22. (75)
Begin Color Work Section- make sure to have 3 small balls of Color B for the hearts.
Row 43: incr, 12A, 1B, [23A, 1B]X2, 12A, incr, ch 1, turn. (77)
Row 44: 13A, 3B, [21A, 3B]X2, 13A, ch 1, turn. (77)
Row 45: incr, 11A, 5B, [19A, 5B]X2, 11A, incr, ch 1, turn. (79)
Row 46: 12A, 7B, [17A, 7B]X2, 12A, ch 1, turn. (79)
Row 47: incr, 10A, 9B, [15A, 9B]X2, 10A, incr, ch 1, turn. (81)
Rows 48-50: 11A, 11B, [13A, 11B]X2, 11A, ch 1, turn. (81)
Row 51: 11A, 5B, 1A, 5B, [13A, 5B, 1A, 5B]X2, 11A, ch 1, turn. (81)
Row 52: 12A, 3B, 3A, 3B, [15A, 3B, 3A, 3B]X2, 12A, ch 1, turn. (81)
Begin Solid Section- work only with Color A, cut off all balls of Color B leaving a tail for weaving in.
Rows 53-55: scFLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (81)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.
Seaming:
Lay Back Panel and two Front Panels together at the shoulders with RS facing each other. Using your preferred seaming method attach front panels to back panel starting from the outside edges and working in towards the center. You will have 23(27, 27, 27, 31, 31, 31, 31, 31) of unworked stitches along the back panel neckline.
Attach the sleeves to the sides of the cardigan, using your preferred seaming method, making sure to align the center of the sleeve with the shoulder seam. Make sure the sleeves are attached evenly from the center shoulder seam, down the sides. Using stitch markers to hold the sleeve in place is recommended.
Fold cardigan so that the back and front panels are on top of each other. Then seam the sleeves from the underarm to the cuff. Seam the sides from the underarm down to the bottom.
Collar:
With Color A, attach yarn to bottom right front panel with RS facing you, ch 1.
Set up row: sc in same st as join and in each st of ribbing, sc evenly up right side of cardigan putting one stitch in each row edge, sc in each st along the back panel neckline, sc evenly down the left side of cardigan putting one stitch in each row edge, sc in each st of ribbing. (approx. ?sc)
We will now be adding an applied ribbing into the sc stitches we just made.
Row 1: ch 8, turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 chs, sl st into 1st 2 sc sts of set up row, turn. (7sc, 2 sl sts)
Row 2: sk sl sts, sc BLO in each st across, ch 1, turn. (7sc)
Row 3: sc BLO in each st across, sl st into next 2 sts of set up row, turn. (7sc, 2 sl sts)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the front edge of the cardigan. Fasten off.
Weave in all ends to WS of cardigan.
Block if needed using your preferred method.
Enjoy this season of love with your new Esme Cardigan! If you make one I’d love to see it. Make sure to tag me @meghanmakesdo and use #theesmecardigan so I can see and share.
As always you can find a Digital PDF of of this pattern in my shop, Etsy, Ravelry or as a complete kit from Lion Brand Yarn.
Happy Crocheting,
Meghan
