{"id":1855,"date":"2025-10-27T11:44:58","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T11:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/?p=1855"},"modified":"2025-10-27T11:44:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T11:44:59","slug":"the-coastal-drift-cardigan-an-airy-easy-to-wear-crochet-pattern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.phumikhmer5.com\/?p=1855","title":{"rendered":"The Coastal Drift Cardigan: An Airy, Easy-to-Wear Crochet Pattern"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hello, makers! Have you ever seen a crochet stitch so beautiful and light that you immediately knew it belonged in your wardrobe? That’s exactly how I felt watching the stunning work in the video, “Beautiful Crochet Cardigan pattern \ud83e\udd29 sweater pattern super easy Top blouse \ud83e\udd29*stitch only”<\/a> by Crochet Online Course\ud83e\uddf6<\/strong>! The airy, lacy texture shown is perfect for a lightweight, all-season layering piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspired by the elegance and simplicity of that flowing fabric, I’ve designed the Coastal Drift Cardigan<\/strong>. This pattern uses my original Whispering Waves Stitch (WWS)<\/strong>, a delicate repeat of double crochet fans and chain spaces that creates a fabric with fantastic drape and a subtle, rippling texture. It’s a surprisingly easy stitch that yields professional, polished results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This cardigan is constructed using four simple rectangular panels (back, two fronts) and two tapered sleeves, then sewn together. Let’s dive in and create your new favorite cardi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coastal Drift Cardigan Pattern Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Section<\/strong><\/td>S\/M (Sizes 4-12)<\/strong><\/td>L\/XL (Sizes 14-22)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Finished Bust<\/strong><\/td>40 inches (102 cm)<\/td>48 inches (122 cm)<\/td><\/tr>
Finished Length<\/strong><\/td>28 inches (71 cm)<\/td>30 inches (76 cm)<\/td><\/tr>
Skill Level<\/strong><\/td>Easy-Intermediate<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Gauge<\/strong><\/td>4 WWS repeats (or 16 dc) and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Yarn:<\/strong> DK Weight (Category 3) yarn. Approximately 1,600 (2,000) yards. We recommend a cotton blend for maximum drape.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Hook:<\/strong> U.S. G\/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Notions:<\/strong> Measuring tape, scissors, yarn needle, and 4-5 stitch markers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Special Stitches & Abbreviations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • ch:<\/strong> chain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • sl st:<\/strong> slip stitch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • sc:<\/strong> single crochet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • dc:<\/strong> double crochet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • WWS:<\/strong> Whispering Waves Stitch (defined below)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • ch-sp:<\/strong> chain space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      The Whispering Waves Stitch (WWS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The WWS is worked in multiples of 4 + 3<\/strong> (your starting chain).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Foundation Row (Setup):<\/strong> Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in every ch across. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Row 1 (The Wave Base):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Dc in the next 2 dc (4 dc total including the turning chain).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in the next 3 dc.<\/em> Repeat from * to * across the row until 2 stitches remain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in the last dc (the top of the turning chain).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Row 2 (The Fan Peak):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Dc in the next 2 dc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Work 2 dc<\/strong> into the next ch-1 space, dc in the next 3 dc.<\/em> Repeat from * to * across the row until you reach the final ch-1 space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Work 2 dc<\/strong> into the final ch-1 space, dc in the last dc (the top of the turning chain).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Row 3 (The Wave Base):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Dc in the next 2 dc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Dc in the next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in the next 2 dc.<\/em> Repeat from * to * across the row until 4 stitches remain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Dc in the next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in the top of the turning chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Row 4 (The Fan Peak):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Dc in the next 2 dc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Dc in the next 2 dc, 2 dc<\/strong> into the next ch-1 space.<\/em> Repeat from * to * across the row until you reach the final ch-1 space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. 2 dc<\/strong> into the final ch-1 space, dc in the top of the turning chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            4. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Repeat the pattern:<\/strong> Rows 1-4 establish the WWS. Continue repeating Rows 1-4<\/strong> for the remainder of the project panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n

              Garment Construction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              The construction of this cardigan is modular. You will create a Back Panel, two Front Panels, and two Sleeves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. Back Panel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              This panel is worked flat and creates the full width of the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Size<\/strong><\/td>Starting Chain (Multiple of 4+3)<\/strong><\/td>Total Rows (Height)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
              S\/M<\/strong><\/td>Chain 83<\/td>Work until panel measures 28 inches (approx. 112 rows)<\/td><\/tr>
              L\/XL<\/strong><\/td>Chain 99<\/td>Work until panel measures 30 inches (approx. 120 rows)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Start:<\/strong> Ch the appropriate number of stitches for your size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Row 1 (Setup):<\/strong> Follow the Foundation Row<\/strong> instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Pattern:<\/strong> Continue working the WWS<\/strong> by repeating Rows 1-4<\/strong> until your panel reaches the target length.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              4. Finish:<\/strong> Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 20 inches) for seaming one shoulder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                2. Front Panels (Make 2 Identical)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                These panels are half the width of the back panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Size<\/strong><\/td>Starting Chain (Multiple of 4+3)<\/strong><\/td>Total Rows (Height)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
                S\/M<\/strong><\/td>Chain 43<\/td>Work until panel measures 28 inches (approx. 112 rows)<\/td><\/tr>
                L\/XL<\/strong><\/td>Chain 51<\/td>Work until panel measures 30 inches (approx. 120 rows)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Start:<\/strong> Ch the appropriate number of stitches for your size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Row 1 (Setup):<\/strong> Follow the Foundation Row<\/strong> instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                3. Pattern:<\/strong> Continue working the WWS<\/strong> by repeating Rows 1-4<\/strong> until your panel reaches the target length.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                4. Finish:<\/strong> Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 20 inches) for seaming one shoulder on both<\/strong> panels.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  3. Sleeves (Make 2 Identical)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  The sleeves are worked flat in rows and tapered slightly using decreases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Size<\/strong><\/td>Starting Chain (Multiple of 4+3)<\/strong><\/td>Total Rows (Length)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
                  S\/M<\/strong><\/td>Chain 59 (Widest point: Bicep)<\/td>Work approx. 60 rows<\/td><\/tr>
                  L\/XL<\/strong><\/td>Chain 75 (Widest point: Bicep)<\/td>Work approx. 64 rows<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Start:<\/strong> Ch the appropriate number of stitches for your size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Row 1 (Setup):<\/strong> Follow the Foundation Row<\/strong> instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Pattern:<\/strong> Continue working the WWS<\/strong> by repeating Rows 1-4<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  4. Tapering\/Decreases:<\/strong> To create a slight taper towards the wrist, work an invisible decrease (dc2tog) at the beginning and end of every 8th row<\/strong>. This is done by skipping the turning chain and working a dc2tog over the first two stitches of the row.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  5. Wrist Cuff:<\/strong> When the sleeve reaches your desired length (or approx. 5 rows from the end), switch to a simple half-double crochet (hdc) ribbing:\n
                      \n
                    • Row 1 (HDC):<\/strong> Ch 2 (does not count as st), hdc evenly across. Turn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Row 2 (Ribbing):<\/strong> Ch 2, hdc in the third loop only across the row. Turn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Repeat Row 2 for 4 more rows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Finish:<\/strong> Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \n\n\n\n

                      Assembly and Edging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Step 1: Shoulder Seams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Lay the Back Panel flat. Place the two Front Panels on top, aligning the long edges and the top short edges (shoulders).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Using the long yarn tails left on the Front Panels, seam the shoulders together using the mattress stitch<\/strong> or a simple sl st seam<\/strong> (sl st through both loops of the Front Panel and the corresponding loop of the Back Panel).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      3. Leave an opening for the neck hole (approx. 8-10 inches wide, centered). Weave in the remaining yarn ends.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Step 2: Side Seams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Lay the entire piece flat, wrong side facing up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Measure down from the shoulder seam 8 (9) inches and place a stitch marker. This is the top of the armhole opening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        3. Seam the sides together from the bottom edge up to the stitch marker using your preferred seaming method (sl st seam is quickest).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Step 3: Sleeve Seams and Attachment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise and seam the long edges together, from the wrist cuff up to the bicep edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          2. Turn the cardigan right side out. Insert a sleeve into an armhole opening, aligning the seam of the sleeve with the side seam of the body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          3. Pin the sleeve evenly around the armhole opening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          4. Seam the sleeve to the armhole using the long yarn tail left on the sleeve. Repeat for the second sleeve.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Step 4: Final Edging<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            To give the cardigan a crisp finish, work a simple single crochet (sc) border<\/strong> around the entire opening (bottom edge, up the front, around the neck, and back down the other front edge).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Join yarn<\/strong> with a sl st at the bottom front corner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Round 1:<\/strong> Ch 1 (does not count as st). Work sc evenly around the entire perimeter of the cardigan opening. Aim for approximately 2 sc per double crochet row along the sides. Join with a sl st to the first sc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            3. Round 2:<\/strong> Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc into the back loop only of every sc around. Join with a sl st. (This creates a subtle, neat ridge.)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            4. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Your Coastal Drift Cardigan<\/strong> is complete! This lightweight piece is perfect for tossing over a sundress or layering with jeans on a cool evening. Enjoy the beautiful, breezy drape of the Whispering Waves Stitch<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Video tutorial:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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