Looking for the perfect spring/summer layering piece? Well, look no further, the Ocean’s Breath Cardi might just be your new go-to accessory. This short-sleeve cardigan is lightweight and airy, plus its full of texture and beautiful detail. The lacework on this beauty might look a little intimidating but only uses basic stitches. And the entire sweater is bordered with delicate star stitches. If you’re going for an extra boho vibe, add some fringe details at the bottom just for fun!
The Ocean’s Breath Cardi is designed to be slightly oversized. It has 4-6″ of positive ease worked into the sizing. But you can opt for a more fitted sweater by going down a size. This pattern is written in sizes XS – 5XL, plus you can adjust the length to fit your needs. A few of my testers even made stunning duster length sweaters.
Find more: 44+ crochet cardigan pattern collection.
The Yarn
For this cardigan, I used Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend. This is a DK cotton blend yarn, with a 50% cotton and 50% polyester fiber content. This yarn is a great option because its budget-friendly and you only need 3-4 cakes depending on your size. While I recommend a cotton or cotton blend yarn for most spring and summer projects, any DK weight yarn will do for this. Some other great options are Lion Brand CoBoo or TruBoo or Paintbox DK Cotton yarn.
ABOUT THE STITCHES
As I mentioned before, lacework can look a bit intimidating. Not just because of the intricate finished result but also because the written instructions can be a little bit daunting to a beginner. While this pattern is definitely an intermediate pattern, can I reassure you adventurous beginners that you can do this too?! The lacework section contains a combination of single crochets, chain stitches, and a couple double crochet stitches. That’s it! And if you’re new to reading more complex patterns, just take it slow. Trust me, by the time you finish one or two repeats, you won’t even need the directions anymore. It’s that simple!
The other stitch that you’ll find throughout this pattern is the star stitch. This stitch is used as trim throughout the pattern. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the star stitch, but if not, never fear, you’ll get the hang of it in no time! I even have a step-by-step stitch tutorial with a video on my blog. Check out the post on Crafting for Weeks blog!
Since you like the The Ocean’s Breath Cardi, these might interest you too?
How Long Does It Take To Crochet That?
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It will help you calculate exactly how much time you’ll spend crocheting a project.
All you need to know is how much yarn you will use on the project in either meters, yards or skeins. Then crochet your test square & time it.
Calculate how long it takes to crochet that.
THE OCEAN’S BREATH CARDI – THE FREE CROCHET PATTERN
Pattern Options
Your can find the ad-free, printable PDF in the Crafting for Weeks Etsy shop or Ravelry shop.
About The Pattern
The Ocean’s Breath Cardi is a boho-chic short-sleeved cardigan. It is slightly oversized and has beautiful lace work combined with textured star stitches. This may just be your new favorite layering piece for spring and summer. And add some optional fringe for a boho, festival vibe. Pattern is written in sizes XS – 5XL
Project Level
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Materials Needed
Crochet Hook
Size 6.5 mm / US: K – 10.5 / UK: 3
Yarn
Yarn used:
Lion Brand – Comfy Cotton Blend in Whipped Cream.
Find it here.
Yarn amount used:
3-4 skeins / 16-26 oz / 440-735 g / 785-1315 m / 860-1440 yards
Yarn characteristics:
- 3 light yarn, DK yarn.
- 50 % cotton, 50 % polyester
Other Materials Needed
- Needle, find one here (if you don’t already have one)!
Gauge
Measured with pattern lacework crocheted in rows: Ch 18, sc in 2nd chain from hook and each ch across. Follow BODY SECTION directions for Rows 4-10.
The following swatch should measure 4 1/2” wide and 3” tall. Measurement should be taken after blocking swatch.
Notes
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
- 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. Learn more about testing gauge.
- Check yarn info if you want to find an alternative or test your yarn against the gauge. Learn more about substituting yarn.
- Chains at the beginning of the rows do not count as a stitch throughout this pattern.
- Some shorthand elements are used in this pattern. 2 Hdc means to work two Half double crochet stitches in the next stitch, while Hdc 2 means to work one Half double crochet stitch in each of the next two stitches.
- When working the LACE SECTION, you will be skipping stitches and using chains to create the open pattern. Only single crochet and double crochet stitches are included in the row count..
- This pattern is written with 4-6” of positive ease for a slightly oversized fit.
- Due to the nature of the lace, will lose approx. 8-14” of width from your starting row as you work this cardigan. The star stitches along the bottom will help retain some of the width along the hip and give this cardigan some natural shaping. If you do not want this shaping, omit the bottom border of star stitches.
- Sizes are written as follows (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Size & Measurements
Sizes are as follows (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Bust (Note: Includes 4-6″ positive ease): (34″, 38″, 42″, 46″, 50″, 54″, 58″, 62″, 66″)
Length (Shoulder to Hemline): (30″, 30″, 32″, 32″, 32″, 32″, 34″, 34″, 34″)
Size Adjustments
- Pattern is written in increments of 8 + 1 stitches. To adjust the width of your garment, add or subtract 8 stitches from your foundation chain.
Abbreviations
- ch = chain (s)
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch (es)
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
STITCH:
Techniques You Will Need
Mattress Stitch
Ocean’s Breath Cardi Pattern Instructions
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BODY SECTION:
With K Hook.
Row 1: Ch (138,154,170,186,202,218,234,250,266). Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each ch st across. (137,153,169,185,201,217,233,249,265)
[Optional Note: To omit star stitch border along bottom, skip to Row 4.]
Row 2: Complete a row of star stitches doing the following.
Ch 3. Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 sc st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 sc stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.
Repeat across until you finish the last star stitch. Hdc in same stitch as last star. ([68,76,84,92,100,108,116,124,132] star stitches, 1 Hdc)
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. 2Hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last star stitch. (137,153,169,185,201,217,233,249,265)
Row 4: Ch 1. Sc 3. *Ch 5, Sk 3 st, Sc 5.* Repeat from * to * until 6 sc st remain. Ch 5, Sk 3 st, Sc 3. (NOTE: from this point forward stitch counts only include sc or dc stitches [86,96,106,116,126,136,146,156,166])
Row 5: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 5 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3.* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Sk 1 st, Ch 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 5 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 2. (69,77,85,93,101,109,117,126,134)
Row 6: Ch 1 and turn. *Sc 1. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st.* Repeat from *to* across. Sc 1 in the last stitch.(69,77,85,93,101,109,117,126,134)
Row 7: Ch 5 (counts as Dc + Ch 2) and turn. *Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Ch 5, Sk 1 st* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Ch 5. Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space. Ch 2. Dc in the last st. (87,97,107,117,127,137,147,157,167)
Row 8: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 1 in the Dc from previous row. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3, Sk 1 st, Ch 3, Sc 1 in Ch 5 space.* Repeat from * to * until 5 sc st remain. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3, Ch 3. Sk 1 st. Sc in the 3rd ch of the ch 5 from the previous row. (69,77,85,93,101,109,117,126,134)
Row 9: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 1, Sc 1 in Ch 3 space. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * until 4 sc st remain. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1. (69,77,85,93,101,109,117,126,134)
Row 10: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space. *Ch 5, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * until 3 sc st remain. Ch 5, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 2. (86,96,106,116,126,136,146,156,166)
Row 11-63: Repeat Rows 5-10 [9 times] ending on a Repeat of Row 9.
Note: At this point, you can add extra rows for a longer cardigan. The top of the Body Section will fall right below the bust. If customizing the length of this sweater, measure from just below the bust, to the length you would like your cardigan to be. Continue repeats until the Body Section reaches this length, being sure to end on a Row 9 Repeat.
Do not tie off. Continue to PANEL 1.
FRONT PANELS:
After completing your last repeat of Row 9 from BODY SECTION, you will count over a designated number of stitches, and place a stitch marker according to size. It should be the center stitch of a 3 sc group. Repeat on opposite edge. Starting on edge, complete FRONT PANEL on each side stopping on marked stitch. Starting in marked stitch (same stitch as FRONT PANELS), work across from stitch marker to stitch marker to complete Back PANEL.
PANEL 1
Count over (13,17,17,21,21,25,25,29,29) sc stitches from the edge and place a stitch marker. Continue working with yarn from BODY SECTION and stopping on the marked stitch.
Row 64: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space. *Ch 5, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * until 3 sc st remain. Ch 5, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 2. (16,21,21,26,26,31,31,36,36)
Row 65: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 5 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3.* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Sk 1 st, Ch 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 5 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 2. (13,17,17,21,21,25,25,29,29)
Row 66: Ch 1 and turn. *Sc 1. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st.* Repeat from *to* across. Sc 1 in the last stitch. (13,17,17,21,21,25,25,29,29)
Row 67: Ch 5 (counts as Dc + Ch 2) and turn. *Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Ch 5, Sk 1 st* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Ch 5. Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space. Ch 2. Dc in the last st. (17,22,22,27,27,32,32,37,37)
Row 68: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 1 in the Dc from previous row. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3, Sk 1 st, Ch 3, Sc 1 in Ch 5 space.* Repeat from * to * until 5 sc st remain. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3, Ch 3. Sk 1 st. Sc in the 3rd ch of the ch 5 from the previous row. (13,17,17,21,21,25,25,29,29)
Row 69: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 1, Sc 1 in Ch 3 space. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1. (13,17,17,21,21,25,25,29,29)
Rows 70-(83,83,89,89,89,89,95,95,95): Repeat Rows 64-69 (3,3,4,4,4,4,5,5,5) more times.
Row (84,84,90,90,90,90,96,96,96): Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2, Sc 2 in the Ch 3 space. *Sc 1, Sc 2 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 2 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from *to* until 3 sc st remain. Sc 1, sc 2 in Ch 3 space, sc in last 2 sts. Tie off leaving long tail. (25,33,33,41,41,49,49,57,57)
PANEL 2
Attach yarn to opposite edge. Repeat PANEL 1 directions.
Back PANEL:
Attach yarn in the same stitch as the right stitch marker. Working in the same stitch as the front panel, work across until you reach the left stitch marker.
Row 64: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space. *Ch 5, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * until 3 sc st remain. Ch 5, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 2. (56,56,66,66,76,76,86,86,96)
Row 65: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 5 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3.* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Sk 1 st, Ch 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 5 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 2. (45,45,53,53,61,61,69,69,77)
Row 66: Ch 1 and turn. *Sc 1. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Ch 3, Sk 1 st.* Repeat from *to* across. Sc 1 in the last stitch. (45,45,53,53,61,61,69,69,77)
Row 67: Ch 5 (counts as Dc + Ch 2) and turn. *Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Ch 5, Sk 1 st* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Ch 5. Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space. Ch 2. Dc in the last st. (57,57,67,67,77,77,87,87,97)
Row 68: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 1 in the Dc from previous row. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3, Sk 1 st, Ch 3, Sc 1 in Ch 5 space.* Repeat from * to * until 5 sc st remain. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 3, Ch 3. Sk 1 st. Sc in the 3rd ch of the ch 5 from the previous row. (45,45,53,53,61,61,69,69,77)
Row 69: Ch 1 and turn. Sc 1, Sc 1 in Ch 3 space. *Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * to * until 4 sc st remain. Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1, Ch 3, Sk 1 st, Sc 1 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 1. (45,45,53,53,61,61,69,69,77)
Rows 70-(83,83,89,89,89,89,95,95,95): Repeat Rows 76-81 (3,3,4,4,4,4,5,5,5) more times.
Row (84,84,90,90,90,90,96,96,96): Ch 1 and turn. Sc 2, Sc 2 in the Ch 3 space. *Sc 1, Sc 2 in the Ch 3 space, Sc 3, Sc 2 in the Ch 3 space.* Repeat from * to * until 2 sc st remain. Sc 2 in the last two stitches. Tie off. (89,89,105,105,121,121,137,137,153)
SEAMING Shoulders:
- Fold the Front Panels over the Back Panel and clip in place. The garment should be right side out and the star stitches visible.
- With garment facing right side out, line the stitches up along the top edge and seam together using the mattress stitch. Repeat on opposite side.
- Leave stitch marker in place to work sleeves.
Sleeves
You will be doing a row of star stitches around the sleeves. You will be working in rounds for the sleeve trim. With the cardigan right side out and front panel up, you will attach yarn at the first row of the front panel at the right sleeve split. Then you will do an odd number of single crochet around the edge. To do this you will work one single crochet in each row that begins with a single crochet and two single crochets in rows that start with a double crochet. You will work all the way around until you reach the bottom of the back panel. Then work one single crochet in the stitch with the stitch marker. You will finish by slip stitching to the first single crochet. For the left sleeve, with back panel up, you will attach yarn at the first row of the back panel and work around in the same manner, finishing with one single crochet in the stitch with the stitch marker.
Round 1: Attach yarn and work a row of sc around the outside edge of the sleeve as described above. Sl st in first st to join. (Odd number of stitches)
Round 2: Complete a round of star stitches doing the following.
Ch 3. Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 sc st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 sc stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.
Repeat around until you finish the last star stitch. Hdc in same stitch as last star. Sl st to top of ch 3.
Round 3: Ch 1. Work 2 Hdc in the eye of each star stitch around. Hdc in top of last hdc stitch. Sl st to first hdc to join. Tie off and weave ends.
Repeat with second sleeve. Tie off and weave ends.
TRIM:
With garment right side out and front panels up, attach yarn at the bottom corner of the right front panel. Single crochet up the front right panel, across the top of the back panel, and down the left panel. The placement of your single crochet will go as follows: one in the first row, three single crochets across the star stitch rows.Then you will work along the edge the same way you did the sleeves: one single crochet in each row that begins with a single crochet and two single crochets in rows that start with a double crochet. The number of stitches is not essential as we will make an adjustment for the number of stitches in Row 2.
Row 1: Attach yarn and work a row of sc around the right front panel, in each sc across the top of the back panel and down the left front panel as described above.
Row 2: Complete a row of star stitches doing the following.
Ch 3. Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 sc st. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch (eye of star stitch).
Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 2 sc stitches. (6 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch.
Repeat across until you have either 4 or 5 stitches remaining. This will depend on whether the number of single crochets from row 1 was even or odd.
For 5 stitches: Complete an “extended star stitch”. Insert hook into eye of star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook between the last two spikes of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook in the same stitch as the last spike of the previous star stitch, pull up a loop. Insert hook and pull up a loop over next 3 sc stitches. (7 loops on hook) Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Ch 1 to close star stitch. Then complete one standard star stitch over the last two stitches. Hdc in same stitch as last star. Sl st to top of ch 3.
For 4 stitches: Complete two standard star stitches. Hdc in same stitch as last star. Sl st to top of ch 3.
Row 3: Ch 1. Work 2 Hdc in the eye of each star stitch across. Hdc in top of last stitch.
Tie off and weave ends.
Finishing
Cosmetic Finishes:
- Block your work. I recommend wet blocking.
- If you attach fringe, I also recommend lightly steaming the fringe to make it smoother. Then trimming it to make sure it is even. This can be done by hanging from a hanger after the piece is blocked.
Optional Fringe:
- Cut (143,159,175,191,207,223,239,255,271) strands of yarn approximately 24” long each.
- Fold each strand in half. Insert hook into the first stitch and pull up the center of the strand.
- Using the hook, pull the two ends of the strand from the back and through the loop you just pulled up. Tighten the loop to secure the fringe.
- Repeat in each stitch across.
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