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Intro Poem 

This pattern is part of the Poetry Collection. Each pattern in this collection is accompanied by a poem. This time I have chosen the haiku form to write my poem. Read more about the inspiration for this design here. 

Under the maple
Rustling leaves protecting me
From the autumn light

Yarn

Scheepjes Merino Soft*, (50% superwash merino, 25% micro, 25% acrylic), 105m/50g:

Size Color A (603, Michelangelo) Color B (641, Van Gogh)
XS 5 balls, 460 meters used 9 balls, 910 meters used
S 5 balls, 515 meters used 10 balls, 950 meters used
M 6 balls, 535 meters used 10 balls, 1000 meters used
L 6 balls, 595 meters used 10 balls, 1050 meters used
XL 7 balls, 665 meters used 11 balls, 1125 meters used
XXL 7 balls, 690 meters used 11 balls, 1155 meters used

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If you don’t have a retailer nearby, please consider buying your yarn for this project via one of the links below. It will give me a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything extra.

UK/International: Wool Warehouse

Benelux: Caro’s Atelier

List of all / Lijst van alle Scheepjes retailers: Scheepjes website

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Notions 

  • 4.5mm hook or other size to obtain gauge
  • 4mm hook for the crochet ribbing, or one size smaller than your main hook
  • Darning needle and thread clipper
  • Blocking materials

Gauge & Size 

10x10cm/4×4” = 17.5 dc x 11 rows with 4.5 mm hook. Please swatch, as the correct gauge is important if you want your cardigan to be the right size.

Measurements of finished cardigan  

Size A (bust circumference) B (length from back of neck to hem) C (sleeve length) D (upper arm circumference)
XS 100cm/40” 72cm/28.8” 40cm/16” 33cm/13.2”
S 101cm/40.4” 74cm/29.6” 41cm/16.4” 36.5cm/14.6”
M 107cm/42.8” 74cm/29.6” 42cm/16.8” 36.5cm/14.6”
L 110cm/44” 76cm/30.4” 42cm16.8” 39.5cm/15.8”
XL 114cm/45.6” 78cm/31.2” 43cm/17.2” 43.5cm/17.4”
XXL 120cm/48” 78cm/31.2” 43cm/17.2” 43.5cm/17.4”

Notes & Helpful Tips 

  • Instructions for different sizes are shown in brackets like so: XS, (S, M, L, XL, XXL). When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
  • The pattern is worked seamlessly: the top piece is made from the back armpits upwards, over the shoulder and then down again to the front. Then the rest of the body is attached, closing the armholes in the process. After that the sleeves are worked into the armholes, picking up stitches and working in rounds until the sleeves are long enough.
  • Important note on blocking this cardigan: Please be advised that the Merino Soft needs to be handled with care once wet. It is a lofty yarn, and as such it tends to bloom (grow larger) when wet. Please do not stretch it but lay it flat to dry and make sure it is laid out according to the measurements provided on the first page.

Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms) 

sc single crochet
hdc half double crochet
tr treble
fptr front post treble
dc2tog double crochet 2 together: [yo, insert hook in space/st, pull up loop, yo, pull through two loops] two times, yo, pull through all 3 loops
dc3tog double crochet 3 together: [yo, insert hook in space/st, pull up loop, yo, pull through two loops] three times, yo, pull through all 4 loops
rep repeat
ch chain
sl st slip stitch
st stitch
dc double crochet
sk skip
sp space
pic picture
R Round
{text} important/helpful notes and picture references
[…] work the steps within these brackets for the number of times that’s stated behind it
*…* work the steps within these asterisks for the number of times that’s stated behind it 

The Pattern 

Back of the top piece

Setup: With 4.5mm hook and color A; ch96, (98, 104, 110, 112, 122).

R1 (RS) Start in 3rd chain from hook; 1dc in each of next 94, (96, 102, 108, 110, 120) chains, ch2, turn. {turning chain doesn’t count as a st here and throughout}
Stitch count: 94, (96, 102, 108, 110, 120) dc

R2 (WS) 1dc in each dc across, ch2, turn. Stitch count remains the same.

Rep R2 until you have worked a total of 15, (17, 17, 19, 21, 21) rows, ending on a RS row, ch1 instead of 2 on the last row.

Back shoulder shaping row (WS): 1sc in next 12, (12, 13, 13, 14, 14) st, 1hdc in next 12, (12, 13, 13, 14, 14) st, 1dc in next 46, (48, 50, 56, 54, 64) st, 1hdc in next 12, (12, 13, 13, 14, 14) st, 1sc in last 12, (12, 13, 13, 14, 14) st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 24, (24, 26, 26, 28, 28) sc and hdc – 46, (48, 50, 56, 54, 64) dc 

Work back shoulder shaping row for a total of 6 times 

Left front

Following row (WS): 1sc in next 10 st, 1hdc in next 10 st, 1dc in next 10 st, 1tr in next 4, (4, 6, 6, 8, 8) st, ch3, turn.
Stitch count: 10 sc – 10 hdc – 10 dc – 4, (4, 6, 6, 8, 8) tr 

Following row (RS): 1tr in next 4, (4, 6, 6, 8, 8) st, 1dc in next 10 st, 1hdc in next 10 st, 1sc in next 10 st, ch1, turn. Stitch count remains the same.

Rep last two rows once more, ch2 instead of ch1 on the end of the last row.   

Increase row (WS): 1dc in each st to the last 2 st, 2dc in next st, 1dc in last st, ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 35, (35, 37, 37, 39, 39) dc

Next 3 rows: rep R2 from back of the top piece three times

XS only: Rep last 4 rows two more times. After that rep increase row once more. After that rep R2 two more times. 3 extra st have been increased. Stitch count: 38 dc

S-XXL: Rep last 4 rows three more times. 3 extra st have been increased. Stitch count: -, (38, 40, 40, 42, 42) dc  

All sizes: Rep R2 for 0, (1, 1, 3, 5, 5) time(s) in total, omit the last ch2 on the last row, fasten off yarn and work away ends.

Right front

With the RS facing {the left front is to your left}, re-join yarn at the right side of the top piece {see red arrow}; rep the instructions of the left front.

Maple leaf body

R1 (RS) Using color B, start at the left front with the RS facing {red arrow pic 1); 1dc in each of following 38, (38, 40, 40, 42, 42) st of left front,
join to the back {bringing the red corresponding numbers in pic 1 towards each other with the WS together} by working 1dc in each of the following 94, (96, 102, 108, 110, 120) bottom starting chains stitches {pic 2 & arrows pic 3},
join to the right front by working 1dc in each of following 38, (38, 40, 40, 42, 42) st of the right front, ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 170, (172, 182, 188, 194, 204) dc

 

[edge stitches]: you will always begin and end with the same amount of stitches like following: work 1dc in the first and last 1, (2, 7, 10, 13, 2) st.
Crochet these stitches at the indicates places on each row, unless stated otherwise.  

R2 (WS) [edge stitches], 1dc in next 3 st, *ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in next 30 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in next 3 st, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 158, (160, 170, 176, 182, 190) dc – 6, (6, 6, 6, 6, 7) ch-sp

R3          [edge stitches], ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, *1dc in next 24 st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 122, (124, 134, 140, 146, 148) dc – 12, (12, 12, 12, 12, 14) sc – 12, (12, 12, 12, 12, 14) ch-sp

R4           [edge stitches], *3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in next ch-sp, 1dc in next 24 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, 3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in next ch-sp, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 122, (124, 134, 140, 146, 148) dc – 36, (36, 36, 36, 36, 42) sc – 6, (6, 6, 6, 6, 7) ch-sp

R5           rep R3. Stitch counts remain the same.

R6           [edge stitches], 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in next ch-sp *1dc in next 24 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in next ch-sp* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 170, (172, 182, 188, 194, 204) dc

R7-10    1dc in each st across for the next 4 rows, stitch counts remain the same.

R11        [edge stitches], 1dc in next 19 st, *ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in next 30 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, working 19 dc instead of 30 on the last repeat, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 160, (162, 172, 178, 184, 192) dc – 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) ch-sp

R12        [edge stitches], 1dc in next 16 st, *ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in next 24 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, working 16 dc instead of 24 on the last repeat, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 130, (132, 142, 148, 154, 156) dc – 10, (10, 10, 10, 10, 12) sc – 10, (10, 10, 10, 10, 12) ch-sp

R13        [edge stitches], 1dc in next 16 st, *3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in next ch-sp, 1dc in next 24 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) times in total, working 16 dc instead of 24 on the last repeat, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 130, (132, 142, 148, 154, 156) dc – 30, (30, 30, 30, 30, 36) sc – 5, (5, 5, 5, 5, 6) ch-sp

R14        rep R12. Stitch counts remain the same.

R15        [edge stitches], 1dc in next 16 st, *3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in next ch-sp, 1dc in next 24 st* work between * * 5, (5, 5, 5, 6, 6) times in total, working 16 dc instead of 24 on the last repeat, [edge stitches], ch2, turn.
Stitch count: 170, (172, 182, 188, 194, 204) dc

R16-19  1dc in each st across for the next 4 rows, stitch counts remain the same.

Work R2-19 for 3 times in total, omit ch2 at the end of the last row, break yarn and work away ends.

Sleeves (work these instructions for both sleeves)

R1 (RS) With 4,5mm hook, color A and the RS of the armhole facing you, starting at the bottom of the armhole in the first row that’s made with color A {pic 1&2}; [2dc in the side of dc row, 1dc in side of next dc row] 7, (8, 8, 9, 10, 10) times in total, 2dc in side of next dc row, 1dc in side of next 10 sc rows, [1dc in the side of dc row, 2dc in side of next dc row] 7, (8, 8, 9, 10, 10) times in total, 1dc in side of last dc row in color A, dc3tog {in the side of the next dc row made in color B, the bottom part between two dc’s AND the side of the next dc row in color B, pic 3&4}, sl st in first st, ch1 {doesn’t count as a st here and throughout}, turn.
Stitch count: 55, (61, 61, 67, 73, 73) dc, 1 dc3tog

R2 (WS) 1dc in each st around, sl st in first st, ch1, turn {pic 1-3}.
Stitch count: 56, (62, 62, 68, 74, 74) dc

R3           rep R2, stitch counts remain the same

R4           1dc in first st, dc2tog, 1dc in each st around, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 54, (60, 60, 66, 72, 72) dc, 1 dc2tog

R5          rep R4
Stitch count: 53, (59, 59, 65, 71, 71) dc, 1 dc2tog

R6-15 [rep R2 three times, after that rep R4 two times] two times in total, at the end of R15, cut color A and work away ends.
Stitch count at the end of R15: 49, (55, 55, 61, 67, 67) dc, 1 dc2tog

R16        Using color B and with the WS facing you, starting in the same st as join of R15; 1dc in each st around, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 50, (56, 56, 62, 68, 68) dc

R17        1dc in first 8, (11, 11, 14, 17, 17) st, ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in next 30 st, ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in last 8, (11, 11, 14, 17, 17) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 46, (52, 52, 58, 64, 64) dc – 2 ch-sp

R18        1dc in first 5, (8, 8, 11, 14, 14) st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in next 24 st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in last 5, (8, 8, 11, 14, 14) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 34, (40, 40, 46, 52, 52) dc – 4 sc – 4 ch-sp

R19        1dc in first st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 2, (5, 5, 8, 11, 11) st, 3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 24 st, 3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in ch-sp, 1dc in last 5, (8, 8, 11, 14, 14) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 32, (38, 38, 44, 50, 50) dc – 12 sc – 2 ch-sp – 1 dc2tog

R20        1dc in first st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 2, (5, 5, 8, 11, 11) st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in next 24 st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in last 4, (7, 7, 10, 13, 13) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 31, (37, 37, 43, 49, 49) dc – 4 sc – 4 ch-sp – 1 dc2tog

R21        1dc in first 4, (7, 7, 10, 13, 13) st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 24 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in last 4, (7, 7, 10, 13, 13) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 48, (54, 54, 60, 66, 66)

R22&23 rep R2 twice, stitch counts remain the same.  

R24&25 rep R4 twice. Stitch count at the end of R25: 45, (51, 51, 57, 63, 63) dc – 1 dc2tog

R26        1dc in first 22, (25, 25, 28, 31, 31) st, ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in last 22, (25, 25, 28, 31, 31) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 44, (50, 50, 56, 62, 62) dc – 1 ch-sp

R27        1dc in first 19, (22, 22, 25, 28, 28) st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in last 19, (22, 22, 25, 28, 28) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 38, (44, 44, 50, 56, 56) dc – 2 sc – 2 ch-sp

R28        1dc in first 19, (22, 22, 25, 28, 28) st, 3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in ch-sp, 1dc in last 19, (22, 22, 25, 28, 28) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 38, (44, 44, 50, 56, 56) dc – 6 sc – 1 ch-sp

R29        1dc in first st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 16, (19, 19, 22, 25, 25) st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in last 19, (22, 22, 25, 28, 28) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 36, (42, 42, 48, 54, 54) dc – 2 sc – 2 ch-sp – 1 dc2tog

R30        1dc in first st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 16, (19, 19, 22, 25, 25) st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in next ch-sp, 1dc in last 18, (21, 21, 24, 27, 27) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 43, (49, 49, 55, 61, 61) dc – 1 dc2tog

R31-33 rep R2 three times in total.
Stitch count: 44, (50, 50, 56, 62, 62) dc

R34 rep R4.
Stitch count: 42, (48, 48, 54, 60, 60) dc – 1 dc2tog

R35        1dc in first st, dc2tog, 1dc in next 4, (7, 7, 10, 13, 13) st, ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in next 26 st, ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc in last 6, (9, 9, 12, 15, 15) st, sl st in first, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 37, (43, 43, 49, 55, 55) dc – 2 ch-sp – 1 dc2tog

R36        1dc in first 3, (6, 6, 9, 12, 12) st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in next 20 st, ch3, sk next 3 st, 2sc in ch-sp, ch3, sk next 3 st, 1dc in last 3, (6, 6, 9, 12, 12) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 26, (32, 32, 38, 44, 44) dc – 4 sc – 4 ch-sp

R37        1dc in first 3, (6, 6, 9, 12, 12) st, 3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 20, 3sc in ch-sp, ch2, sk next 2 st, 3sc in ch-sp, 1dc in last 3, (6, 6, 9, 12, 12) st, sl st in first st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 26, (32, 32, 38, 44, 44) dc – 12 sc – 2 ch-sp

R38        Rep R36, stitch counts remain the same.

R39        1dc in first 3, (6, 6, 9, 12, 12) st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 20 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in next 2 st, 3dc in ch-sp, 1dc in last 3, (6, 6, 9, 12, 12) st, ch1, turn.
Stitch count: 42, (48, 48, 54, 60, 60) dc

Work R2 for 4, (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) times in total, stitch counts remain the same. At the end of the last round do not ch1, but cut yarn instead. Work away ends.   

Crochet ribbing front of cardigan

R1 (RS) With 4mm crochet hook and color A, starting at the bottom of the right front of the cardigan, with the RS facing you {pic 1}; *work 2sc in the side of the first row, 1sc in the side of the next dc row* work between * * until you have reached the last 4 rows of the right front that starts with trebles, work 3sc in the side of each of those next 4 rows,
work 1sc in each of next 26, (28, 30, 36, 34, 44) dc of the back {start at arrow pic 2},
work 3sc in the side of each of the next 4 rows of the left front, *work 2sc in the side of the next row, 1sc in the side of the next row* work between * * until you reach bottom of left front, ch2, turn.

R2 (WS) 1dc in each st to end, ch2, turn.

R3          *1dc in st, fptr around next st {line pic 1, arrow pic 2 is next st}* work between * * to end. If you end the row with a fptr, work another plain dc in the same st to finish, cut yarn work away ends.

I love to see your creations! Please share on Facebook or tag me on Instagram (@aspoonfulofyarn) and use #MapleLeafCardigan so I can follow your makes : ) And if you have a question, please don’t hesitate to ask using the contact page.

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Copyright 

All patterns are for unlimited personal use. Do not reproduce, sell or publish (parts of) the patterns. Patterns may not be copied in any way (print or digitally), in part or in full, except for personal use. Items may be sold that are made from this pattern as long as the designer is credited.