Make your Halloween extra delightful with the Crochet Ghost Cardigan! This cozy cardigan is adorned with adorable ghost designs, blending spooky charm with practical comfort. Perfect for daily wear or festive events, it’s a versatile creation that’s as fun to make as it is to wear.
The Crochet Ghost Cardigan is not just a seasonal fashion piece—it's durable and customizable for year-round use. The 100% acrylic yarn ensures longevity, while the playful ghost appliqués add personality. Its loose fit allows a relaxed and cozy feel, making it a standout wardrobe addition you'll love.
Crochet Ghost Cardigan
This project is suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters. With adjustable measurements, options for ghost designs, and creative trim ideas, it’s highly customizable to fit your unique style. Step-by-step guidance makes crafting this spooky cardigan an enjoyable, achievable process for anyone.
Materials and Preparation
Here’s everything you need to create the Crochet Ghost Cardigan:
Required Materials:
- Yarn:
- Black and white yarn from the brand Crafters Secret Big Idea (size 4, 100% acrylic, 810 yards). Available at Hobby Lobby or substitute with any other similar acrylic yarn.
- Hook: 5mm crochet hook.
- Optional Materials:
- Black felt, scissors, and white thread (for decorating the ghost faces and attaching details).
- E6000 glue (or hot glue), if you prefer gluing felt details instead of sewing.
- Measuring Model: A favorite cardigan or sweater as a guide to help measure and shape pieces.
Yarn Weight Requirements:
- Size 4 (medium/worsted weight) yarn was used. However, alternative yarns with a similar weight classification can be substituted.
Abbreviations and Notes
Abbreviations:
- CH = Chain
- HDC = Half Double Crochet
- SC = Single Crochet
- HDC INC = Half Double Crochet Increase
- DEC = Decrease
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- FLO = Front Loop Only
Important Notes Before Starting:
- Working with Black Yarn: If black yarn is difficult to see, consider practicing the pattern with lighter yarn first. You can also refer to the other cardigan tutorials linked in Crystal’s video description for clearer visuals.
- Custom Sizing: This pattern can be adjusted for a looser or more fitted feel by increasing or decreasing row and chain counts.
- Ghost Decorations: Ghosts are crocheted separately; their face decorations are added using a combination of felt, glue, or thread.
- For beginners struggling with stitches: Refer to Crystal’s “Crochet for Beginners” linked in her video description.
Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes
- Gauge: Gauge is not specified, as the project is customizable. However, aim for consistent tension throughout each piece for uniformity.
- Finished Dimensions: Adjust based on the wearer’s measurements. For example, the front panels should cover from the belly button to your side with ease.
- Special Techniques:
- Basic decreasing (skipping stitches to create slopes).
- Creating scalloped edges for ghost tails.
- Gauge Swatch: While optional, making a swatch to test your gauge is recommended if substituting yarns.
Step-by-Step Pattern
Overview: The cardigan is composed of:
- Two front panels (sloped rectangles)
- One back panel (a giant rectangle)
- Two sleeves (rectangles)
- Decoration ghosts (oval heads with various tails and arms)
Step 1: Front Panels
Foundation & Square Base:
- Using the black yarn, create a slip knot and chain 40 (or adjust based on your belly button-to-side measurement).
- Go back along the chain with HDC in the second chain from the hook and into every chain across.
- Chain 1, turn, and continue working HDC rows, keeping the edges straight, until the front piece reaches just below the armpit level.
Creating the Slope:
- At the start of every new row on one side, decrease (skip the second stitch). Continue normal HDC on the other side to keep it straight.
- Repeat this method until the panel tapers into a sloped rectangle.
- Fasten off and make a second identical panel.
Step 2: Sleeves
- Chain 70 (or as long as you want the sleeve to extend from wrist to shoulder).
- HDC into every chain across, then turn. Continue making rows of HDC, ensuring edges remain straight.
- Tip: Ensure the complete sleeve wraps around your bicep comfortably.
- When the sleeve rectangle is finished, fold the rectangle into a tube and SL ST along the edges to seam it. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Step 3: Back Panel
- Chain a length that spans from one side of your shoulder to the other (depending on your preferred width).
- Work continuous rows of HDC to form a large rectangle, keeping all edges straight. Make sure the height of the rectangle matches the height of the two front panels.
- Fasten off.
Step 4: Assembly
- Lay all pieces flat and attach the two front panels to the back panel at the shoulders (SL ST or sew).
- Seam the side edges of the front and back panels together, leaving openings for the arms.
- Attach the sleeves by sewing or SL ST them along the arm openings.
Step 5: Creating the Ghosts
Basic Ghost Body:
- Switch to white yarn. Chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a small circle.
- Create 8 SC in the center of the circle.
- Continue working in the round, adding 1-2 SC in some stitches to shape the head (add rows to enlarge the head).
- Stretch the circle slightly to create an elongated head.
Adding the Body:
- Stop crocheting in the round, and begin working back-and-forth rows slightly wider than the body.
- For scalloped tails: In the last row, chain 3 in one stitch, work 4-5 SC in the next stitch, and repeat to form scallops.
Adding Arms:
- Chain 3 at the desired arm locations and work into the chain to create a simple arm effect.
Step 6: Attaching Ghosts
- Add details to the ghosts using black felt cut into various shapes (eyes, mouths, etc.). Glue or sew these details.
- Place the ghosts on the cardigan where you prefer. Sew them using thread, or attach them with SL ST using white yarn. Ensure placement looks balanced before final stitching.
Step 7: Adding Trim (Optional)
- For a polished finish, attach black or white yarn to the bottom of the cardigan.
- Crochet 2-3 rows of SC along the opening edges (up one side, around the neck, and down the other).
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Finishing Touches
- Try on the cardigan to ensure the trim and ghost placements are even.
- Adjust any loose stitches, ghosts, or uneven edges.
Pattern Question:
Q: Can I follow the pattern without using black yarn since it's harder to see?
A: Absolutely! You can use lighter-colored yarns for better visibility, and the tutorial provides linked references for alternate guides with lighter yarn options.
Conclusion:
The Crochet Ghost Cardigan effortlessly combines festive fun and everyday functionality. Making this personalized, whimsical piece is enjoyable and rewarding—it’s a crochet project you'll treasure for years. Whether spooky season or casual outings, this cardigan is worth trying!
