Design Story

This great stash busting project brings life back to an old, unloved and plain sweater, at the same time creating something unique and personal. This feminine, lacy pattern is simple to work, yet looks delicate and intricate and is perfect for all kinds of recycling projects. Using vintage buttons and ribbons prevents the 'alterations' looking out of place against a worn sweater.

Materials

RYC Siena, 100% mercerised cotton (140 m (153 yds) per 50 gm ball)
1 ball shade 652 (cream)
2.5 mm crochet hook
2m grosgrain ribbon
3 buttons
Sewing thread
Sewing needle
Dressmaking scissors
Pins
Old sweater

Measurements

Collar approximately 57.5 cm (22.75 inches)
Cuffs approximately 35 cm (14 inches)

Abbreviations

(US crochet terms are shown in brackets, in red)

sp - space
st - stitch
ch - chain
dc (sc) - double crochet (single crochet)
tr (dc) - treble (double crochet)

Pattern

Collar

Using 2.5 mm crochet hook, make a foundation chain of 107 loops.
Row 1: dc (sc) into second ch from hook, then into each ch to end of row. Work 4 ch to turn.
Row 2: tr (dc) into first dc (sc) then into each dc (sc) to end of row. Work 5 ch to turn.
Row 3: Miss first 3 tr (dc) [tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc)] in next tr (dc) (shell made), * miss next 3 tr (dc), work shell into next tr (dc), rep from * ending with 1 tr (dc) in last dc (sc), work 3 ch to turn.
Row 4: * [tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc)] in next 3 ch sp (shell group made), rep from * ending with 1 tr (dc) in last dc (sc), work 3 ch to turn.
Row 5: * Work shell (as row 3) in centre 3 ch sp of first shell group from row 4, 4 ch, rep from * ending row with 1 tr (dc) into last tr (dc), work 3 ch to turn.
Row 6: as row 4, but do not work turning chain at end of row.
Fasten off. Darn in all ends. Block.

Cuffs (Make two)

Using 2.5 mm crochet hook, make a foundation of 61 loops.
Row 1: dc (sc) into second ch from hook, then into each ch to end of row. Work 4 ch to turn.
Row 2: tr (dc) into first dc (sc) then into each dc (sc) to end of row. Work 5 ch to turn.
Row 3: Miss first 3 tr (dc) [tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc)] in next tr (dc) (shell made), * miss next 3 tr (dc), work shell into next tr (dc) rep from * ending with 1 tr (dc) in last dc (sc), work 3 ch to turn.
Row 4: * [tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc), 3 ch, tr (dc)] in next 3 ch sp (shell group made), rep from * ending with 1 tr (dc) in last dc (sc).
Fasten off. Darn in all ends. Block.

To Attach

Place sweater on a mannequin, a volunteer, or flat on a table. Place a pin at both centre front and centre back of sweater. Fold collar in half and place a pin at centre back.

Carefully line up and pin the collar to the right side of the sweater, matching up centre back pins. At centre front leave space for ribbon as shown in photo. Once happy with collar placement, tack collar into place. At this point, take scissors and cut away excess sweater collar, leaving approximately quarter of an inch to turn under. Slip stitch edge of crochet collar to sweater. Turn under raw edge of sweater to inside, at same time placing ribbon over the raw edge, pinning it in place over the edge. Slip stitch ribbon into place at top and bottom of ribbon. Take a short piece of ribbon, long enough to act as button band, to cover joins of neck band ribbon and to turn over at both ends. Pin, and then slip stitch in place. Sew buttons in place through ribbon and sweater.

Repeat process for cuffs, but leave a half inch hem. Turn under and attach ribbon as before. Join edges of cuff together. Turn back cuff.

This pattern is not to be used commercially or to be resold.  Copyright © Just call me Ruby & Aruba Blue 2009