The Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan is a free and easy crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and very beginner friendly.
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Some of the Kiks + Jack Crochet patterns start with a great idea, that turn into sketches that then lead to yarn shopping and selection. We select the yarn to (hopefully) bring out the pattern features. Other patterns like the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan start and finish the other way around. We fall in love with the yarn and we design the garment, to bring out the best features of the yarn. When we came across this yarn, it felt soft and luxurious – and we knew it was going to have fantastic drape.
The yarn is 100% nylon and is called Feels Like Bliss from Lion Brand Yarns. It’s also machine washable. It has a little bit of fluff on it but still frogs easily. This can be important to new beginners (and designers like us who make lots of changes to their patterns) as we appreciate that sometimes we all need to frog. Knowing how easily a yarn can unravel is important when selecting a pattern and useful in gauging frustration levels.
The actual design of the cardigan is very simple. If you know how to do the half double crochet then you can make this cardigan. Due to the beautiful fuzz on our yarn, we wanted it to shine – and as a result, we stayed away from stitch changes and texture that we love to incorporate when working with other types of yarn. We did however, drop down to a hook size 6. The yarn is a size 5/bulky so we would typically be crocheting with a size 8 or 9 crochet hook, however we wanted the stitches smaller. Crocheting with a smaller than recommended hook is not always fun – but we experimented with this yarn and it felt smooth and relaxing crocheting with a size 6 hook. Feel free to experiment as this is a made to measure pattern and can accommodate for different gauges.
If you do want to crochet with a different yarn, try to pick something similar with a drape and light fuzz to achieve a similar effect. Another great option is the Caron Cloud Cakes yarn and the Caron Latte Cakes yarn from Yarnspiration. Both have a slight fuzz and fluff to their yarn, are of similar weight and budget friendly.
If you are looking for other crocheted cardigan patterns that are simple, beautiful and modern, check out the Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan or the Campbell Everyday Crochet Cardigan.
DESCRIPTION of The Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
The Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan is a beautiful draping cardigan with long sleeves and ribbing on the bottom and at the cuffs. It features a simple neckline and opening and is designed to be oversized. The cardigan is suitable for beginners. There are no button holes or buttons used for this pattern.
This is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly, very simple and uses weight 5/bulky/chunky yarn. This pattern can also accommodate for different gauges.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The pattern instructions are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure” (versus graded sized patterns) so that crocheters can get the wonderful benefits of making a garment that fits perfectly. However we do appreciate taking measurements can be inconvenient for some and have also provided standard sizing for those who wish to use it.
To use this pattern you will need the following measurements and you should write them down for easy reference:
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
Finished length: Measure from where you would like the cardigan to end up to the top of your shoulder. We wanted our cardigan to hit at our hips.
Arm Length: With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to wrist (or where you would like the sleeve to end)
Wrist Circumference: Measure from one point on your wrist all around your wrist.
Standard Sizing (For Reference)
If you would like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches or 71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) centimetres.
If you would like to use standard sizing for arm length – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 16.5 (17, 17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 42 (43, 43, 44.5, 44.5, 45.5, 45.5, 47, 47) centimetres
Note: Designed as a very oversized fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
Using a 6mm crochet hook, approximately 12 half double crochets across and approximately 12 rows of half double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
This pattern can accommodate different gauges. If you are new to crochet you may want to select a gauge similar to the one used here. Also note that your yarn needs to have drape if you want drape in your cardigan.
CROCHET MATERIALS for the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
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Yarn brand Feels Like Bliss by Lion Brand Yarns. Weight 5/Chunky/Bulky. 100g per skein and 109 yards (or 100m). Try to use a yarn with similar weight and fuzz to achieve a similar effect. Colour used is Sand Dollar.
I’m aware that this can be a pricey yarn when considering the volume you need to purchase. Another great (and maybe more budget friendly) yarn that would have a similar effect is Caron Cloud Cakes or Caron Latte Cakes (more fuzzy).
Approximately 11.5 skeins or 1250 yards (or 1150 cm) used for our garment (approximately S/M – very oversized) with a finished width of 24 inches and a finished length of 24 inches.
6 mm crochet hook (US size 10). We use many different crochet hooks and some of them can get quite pricey – but if you are a beginner and looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. We love these and recommend them to all our beginner crochet friends.
Measuring Tape. We use a super budget friendly measuring tape. Make sure it has cm and inches (not all patterns are written with both). We are always crocheting on the go so we like our tapes small and compact and we put one in our design area, one in our bag and one in our car. Retractable works best! We use these super cheap mini measuring tapes from Amazon.
Stitch Markers. We use these locking crochet stitch markers from Amazon and these stitch markers that do not lock. They are cheap and colourful.
Blocking Pins. You should buy more pins than you think you need. If you are going to take the time to block don’t skimp on the pins. We like T shaped stainless steel pins that don’t rust when they get wet. We love these blocking T pins from Amazon and the tin means the pins don’t fall out on the floor.
Yarn Needle. Buy blunt needles with large eyes for yarn. We use these Yarn Needles because we like the convenient bottle, they are budget friendly and we get lots of them!
Scissors. We love these thread snippers because they are cheap, we get two of them AND they come with a case (some don’t). Don’t carry these without the case! After you use thread snippers you won’t want to snip with scissors.
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
This pattern uses US terminology.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
sc = single crochet (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
hdc = half double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops)
BLO = back loop only
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook)
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise turning chains do not count as a stitch if there are 1 or 2 chains and the turning chain does count as a stitch if there are 3 or 4 chains.
SUMMARY of CONSTRUCTION for the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
The Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan is made by first crocheting a back panel ribbing and then crocheting the main back panel. We will then crochet two front panels, starting with the ribbing and this will make up the front of the cardigan. This is not a close shut cardigan so we will not be crocheting button holes or attaching buttons. We will then crochet the sleeve panels starting with the cuff and then crochet the sleeve panel until it reaches the required length. Finally we will seam the two front panels and the back panels at the shoulder and then seam sleeves directly on to the panels.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may crochet items to sell using this pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange. Please do NOT use my photos as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
Crochet the Main Back Panel Ribbing
The height of our ribbing is approximately 3-3.5 inches. Based on our gauge this is approximately 13 chains. However you can adjust the number of chains if you want to change the height of the ribbing or you are using a yarn with a different gauge.
ch 13
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch1, sc BLO in each st across. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the total length of the ribbing is equal to HALF of your “Chest/Bust Measurement” + 6 inches. Note that an additional 6 inches is very oversized. We will double check that you are happy with this width shortly below.
K+J Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around. Half of 32 inches = 16 inches. We keep repeating row 2 until the total length of the ribbing reaches 22 inches (16 + 6 = 22 inches)
Count the total number of rows.
K+J Example: We counted a total of 68 rows to achieve a length of 22 inches.
Now is a great time to check if you are completely happy with the width of the cardigan before you crochet any further. It will expand a little more when we start crocheting the back panel. Place the ribbing up at your waist or top of your hips to see if the width (length of ribbing) is right for you. If you would like it to be wider and more oversized, crochet a few more rows. If you would like the ribbing to be tighter and less oversized, then you can frog (unravel) a few rows. For reference, we wanted a very oversized look.
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Back Panel
You will now crochet down the long side of the ribbing that you just crocheted.
Row 1: Using the working yarn, ch2, hdc into every row across the ribbing. Turn
In K+J example we will crochet 68 half double crochets across the long side ribbing.
Row 2: ch2, hdc into the 1st st, hdc across the row until the end. Turn.
Repeat row 2 until the back panel (including ribbing) is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement“.
Once again, this is a great time to double check that you are happy with the length by placing the panel up against you. If you would like to make it longer crochet more of row 2. If you would like to make it shorter, remove a few rows. If you made changes, then make sure you update the Finished Length Measurement so that you can crochet an identical length for your front panels.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel Ribbing (Make 2)
You will now crochet 2 panels that will make up the front of your cardigan. The length of each front panel ribbing is calculated as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| Calculate the number of rows you crocheted in your back panel ribbing | We crocheted a total of 68 rows in our back panel ribbing |
| Multiply by 0.9 and round up | 68 rows x 0.9 = 62 rows (rounded up) |
| Divide by 2 and round up | 62 rows divided by 2 = 31 rows (rounded up) |
Important Tip: Our cardigan has no ribbing or edging around the neckline. When it was finished we liked the clean lines and simplicity of the neckline so it was left as is. This was primarily because the yarn used was fuzzy and gorgeous. However if you think you will want to place a thicker ribbing/edging around your neckline, you may want to reduce the number of rows in your front panels to accommodate for the additional width that you will crochet around the neckline. Note that we also like our cardigans to have a little gap at the front. Again if you would like your panels closer together you can increase a few rows to reduce this gap.
ch 13
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch1, sc BLO in each st across. Turn
Repeat row 2 until you reach the number of rows you calculated above.
In K+J example we will crochet 31 rows.
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel (Make 2)
You will now crochet down the long side of the ribbing.
Row 1: Using the working yarn, ch2, hdc into every row across the ribbing. Turn
In K+J example we will crochet 31 half double crochets across the long side ribbing.
Row 2: ch2, hdc into the 1st st, hdc across the row until the end. Turn.
Repeat row 2 until the front panel (including ribbing) is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” and more importantly is the same length as your back panel.
Fasten off.
Make sure you crochet TWO identical front panels with ribbing.
Crochet the Sleeve Ribbing Panel (Make 2)
ch 13
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch1, sc BLO in each st across. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the total length of the ribbing is equal to your “Wrist Circumference Measurement” + 2 inches. This is just a guide and it is more important that it fits comfortably and is not too tight. We wanted the sleeve to be oversized and fall around the knuckles so we used a larger circumference.
Count the number of rows (we crocheted 29 rows).
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Sleeve Ribbing Panel (Make 2)
To calculate the number of stitches you will crochet down the long side of the ribbing, calculate as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| Count the number of rows in your sleeve panel ribbing | We have 29 rows in our ribbing |
| Multiply this by 1.5 (round up if necessary) | 29 x 1.5 = 44 stitches |
Row 1: Using the working yarn, ch1, sc the number of stitches across the ribbing based on the calculation above.
In K+J example we will crochet 44 single crochets across the long side ribbing. You may want to divide your ribbing into 4 quarters using stitch markers and ensure you are crocheting approximately 25% of your total stitches in each quarter. This will help you ensure you are crocheting evenly across your ribbing.
Row 2: ch2, hdc into the 1st st, hdc across the row until the end. Turn.
Repeat row 2 until the sleeve panel (including ribbing) is equal to your “Arm Length Measurement“.
We will show you how to check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” below so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Fasten off.
Make sure you crochet TWO identical sleeve panels with ribbing.
Assembling the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking all your panels before assembly. Blocking your panels will set your panels to the shape and size you want and give it a polished look.
Step 1: Seam the Front and Back Panels at the shoulder.
Place one front panel and back panel together lined up at the side and shoulder with the right sides facing together. With a yarn needle, seam the panel together across the shoulders starting from the edge and up to the end of the front panel. Fasten off. Do the same with the second front panel on the other side of the back panel. See the diagram below (for illustrative purposes only).
Step 2: Line up your sleeves at the midway point to the shoulder and seam. Open up the two panels (now seamed at the shoulders) so that the right side is facing the floor and the wrong side is facing upwards. Take one of your crocheted sleeves and fold it in half lengthways. Place a stitch marker at the top of your sleeve at the centre point. With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, attach this stitch marker to the left edge of the left shoulder seam.
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
Customization Tip: It is a good time to check the length of your sleeve. You can “seam” the sleeve panel with a few stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on.
If you would like the sleeve to be longer (eg. some like the length to be almost at the knuckles vs the wrist), you can add a few more rows on to your sleeve. You do this by unknotting your final knot when you fastened off at the end of the sleeve panel, attaching matching yarn and crocheting a few more rows. Or you can reduce rows if you like your sleeves shorter. You do this by unknotting your final knot when you fastened off and pulling out (frogging) the rows. Make sure you do the exact same on the second sleeve.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up). See the diagram below (for illustrative purposes only).
Step 3: Seam the sides of the sweater and the bottom of the sleeve together. Fold the panels and sleeve panels at the seamed shoulders so that your cardigan is facing wrong side out. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sides of the two panels together up to the armpit and along the bottom of the sleeve.
Fasten off.
Crochet around the neckline
We did not crochet around the neckline for the Kiks + Jack version. However if you feel your neckline needs neatening, you can attach yarn to the bottom of the cardigan, ch1 and do single crochets all around the neckline to the other bottom side of the cardigan. Keep your stitches even.
We will not place the instructions here but another great option would be to crochet a thicker ribbing using front post double crochet and back post double crochet. You can find instructions for this thicker neckline edge in the Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan.
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished the Banbury Oversized Drape Crochet Cardigan and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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