Sookie Crochet Cardigan: Lesson 4- All about Blocking

Welcome to Lesson 4 of the Sookie Crochet Cardigan from the 6th Annual Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along! 🦃✨ In this lesson, we’re diving into the essential process of steam blocking your crochet panels. Whether you’re new to blocking or just need a refresher, this step is key to making your cardigan look polished and professional.

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This section finishes your panels and gets them reading for seaming. Don’t forget to share your progress in the Marly Bird BiCrafty Community—we love seeing your work!

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Blocking your crochet ensures that your panels are the correct size, the edges are even, and the fabric lays flat. For the Sookie Crochet Cardigan, steam blocking is particularly helpful for setting the stitches and giving your long color-changing yarn its best presentation.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use either a steamer or the steam setting on an iron to block your panels safely and effectively. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before—Robyn Chachula is here to guide you step by step with tips to help you achieve consistent results.

While blocking might seem like an optional step, it’s a must-do for ensuring your Sookie Crochet Cardigan comes together beautifully. A well-blocked project not only looks better but also fits more comfortably, making it worth every minute of effort!

Let’s get started and give your cardigan panels the attention they deserve. Ready to steam block? Scroll down for the full instructions and Robyn’s expert video demonstration!Welcome to the Sookie Crochet Cardigan, one of the stunning projects in the Turkey Trot Make-Along 2024! In this lesson, we’ll cover how to steam block your panels

Sookie Crochet Cardigan – Turkey Trot 2024

designed by Robyn Chachula for MarlyBird.com

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Size

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) with 9-10” [23-25.5 cm] of positive ease.  Sample shown has 9” of positive ease. 

Finished Measurements

Sweater is 41 (44, 47, 51, 56, 59, 63, 66, 69)” [104, 112, 119.5, 129.5, 142, 150, 160, 167.5, 175 cm] bust circumference and 21 (21, 21, 22.75, 22.75, 22.75, 24.5, 24.5, 24.5)” [53.5, 53.5, 53.5, 58, 58, 58, 62, 62, 62 cm] in length (shoulder to edge).  

Gauge 

BLOCKED: 18 dc (6 Stitch Repeats) by 16 Rows in PANEL STITCH PATTERN = 5” [12.5 cm] by 7” [18 cm]; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.  (see video for more information on gauge)

MATERIALS

Crochet Yarn 

Red Heart, Roll With It Mélange (100% Acrylic, 389 yds / 356 m, 5.29 oz/ 150 g, CYCA# 4 worsted)

• Curtain Call, 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls

Alternate Yarn 

Lion Brand, Ferris Wheel (100% Acrylic, 270 yds / 247 m, 3 oz/ 85 g, CYCA# 4 worsted)

• Morning Java, 4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8) balls

Crochet Hook

Size J/10 [6.0 mm] or size needed to obtain gauge. 

Notions 

Stitch markers

Tapestry needle 

Basic Blocking Supplies

Steamer or Steam Iron

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch – Chain(s) 

Dc – Double Crochet 

Dc2tog – Double Crochet Two Together

Fhdc – Foundation Half Double Crochet (see special stitches)

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

PM – Place Marker

RS – Right Side 

Sc – Single Crochet

Sl st – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s) 

St(s) – Stitch(es)

Stacked Dc – Stacked Double Crochet 

Tch – Turning Chain

WS – Wrong Side

SPECIAL STITCHES 

⭐️Double Crochet 2 Together (Dc2tog): *Yarn over hook, insert hook into indicated st, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * in next st indicated, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook. (1 decrease)

⭐️ Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc): 

First fhdc: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), yarn over hook, insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook (forming a chain, place marker in chain just made), yarn over and draw through 3 loops on hook (forming the half double crochet)

Next fhdc: Yarn over hook, insert hook into base of previous stitch (in the “chain” space), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook (forming a chain), yarn over and draw through 3 loops on hook (forming the next half double crochet).  Repeat directions for desired amount of sts.

⭐️ Foundation Single Crochet (fsc): 

First fsc: Ch 2, insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook (forming a chain), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (forming the single crochet)

Next fsc: Insert hook into base of previous stitch (in the “chain” space), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook (forming a chain), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (forming the next single crochet).  Repeat directions for desired amount of sts.

⭐️Half Double Crochet 2 Together (Hdc2tog): Yarn over hook, insert hook into indicated st, yarn over and pull up a loop, insert hook into next st indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook. (1 decrease)

⭐️ Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog): *Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * in next stitch indicated, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook. (1 decrease)

⭐️Third Loop: Also known as middle or back bar. Horizontal strand located under the top 2 loops.. When working in turned rows the third loop is on the front side of the fabric facing you.

⭐️ Stacked Double Crochet (Stacked Dc): (Do not ch 1 prior to making the first sc) Sc in first stitch, insert hook in between two legs of the base, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook.

NOTES

• Directions are for size XS; changes for sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
• Sweater is oversized.  If you prefer a tighter fit, pick a size closer to your bust circumference. Sample is shown is the 3X size with 9” of ease.
• Gauge listed is blocked.  The stitch pattern unblocked is much shorter compared to when it is blocked.  Make sure you are choosing your hook size based on a blocked swatch.
• Sweater is worked in panels and seamed.  The collar is crocheted onto the project at the end. 
• If you do not want to start your panel with foundation hdc, you can chain and hdc instead.  Make sure you have the same number of hdc as Row 1 calls for fhdc.
• We recommend Steam Blocking with both yarns listed.  We do not recommend “pin and spray” blocking or wet blocking for the yarn used.  If you substitute another yarn, spray or wet blocking might work. Blocking is required and not optional for this project.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

• Foundation Single Crochet >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Seaming Crochet >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• How to Read Crochet Diagrams >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Weave in Ends >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Stacked Double Crochet >> Click Here for Video Help <<

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN VIDEO TUTORIAL

Click Here to view Lesson 4 of the Sookie Crochet Cardigan

SCHEMATIC

CROCHET STITCH DIAGRAM

✅ The crochet stitch diagram is exclusive to the VIP Upgrade and ad-free pdf.

The fun continues on Dec 1!

Happy Stitching!