Sookie Crochet Cardigan: Lesson 5: Sleeve Shaping

Welcome to the Sookie Crochet Cardigan Lesson 5, one of the stunning projects in the Turkey Trot Make-Along 2024! In this lesson, we dive into our sleeve panels and learn the ins and outs of shaping.

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The only new concept in this section is shaping, which means the middle part of your panels is exactly the same. It is only the beginning and ends of the rows that you need to pay extra attention. Keep sharing your progress in the Marly Bird BiCrafty Community—we love seeing your work!

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

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 VIDEO TUTORIAL

A smiling person with glasses wearing a colorful knit cardigan poses in two images. The left image shows them standing, while the right shows a closer view of the cardigan. Text reads "Sookie" and "Lesson 5" with a YouTube logo. -Marly Bird

Click Here to view lesson 5 of the Sookie Crochet Cardigan

SCHEMATIC

schematic of sookie crochet cardigan
panel schematic sookie crochet cardigan
Diagram of a sleeve pattern for the Sookie Crochet Cardigan with measurements. Top width ranges from 18 to 23 inches (45.5 to 58.5 cm), bottom width from 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm), and height at 10.5 inches (26.5 cm). Ensure accurate gauge for the First Panel Start. "SLEEVE -Marly Bird

SLEEVE CROCHET STITCH DIAGRAM

The crochet stitch diagram for each size of the sleeve is exclusive to the VIP Upgrade and ad-free pdf.

A collection of crochet resources including a laptop, tablet, and phone displaying vibrant guides like the Sookie Crochet Cardigan Lesson 1. Various printouts and books are scattered around, showcasing colorful designs with a person modeling exquisite crochet garments. -Marly Bird

GROW

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I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.


A person wearing glasses smiles while wrapped in a colorful, intricately patterned shawl. The text on the image reads "Lesson 5 Sookie." The background features windows with blinds and houseplants. -Marly Bird

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 PATTERN

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 – SLEEVES

Make 2

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 – XS, S, M SIZE

Row 1 (RS): 65 fhdc, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next 3 sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 4 sc, dc in next 2 sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 19 ch-2 sps + 3 sts each end. 

Row 4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last 3 sts, dc in next st, dc2tog over last 2 sts, turn— 61 dc. 

Row 5: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first dc, dc in next dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 2 dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 19 ch-2 sps + 1 sts each end. 

Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog over first dc and ch-2 sp, 2 sc in same ch-2 sp, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last ch-2 sp, 2 sc in last ch-2 sp, sc2tog over last ch-2 sp and dc, turn — 57 sc. 

Row 7: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 55 hdc. 

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across, turn.

Row 9: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 53 hdc. 

Repeat Rows 2-9 once, Repeat Rows 2-8 once more– 31 sc. Fasten off, weave in ends.

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 – L, XL, 2X SIZE

Row 1 (RS): 74 fhdc, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next 3 sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 4 sc, dc in next 2 sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 22 ch-2 sps + 3 sts each end. 

Row 4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last 3 sts, dc in next st, dc2tog over last 2 sts, turn— 70 dc. 

Row 5: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 2 dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 22 ch-2 sps + 1 st each end. 

Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog over first dc and ch-2 sp, 2 sc in same ch-2 sp, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last ch-2 sp, 2 sc in last ch-2 sp, sc2tog over last ch-2 sp and dc, turn — 66 sc. 

Row 7: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 64 hdc. 

Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 62 sc.

Row 9: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 60 hdc. 

Row 10: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across, turn.

Row 11: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next 2 sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 3 sc, dc in next sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 18 ch-2 sps + 2 sts each end. 

Row 12: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next st, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last 2 sts, dc2tog over last 2 sts, turn— 56 dc. 

Row 13: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first dc, dc in next 3 dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 4 dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 16 ch-2 sps + 3 sts each end. 

Row 14: Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 dc, sc in next sc, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last 3 dc, sc in next dc, sc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 52 sc. 

Row 15: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 50 hdc. 

Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 48 sc.

Row 17: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 46 hdc. 

Row 18: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across, turn.

Row 19: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 2 sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 14 ch-2 sps + 1 sts each end. 

Row 20: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last ch-2 sp, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc2tog over last ch-2 sp and dc, turn— 42 dc. 

Row 21: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first dc, dc in next 2 dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 3 dc, dc in next dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 12 ch-2 sps + 2 sts each end. 

Row 22: Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 dc, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last 2 dc, sc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 38 sc. 

Row 23: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 36 hdc. 

Row 24: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across.  Fasten off, weave in ends. 

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 – 3X, 4X, 5X SIZE

Row 1 (RS): 83 fhdc, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 81 sc.

Row 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next 2 sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 3 sc, dc in next sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 25 ch-2 sps + 2 sts each end. 

Row 4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next st, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last 2 sts, dc2tog over last 2 sts, turn— 77 dc. 

Row 5: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next 3 dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 4 dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 23 ch-2 sps + 3 sts each end. 

Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 dc, sc in next dc, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last 3 dc, sc in next dc, sc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 73 sc. 

Row 7: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 71 hdc. 

Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 69 sc.

Row 9: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 67 hdc. 

Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 65 sc.

Row 11: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next 3 sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 4 sc, dc in next 2 sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 19 ch-2 sps + 3 sts each end. 

Row 12: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last 3 dc, dc in next dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn— 61 dc. 

Row 13: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first dc, dc in next dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 2 dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 19 ch-2 sps + 1 st each end. 

Row 14: Ch 1, sc2tog over first dc and ch-2 sp, 2 sc in same ch-2 sp, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last ch-2 sp, 2 sc in last ch-2 sp, sc2tog over last ch-2 sp and dc, turn — 57 sc. 

Row 15: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 55 hdc. 

Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 53 sc.

Row 17: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 51 hdc. 

Row 18: Ch 1, sc2tog in the third loop over the first 2 hdc, sc in the third loop of each hdc across to last 2 hdc, sc2tog in the third loop over the last 2 hdc, turn – 49 sc.

Row 19: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first sc, dc in next sc, *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc in 3rd sc back from previous dc (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 2 sc, dc2tog over last 2 sc, turn— 15 ch-2 sps + 1 st each end. 

Row 20: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first st, 3 dc in each ch-2 sp across to last ch-2 sp, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc2tog over last ch-2 sp and dc, turn— 45 dc. 

Row 21: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), skip first dc, dc in next 2 dc, *skip 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in front of previous dc made in 3rd dc back from previous dc made (same st as 2nd previous dc, creates a “x”); repeat from * across to last 3 dc, dc in next dc, dc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 13 ch-2 sps + 2 sts each end. 

Row 22: Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 dc, 3 sc in each ch-2 sp across to last 2 dc, sc2tog over last 2 dc, turn — 41 sc. 

Row 23: Ch 1, hdc2tog over first 2 sc, hdc in each sc across to last 2 sc, hdc2tog over last 2 sc, turn – 39 hdc. 

Row 24: Ch 1, sc in the third loop of each hdc across.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

SOOKIE CROCHET CARDIGAN LESSON 5 SLEEVE BLOCKING

Pin sleeves to schematic size.  Using either the lowest heat setting on your steam iron or a steamer, steam panels to block and allow to dry.

We are so close now! Our journey ends on Dec 2 with all the seaming and edging.

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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