Spectrum Stitch Crochet Swoncho | Part 3 | Prism Make-Along 2025 Free Pattern
Welcome back, Bestie! 🎉 Part 3 of the Spectrum Stitch Swoncho is here, and today you’ll be working through Charts 3 and 4 of this bold, beautiful yoke.
This week is all about keeping your stitches even, managing your floats with confidence, and making sure your work lays flat as the fabric grows. You’ll also want to stay mindful of your yarn’s fiber content—we’re sharing a few important tips for gentle steam blocking if your yarn allows.
Let’s keep those stitches moving and that colorwork glowing! ✨
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🎨 Charts 3 & 4: Let the Color Flow
These next two charts build on the structure and rhythm of your previous rounds. They introduce new color combinations and bring symmetry and visual movement to your yoke.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Take your time reviewing the chart before starting—look for repeats and float spans
- Stay consistent with your stitch height in split single crochet
- Use stitch markers if it helps you track chart sections
- If you're customizing your color palette, double-check your contrast so motifs remain clear
🧶 Maintain That Gauge
Stranded colorwork can easily tighten your tension, especially with more color changes and longer floats.
✅ Here’s how to stay on track:
- Continue aiming for 4 stitches per inch in split single crochet
- Check gauge frequently throughout the round—not just after
- Adjust your hook if needed—sometimes going up one size for a section can help
- Keep floats relaxed and avoid pulling them tight behind your stitches
💨 Steam Blocking: Proceed With Caution!
Lightly steam blocking as you go can help your piece lay flat and prevent buckling—but only if your yarn allows it.
⚠️ Read this before steaming:
- Test steam blocking on a swatch first, especially with synthetic fibers
- Acrylic yarn can “go limp” or lose its bounce if exposed to too much steam
- Natural fibers (like wool) tend to steam block beautifully—but still test first
- Always pin and shape carefully, and never press the iron directly onto the fabric
When in doubt? Skip the steam for now and gently shape with your hands.
✂️ Weave In Your Ends as You Go
Color changes bring ends—and it’s tempting to save them for the end. But weaving them in as you go makes your life easier and helps clean up your joins!
Here’s why it matters:
- Ends can help close the gap at the beginning of the round
- It keeps your fabric smooth and reduces bulk
- You’ll avoid that “dreaded pile” of tails at the finish line
- It helps maintain your garment’s structure over time
🧵 New to the Make-Along? Here’s How the Free Version Works
If you’re just joining the fun (yay!), here’s what you need to know:
✨ A new section of the pattern is released every Monday and Thursday in May
✨ Each release is added to the blog post right here on MarlyBird.com
✨ You can view the pattern for free—no downloads needed
✨ Want the direct link in your inbox? Sign up using the form below to stay updated and receive the full supply list
📬 Sign up here to stay in the loop and never miss a pattern release!
🌟 Looking for Part 2? Click Here.
Scroll down to get started with Part 3 of the Spectrum Stitch Swoncho! I can’t wait to see your stitches come to life—be sure to share your progress using #prismmakealong and tag me @themarlybird. 💛
Spectrum Stitch Crochet Swoncho
Designed by Marly Bird
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
MEASUREMENTS
To Fit Sizes
Extra-Small/Small/Medium 28-38” [71-96.5 cm] bust
Large/Extra-Large 40-46” [101.5-117 cm] bust
2/3 Extra-Large 48-54” [122-137 cm] bust
4/5 Extra-Large 56-62” [142-157.5 cm] bust
Sample made in size 2 / 3 Extra-Large
Gauge
16 split sc by 16 rounds = 4” [10 cm] by 4” [10 cm] in split single crochet; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
MATERIALS
Crochet Yarn
WeCrochet Swish DK (100% Superwash Merino Wool, 123 yds / 113 m, 1.76 oz/ 50 g, CYCA# 3 DK) — crochet
- 7 (8, 10, 12) balls: #24957 Gulfstream (A)
- 2 (2, 2, 2) balls: #24636 Marble Heather (B)
- 2 (2, 2, 2) balls: #c25578 Marina (C)
- 1 (2, 2, 2) balls: #28643 Throne (D)
- 1 (1, 1, 2) balls: #28632 Haze Heather (E)
- 2 (2, 2, 2) balls: #24313 Cobblestone Heather (F)
- 1 (2, 2, 2) balls: #c26062 Wonderland Heather (G)
- 1 (1, 1, 1) ball: #24064 White (H)
- 1 (1, 1, 1) ball: #c25585 Rainforest Heather (I)
- 1 (1, 1, 1) ball: #24951 Peapod (J)
Hook
Size U.S. H/8 [5 mm] or size required for gauge.
Notions
Tapestry needle, Stitch Markers
ABBREVIATIONS
Ch – Chain(s)
PM – Place Marker
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl st – Slip Stitch
Sp(s) – Space(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Tch – Turning Chain
WS – Wrong Side
SPECIAL STITCHES
⭐Back Loop Only: This is the furthest loop to you of the top 2 loops of the stitch indicated, regardless if you are on the RS or WS.
⭐️Chain (Ch): With slip knot or free loop on hook, yarn over hook and pull through loop on hook.
⭐️Single Crochet (Sc): Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook.
⭐️Slip Stitch (Sl st): Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop and draw through loop on hook.
⭐️Split Single Crochet (split sc): Insert hook into indicated stitch between the two legs of the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through both loops on hook.
NOTES
- Project is worked in joined rounds of split single crochet. Join is made by removing hook from free loop, insert hook under top 2 loops of first st from back to front, replace free loop and pull through.
- Place marker in first stitch throughout project.
- Change color when there are 2 loops left on the hook of the previous color.
- Sweater is stranded color work not tapestry colorwork. Be sure to keep your floats loose and not too tight. If they are tight you will reduce the elastic nature of the fabric and your project might not fit you.
- Do not crochet over the floats or the fabric will become too thick!
- It is easy to tighten up your split single crochet stitches, be sure to pull up a longer loop to keep your stitches from getting too small. If your stitches are too tight, you will not see the colorwork as clearly and it will be difficult to insert your hook. You can always go up a hook size or two to keep your stitches from getting too small.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
- How to Crochet Slip Stitch Ribbing >> https://youtu.be/xDUh_aJhBK8 <<
- Split Single Crochet Tips and Tricks >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Bury Ends >> https://youtu.be/8_NBGUKjO-E <<
- Gauge Video for Split Single Crochet >> https://youtu.be/imh0Z3Gu3v4 <<
- Ribbing to Neck Video >> https://youtu.be/vk8haC3msRI <<
- Crochet Stranded Colorwork >> https://youtu.be/F_SIk94OJiM <<
SPECTRUM STITCH CROCHET SWONCHO PATTERN – PART 3
CHART 2
Split sc 5 rounds in Chart 2, reading rounds from right to left. The 6-st repeat will be worked 18 (20, 26, 30) times around.
With color A
Next Round: Split sc in next 2 sts, *2 split sc in next stitch, split sc in next 5 sts; repeat from * around to last 4 sts, 2 split sc in next st, split sc in last 3 sts — 126 (140, 182, 210) sts.
CHART 3
Split sc 7 rounds in Chart 3, reading rounds from right to left. The 7-st repeat will be worked 18 (20, 26, 30) times around.
With color A
Next Round: *Split sc in next 5 sts, 2 split sc in next stitch, split sc in next 1 sts; repeat from * around — 144 (160, 208, 240) sts.
🎯 Keep Going!
You’re building something vibrant and wearable—and we’re cheering for every stitch. Don’t forget to:
- Share your photos and progress with #PrismMakeAlong and #MarlyBird
- Join the conversation in the BiCrafty Community on Facebook
- Be kind to your yarn, your hands, and your pace—this is about joy, not perfection!
Continue to Part 4: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-4/
