Description

Cardigan with Ruffled Collar – Vintage Crochet Pattern: Instant PDF Download

Sizes: Women’s S, M, L (finished bust 34½”, 38″, 41″)

Few vintage crochet cardigan patterns have quite the theatrical presence of this one. The stand-out feature is its layered, rippling ruffle collar — a cascade of zigzag lace that frames the neckline with undeniable retro drama. Below it, the body of this vintage shell stitch cardigan flows through alternating rows of open shell pattern and textured stripe detail, worked in a soft mix of grey, lavender, peach, and blue. Shoulder ruffles echo the collar for a cohesive, romantic finish. A wonderful vintage crochet sweater pattern for crafters who love wearing their handmade pieces as a statement.

Design & Construction Details

Skill Level: Advanced Intermediate.
Construction: Fronts and back worked in one piece to armholes; yoke sections worked separately and seamed. Sleeves worked from cuff up with cap shaping. Neck and front bands, ruffle collar, and shoulder ruffles added in finishing.
Finished Measurements: Bust at underarm 34½” (38″, 41″) / 85 (93, 101) cm; length 25 (25½, 26)” / 63 (64, 65.5) cm; sleeve width at upper arm 15¼ (17¼, 19½)” / 37 (42.5, 48) cm.
Pattern Style: Written in standard US crochet terms, no stitch charts.
Stitches: Single crochet, double crochet, shell pattern, stripe pattern (multi-colour cluster rows), slip stitch; ruffle collar worked in rounds with chain loops and bobble-style decreases.

Recommended Materials & Tools

Yarn: Fingering weight (two yarn types used together — wool/cotton blend and rayon/cotton blend) — 5–7 balls main colour (approx. 192 yd/175 m per ball) plus 2–4 balls each of three contrast colors (approx. 145 yd/130 m per ball). Original yarns: Georges Picaud Laine et Coton and Georges Picaud Zig.
Substitute with  modern fingering  weight yarn (such as Paintbox Yarns Cotton Fingering, King Cole Giza Cotton) in a main color and three contrasting shades.
Crochet Hook Size: US D / 3 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge).
Notions: Eight ⅜” / 2 cm buttons; tapestry needle.
Gauge: 3 shells and 8 rows = 3¼” / 8 cm over shell pattern; 24 sc and 20 rows = 4″ / 10 cm over yoke with size D hook.

This is a digitally restored PDF crochet pattern

Upon purchase, you will receive an instant digital download — a clean, easily readable PDF. The original vintage instructions have been digitally enhanced, reformatted, and checked for clarity, ensuring a smooth crafting experience from start to finish.