/> What to wear when its still very warm in the sun, but ohhh when the clouds cover and the breeze picks up the chill is real? A 3/4 length sleeve sweater, of course. Hey! Guess what FREE crochet pattern I’ve got for you today? Biel sweater is fast and easy and it has STRIPES! The linked stitches also create a solid fabric – no undershirt necessary!
Linked stitches?
Have you ever tried, or even heard of linked stitches before?
They’re so fun.
Yep, literally linked to each other.
Don’t worry, its not hard and I made a tutorial video to show you exactly how to create them!
Another winner from Lion Brand
Low Tide is a great yarn. A little unconventional in that it’s a chainette rather than ply. The chainette construction means that it is hollow in the center. Making for very lightweight garments.
It’s an acrylic & polyester blend that makes for easy easy care.
The colors… they all have a muted, almost heathered look to them. So so nice, ya’ll.
You can purchase directly from Lion Brand through my affiliate link here.
Sizing & Ease
There are 10 written sizes for this top. Decide how much ease you’d like for the top to have (how roomy you want the top to be).
Follow the instructions for the size with the finished measurements you want.
There are directions for lengthening and shortening the torso written within the pattern.
The for purchase .pdf includes 2 sizing charts, 1 for chest and another for hip, that have done the math for you on which size will deliver what ease for standard body measurements.
Like this style?
The Surprise Sweater I made a bit back has similar shaping. The construction is different, but it is the same boxy style. Yes, Surprise Sweater is another FREE crochet pattern available on the site!
Skills you'll use
Biel sweater is a pretty easy crochet pattern garment to make. Don’t be intimidated if you don’t know some of the stitches used. Look for the “Special Stitches” heading {below} and you’ll find written instruction for how to work them, and some have Video instruction, too
Foundation Single Crochet – Chain – Single Crochet – Stacked Double Crochet – Linked Double Crochet – Color Change – Slip Stitch – Together – Seaming
Get the linked PDF
A quick little info about this free Biel Sweater crochet pattern post:
This page has complete directions – or – you can inexpensively purchase the pattern
HERE (Etsy) or HERE (LoveCrochet) or HERE (Payhip) or HERE (Makerist)
and you will receive a linked, ad-free pdf download, which includes:
- Fully written, line by line instruction in English, US terminology with imperial and metric measurements
- Complete Stitch diagram (body, sleeves, neckline)
- Schematic of measurements
- Tables for Ease; Hip & Chest
- Customization instruction
– modifying length
– adjusting sleeve circumference
– adjusting neck circumference
Get ready...
If you’re not new here, you know what’s coming.
Yep, I’m gonna say it again.
This might even be a copy/paste (it is).
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times- My friend, ya need to swatch. I know its no fun. I know you want to get right to the good stuff. I know it feels like a waste of yarn, and yarn ain’t cheap.
I know. Truly, I know.
But– You want your top to fit properly. This means you need to know how your stitching sizes up to my stitching.
We are all different.
Grumble and grump about it (I do), but do it.
To make the process easier and more enjoyable, I’ve created this FREE worksheet for you to use. It helps with the steps, the math, and the organization. Blocking Worksheet
Gauge Swatch
Read through each line before beginning to avoid any confusion during stitching.
Refer to Special Stitches instruction {below} as needed.
Set up: Ch 28
Row 1 (RS) Stacked dc in first ch from hook, beg Ldc in next ch, Ldc in each ch across to end, turn. 28 sts
Row 2 Stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in flo of next dc, Ldc in flo of each dc across until 1 st remains, Ldc in last dc, turn.
Row 3 Stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in next dc, Ldc in each dc across to end, turn.
Rows 4-20 Rep Rows 2-3.
BEFORE BLOCKING
11 sts and 8 rows = 4” [10 cm]
Measure your swatch pre-blocking. If proper gauge is achieved, swatch should not be larger than, and be easily manipulated to reach, 10” [25.5 cm] h and 810 [25.5 cm] w.
In the case of this pattern, it is more important to reach width gauge than height. If you are unable to stitch to both, choose the hook | tension that will give you the proper width gauge {stitch count}. Directions for adjusting the length of the top | height stitch gauge {row count} are written within the pattern.
Measure your swatch pre-blocking. If your swatch is much larger than the gauge (11 sts and 8 rows = 4” [10 cm] | 10″ [25.5 cm] square), create a new swatch with a smaller hook. If it is only slightly too large, can it be reduced by mindfully adjusting your tension? If your swatch is smaller than the gauge stated, manipulate the fabric by hand. If using a synthetic yarn, can it easily be stretched | eased to reach gauge? If so, can it be enlarged by mindfully adjusting your tension? If not, create a new swatch with a larger hook. If using a natural yarn, can it reasonably be stretched | eased to reach gauge through blocking? If not, create a new swatch with a larger hook.
For more detailed information on swatching, I have written an easy guide.
If you are unsure of how to or which method of blocking is best, here is a quick article to help.
Another resource I have created for you is a Free Download worksheet to help keep your swatching information organized and a fill-in-the-blank section for the gauge math, making it easy to find the correct numbers.
The Pattern
Biel Sweater
A FREE CROCHET PATTERN, BY REBECCA VELASQUEZ
#BielSweater
SHOW IT OFF! Tag @RV.designs (instagram) and use this hashtag to share your in-progress pics of your new sweater!
MATERIALS & TOOLS
YARN Worsted weight (#4 light)
amount totals
1079 (1161, 1303, 1458, 1570, 1729, 1991, 2154, 2404, 2554) yd [987 (1062, 1191, 1333, 1436, 1581, 1821, 1970, 2198, 2335) m] in main color; approximately 200-260 yd [183-238 m] in contrast color
shown
Lion Brand Yarn, Low Tide, (81% acrylic 19% polyester; 306 yd [280 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]), in main color #410 Jetty; 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) skeins, contrast color #404 Reef; 1 skein.
note Amount given is for top as written. Yardage will vary with any alterations of pattern.
HOOK
L [8.00mm] and K [6.50 mm]; or size needed to obtain gauge
NOTIONS: Locking stitch markers (6), yarn needle
For a complete list of all the tools/supplies I use, find it HERE (affiliate link)
GAUGE
BEFORE & AFTER LIGHT BLOCKING
11 sts and 8 rows = 4” [10 cm] using K [6.50 mm] hook in Linked double crochet after blocking.
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7, 8, 9, 10)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
chest | body 34 (38, 42½, 47, 49½, 54, 58½, 62½, 67, 70) [86.5 (96.5, 108, 119.5, 125.5, 137, 148.5, 159, 170, 178) cm] after light blocking
hem to shoulder 16¾ (16¾, 17¼, 17¾, 18¼, 18¾, 20, 20½, 21½, 22) [42.5 (42.5, 44, 45, 46.5, 47.5, 51, 52, 54.5, 56) cm]
shown Size 6 (54” [137]), no alterations to pattern; model is 5’ 2”, 49“ [124.5 cm] chest
PROJECT LEVEL
Easy +
TECHNIQUES USED
foundation single – single – stacked double – linked double – chain – color change – together – slip stitch – seaming
NOTES
Pattern is written in US terms with imperial and metric measurements given.
Pattern is written in 10 sizes, with the different sizes given in parentheses: 34 (38, 42½, …). If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Read through each line before beginning to avoid any confusion during stitching.
Refer to Special Stitches instruction as needed {below}.
Take time to save time. Using same yarn as intended for top, stitch, wash, and block a gauge swatch in the same manner you will be using for your garment to ensure proper measurements; refer to Blocking: A Guide.
CONSTRUCTION
Biel Sweater is worked in 2 pieces, Front and Back, bottom up. Sleeves are added and stitched at same time as body (please read note about sleeves | row count below), it is divided for neck opening | shoulders and rejoined for second side. Sweater is then seamed across shoulders to cuff and from cuff to armpit then down to hem.
UNDERSTANDING THE PATTERN & SIZING
For cropped length sweater- choose sizing from chest measurement, make size according to ease | fit desired. {pdf has Sizing | Ease Chart(s) for quick reference}
For full length sweater- choose sizing from largest of chest or hip measurement, make size according to ease | fit desired. {pdf has Sizing | Ease Chart(s) for quick reference}
Customization recommmendations to lengthen | shorten body, are provided within the pattern. {Adjusting neckline and sleeve circumference suggestion in pdf}
When working into a Beg Ldc, Ldc, or Ldc2tog, the stitch is referred to as “dc”.
When counting rows, always count on Right Side of work, there is a difference in number of rows after beginning sleeves.
Pattern uses count from RIGHT SIDE of work – left sleeve for Front (as worn) and right sleeve for Back (as worn) .
ABBREVIATIONS
Beg – begin(ning)
CC – contrasting color
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Dec – decrease
Flo – front loop only
Fsc – foundation single crochet
Ldc – linked double crochet
MC – main color
PM – place marker
Prev – previous
Rem – remain(ing)
Rep – repeat
RS – right side
Sc – single crochet
Sk – skip
Sl st – slip stitch
Sp(s) – spaces(s)
St(s) – stitch(es)
Tog – together
WS – wrong side
Yo – yarn over (hook)
SPECIAL STITCHES
Foundation single crochet (fsc) Ch 2, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yo, draw through 2 loops on hook (1st foundation single crochet made), *insert hook under the 2 bottommost horizontal bars of the chain just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, draw through 1 loop (1 chain made), yo and draw through 2 loops on hook (sc made); rep from * for indicated number of foundation sts.
Stacked dc (stacked double crochet) Sc in indicated st, insert hook from front to back in back vertical bar of sc just made, pull up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook. You may replace this with traditional ch 3 if desired.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Ldc (Linked double crochet) Insert hook from top to bottom under horizontal bar on post of previous stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next st, pull up a loop, [yo, draw through 2 loops] twice.
PM (place marker) Place marker in stitch just made or as instructed.
Beg Ldc (beginning Ldc) Insert hook from top to bottom under front loop only of sc just made, pull up a loop, insert hook in next st, pull up a loop [yo, draw through 2 loops] twice.
Ldc2tog (Linked double crochet 2 together) [decrease] Insert hook from top to bottom under horizontal bar on post of previous stitch, pull up a loop, [insert hook in next st, pull up a loop] twice, yo, draw through 3 loops, yo, draw through 2 loops.
DecLdc Sc in stitch or space indicated, insert hook under leftmost vertical bar of sc just made, yo, pull up a loop, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through remaining loops on hook.
SWEATER
Front
With MC, using larger hook, make 47 (53, 59, 65, 69, 75, 81, 87, 93, 97) fsc, turn. 47 (53, 59, 65, 69, 75, 81, 87, 93, 97) fsc
Set up Using smaller hook, ch 1, sc in each fsc across, turn. – 47 (53, 59, 65, 69, 75, 81, 87, 93, 97) sc
Row 1 (RS) Stacked dc in first st, beg Ldc in next st, Ldc in each st across to end, PM in any stitch on this row to mark as Right Side, turn. 47 (53, 59, 65, 69, 75, 81, 87, 93, 97) sts
Row 2 Stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in flo of next dc, Ldc in flo of each dc across until 1 st remains, Ldc in last dc, turn.
Row 3-18 {See customizations below} Rep Rows 1-2, alternately.
On RS row, PM in stitch 24 (27, 30, 33, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 49) to mark center stitch, move marker up with each row.
On RS row, PM in stitch 16 (19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 33) and 30 (33, 37, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 63) to mark neck shaping, move marker up with each row.
To shorten | lengthen torso, Rep Rows 1-2, alternately; refer to gauge for number of repeats necessary to achieve length desired. Make a notation of repeats made for referral when making back.
Rows completed before sleeve _____________
Customization - Full length
Recommended length, hem to sleeve 15¼” [39 cm]; hem to shoulder 22 (22, 22½, 23, 23½, 24, 25¼, 25¾, 26¾, 27¼)” [56 (56, 57, 58.5, 59.5, 61, 64, 65.5, 68, 69) cm]
Rows 5-28 Rep Rows 1-2, alternately.
1294 (1402, 1574, 1754, 1883, 2073, 2361, 2550, 2829, 2997) yd [1183 (1282, 1439, 1604, 1722, 1896, 2159, 2332, 2587, 2740) m]; 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins
Customization - Personal
Refer to gauge for number of repeats necessary to achieve length desired. Make a notation of rows made for referral when making back.
Counting on RS, rows completed before
Sleeve 1 _____________
Return to pattern
SLEEVE 1
Row 19 Ch 33, working in back ridge of chains, stacked dc in first ch from hook, beg Ldc in next ch, Ldc in each ch across, Ldc in each dc across to end. 80 (86, 92, 98, 102, 108, 114, 120, 126, 130) sts
SLEEVE 2
Row 20 Ch 33, working in back ridge of chains, stacked dc in first ch from hook, beg Ldc in next ch, Ldc in each ch across, Ldc in flo of each dc across to end. 113 (119, 125, 131, 135, 141, 147, 153, 159, 163) sts
STRIPING
With RS facing, if working Front- Left Sleeve (as worn) has 2 rows, Right Sleeve (as worn) has 1 row, if working Back- Right Sleeve (as worn) has 2 rows, Left Sleeve (as worn) has 1 row; pattern uses count from Right Side of work.
Contrasting stripes are always worked on WS (even) rows.
Row 21 Continuing with MC, stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in next dc, Ldc in each dc across to end, fasten off, turn.
Row 22 With CC, stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in flo of next dc, Ldc in flo of each dc across until 1 st remains, Ldc in last dc, fasten off, turn.
Rows 23-28 (28, 30, 30, 32, 32, 34, 36, 38, 38) Rep Rows 1-2, fasten off and alternate colors every row.
Row 29 (29, 31, 31, 33, 33, 35, 37, 39, 39)-30 (30, 32, 32, 34, 34, 36, 38, 40, 40) With MC, Rep Rows 1-2.
NECK | SHOULDER 1
Row 31 (31, 33, 33, 35, 35, 37, 39, 41, 41) Stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in next dc, Ldc in each dc across to marker, Ldc2tog over marked dc and next dc, leave remaining sts unworked, turn. 49 (52, 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 65, 66) sts
Row 32 (32, 34, 34, 36, 36, 38, 40, 42, 42) DecLdc over first and next Ldc, Ldc in flo of each dc across {Front only, leaving a tail of approximately 3x length of shoulder and sleeve}, fasten off. 48 (51, 53, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 64, 65) sts
NECK | SHOULDER 2
Row 31 (31, 33, 33, 35, 35, 37, 39, 41, 41) With RS facing, join new yarn to marked dc with sl st, DecLdc over same st as sl st just made and next dc, Ldc in each dc across to end, turn. 49 (52, 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 65, 66) sts
Row 32 (32, 34, 34, 36, 36, 38, 40, 42, 42) Stacked dc in first dc, beg Ldc in next dc, Ldc in flo of each dc across until 2 dc remain, Ldc2tog over last 2 dc, [Front only, leaving a tail of approximately 3x length of shoulder | sleeve], turn. 48 (51, 53, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 64, 65) sts
Back
Make as Front.
Assembly
Block pieces to measurements if necessary; refer to Blocking: A Guide for basic blocking instruction.
With RS together, working across top of sleeve, sew seam with long tail from Front using locking mattress stitch.
Repeat for second sleeve.
With a length of yarn approximately 3X length of bottom of sleeve and side, using yarn needle, sew from cuff to underam, then down to hem with locking mattress stitch.
Repeat for second side.
Finishing
Remove marker(s), weave in ends. Lightly block and steam seams if desired. •
#BielSweater
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I really do love to see them!
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