Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for how to crochet a “Fall Cardicoat” (a cozy, long, cardigan-style coat perfect for autumn). This is written like a pattern + tutorial so you can follow it even if you’re a confident beginner moving into intermediate skills.

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🍂 How to Crochet the “Fall” Cardicoat — Detailed Guide

Skill Level: Confident Beginner / Intermediate

Sizes: S–3XL (instructions include how to adjust)

Construction: Worked flat in panels → seamed → sleeves added → front bands added

Look: Long, cozy, slightly oversized cardigan-coat with textured body

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🧶 Materials

• Yarn: Category #5 Bulky or #4 worsted (held double for extra thickness)

  • Yardage estimate:

    • S–M: 1300–1500 yds

    • L–XL: 1600–1800 yds

    • 2XL–3XL: 1900–2200 yds

• Hook:

  • 6.5 mm (K) for bulky OR

  • 8 mm (L) for a looser, drapey fabric

• Notions:

  • Stitch markers

  • Tapestry needle

  • Buttons (optional)

  • Measuring tape

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📏 Gauge (important!)

If using bulky (#5):
10 sts × 8 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in half-double crochet (HDC)

If your gauge is too tight or stiff, go up a hook size.

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🧵 Stitches Used

• CH – chain

• SC – single crochet

• HDC – half-double crochet

• DC – double crochet

• SL ST – slip stitch

• FHDC – foundation half-double crochet (or CH + HDC)

• FPDC/BPDC – front post/back post double crochet (for ribbing)

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🍁 Texture Used in the Cardicoat

This pattern uses a simple repeat that makes a warm, fall-friendly texture:

Row Repeat:

• Row A: HDC across

• Row B: (HDC in next st, SL ST in next st) repeat

This gives a gentle ribbed texture with drape.

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🧥 PART 1 — Back Panel

Width:

Measure hip circumference → divide by 2 → add 2–4” for positive ease.

Foundation:
FHDC a chain long enough to match your measurement.
Typical stitch counts:

• S: 60

• M: 66

• L: 72

• XL: 78

• 2XL–3XL: 84–90

Pattern:

1. Row 1: HDC across, ch 1, turn

2. Row 2: HDC, SL ST repeat across, ch 1, turn

3. Row 3: HDC across

4. Repeat Rows 2–3 until back panel = desired length

   • For a coat length: 28–34 inches

Fasten off, weave ends.

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🧥 PART 2 — Front Panels (Make 2)

Width:

Back panel stitch count ÷ 2 minus 4 stitches for the front opening.

Typical stitch counts:

• S: 26–28

• M: 30–32

• L: 34–36

• XL: 38–40

• 2XL–3XL: 42–46

Pattern:

Same as back panel:

1. Row 1: HDC across

2. Row 2: (HDC, SL ST) repeat

3. Row 3: HDC across

4. Repeat until front panel matches the back panel height.

For Neck Shaping (optional):
When panel is 3–4″ from desired height, decrease 1 st every other row for 6 rows.

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🪡 PART 3 — Assembly (Seaming)

Lay pieces down:

• Match shoulders

• Seam shoulders using whip stitch or SC seam

• Seam sides, leaving:

  • 7–9 inches open for arm holes

  • Try on the piece to adjust

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🧵 PART 4 — Sleeves (Make 2)

Foundation:
FHDC 26 (S–M) or 30 (L–XL) or 34 (2XL–3XL)

Pattern:

Repeat same texture as body:

1. Row 1: HDC

2. Row 2: (HDC, SL ST) repeat

3. Row 3: HDC

4. Repeat until sleeve measures: 17–20 inches

Tapering (optional):

Decrease 1 stitch every 6 rows if you want a fitted wrist.

Seam sleeve:

Fold sleeve in half lengthwise → seam → attach sleeve to armhole.

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🧵 PART 5 — Front Band / Collar

This is what gives the “cardiCOAT” look and thickness.

Attach yarn at bottom of front opening.

Row Repeat for Ribbed Collar:

1. Row 1: SC evenly up one side, around neck, and down the other side.

2. Row 2: FPDC, BPDC repeat across.

3. Row 3: FPDC in FPDC, BPDC in BPDC.

Repeat Rows 2–3 for 6–12 rows depending on how thick you want the coat trim.

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🪡 Optional: Add Pockets

Make two rectangles:

• FHDC 18

• Work 12–14 rows of the same body texture

Sew onto lower front panels.

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🔘 Optional: Add Buttons

Add 3–5 large wooden or metal buttons along one front panel.

Create button loops with small chain loops along the opposite band.

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🌾 Finishing

• Weave in all ends

• Block gently if needed (steam blocking works well for acrylic or wool blends)

• Try it on and adjust sleeve length or band thickness as desired

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🍂 Want me to turn this into a printable PDF pattern?

I can format it into:

• a clean printable PDF

• a row-by-row written pattern

• a stitch chart

• or even a beginner-friendly version with photos

Just tell me!

Watch tutorial: