If you love crochet and are looking for a project that challenges you and takes your technique to the next level, the Aruba Cardigan crochet pattern is perfect for you and will make you enjoy every stitch.
Keep reading, because here you’ll discover all the secrets of this pattern, the ideal materials and the advanced crochet techniques you’ll use.
1. Background
Let me introduce the Aruba Cardigan, the sleeved version of the beloved Aruba Kimono. If you already know that design, you’ll notice they share many features, but with key differences that make the cardigan an ideal garment for cooler days.
The Aruba Kimono was my first design made together with my friends @beitricks and @ovilleame. It was a turning point on our path as designers, and with this cardigan we wanted to take it one step further.
Although both share techniques such as the lacy double mesh stitch, the vanilla stitch and the garter stitch, there are important differences:
✅ Structure: The Aruba Cardigan is made up of three pieces (back and fronts) that are then joined together, while the kimono is a single piece joined at the shoulders.
✅ Built-in sleeves: Unlike the kimono, which has no sleeves and is characterized by a very pronounced armhole, the Aruba Cardigan has three-quarter sleeves that are worked together with the main structure, with no visible seams at the shoulders.
2. Crochet Texture Innovation
This pattern is perfect if you want to experiment with new textures and learn how to combine them to achieve a garment that is both flowing and structured.
🧶 Lacy double mesh stitch: ideal for a light, breathable finish.
🧶 Vanilla stitch: adds a touch of movement and softness.
🧶 Garter stitch: firm structure without losing elasticity.
💡 TIP: Once you master these stitches, you can apply them to many other crochet projects. They’ll open up a world of possibilities!
3. Sleeves That Practically Crochet Themselves
One of the innovations of this design is that the sleeves are built right into the main structure. Instead of crocheting them separately and sewing them on afterwards, here they are worked together with the fronts and the back.
✅ No seams at the shoulders: a technique that makes the garment look more professional, with an expert-level finish.
✅ Optimized pattern construction: you’ll learn a technique that will be useful for future projects.
4. Available in All Sizes
The pattern includes 6 sizes, from XS to 2XL, covering bust measurements from 85 cm to 135 cm (33.5 in to 53 in). In addition, inside the pattern I explain how to easily adapt it if you want to change the sleeve length, the armhole or the drape of the cardigan.
🧵 Your creativity is the limit. Customize it to your taste and make it unique.
5. BAMBOO AND MOHAIR, A Perfect Combination
To achieve the drape and softness that make this design special, I chose a combination of yarns that work in harmony:
✅ 100% Bamboo M yarn by Casasol (fingering weight) – 100 g/300 m (3.5 oz/328 yd)
🧶 Color: intense khaki.
✅ Non-mulesed Mohair yarn by Casasol (lace weight) – 50 g/450 m (1.75 oz/492 yd)
🧶 Color: 910.
🧶 Recommended hooks: 3.5 mm (US E-4) and 5 mm (US H-8) (or the sizes needed to match the gauge given in the pattern).
✂ Other supplies: stitch markers, scissors, tapestry needle, a cardboard strip 12 × 2.4 in (30 × 6 cm) and measuring tape.
Prefer other materials? No problem! In the Testers’ Book you’ll find versions crocheted with different types of yarn to inspire you and help you choose the perfect combination for you.
6. Invisible Seams
Another of the strong points of this pattern is its special invisible joining technique.
You won’t need to sew with a tapestry needle: you’ll join the pieces with your crochet hook as you go, for an impeccable finish.
7. SLOW CROCHET – Enjoy Every Stitch
This is a pattern designed to enjoy the process.
☕ Make your favorite tea, relax and crochet slowly. Every stitch, every texture and every technique is designed so you can live the experience of slow crochet, connecting with each stitch and creating a garment you’ll love with your own hands.
The Aruba Cardigan is an intermediate-level project, but don’t worry: the pattern includes all the necessary explanations, with links to video tutorials so you have no doubts along the way.
8. A Trip to Seville
I debuted my Aruba Cardigan on a getaway to Seville in November 2024 and it was an incredible experience. It’s a versatile garment that goes with any outfit, perfect for a stroll around the city.
In the photos, I’m also wearing my Flor Choker, another of my designs, which you can crochet for free: see the pattern.
9. What Does the PDF Pattern Include?
This downloadable pattern in PDF format in English (US terms) will guide you step by step so you can crochet your cardigan without any complications.
📄 Pattern contents:
✅ Detailed explanations with charts, photos and diagrams.
✅ Measurement chart to adapt the garment to any of the 6 sizes included (in cm and inches).
✅ Links to video tutorials on my YouTube channel (with English subtitles) to learn the key stitches, how to start the sleeves, the invisible join, the neckline finishing and how to block the garment.
✅ Testers’ Book: Inspiration from different versions crocheted by other crocheters.
Here are some of the photos that make up the Book to whet your appetite:
💡 If you struggle to frog mohair, in this video I show you a trick to keep the yarn from tangling (English audio available):
📥 Download the pattern now and start crocheting your very own Aruba Cardigan. Enjoy every stitch and create a unique garment with your own hands!
Get the pattern here.
🧶 Prefer to get the yarn delivered? Check out the Aruba Cardigan Crochet Kit (this pattern with 15% off + Casasol yarn in the exact amount for your size), or shop Casasol Mohair Lace Yarn.
Share Your Version of the Aruba Cardigan
If you decide to crochet it, I’d love to see your result.
📲 Use the hashtag #ArubaCardigan and tag me @lanamalacrochet so other crocheters can get inspired by your version.
✨ Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
And if you still want to know more about this design, I invite you to listen to Episode 6 of my Podcast (in Spanish): Crochet con Ana
You’ll watch and listen to the interview I do with Mireia, known on Instagram as @l.art.de.nurimi. She reveals more secrets and shares tricks to crochet this pattern like a pro. Click below to watch the full episode:
Sending you a crochet hug,
Ana Vázquez @lanamalacrochet