Aurora Bloom Crochet Short Jacket Free Pattern – A Boho Textured Garden Cardigan

Wrap yourself in the ethereal beauty of a blooming garden with this crochet short jacket, featuring a unique blend of puff stitches and delicate lace panels. This free pattern creates a lightweight, textured layer perfect for cool evenings and artistic souls. The boho-inspired design combines sage green, dusty rose, and cream yarns to produce a stunning, one-of-a-kind garment that transitions beautifully from season to season.

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this pattern offers a rewarding project with professional-looking results. The open-front cardigan style is both flattering and versatile, making it a staple piece you'll reach for again and again.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton blend yarn in 3 colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Sage Green (approx. 600g)
  • Contrast A – Dusty Rose (approx. 200g)
  • Contrast B – Cream (approx. 150g)
• Hook: 5.5mm crochet hook (US I-9)
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends, stitch markers
• Optional: Decorative button or tie closure for the front

Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in dc; one puff stitch repeat = 1 inch wide. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure proper sizing.

Special Stitches

Master these two special stitches before beginning your project:

Puff Stitch (PS)

Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Repeat this process 3 more times into the same stitch (you'll have 7 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops, then chain 1 to close the stitch.

Shell Stitch (SH)

Work (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in the same stitch to create a beautiful shell shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This jacket is worked in one piece from the bottom up, then split for sleeves. Use MC throughout unless otherwise noted. The construction is clever and efficient—you'll create three panels, join them, then work the sleeves and edging.

Back Panel

Row 1: Ch 82, dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across (80 dc). Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, *skip 2 dc, PS in next dc, ch 1, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc* repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in last dc. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3, *dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next dc* repeat across, dc in top of ch-3. Turn.

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 3, *skip 1 dc, SH in next dc, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc* repeat across, ending with dc in last dc. Turn.

Row 7: Ch 3, *dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in ch-1 space of shell, ch 1, dc in next dc* repeat across, dc in last dc. Turn.

Row 8: Ch 3, dc in each dc and ch-1 space across. Turn.

Repeat Rows 3-8 for pattern until piece measures 18 inches from start. End with a Row 5 or Row 8. Fasten off.

Left Front Panel

Row 1: Ch 42, dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across (40 dc). Turn.

Work the same pattern as the back panel (Rows 3-8) but only 40 stitches wide. Continue until piece measures 18 inches. Do not fasten off—you'll use this yarn for the joining step.

Right Front Panel

Work the same as the left front panel, but create a mirror image (start with ch 42, dc in 4th ch from hook, etc.). Fasten off.

Joining Panels

Lay the back panel flat on a clean surface. Place the left and right front panels on either side, aligning the top edges carefully. Using your yarn needle and MC yarn, sew the shoulder seams (approximately 4 inches on each side). Take your time to ensure the seams are secure and neat.

Sleeves

With the right side facing you, attach MC at the underarm. Work in rounds around the armhole opening (approximately 40 dc per round). Follow this pattern:

Round 1: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join with sl st. (40 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, *skip 2 dc, PS in next dc, ch 1, skip 2 dc, dc in next dc* repeat around, join with sl st.

Round 3: Ch 3, *dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next dc* repeat around, join with sl st.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join with sl st.

Repeat Rounds 2-4 until the sleeve measures 8 inches from the underarm. Fasten off. Repeat the entire process for the second sleeve.

Edging

Attach Contrast A (Dusty Rose) to the bottom edge of the jacket. Work 1 round of single crochet evenly around the entire bottom edge, working 2 sc in each dc row end. Join with a sl st and fasten off. This creates a beautiful, finished border that adds a pop of color.

Collar

With Contrast B (Cream), attach to the neckline edge. Work 1 round of sc around the neckline, then 1 round of PS in every other sc. Fasten off. The puff stitch collar adds a delicate, scalloped texture that frames the neckline beautifully.

Finishing

Weave in all loose ends carefully using your yarn needle. Block the jacket to shape, gently stretching it to the correct measurements. This step is crucial for achieving a professional finish and ensuring the stitch definition shines.

If desired, attach a decorative button or tie closure at the front. A simple loop-and-button closure or a fabric tie in Contrast A would complement the boho aesthetic perfectly.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches at the end of each row to avoid mistakes that compound over time.
• Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds when working the sleeves.
• Block your finished jacket to open up the lace panels and even out the puff stitches.
• Take breaks if your hands feel tired—this project involves repetitive motions.

Your Aurora Bloom jacket will be a stunning addition to your handmade wardrobe. The combination of textures and colors creates a piece that's both artistic and wearable. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to share your finished creation with fellow crocheters!