The Celestial Diamond Bobble Cardigan: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Layering Piece

Wrap Yourself in the Stars: The Celestial Diamond Bobble Cardigan

Imagine a cardigan that feels like a cozy, starry night. The Celestial Diamond Bobble Cardigan is a modern, oversized layering piece that brings dimensional texture to your handmade wardrobe. Using a combination of deep midnight blue and a shimmering silver or pale gold, this free crochet pattern creates a celestial, starry-night effect through repeating diamond motifs made of raised bobble stitches. The result is a sophisticated, snuggly garment that's perfect for cool evenings and adding a touch of handmade luxury to any outfit. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced crocheter looking for a textured project, this pattern will guide you through creating a truly special piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample uses Lion Brand Heartland in 'Mammoth Cave' (Deep Midnight Blue) and 'Yosemite' (Silver), but any worsted weight (#4) yarn will work beautifully.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Deep Midnight Blue (approx. 1200-1400 yds)
  • Contrast Color (CC) - Silver or Pale Gold (approx. 200-300 yds)
• Hook: US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers, and buttons (if desired for closure).

Gauge

• Standard Double Crochet: 14 dc and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm).
• Bobble Stitch Pattern: 1 diamond motif (6 sts wide x 6 rows tall) = 3.5 inches wide x 3 inches tall.

Always take time to check your gauge. Adjust hook size if necessary to match.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Finished Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL). Finished chest measurements: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) inches. Length: 24 (25, 26, 27, 28) inches.

Special Stitches

• Bobble (BO): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Repeat 3 more times in same stitch (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops. Bobble is complete.
• Diamond Motif (worked over 6 sts and 6 rows):
  • Row 1 (RS): Dc in next 6 sts.
  • Row 2 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 sts, BO in next st, dc in next 3 sts.
  • Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, BO in next st, dc in next 2 sts, BO in next st, dc in next st.
  • Row 4: Ch 3, BO in next st, dc in next 4 sts, BO in next st.
  • Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, BO in next st, dc in next 2 sts, BO in next st, dc in next st.
  • Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, BO in next st, dc in next 3 sts.

Back Panel

Foundation: With MC, ch 68 (76, 84, 92, 100).

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), dc in each ch across. Turn. (66, 74, 82, 90, 98 dc)

Rows 2-4: Ch 3, dc in each st across. Turn.

Begin Diamond Motif pattern:

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *work Diamond Motif Row 1 over next 6 sts, dc in next 6 sts* repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in last 3 sts. Turn.

Continue working Diamond Motif rows 2-6 as established, repeating the 6-row pattern across the back. Work even until piece measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18) inches from beginning. Place stitch markers at each end for armholes. Continue until piece measures 24 (25, 26, 27, 28) inches. Fasten off.

Left Front Panel

Foundation: With MC, ch 34 (38, 42, 46, 50).

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Turn. (32, 36, 40, 44, 48 dc)

Rows 2-4: Ch 3, dc in each st across. Turn.

Begin Diamond Motif pattern as for back, but only work 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) diamond motifs across. Work even until piece matches back to armhole markers. Continue until piece measures 22 (23, 24, 25, 26) inches.

Neck Shaping: At neck edge (beginning of RS rows), slip stitch across first 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts, ch 3, dc across. Continue decreasing 1 st at neck edge every row 4 times. Work even until piece matches back length. Fasten off.

Right Front Panel

Work same as left front, reversing neck shaping (decrease at end of RS rows).

Sleeves (Make 2)

Foundation: With MC, ch 42 (46, 50, 54, 58).

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Turn. (40, 44, 48, 52, 56 dc)

Work even in dc for 2 rows.

Begin Diamond Motif pattern: Work 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) motifs across. Continue pattern, increasing 1 st at each end of every 4th row 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) times. Work new sts into dc. When sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches, fasten off.

Assembly

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves between armhole markers. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Edging & Finishing

Edging: With RS facing, join CC at bottom right front corner. Work 1 row of sc evenly around entire front opening and neckline. Fasten off. Work a second row of sc in CC.

Button Loops (Optional): On left front edge, space 5-7 button loops (ch 6, skip 2 sc) evenly. Sew buttons opposite loops on right front edge.

Weave in all ends. Block lightly to shape if desired.