The Woodland Fern Pullover: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Raglan-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater in Child Sizes

The Woodland Fern Pullover: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Raglan-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater in Child Sizes

This cozy, textured pullover features a deep V-neck and raglan sleeves, worked in a beautiful, all-over fern stitch. The pattern is written for six child sizes, from 2T to 12, making it a perfect, timeless addition to any little one's wardrobe. The dense, overlapping stitch pattern evokes a woodland feel, and the contrasting neckband adds a charming finish. Whether you're crafting for your own child or as a gift, this sweater is sure to become a favorite.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn. Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Fisherman' (MC) and 'Oatmeal' (CC). Approx. 400-800 yards depending on size.
• Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Gauge

14 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in fern stitch pattern. Always check your gauge to ensure proper fit.

Sizes

2T (4, 6, 8, 10, 12). Instructions for smallest size given first, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Special Stitches

• Fern Stitch (worked flat): Multiple of 2 + 1. Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *sk 1 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * to end. Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, sc in next sc; rep from * to end. Repeat Row 2 for pattern.
• Fern Stitch (worked in the round): Multiple of 2. Round 1: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 1 st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, sk 1 st, sc in next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. Round 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, sc in next sc; rep from * around, join. Repeat Round 2.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back

With MC, ch 47 (51, 55, 59, 63, 67). Work even in fern stitch flat until piece measures 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) inches from beginning, ending with a WS row.

Raglan Shaping

Row 1 (RS): Sl st across first 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) sts, ch 1, sc in same st, work in pattern to last 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) sts, turn, leaving last sts unworked. (41, 45, 47, 51, 53, 57 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog over first 2 sts, work in pattern to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (39, 43, 45, 49, 51, 55 sts)

Repeat Row 2 for 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) more times. (15, 15, 13, 13, 11, 11 sts) Fasten off.

Front

Work as for Back until piece measures 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) inches from beginning, ending with a WS row.

V-Neck Shaping

Next Row (RS): Work in pattern across 23 (25, 27, 29, 31, 33) sts, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked for right side. Work each side separately.

Decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 6 (6, 5, 5, 4, 4) times, then every other RS row 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) times. AT THE SAME TIME, when piece measures same as Back to armhole, begin raglan shaping at armhole edge as for Back. After all decreases, fasten off. Work left side to match, reversing shaping.

Sleeves (Make 2)

With MC, ch 27 (29, 31, 33, 35, 37). Work even in fern stitch flat for 2 inches. Then, increase 1 st at each end of next RS row, then every 1.5 (1.5, 1.5, 2, 2, 2) inches until you have 37 (41, 45, 49, 53, 57) sts. Work even until sleeve measures 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) inches from beginning. Shape raglan as for Back, working decreases until 5 (5, 5, 5, 5, 5) sts remain. Fasten off.

Finishing

Sew raglan seams. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Neckband

With RS facing, join CC at center back neck. Work sc evenly around neckline, working 3 sc in the V-neck point. Join with sl st to first sc. Work 2 more rounds of sc, continuing to work 3 sc in the V-neck point. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Your Woodland Fern Pullover is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, textured beauty of this timeless sweater.