The Eva Sweater

Eva is a fun way to crochet a sweater: start with stretchy scarf. This one features buttery plush slip stitch ribbing. Crochet lace onto it and you’re basically done. This easy-to-make sweater is often called a “cocoon shrug” and the fashionably wide ribbing does the shaping. Eva stays on the shoulders!

Pattern includes helpful images, stitch symbols for the lacy back, and an assembly diagram. International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets.

Skill Level

Easy Intermediate. The construction is an uncomplicated yet uncommon way to crochet a shrug by assembling rectangular pieces, then seaming them as you go. Pattern is written with a limited amount of abbreviations. 

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to turn a rectangle into a comfortable “cocoon” or “cutaway”-style sweater
• A fun, quick, and ingenious way to crochet a ribbed shrug
• The design appeal of crochet slip stitches worked in a looser, “hook-led” gauge

Finished Dimensions

This sweater is a cutaway type shrug or cocoon, so it is designed to be worn open in front. The ribbing is so stretchy that it gives a shaped fit. Pictured sweater is a size Small to Medium.

Size Small-to-Medium: A few extra rows of the lace section are added to give the Medium size more length at the back waist and a bit more width at the bust. This option would also work for a taller size Small person, or for someone who is long-waisted.

• Width at Bust: Fits actual bust sizes from 32″ to 36″ {81 cm–91.5 cm} the best. 
• Back Length: 16.5″–19.5″ {42–49 cm} not including ribbed band.

Size Large-to-1X: A few extra rows of the lace section are added to give the 1X size more length at the back waist and a bit more width at the bust. This option would also work for a taller size Large person, or for someone who is long-waisted.

• Width at Bust: Fits actual bust sizes from 40″ to 46″ {102 cm – 117 cm}. 
• Back Length: 19″ – 22″ {48 cm – 56 cm} not including ribbed band.

Supplies Needed

• Crochet Hook: Size US J-10/6.00mm or size required for gauge. A US K-10.5/6.50mm crochet hook (or one size larger than the one required for gauge) is needed for foundation chs only. A US H-8/5.00mm crochet hook (or one size smaller than the one required for gauge) is needed for seaming only.
• Three Stitch Markers
• Yarn Shown: Berroco Vintage^TM (50% acrylic, 40% wool, 10% nylon; 217yds/200m per 3.5oz/100g), color #5175, 4 skeins.

Substituting a yarn: The best fibers for this project add bounce and plump stretchiness because of their wool or acrylic content. Choose a #3 light- to #4 medium-weight yarn that recommends on the label a crochet hook size range somewhere between US G/7/4.5mm-I/9/5.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as DK (Double Knitting), Light Worsted, or Worsted weight.