The Winter Spark Cardigan was designed to be that cozy piece you reach for when you want to feel a little extra put-together during the holidays. It’s a cropped, seamless, top-down cardigan that works beautifully for festive gatherings, winter events, and everyday wear throughout the colder months.
With its soft shimmer, classic shape, and flattering close-to-body fit, this cardigan feels special without being over the top. It transitions effortlessly from Christmas to New Year’s and beyond, making it a timeless handmade piece you will love wearing season after season.
Why You’ll Love the Winter Spark Cardigan
- Seamless top-down construction with no sewing
- Customizable length for body and sleeves
- Elegant texture created with simple stitches
- Subtle sparkle that feels festive without being overpowering
- Flattering, close to the body fit
- Perfect for layering over dresses or pairing with jeans
- Works up quickly for a garment project
- Includes a full step-by-step video tutorial
Video Tutorial
This step-by-step video tutorial guides you through every stage of the Winter Spark Cardigan, from shaping the raglan yoke to completing the body and sleeves. The seamless top-down construction makes customization simple, allowing you to adjust the length for your preferred fit and style. Designed with a classic, close-to-the-body fit, this cardigan is flattering and easy to wear. This tutorial is ideal for visual learners and includes helpful tips throughout to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Table of Contents
Skill Level
• Intermediate
• Confident beginners comfortable with garment construction can follow along using the video tutorial
Yarn Requirements
Mary Maxim Starlette Sparkle (CDN link)
Worsted Weight #4, 196yds/100g
98% Acrylic, 2% Polyester – Shown in White/Gold, also shown in Red Heart Roll with it Melange in Show Time – see yarn subs
This yarn adds a delicate shimmer that enhances the texture without overwhelming the design.
650 ( 700, 750, 875, 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350) Yards
4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) Balls of Starlette Yarn
Yarn Substitutes
Premier Everyday Worsted (cdn site)
Red Heart Roll With it Melange (walmart.ca) (MM.ca)
- Substitute with worsted-weight yarns that provide a similar drape
- Sparkle yarns are optional and can be replaced with solid yarns
- Matching gauge is key when substituting yarns
- Adjust hook size as needed to achieve gauge
Learn how to substitute yarn in our Free yarn substitution guide
Crochet Hooks
Supplies Needed
Guage
12 sts and 7.5 rows equal to 4″ in tr/sc pattern with 6mm hook or hook size needed to obtain gauge. Learn what gauge is and how it affects the outcome of your finished product in our beginner’s guide to gauge.
Fit and Sizing
• Sizes XS to 5X included
• Designed for a close-to-the-body fit
• Approximately 2.5 inches of negative ease to 2.25 inches of positive ease at the bust, depending on the size chosen
• Choose your size based on your preferred finished bust measurement
• Model shown is wearing a size Medium with a 36-inch bust
If you plan to lengthen the cardigan or modify the design, it is recommended that you purchase an additional amount of yarn.
Construction Overview
• Worked seamlessly from the top down, starting with the yoke
• Yoke increases the shape of the shoulders and fit
• Body and sleeves are separated for easy customization
• Sleeves are worked downward from the arm openings
• Finished with a ribbed hem, cuffs, and front button band
• Dainty buttons add a soft, feminine finishing touch
Perfect For
• Holiday outfits
• Winter layering
• Festive events
• Handmade gifts
• Crocheters looking to expand their garment skills
Helpful Resources
- Join our Facebook Crochet Community for pattern support and inspiration
- Subscribe on YouTube for hundreds of free tutorials
- Sign up for our newsletter and receive 40% off your first Ravelry purchase!
Purchase the Beautifully Designed AD-FREE PDF Download
Fully written instructions, Detailed sizing, Schematic, Construction notes, Gauge and substitution guide, Row chart
FAQ & Terms
This pattern requires an Intermediate Skill Level
This pattern is professionally written in technical writing and tech edited for accuracy. You need to be comfortable reading technical repeats.
Yes! Since this sweater is worked from the top down, you can make it as long as you would like.
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Legal Notice
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Yes! You may sell finished items made from MJ’s patterns, but please credit:
“Pattern by MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc.”
Pattern Support is only available in our Facebook Community group and Video Tutorials.
No additional support is provided for modified patterns, alternate yarns, or changes to gauge.
Yes, since this cardigan is worked from the top down, you can continue working rows on the body until you reach your desired length. This design was originally intended as a dress cardigan, but it can easily be adjusted to suit your personal style.
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This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc, based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on December 16h, 2025.
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