Round 2 (Green – The Increase Round)
Placement: Join Green yarn into any ch-1 space (the center of a V-stitch).
Pattern: Ch 4, 1 dc in the same space.
Increases: To make the sweater wider for the shoulders, you will occasionally work two V-stitches into a single space from the row below.
Sequence: Work 2 regular V-stitches, then 1 “Increase” (2 V-stitches in one space). Repeat this pattern around.
Join: Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Round 3 (Red)
Join Red in a ch-1 space.
Work a regular V-stitch into every ch-1 space around.
Join and fasten off.
Part 3: Creating the Armholes (Green)
This round separates the sleeves from the body.
Join Green yarn in a ch-1 space.
Work 3 regular V-stitches across.
Skip 2 V-stitches (this creates the first armhole).
Work 5 regular V-stitches across for the back.
Skip 2 V-stitches (this creates the second armhole).
Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Part 4: Finishing the Lower Body
Now that the armholes are set, you will simply work in rounds on the remaining 10 V-stitch spaces.
Rounds 4-5: Continue alternating Red and Green. Work 1 V-stitch into each gap around.
Final Hem Round (Red): Join Red yarn. Ch 1. Work 2 sc into each ch-1 gap around the bottom edge of the sweater.
Join: Use an “invisible join” with your tapestry needle for a seamless bottom edge.
Part 5: The Sleeves (Red & Green)
Repeat the following for both the left and right armholes.
Placement: Join Red yarn at the bottom of the armhole opening.
Round 1 (Red): Work 7 hdc evenly around the armhole opening.
Round 2 (Green): Join Green yarn. Work 7 sc around.
Finish: Use your tapestry needle to do an invisible join. Pull the yarn tail to the inside of the sleeve, knot it securely, and trim.
Expert Tips for a Professional Finish
Tension: Because this is an ornament, keep your tension slightly tight. This helps the sweater hold its shape without needing stuffing.
Invisible Join: Instead of a standard slip stitch to end a round, pull the yarn through, thread a needle, and mimic the top of the next stitch. This eliminates the “bump” usually seen at the end of rounds.
Color Changes: When switching yarn, pull the new color through the last loop of the previous stitch to make the transition perfectly crisp.
Category: Crochet for Christmas Patterns
