Sloane Bell Sleeve Cardigan

Wrap yourself in elegance with this stunning lacy cardigan featuring beautiful bell sleeves and a seamless, no-sew construction.

Have you ever wanted to crochet a garment that looks incredibly intricate but is actually a breeze to make?

Many sweater patterns involve endless pieces, confusing seams, and hours of sewing that leave you feeling frustrated.

This design completely skips the sewing.

We are working this entire piece from a simple rectangle, leaving clever slits for the sleeves which we then crochet directly onto the body.

If you loved making my Fall Vibes Cardigan, you will absolutely adore how quickly this lacy texture grows.

I named this design Sloane because of its elegant drape, asymmetrical hemline, and vintage-inspired bell sleeves.

It is the ultimate versatile layer.

You can easily dress it down with your favorite pair of worn-in jeans or style it up over a sleek skirt for a night out.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• No-Sew Construction: The entire cardigan is worked as a single flat rectangle with built-in sleeve slits, meaning zero tedious seaming at the end.
• Stunning Drape: By pairing a larger hook with a lightweight worsted yarn, you get a fabric that flows beautifully and flatters every figure.
• Elegant Details: The dramatic bell sleeves and asymmetrical hemline add a touch of vintage sophistication to any outfit.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Lightweight worsted weight / Category 4; 100% acrylic) in color Mountain Rainier.
• Hook: Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, and stitch markers.
• Yardage:
  • Small: 6 skeins (approx. 1510 yards)
  • Medium: 7 skeins (approx. 1760 yards)
  • Large / Extra Large: 8 skeins (approx. 2010 yards)

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 12 sts and 6 rows = 4" [10 cm] in stitch pattern.
• Sizes included: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
• Finished measurements: Designed with a relaxed, oversized fit. Sizing adjustments are easily made by altering the foundation row length.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - Yarn over, pull through loop.
• dc: Double Crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice.
• sk: Skip - Miss the designated stitch or space.
• sl st: Slip Stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• st(s): Stitch(es).

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Intermediate.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat for the main body rectangle, and then the sleeves are worked in the round directly onto the body.
• Tension Tip: Keep your chains loose! Since we are using a large K (6.5mm) hook with worsted weight yarn, tight tension will ruin the beautiful, flowing drape of the lace.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the length of the cardigan by adding or subtracting rows to the main body rectangle before creating the sleeve openings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crocheting the Main Body Rectangle

We begin by working a large, flat rectangle using our lacy stitch pattern. Start with your foundation chain according to your size. Work back and forth in rows, maintaining a loose tension to ensure the fabric remains soft and fluid.

Step 2: Creating the Sleeve Slits

To avoid any sewing later, we will create the armholes directly in our work. At the designated row height, you will work across, chain a specific number of stitches to skip a section, and then continue crocheting across the row. This leaves two perfect slits for your arms.

Step 3: Working the Bell Sleeves

Attach your yarn directly to the armhole slits. We will work in rounds to build the sleeves outward from the body. To create the dramatic bell shape, we will gradually increase our stitch count as we approach the cuffs, giving the sleeves their signature elegant flare.

Step 4: Adding the Asymmetrical Hem and Border

Once the body and sleeves are complete, work a simple finishing border around the entire outer edge of the cardigan. This clean edge highlights the asymmetrical drape of the hemline and gives your garment a polished, professional look.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Classic Straight Sleeves: If bell sleeves aren't your style, simply omit the increases in the sleeve rounds to create a classic, straight sleeve.
• Contrasting Borders: Use a complementary shade of Lion Brand Heartland for the final border to make the asymmetrical hem pop.
• Cozy Pocket Additions: Crochet two simple squares and sew them to the front panels for a casual, functional look similar to the pockets on the Dahlia Crochet Cardigan.
• Chunky Yarn Adaptation: Want a warmer, faster version? Try using a bulky yarn and a larger hook, inspired by the cozy style of The Marlo Cardi.
• Button Closure: Add a vintage wooden button or a shawl pin at the collar to secure the front panels on chilly days.
• Colour ideas: Mountain Rainier (soft slate blue), Redwood (rich rust), or Olympic (deep forest green) would all look stunning.
• Yarn substitutions: Any lightweight worsted weight (Category 4) yarn with good drape, such as Caron Simply Soft or Stylecraft Special DK.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The cardigan feels stiff and doesn't drape nicely.
  Fix: Your tension is likely too tight. Try switching to an even larger hook size, like a 7.0mm, to open up the stitches.
• Problem: The sleeve openings are too tight or too loose.
  Fix: Adjust the number of skipped stitches and chains in Step 2. Just make sure your final stitch count for the sleeve rounds remains a multiple of your stitch pattern.
• Problem: The sleeves are too long or too short.
  Fix: Since the sleeves are worked directly onto the body, you can easily try the cardigan on as you go. Simply add or subtract rounds before starting the bell flare.
• Problem: The edges of the rectangle are curling.
  Fix: This is normal for lacy stitch patterns. A light wet blocking once your cardigan is finished will flatten the edges and beautifully open up the lace.

Care Instructions

To keep your cardigan looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a mild wool wash. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid hanging your cardigan to dry, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch out the lacy stitches.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the feeling of wearing a garment you made with your own two hands, especially one as elegant as this. I hope you enjoy watching this beautiful texture grow on your hook. Happy crocheting, my friends!