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# Mehroon Openwork Kimono Cardigan
### A Beginner-Friendly T-Shape Crochet Cardigan with Simple Sleeves

This relaxed, breezy cardigan is worked flat in five simple rectangles — one Back, two Fronts, and two Sleeves — then seamed together. The light openwork mesh stitch is easy to memorize and keeps the garment cool and drapey. The deep "mehroon" (rich maroon) cotton gives it an elegant, everyday look. No tricky shaping anywhere!

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## 🧶 Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Medium / #4) 100% cotton yarn in **Mehroon (deep maroon)**
  - Approx. yardage needed:
    | Size | Yardage | Grams (approx) |
    |------|---------|----------------|
    | XS | 900 yds | 460 g |
    | S | 1000 yds | 510 g |
    | M | 1150 yds | 590 g |
    | L | 1300 yds | 665 g |
    | XL | 1450 yds | 740 g |
    | 2XL | 1600 yds | 820 g |
  - *(Buy 1 extra skein to be safe.)*
- **Hook:** US H-8 / **5.0 mm** (main fabric) + US G-6 / 4.0 mm (optional, for tighter border)
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers (4–6), scissors, measuring tape
- **Optional closure:** 1 button/toggle OR a fabric tie/sash

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## 📏 Gauge

Worked in **Openwork Mesh** (see below) on 5.0 mm hook:
- **14 stitches (7 mesh units) = 4 inches (10 cm)** wide
- **8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** tall

In plain dc: 14 dc & 8 rows = 4" (used for gauge swatch reference).

> **Make a gauge swatch!** Chain 21, work the Openwork Mesh for 8 rows, measure. Adjust hook size if needed. Gauge is forgiving on this loose-fit garment, but matching it keeps your sizing accurate.

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## 🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms)

| Abbr. | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| ch | chain |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sp | space |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| beg | beginning |
| rep | repeat |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
| rev sc | reverse single crochet (crab stitch) |

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## ✨ Openwork Mesh Stitch (the only stitch pattern you need)

Worked over a **multiple of 2 stitches + 1**.

- **Foundation:** Chain your required number.
- **Row 1:** Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch = first dc), *ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch*; rep across. Turn.
- **Row 2:** Ch 3 (counts as first dc), skip first ch-1 sp, *dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp*; rep across, ending dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
- **Rep Row 2** for the whole pattern.

> Tip: Each "mesh unit" = 1 dc + 1 ch-1 space. Count units, not individual stitches — it's faster!

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## 📐 Sizing & Finished Measurements

Designed with **8–12" positive ease** for a relaxed, open-front fit.

| Size | To Fit Bust | Finished Bust* | Body Length | Sleeve Length | Sleeve Width |
|------|-------------|----------------|-------------|---------------|--------------|
| XS | 30–32" | 38" | 24" | 17" | 13" |
| S | 34–36" | 42" | 25" | 17.5" | 14" |
| M | 38–40" | 46" | 26" | 18" | 15" |
| L | 42–44" | 50" | 27" | 18" | 16" |
| XL | 46–48" | 54" | 28" | 18.5" | 17" |
| 2XL | 50–52" | 58" | 29" | 18.5" | 18" |

*Finished Bust = full circumference when worn closed (open-front cardigan, so this is the total of Back + both Fronts).

**Length note:** This is a standard hip-length cardigan. To lengthen, simply add rows in even pairs.

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## 🧮 Starting Chain Counts (per piece)

Foundation chain = (mesh units × 2) + 3. The "+3" forms the first dc.

| Size | BACK chain | FRONT chain (×2) | SLEEVE chain |
|------|-----------|------------------|--------------|
| XS | 69 (33 units) | 35 (16 units) | 47 (22 units) |
| S | 75 (36 units) | 39 (18 units) | 51 (24 units) |
| M | 83 (40 units) | 43 (20 units) | 55 (26 units) |
| L | 89 (43 units) | 45 (21 units) | 59 (28 units) |
| XL | 95 (46 units) | 49 (23 units) | 63 (30 units) |
| 2XL | 103 (50 units) | 51 (25 units) | 65 (31 units) |

**Math check (Size M, Back):** 40 mesh units × 0.57" = 22.8" ≈ Back width 23" → Finished Bust 46" (Back 23" + Front 11.5" × 2 = 46"). ✓

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## 🧵 THE PATTERN

> Work all pieces in Openwork Mesh. Use the chain counts from the table above for your size.

### 1. BACK (make 1)

1. **Chain** the BACK number for your size.
2. **Row 1:** Work Row 1 of Openwork Mesh across. Turn.
3. **Rows 2 onward:** Work Row 2 of Openwork Mesh, repeating until piece measures the **Body Length** for your size.
   - **Row count guide:** Body Length × 2 rows (8 rows = 4", so 2 rows/inch).
     - Example (M): 26" × 2 = **52 rows total**.
4. Fasten off. Set aside.

### 2. FRONTS (make 2 — they are identical, mirrored when seamed)

1. **Chain** the FRONT number for your size.
2. **Row 1:** Work Row 1 of Openwork Mesh across. Turn.
3. **Rows 2 onward:** Work Row 2, repeating until the Front matches the Back in length (**same row count as Back**).
4. Fasten off.

> Beginner note: The front edges stay straight — the open neckline forms naturally at the top, and the border later softens it. No neckline shaping needed.

### 3. SLEEVES (make 2 — simple wide rectangles, NO tapering)

1. **Chain** the SLEEVE number for your size.
2. **Row 1:** Work Row 1 of Openwork Mesh across. Turn.
3. **Rows 2 onward:** Work Row 2, repeating until the sleeve measures the **Sleeve Length** for your size.
   - **Row count guide (M):** 18" × 2 = **36 rows**.
4. Fasten off.

> These sleeves are straight rectangles the same width top to bottom — that's what gives this cardigan its easy, relaxed kimono shape.

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## 🪡 ASSEMBLY

Lay all pieces flat and block lightly first (this opens up the mesh and makes seaming easier). Use mattress stitch or whip stitch with a tapestry needle.

**Step 1 – Shoulder seams:**
Lay the Back flat (RS up). Place each Front on top (RS down), aligning top edges. Seam **each shoulder** across approximately the outer **4–5"** from the armhole edge inward, leaving the center open for the neck.

**Step 2 – Attach sleeves (dropped shoulder):**
Find the center top of each sleeve and match it to the shoulder seam. Pin the sleeve's top edge to the side edges of the joined Back + Front (it attaches at a right angle — that's the T-shape). Sew across.
- The sleeve attaches over a depth of about **½ the sleeve width** on each side of the shoulder seam.

**Step 3 – Side & sleeve seams (one continuous seam each side):**
Fold the garment so Fronts meet Back at the sides. Starting at the sleeve cuff, seam down the underside of the sleeve, through the underarm, and continue down the body side seam to the hem. Repeat on the other side.

**Step 4 – Weave in all ends.**

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## 🎀 BORDER PATTERN

A simple, neat border ties the whole cardigan together. Worked around the entire front opening and neckline, plus the cuffs and hem if desired.

**Front + Neck Border:**
1. With RS facing, join yarn at the bottom right front corner.
2. **Round 1 (sc):** Work sc evenly up the right front, around the back neck, and down the left front. At each corner, work 3 sc to turn neatly. Aim for about **3 sc per 2 rows** along the vertical edges so it lies flat (not too tight, not ruffled).
3. **Round 2 (sc):** Work 1 sc in each sc, 3 sc in each corner stitch.
4. **Round 3 (rev sc / crab stitch):** Working **left to right** (backwards), work 1 rev sc in each st around for a pretty corded edge. Fasten off.

**Cuff & Hem Border (optional, both alike):**
1. Join yarn at a seam.
2. Round 1: sc evenly around. Join with sl st.
3. Round 2: rev sc around. Fasten off.

> Use the 4.0 mm hook for the border if your edges seem loose — it tightens and stabilizes them.

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## 🔘 CLOSURE (optional)

- **Worn open:** Do nothing — it drapes beautifully on its own.
- **Single button:** Sew a button to the right front edge about 2" below the neckline. Use the natural mesh space on the opposite front as the buttonhole.
- **Tie/sash:** Crochet a chain 60–70" long, sc back across it, and thread through the waist-level mesh, or tack two short ties at the front.

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## 🌸 FINISHING

1. Weave in any remaining ends.
2. **Block again** to final measurements — pin to the finished dimensions in the size chart and let dry. Blocking is essential for openwork; it opens the mesh and gives gorgeous drape.
3. Your Mehroon Openwork Kimono Cardigan is ready to wear!

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### ✅ Final Math Validation (Size M example)
- Back: 40 mesh units × 0.57" = **22.8" ≈ 23"** ✓
- Each Front: 20 mesh units × 0.57" = **11.4" ≈ 11.5"** ✓
- Finished Bust = 23 + 11.5 + 11.5 = **46"** ✓ (matches chart)
- Body length: 52 rows ÷ 2 rows/inch = **26"** ✓
- Sleeve: 26 units × 0.57" = **14.8" ≈ 15"** width ✓; 36 rows ÷ 2 = **18"** length ✓

All numbers consistent across sizing chart and instructions. Happy crocheting! 🧶