Aran Sweater Simple Project For Crocheters

Fri., March 22, 1996

Pat Trexler And Nancy J. Thomas Universal Press Syndicate

The popularity of the knit Aran sweater has always frustrated the crochet-only crafter. But creating knitlike texture stitches in crochet is actually quite easy, and today’s project, a wonderful unisex sweater, is easy enough for a novice crocheter to make. It is made from a simple repeating pattern that includes a stitch that you may want to practice.

The raised-ridge stitch is worked around a stitch from the previous row rather than directly on top of that row and is called a “post” stitch. Worked in combination with other stitches, post stitches add raised effects, texture and visual interest to your crochet. These stitches are used to make a knitlike ribbing and cables. They are also used to create surface interest and can be worked in another color to create a striking contrast.

These stitches are most often worked with the simple double crochet stitch. In our Aran sweater, double crochet (1 yarnover) is used as well as treble crochet (2 yarnovers). Look at the directions shown here. Notice that the treble post stitch is made exactly the same way but simply has more yarnovers.

You can either make a front post (abbreviated as fp) or a back post (abbreviated as bp). Make a front post stitch as follows: Yarnover and insert the hook from front to back around the post of the next stitch in the previous row; draw the yarn through and work a regular double crochet (or treble crochet). Isn’t that simple? A back post is made exactly the same way, except that the hook is inserted around the post from back to front. To work a sample of the simple four-row cable from today’s sweater, chain and work a base row of 12 double crochets.

Row 1 (right side): Front post (fp) in double crochet (dc) in next st, dc in nextchet que Aran style, this beautiful classic pullover sweater is accented with front and back post crochet stitches and cable panels. Both men and women can wear this unisex design with finished chest measurements of 44 1/2, 48 and 51 inches. Yarn of choice is a worstedweight acrylic.

MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Aran Crochet Pullover, send your request for Leaflet No. 031796 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, PO Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 031796 by sending a check or money order for $39.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and worsted-weight acrylic yarn in off-white. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to (800) 873-9537.

To obtain directions for making the Aran Crochet Pullover, send your request for Leaflet No. 031796 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, PO Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 031796 by sending a check or money order for $39.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and worsted-weight acrylic yarn in off-white. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to (800) 873-9537.

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