How to make buttonholes
I made this tutorial for the buttonholes in the Tessellated Cardi. The button band for that Cardi is in modified Tunisian simple stitch (mod tss). The same technique applies to buttonholes in a patch of Tunisian Crochet in any stitch.
Patterns using button holes
The Tessellated Cardi is pattern number 5 in the Tessellate Me pattern series - beautifully draped wearables all made from Tunisian Crochet entrelac.
This is a size inclusive pattern (kids sizes 2-12 and adults XS to 5XL) with optional modifications included in the instructions to tailor each cardi to different body shapes and preferences.
YouTube clips are included in the pattern for several sections. Watch these for extra little hints as well as reading the pattern text.
This pattern is also available on Ribblr as an interactive pattern (try it - it’s great) and on my website.
Sizes
Refer to the last product image for full table on sizes and estimated yardage/meterage.
Materials
5.5mm crochet hook long enough to hold a maximum of 12 stitches at a time. Adjust hook size to meet gauge. This hook will be used for all entrelac sections of the pattern (95% of the project). This hook can be a standard short crochet hook, or you may wish to use an interchangeable Tunisian hook to attach a cable to later.
Cable and cable connectors to attach to your crochet hook or a separate cabled hook. A 50cm cable would be long enough for all sizes. You will only need the cable when making the button band. If you need to use a different sized hook on the button band, I recommend you go up a size from the hook used on the entrelac sections. This will assist with preventing curl on the button band.
Stitch markers (only needed for making button holes)
Darning needle
The Playground Cardi is made for fun. Here’s your opportunity to make a statement piece in any colour combination you like. This pattern is perfect for advent calendars, especially in the adult sizes.
The Playground Cardi was inspired by the construction of the Twist Cardigan by Australian knit designer, Ambah O’Brien. I approached Ambah prior to writing the pattern with my idea to make my own TC version inspired by her construction. Ambah kindly gave me her blessing to proceed.
Here’s the deets:
The start of a shawl can become a garment. This cardigan starts at the back of the neck as an isosceles triangle. Additional triangles are added to form a shape that will drape over the shoulders. Once the yoke measurements are achieved, sleeve and torso lengths are added, and the cardigan base becomes chevron. The base is squared off on both torso and sleeves and a ribbed band is added at the end for added texture and buttons, if desired.
Supplies
5.5mm interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook (adjust hook size to meet gauge)
Compatible cable at least 60cm/24in long. A longer cable will be needed for the largest sizes.
Yarn
Kids sample: Skein Sisters ‘Romance’ fingering (Australian 4 ply), 80% extra fine superwash merino/20% silk, 360m/100g. Colourways: Get Outta My Swamp, Olive You and Titanic.
Adult sample: Obsession Yarns fingering (Australian 4 ply), 80% merino/10% cashmere/10% nylon, 100g/400m. 2024 advent calendar ‘A Ritual of You’.
Yarn Quantities
Yarn estimates based on hip length torso, and full length tapered sleeves. Any alternation will require yarn estimate adjustments. I recommend having slightly more yarn to work with than estimated.
Please see images provided for a table of yarn estimates.
Sizes & Measurements
Measurements provided in the attached images are the intended measurements of the fully blocked and dried garment – not body measurements. Aim for at least 10cm/4in positive ease on the chest/bust measurement.
Kids sample: Kids size 10, to fit a very small 9 year old. If in doubt, go up a size, they’ll grow into it!
Adult sample: Adult size 3.
Gauge
19 sts x 18 rows Tunisian simple stitch in 10cm/4in square. A gauge swatch should be at least 15cm/6in square, wet blocked, and fully dried before use. Measure the sts in the middle to check your gauge.