Fuzzy Duck Crochet Sweater Pattern

The Fuzzy Duck Crochet Sweater Pattern is Here!

Arghh, my Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater pattern has been a long time in the making! I am super duper happy to say that the pattern is now available. Yay! As I type, I am wearing the green Fuzzy Duck. It’s soft, warm and cosy. I am in love!

Pop over to Ravelry to get your copy of Fuzzy Duck today! And if Rav isn’t your place to be, then it’s also listed in my Zeens and Roger Etsy store.

Use the code FUZZY25 at checkout if you’re seeing this on or before the 9th November, as you’ll receive 25% off.

Fuzzy Duck Origin Story

However, the Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater did start life as a C2C design idea. I “drew” chevrons into the design, and it looked really cool. However, there were grading issues, I didn’t like the autumnal colour palette I’d chosen, and the shaping I wanted became too complex. So, I binned it! Not literally. I still have the panel I made. It’s just stored away. Perhaps one day it will get a revisit, but that’s not going to happen any time soon.

The block-like clusters are similar to the original stitch inspo, it’s true, but they create a beautiful texture that works really well in a crochet sweater. Working in traditional rows makes life so much easier, too, and I like to make crochet patterns that aren’t difficult for most makers.

An Inclusive Crochet Pattern

The Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater is graded to nine different sizes, so you can crochet your own handmade garments that fit you. For details about the measurements, you’ll find them in the Ravelry Fuzzy Duck listing. Whilst you’re there, it would help enormously just to add it to your favourites too. Thanks! The details are on the Etsy listing, as well.

You’ll find info about each size in both cm and inches, and details about yarn quantities. Oh, and the pattern is available in UK and US crochet terminology. Both are downloaded upon purchase.

An Adaptable Crochet Sweater Pattern

It’s an easy pattern to adapt, too. With a bit more yarn, additional rows can be added to make a longer sweater. I used to love long jumpers, but in the last few years I’ve preferred a shorter top to accommodate the fashion for high-waisted trousers. It’s not what I’d call cropped, though.

The closer fitting neck is different to what I’ve designed in the past; this accommodates the cowl. I want that sitting upright but not be strangling. However, you could easily add two extra rows onto the front and back shoulders to create a more open crew neck. That’s the beauty of handmade clothes, they are so easy to adjust!

Yarn Substitutions for Fuzzy Duck

I was quite worried about finding yarn substitutions for crocheters who aren’t into mohair and other fluffy yarns. I absolutely love using mohair yarn in crochet projects. It works so well. For me, it adds an extra level of sleekness to crochet stitches, it refines them and adds fantastic drape.

But maybe you’re not into that. Working with two yarns at the same time can add an extra layer of complication. Or, maybe it’s too tickly or, for some, rashy! So, that means exploring alternatives.

Firstly, check out my blog post about Yarn Substitution. Hopefully, you’ll find it really useful and informative. Having an understanding of yarn weights and different fibres helps in the search for suitable alternatives. I also did a lot of swatching!

I met gauge with Scheepjes Stone Washed, which is a cotton/acrylic blend of yarn. That takes away any animal fibres for those who are sensitive to them. Also, check out the Ravelry project page for Fuzzy Duck to see what testers used. You’ll get to see that Scheepjes in action as well as other yarns.

Fuzzy Ducks in a Row

The first finished Fuzzy Duck is Drops Flora held with Drops Kidsilk Mohair (the off white one with three colour stripes). Drops is affordable, and I know where I stand with it.

After I made that, I worked up the super colourful, stripey one. This crochet striped sweater still isn’t complete. I did the bulk of the making back in February, but have yet to add the ribbing at the waist and cuffs. I just wasn’t sure I liked the bold stripes. I’m going to make another with finer stripes at some point. Maybe. However, if I can bring myself to finish this one, I’m going to add a DEEP waistband, perhaps three times deeper than the pattern. I think that’ll look good. But all those stitches are putting me off, so….

Onto the blue Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater. I used WYS Colour Lab in True Blue, which is a double-knit wool. I met gauge, but because it’s DK yarn, the fabric created is a little denser, which lacks the airy drape of 4ply held with mohair laceweight. However, it’s doable. I would like to try more sport-weight options as I think it’s more likely to be a yarn weight that meets gauge.

Finally, I made the green Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater. I definitely saved the best till last!! I LOVE it! It’s Yarnsmiths Merino Sock in Leafy Green held with their Dark Sage Kid Mohair Silk yarn.

Thank you to Wonderful Crochet Pattern Testers!

You will be pleased to know that the pattern was tech edited before I went searching for lovely crochet testers. The process began several weeks ago, as it’s important not to rush crochet garment designs. And testers need plenty of time to test a long-sleeved sweater.

To find out more about pattern testing for crochet, read this blog post! The post is broken down into sections, showing you the pros and cons for both testers and designers.

Anyway, let’s talk about the amazing testers a bit more! Take a look at the awesome efforts below. I love them all. Everyone chose great colours and great yarns. I think you will agree that each Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater looks fabulous!

A ginormous Thank You to Pamela, Rachel, Tara, Amanda, Narita, Leah, Pippa, Sam and Laurina. 🙂

Some other testers kindly let me know that they had other stuff come up in their lives and couldn’t meet the deadline. However, I know that they are still enjoying making their Fuzzy Ducks but at their own pace. It’s such a relief to have great communication from great makers!

I hope you enjoy the Fuzzy Duck crochet sweater pattern. Please let me know if you make it! And if you do, what’s your favourite, crew or cowl neck?! Fluff? No fluff? What you gonna do?!

Cheers! x