When I say I’ve never been more proud of a make… I mean it. This cardigan might just take the cake. I designed and crocheted this Triadelphia-themed sweater for Bennett, and it’s giving alllllll the school spirit vibes. Honestly, if you ask me what my favorite thing I’ve ever made is, this just might be it.

I wanted to do something extra special for my husband to wear to school (he’s in his 3rd year teaching 7th grade science at TMS, and in his 5th full year of teaching overall). Teaching is truly his calling, and I love that I get to support him in fun, handmade ways — like stitching up an entire mosaic crochet cardigan covered in bold red T’s. I think his students are either going to think this is really cool — or they’re going to completely roast him over it. Either way, I think it’s a win. Any reaction from middle schoolers is worth it, am I right?

I sketched and designed the sweater using Stitchfiddle.com, which has become my favorite tool for making my own crochet charts. (Don’t worry — I’m sharing the mosaic pattern and my tips for how it all came together in THIS POST!)

I knew I wanted the iconic Triadelphia “T” to be the star of the show, so I built a repeating mosaic crochet graph. Mosaic crochet is the best method for graph work:

• You only change colors each row.

• No carrying yarn across the back.

• Way fewer ends to weave in than other methods.

• Plus, the stitches work up solid and cozy — perfect for a cardigan.

To make the design pop even more, I randomly outlined some of the T’s in white. It was the perfect finishing detail!

Construction Details

• Body: All-over mosaic crochet T’s with white outlines sprinkled in.

• Bands & Cuffs: Worked in alternating FPDC and BPDC for that classic ribbed look. (This is my favorite method of making ribbed anything…because I can add it after the fact and there’s no sewing involved with attaching them.)

• Sleeves: I almost went with the T-graph again, but changed my mind for stripes instead. It gave me a chance to sneak in the white and kept the sleeves a little lighter visually.

I cannot stop staring at this cardigan. It’s so bold. It’s so fun. And it feels like the perfect Raider item to add to Bennett’s closet!

Crochet has always been my creative outlet, but this sweater feels different. It’s a mix of design work, technique, and heart. Seeing Bennett proudly wear something I made — something that celebrates his work and his school — just fills me with joy.

And speaking of his classroom… 👀 Shameless Plug Alert!! 💙❤️

If you want to support an amazing 7th grade science teacher (and truly one of the best humans I know), check out Bennett’s Amazon Classroom Wishlist. Every little bit helps, and it makes such a difference for his students.

^^Click the image and it’ll take you to his Wishlist on Amazon!

This cardigan pushed me creatively, technically, and emotionally — and I’m so glad I tackled it. Head HERE to grab the mosaic pattern and to get an idea of how I put this whole thing together!