Temescal Cardigan

Temescal Cardigan by Peter Franzi

Garment Overview

The Temescal Cardigan is a crochet cardigan designed by Peter Franzi and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level project creates a sophisticated button-front cardigan with textured cable stitch details. The finished cardigan is available in five sizes, ranging from 37 inches to 55 inches in chest circumference, making it suitable for a wide range of body types and fit preferences.

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using crochet techniques that emphasize post stitches and dimensional cable patterns. The design incorporates front post double crochet (FPdc) and back post double crochet (BPdc) stitches to create raised, textured surfaces that give the cardigan visual depth and interest. These post stitches work around the vertical posts of previous rows rather than into the tops of stitches, resulting in a ribbed appearance reminiscent of knitted garments.

The pattern features two distinct cable stitch variations that add complexity and elegance to the design:

• Twisted Cable (TwC): A two-row repeat that skips a stitch, works a front post double crochet in the next stitch, then works another front post double crochet in the skipped stitch. The return row is worked in back post double crochet, creating a subtle twisted effect.
• Treble Cable (TC): A more complex three-row pattern that involves skipping three stitches and working front post treble stitches (FPtr) around the posts of the next three stitches, then working front post trebles in the skipped stitches. This creates a bold, dimensional cable that crosses over itself, with the return row worked in back post double crochet.

The gauge swatch provided in the pattern uses a foundation double crochet (fdc) base, establishing proper tension before beginning the main garment. This swatch demonstrates the cable and post stitch techniques at the correct gauge.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Temescal Cardigan employs several key crochet stitches essential to achieving the intended fabric texture and drape:

• Foundation Double Crochet (fdc): Used to establish the base of the gauge swatch and garment sections, creating a stable foundation without requiring a separate chain.
• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern for standard rows and as a base for post stitches.
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Worked around the post of a stitch from the previous row, creating a raised stitch on the front of the fabric.
• Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc): Worked around the post of a stitch from the previous row, creating a raised stitch on the back of the fabric.
• Front Post Treble (FPtr): A taller post stitch used in the Treble Cable pattern for more dramatic cable crossings.
• Chain (ch): Used for turning chains and structural elements.
• Skip (sk): Indicates skipping a stitch to create the crossing effect in cable patterns.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Temescal Cardigan is designed to be worked in Cascade 220 Superwash, a 100% washable wool yarn. This fiber choice provides durability, warmth, and easy care, as the superwash treatment allows the finished cardigan to be machine washed. The yarn provides 220 yards (200 meters) per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) ball, making it a DK weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good stitch definition.

Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size (37" chest) requires 14 balls, while the largest size (55" chest) requires 18 balls. The garment shown in the pattern measures 46 inches and uses 16 balls of yarn in color #816 grey.

The pattern calls for two crochet hook sizes: an F/5 (3.75mm) hook and an E/4 (3.5mm) hook. Hook size adjustments may be necessary to achieve the correct gauge of 21 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches. The pattern also requires five 23-millimeter buttons for the front closure, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and seaming pins for assembly.