Filet Cabled Cardigan

Filet Cabled Cardigan by Amanda Saladin

What You'll Make

The Filet Cabled Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet cardigan designed by Amanda Saladin. This garment features a sophisticated combination of filet crochet and cable stitch techniques, creating a textured, visually striking piece. The cardigan is available in six sizes, ranging from 32" to 52" finished bust measurements to fit sizes S through 3XL. The design can be worn buttoned at the top, buttoned at the waist, or left open as a layering piece, offering versatility in styling options.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This cardigan showcases two primary crochet techniques that work together to create its distinctive appearance: filet crochet and cable stitch work.

Filet Crochet: Filet crochet forms the foundation of this design, using double crochet stitches and chain spaces to create an open, lacy fabric. This technique is particularly effective for creating structured garments with visual interest while maintaining breathability.

Cable Pattern: The cable pattern begins on row 4 and continues throughout to the collar. The cable pattern is a four-row repeat that creates dimensional texture:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Skip 3 double crochet stitches, then work front post treble stitches in the next 3 stitches, followed by front post treble stitches in the 3 skipped stitches. Working in front of these three front post trebles, work front post double crochet stitches in the next 3 stitches.
• Row 2: Back post double crochet stitches in the next 9 stitches.
• Row 3: Front post double crochet in the next 3 stitches, skip 3 stitches, front post treble in the next 3 stitches, front post treble in the 3 skipped stitches, then working behind the three front post trebles, chain 1 filet.
• Row 4: Back post double crochet in the next 9 stitches.

The cable pattern uses post stitches—specifically front post trebles (FPtr) and front post double crochets (FPdc), as well as back post double crochets (BPdc)—which are worked around the posts of previous rows rather than into the tops of stitches. This technique creates the raised, dimensional cable effect. The first 17 stitches of each front are worked in the established pattern throughout the cardigan, with decreasing occurring after these stitches to shape the garment.

Materials and Gauge

This cardigan is worked in Lion Brand Mandala yarn, a 100% acrylic yarn. The yardage requirement is 590 yards (540 meters) per 150 grams, and you'll need 2 to 3 cakes depending on your size: 2 cakes for sizes S, M, and L; 3 cakes for sizes XL, 2XL, and 3XL.

The recommended hook size is US size I/9 (5.5mm). The cardigan is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 9 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in double crochet filet. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly important in a fitted garment like a cardigan.

Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and optional buttons for closures, allowing you to customize the cardigan's functionality based on your preference.

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate skill level project. The combination of filet crochet and post stitch cable work requires familiarity with various crochet techniques and the ability to read and follow a multi-row stitch pattern. The pattern notes indicate that the chain 3 at the beginning of rows counts as a stitch, a standard convention in crochet patterns that affects stitch counting and pattern alignment.