Debbie Bliss Peppermint Plaid Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Debbie Bliss Peppermint Plaid Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Peppermint Plaid Cardigan is a women's crocheted cardigan designed to fit chest sizes ranging from 81–147 cm (32–58 inches). This intermediate-level project features a plaid pattern created through strategic color work, with a finished length to back neck of 57–63 cm (22¾–25¼ inches) and consistent sleeve seams of 41 cm (16¼ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key crochet techniques to achieve its structured, tailored appearance:

• Worked Flat: The cardigan is constructed by crocheting flat pieces rather than in the round, allowing for clean seaming and precise shaping.
• Post Stitches: Front post treble crochet (fptr/fpdc) and back post treble crochet (bptr/bpdc) stitches are used to create the plaid texture and visual interest. These stitches work around the upright post of previous stitches, creating raised, dimensional effects that form the characteristic plaid pattern.
• Seamed Construction: Individual pieces are sewn together using a seaming method, providing durability and a professional finish.
• Buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are incorporated into the cardigan's front opening, allowing for secure closure.
• Button Closure: Five buttons are used to fasten the cardigan, providing both functional closure and decorative detail.

Stitches Used

The Peppermint Plaid Cardigan utilizes fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches:

• Half Treble Crochet (htr/hdc): The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan, worked over a gauge of 12 stitches and 10 rows per 10 cm (4 inch) square using the 7mm hook. This stitch provides a balanced fabric weight and drape.
• Front Post Treble Crochet (fptr/fpdc): Worked by inserting the hook from front to back to front around the upright post of the next stitch, creating raised texture.
• Back Post Treble Crochet (bptr/bpdc): Worked by inserting the hook from back to front to back around the upright post of the next stitch, complementing the front post stitches to form the plaid effect.
• Half Treble Crochet 2 Together (htr 2tog/hdc 2tog): Used for decreasing, this technique combines two stitches into one by working yarn over, inserting the hook into the next stitch, yarning over and pulling through twice, then yarning over and pulling through all five loops on the hook.
• Slip Stitch (ss): Used for joining rounds and finishing edges.
• Chain (ch): Used for foundation chains and turning chains throughout the pattern.

Materials

The Peppermint Plaid Cardigan is worked using Debbie Bliss Nell yarn, a 50g/1¾oz ball weight available through Lovecrafts. The pattern requires two coordinating colors:

• Jade 07 (A): 7–11 balls depending on size (sizes XS through XXL)
• Cloud 01 (B): 6–10 balls depending on size (sizes XS through XXL)

Two crochet hooks are required: a 7mm (US K-10.5) hook for working the main fabric to the specified gauge, and a 6mm (US J-10) hook for finishing details. The pattern also calls for 5 buttons measuring 12mm, which serve as both functional closures and design elements on the front opening.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle post stitches and color work. The combination of post treble stitches for the plaid effect, seaming techniques, and buttonhole construction requires intermediate-level experience and attention to detail.