Albany Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Albany Cardigan in Berroco Farro

What Is Being Made

The Albany Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan sweater designed by Amy Christoffers and published in Berroco Book #415. This garment is available in eight sizes, ranging from 35 inches to 63 inches in bust circumference, with finished lengths between 23 and 26½ inches. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with eight buttons and is designed with positive ease of 2–4 inches for comfortable wearing.

Construction Technique

The Albany Cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up to the underarms, then divided for the back and front panels. This seamless construction method reduces finishing work and creates a cohesive garment. Shoulders are shaped using short rows, a technique that creates a custom fit across the upper back and shoulders. Once the shoulder shaping is complete, the front and back pieces are joined together using the three-needle bind off method, which creates a strong, neat seam. Sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and worked downward in the round, streamlining the construction process and eliminating the need for side seams.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features two primary stitch patterns. The body begins with a ribbed cuff worked in alternating knit and purl stitches, creating vertical texture and elasticity that helps the garment hug the body. The main fabric is worked in Garter Stitch, which is created by knitting every row on flat needles. Garter Stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges and is known for its durability and classic appearance. This stitch pattern is ideal for cardigans as it lies flat, maintains its shape well, and works beautifully in heavier-weight yarns. The ribbed sections frame the garment at the cuffs and provide structural definition.

Yarn and Materials

The Albany Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Farro, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for 8 to 15 balls depending on the finished size, with the sample shown in size 35 inches worked in colorway #6413 Blush. Berroco Farro is a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure.

The project requires two sets of circular needles—one in size 4 (3.50 mm) and one in size 6 (4.00 mm)—as well as one set of double-pointed needles in each size for working the sleeves in the round. A spare needle is needed for the three-needle bind off technique. Additional notions include two stitch markers to denote pattern sections, two stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches, waste yarn for securing stitches, and eight buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in Garter Stitch on the larger needle size 6 (4.00 mm). Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining accurate finished measurements. The pattern provides eight size options with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 to 63 inches and lengths from 23 to 26½ inches, allowing knitters to customize the fit for different body types and preferences.

Design Features

The cardigan includes a buttonhole row worked into the ribbed cuff section, positioned to accommodate the eight-button front closure. The ribbed edge creates a neat, finished appearance at the cuffs and helps prevent rolling. The short-row shoulder shaping technique adds sophistication to the garment by creating a custom fit that follows the natural slope of the shoulders, resulting in a more professional and flattering silhouette.