Arroux Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Arroux Cardigan in Berroco Brielle

What is Being Made

The Arroux Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a sophisticated construction where the fronts are worked separately and then joined to create the back, resulting in a seamless integrated design. The cardigan is available in three finished circumference sizes: 35 inches, 51 inches, and 67 inches, with a consistent length of 32 inches across all sizes. The sample shown measures 51 inches in circumference with 19 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Arroux Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its intermediate skill level. The garment begins with a two-row garter stitch edge worked on smaller needles to create a stable, finished border. The main body is constructed using charted colorwork or textured stitch patterns that are repeated throughout the piece. The fronts are worked in flat knitting (back and forth) on circular needles, then strategically joined using a joining row that seamlessly connects the left front to the right front stitches held on a spare needle. This technique creates a unified back section without traditional seaming. Stitch holders are used to preserve stitches at the front edges for later finishing, and a tapestry needle is employed for any necessary weaving or finishing work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes a charted stitch repeat that measures 17 stitches wide. This repeat is worked across the width of each front piece, with the number of repeats varying by size: 2 repeats for the smallest size, 3 repeats for the medium size, and 4 repeats for the largest size. The chart itself spans 36 rows, and this complete 36-row sequence is repeated a total of 5 times to achieve the full length of the cardigan. The pattern begins with a garter stitch foundation (purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side) before transitioning to the charted pattern on the larger needles. The joining row uses the charted pattern to seamlessly integrate the fronts with the back section.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Arroux Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Brielle, a yarn that comes in 50-gram hanks. The yardage required varies by size: 7 hanks for the 35-inch circumference, 9 hanks for the 51-inch circumference, and 12 hanks for the 67-inch circumference. The sample shown uses color #6570 Charbon. Knitting needles required include both size 6 (4.00 mm) and size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles, 29 inches in length. A spare needle in size 8 (5.00 mm)—either straight or circular—is needed to hold the right front stitches during the joining process. Additional notions include 2 stitch holders for securing the front edge stitches and a tapestry needle for finishing. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in the charted pattern using the larger needle, making gauge checking essential for achieving accurate finished measurements.