Baltica Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Baltica Cardigan in Berroco Modern Cotton

What Is Being Made

The Baltica Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Alexis Winslow. This garment features an oversized silhouette with approximately 7–9 inches of ease built into the design for a relaxed, contemporary fit. The finished cardigan measures 28 inches in length, with bust measurements available in six sizes ranging from 41 inches to 61 inches when closed. The design showcases a distinctive Swiss Dot stitch pattern throughout, creating visual texture and interest in the fabric.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suitable for experienced beginners and intermediate knitters. The construction utilizes flat knitting on straight needles for the body and sleeve pieces, which are then seamed together. Circular needle ribbing is used for finishing the edges and neckline, accommodating the large number of stitches around the neck opening. The pattern incorporates slip stitches as a decorative element within the Swiss Dot pattern, worked with the yarn held in front (wyif) to create the characteristic dotted texture. Gauge swatching is emphasized as essential before beginning, as accurate gauge directly impacts the final garment measurements and fit.

Stitches Used

The Baltica Cardigan features the following key stitches:

• Swiss Dot Pattern: A four-stitch repeat worked over eight rows, combining knit stitches with slip stitches to create dimensional dots. The pattern alternates between rows with slip stitches positioned at different intervals (Row 1 and Row 5) and solid knit rows (Rows 3 and 7), with purl rows worked on the wrong side.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used for the selvage edges on all pieces, which facilitates neat seaming.
• Ribbing: A standard knit-one, purl-one (K1, P1) ribbing creates the elastic edges and neckline finish.
• Slip Stitch (sl 1 wyif): Worked with yarn in front to create the textured dots within the Swiss Dot pattern.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Baltica Cardigan is designed specifically for Berroco Modern Cotton, a 100% cotton yarn. The project requires 6 to 8 hanks (depending on size) in the colorway #1624 Salty Brine. Modern Cotton is a versatile, breathable yarn ideal for warm-weather garments and provides excellent stitch definition for pattern work like the Swiss Dot motif.

Needles: The pattern calls for straight needles in two sizes: US size 5 (3.75 mm) for ribbing and edge work, and US size 7 (4.50 mm) for the main fabric. A 36-inch circular needle in US size 5 (3.75 mm) is required for working the ribbing around the neckline and edges, as the large stitch count necessitates a longer needle than typical straight needles can accommodate. The pattern notes that very long straight needles may be substituted if preferred.

Notions: Two removable stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and construction points. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in the Swiss Dot Pattern on the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.