Barnes Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Barnes Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Berroco

Project Overview

The Barnes Cardigan is an intermediate-level women's knitting pattern that creates a long-sleeved cardigan featuring an unusual stitch texture that adds visual interest to an otherwise simple silhouette. This downloadable PDF pattern from Berroco offers a classic wardrobe staple with modern construction techniques.

Garment Specifications

Sizing and Fit: The pattern provides directions for women's sizes X-Small through 2X, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches (X-Small) to 52 inches (2X). The cardigan is designed with approximately 2 inches of ease for comfortable wearing. Length measurements vary from 21 inches in the smallest size to 24 inches in the largest size.

Knitting Techniques

The Barnes Cardigan employs several key construction methods:

• Seamless body construction: The garment body is worked in one piece up to the underarms using circular knitting needles, which eliminates side seams and creates a more polished finish
• Divided construction: After the body reaches the appropriate length, stitches are divided for the back and front panels
• Set-in sleeves: Following shoulder seam completion, sleeves are picked up from the armhole and worked downward, a technique that creates well-fitted armholes
• Ribbed edging: A k2, p2 ribbing creates structured edges and cuffs

Stitches and Pattern Details

The distinctive visual texture comes from the Pattern Stitch, which is worked over an even number of stitches across two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): K1, * yo, k2, sl yo over k2, rep from * to last st, end k1. This row creates the decorative texture through yarn overs and slip-stitch decreases
• Row 2: Purl across. This row smooths the texture and prepares for the next pattern repeat

These two rows repeat throughout the body and sleeves to create the cardigan's signature textured appearance. The ribbing uses standard k2, p2 (knit 2, purl 2) ribbing for the lower edge and cuffs.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Lustra yarn in the colorway Bergamot (#3163). Yardage requirements range from 6 hanks for size X-Small to 11 hanks for size 2X, with each hank weighing 100 grams. Lustra is a smooth, lustrous yarn that showcases stitch definition well.

Needles: The pattern requires both circular and straight knitting needles in two sizes:

• Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles, 29 inches in length, for ribbed edging
• Size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles, 29 inches in length, for the main body
• Size 7 (4.50 mm) straight needles for sleeve construction

Notions: Seven 1-inch buttons are required for the front closure.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The required gauge is 21 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in Pattern Stitch when worked on the larger (size 7) needles. For the ribbed sections, the gauge is 26 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in k2, p2 ribbing on the smaller (size 5) needles. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have solid foundational skills including circular needle work, yarn overs, slip stitches, picking up stitches, and seaming. The seamless construction and set-in sleeve technique require intermediate-level understanding of garment shaping.