Bartizan Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Bartizan Cardigan in Berroco Merino 401

What Is Being Made

The Bartizan Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta. This garment features an overlapping front closure and is available in twelve sizes ranging from 34 inches to 71 inches in bust measurement (86.5 cm to 180.5 cm). The cardigan offers a finished length between 22½ inches and 25 inches (57 cm to 63.5 cm), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions. The design is shown in size 44 inches (112 cm) and is constructed to provide approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease for comfortable wearing.

Construction Techniques

The Bartizan Cardigan employs an efficient one-piece construction method that minimizes seaming. The body is worked as a single continuous piece from the lower edge up to the underarms, where it is then divided to create separate sections for the back and front panels. These back and front pieces are worked independently before being joined together at the shoulders using a join technique that connects (60, 68, 76, 84) [92, 100, 108, 116] {124, 132, 140, 148} stitches depending on the size being knitted. Sleeves are picked up from the armhole openings and worked downward, a technique that eliminates the need for traditional sleeve cap shaping and seaming. This construction approach creates a seamless, professional-looking garment while streamlining the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Bartizan Cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The pattern utilizes stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn is used to hold stitches temporarily during the construction process, allowing for seamless joining and pickup techniques.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Bartizan Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Merino 401, a premium merino wool yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 12 to 24 balls of yarn, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The colorway shown in the pattern is #11205 Sandcastle, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling.

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• 32-inch (80 cm) circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) for working the body
• 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 8 (5 mm) for working smaller circumferences
• Double-pointed needles or preferred needles for small circumferences in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) for sleeve work

The pattern also calls for additional notions including stitch markers to track pattern placement, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the Bartizan Cardigan to fit as intended. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger (size 8 / 5 mm) needles. This gauge measurement is taken after blocking, which is a critical step in the finishing process. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch, measure it before blocking, block the swatch using the same method planned for the finished cardigan, and then measure again to ensure accuracy. Taking time to check gauge before beginning the project helps prevent sizing issues and ensures that the finished cardigan will have the intended finished measurements and drape.