Berroco Midnight Magic Collection eBook Knitting Pattern

Berroco Midnight Magic Collection eBook

Overview

The Berroco Midnight Magic Collection eBook is a downloadable PDF resource featuring knitting patterns for multiple garment types, including cardigans, hats, scarves, shawls and wraps, skirts, and sweaters and jumpers. This collection showcases intermediate to advanced knitting techniques and is designed for knitters seeking sophisticated, wearable projects using quality yarn.

Mahina Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Mahina is a top-down cardigan designed by Alison Green. This garment is constructed as a single piece beginning at the neck and working downward, with finished bust measurements ranging from 37 inches to 70¾ inches to accommodate multiple sizes. The cardigan features a length of approximately 18½ to 21¼ inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Mahina cardigan employs short-row shaping to create a fitted yoke, a technique that adds dimension and structure to the upper body without increasing stitch count dramatically. By working short rows in the yoke section, the designer achieves a tailored fit that accommodates shoulder and bust shaping seamlessly. The garment is worked in one piece from the neck down, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a cohesive, unified construction. This top-down method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as desired before binding off.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Mahina is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance. The pattern incorporates right-leaning increases (RLI) worked strategically in increment rows to shape the yoke. These increases are distributed evenly across rows—for example, working an RLI every three stitches in one row and every four stitches in another—to create gradual, balanced shaping. The structured use of increases in the yoke section demonstrates intermediate-level shaping techniques that produce professional results.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Mahina cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Renew, a yarn offered in 50-gram balls. The colorway shown in the pattern is #1348 Cardinal. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 to 13 balls depending on the finished bust measurement selected. Berroco Renew is a sustainable yarn choice, aligning with modern knitting values.

Needles required include a 32-inch circular needle in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm), allowing knitters to work the body in the round using the larger size while switching to the smaller size for ribbed sections or tighter gauge areas. Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in sizes 5 and 7 are needed for working the neckline and other small circumferences. The pattern specifies that needle size should be chosen to obtain the correct gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, measured after blocking.

Notions and Finishing

The Mahina cardigan requires seven 5/8-inch (16 mm) buttons for the front closure, providing a classic and functional fastening. Stitch markers are essential for tracking increases and pattern repeats, and waste yarn is recommended for holding stitches during construction, a standard practice in top-down garment knitting.

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

The Mahina is rated as an intermediate skill level pattern, suitable for knitters with foundational knowledge of knitting techniques who are ready to tackle garment shaping and construction. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as accurate gauge is critical to achieving the finished measurements specified. The pattern is part of the Berroco Midnight Magic Collection, a curated selection of designs that showcase the versatility and beauty of Berroco yarns.