Berroco Loret Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Loret Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Loret is a women's cardigan designed by Amanda Keep Williams, available in sizes X-Small through 2X. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches (X-Small) to 52 inches (2X), and length measurements between 22 and 24½ inches depending on size. The cardigan is shown in the Smoky Mountains colorway and is rated as an Easy skill level project, making it suitable for knitters with basic experience.

Techniques Used

The Loret cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming to join the pieces together. This seamed construction method provides structure and durability to the finished cardigan. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as increases worked at regular intervals during the body sections and decreases at the armholes to create proper garment fit and silhouette.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Loret cardigan is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. The pattern incorporates several shaping stitches to achieve the cardigan's form: M1k (Make 1 knitwise) increases are used to gradually expand the body width, while k2tog (knit 2 together) decreases are employed at the armholes to reduce stitch count and create proper sleeve cap shaping. Garter stitch edging (created by knitting every row) appears at the borders, providing a finished edge and preventing curling.

Materials

The Loret cardigan is knitted with Berroco Cirrus yarn in the Smoky Mountainssize 10 (6.00 mm) straight knitting needles, though knitters should verify their needle size by checking gauge. The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches when worked in Stockinette Stitch, and achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit of the finished garment.