Berroco Penstemon Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Penstemon Cardigan: Knitted Lace Design

What is Being Made

The Berroco Penstemon is a women's cardigan designed by Emily O'Neil, available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small through 3X. This intermediate-level knitting project features an open-front cardigan silhouette with finished bust measurements from 36 inches (X-Small) to 60 inches (3X), and a length of approximately 25¾ to 27¾ inches depending on size. The garment is designed with approximately 6 inches of positive ease, making it forgiving in fit, and the fronts do not meet, creating an elegant open cardigan style.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Penstemon cardigan employs several key construction techniques to achieve its sophisticated appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: The body and major pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional-looking seams that contribute to the garment's finished appearance.
• Lace Patterning: An eyelet pattern is incorporated throughout the design, adding visual interest and a delicate, feminine quality to the cardigan.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Penstemon cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative lace elements. The primary stitch is stockinette stitch, which forms the base fabric and provides a smooth, classic canvas. An eyelet pattern is worked throughout the garment, creating small decorative holes that contribute to the lace aesthetic. The gauge for this project is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch and eyelet pattern when worked on the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Penstemon cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Indigo, a yarn that comes in hanks of 100 grams. Yardage requirements range from 5 hanks for the smallest size (X-Small) to 10 hanks for the largest size (3X). The colorway shown in the pattern is #6463 Denim, a sophisticated blue shade.

Needles and Notions

This project requires multiple needle sizes and types to accommodate different sections of the garment:

• 29-inch length circular knitting needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm)
• Straight knitting needles, size 7 (4.50 mm), for working the body and major pieces flat
• One set of four double-pointed knitting needles (dpn) in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm) for smaller circumference sections such as sleeves
• 16-inch length circular knitting needle, size 7 (4.50 mm), for finishing edges
• Stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction

The pattern recommends using the specified Berroco Indigo yarn to ensure proper gauge and finished appearance, and emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning to avoid sizing discrepancies in the final garment.