Berroco Gwendoline Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Gwendoline Cardigan: Intermediate Knit Lace Design

What is Being Made

The Berroco Gwendoline is a women's cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, available in sizes X-Small through 3X. This garment features a sophisticated lace pattern and is designed with approximately 6 inches of ease. The fronts do not overlap, making it an open-front cardigan style. Finished bust measurements range from 36 inches (X-Small) to 60 inches (3X), with lengths varying from 25 to 26.5 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

The Gwendoline cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its elegant appearance and intermediate skill level:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: The pattern is created using flat knitting on straight needles rather than circular needles, making it accessible for traditional knitting methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Finished pieces are seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking seams throughout the garment.
• Lace Patterning: An intricate lace pattern based on a multiple of 11 stitches is incorporated into the design, adding visual interest and an airy quality to the fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Gwendoline cardigan combines fundamental and decorative stitches to create its finished look. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic foundation. The lace pattern features yarn overs and knit-two-together decreases (k2tog) that create the characteristic openwork design typical of lace knitting. The lace pattern repeat works over rows 1, 3, and 5 on the right side, creating a rhythmic, repeating motif throughout the garment. Stitch markers are essential tools for this project, helping knitters track pattern repeats and maintain accuracy across the multiple stitches required.

Materials and Gauge

The Gwendoline cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Maya yarn, a 50-gram hank weight. Yardage requirements range from 9 hanks for the smallest size to 15 hanks for the largest size (3X), with the sample shown in color #5650 Rosa. Size 8 (5.00 mm) straight knitting needles are used, though knitters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern calls for 3 stitch markers to assist with pattern tracking.

Achieving the correct gauge is critical for this project's success. The required gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch and lace pattern. The pattern instructions emphasize taking time to check gauge before beginning, as gauge variations will directly affect the finished measurements of the cardigan.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

This pattern is rated at an intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle lace work and garment assembly. The combination of lace patterning, seamed construction, and multiple size options requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting charts and managing multiple pattern repeats simultaneously.