Berroco Melina Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Melina Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Melina is a women's cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, offered in eight sizes ranging from 33" to 54" bust measurement (closed). This intermediate-level knitting project features a classic fitted silhouette with waist shaping and raglan armholes, finished with five 5/8" buttons. The cardigan is designed with approximately 2 to 4 inches of ease for comfortable wearing. The finished length ranges from 24¼" to 26¾" depending on size selected.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together after completion. The design incorporates strategic shaping through decreases and increases to create a tailored waist and fitted silhouette. Raglan armhole shaping is used for the sleeve cap construction, providing a classic fitted sleeve style.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch used throughout the main body of the cardigan for a smooth, classic appearance
• Garter Stitch – Used for the ribbed edging at the lower edge (10 rows, creating 5 garter ridges) for structure and definition
• K2tog (knit two together) – A right-leaning decrease used in waist shaping
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) – A left-leaning decrease used in waist shaping for balanced decreases
• M1L (make one left) – A left-leaning increase used when adding stitches for waist expansion
• M1R (make one right) – A right-leaning increase used when adding stitches for waist expansion

Shaping Details

The cardigan features sophisticated shaping that creates a flattering silhouette. Beginning from the cast-on edge, the back piece is shaped with strategic decreases every 4th row for 9 repeats, then every right-side row for 15 repeats, reducing stitches significantly to create the waist definition. After working even at the narrowest point (10" from the beginning), increases are worked every 8th row for 6 repeats to add fullness across the bust and hip area. Raglan armhole shaping begins at approximately 16" from the cast-on edge.

Materials and Gauge

The Berroco Melina is knitted with Berroco Mykonos yarn in colorway #8511 Aphrodite. Yardage requirements range from 8 hanks for the smallest size to 14 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 50 grams. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, making this a medium-weight project.

Needles and Tools

• Straight knitting needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 4 (3.50 mm) – Size 3 needles are used for the ribbed edging to create definition, while size 4 needles are used for the main body to achieve proper gauge
• Circular knitting needle, size 3 (3.25 mm), 29" length or longer – Used for picking up stitches and working edgings
• Five 5/8" buttons for the front closure

Construction Notes

Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning, as proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern is graded across eight sizes with detailed stitch counts provided for each size at every shaping point. The design uses a traditional approach with separate front and back pieces that are seamed together, requiring attention to seaming technique for a professional finish. The pattern recommends using the specific Berroco Mykonos yarn called for in the instructions to ensure consistent results.