Berroco Skylark Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Skylark Lace Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Skylark is a women's lace cardigan designed by Emily Nora O'Neil, offered in eight sizes ranging from 33" to 54" bust (closed measurements). This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated lace pattern throughout and is finished with six 1" buttons for closure. The cardigan is designed with 2–4" of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit, with finished lengths ranging from 19½" to 23" depending on size.

Construction and Techniques

The Skylark employs a seamed, worked-flat construction method that maximizes efficiency and control. The body is worked as a single continuous piece using circular needles, then divided at the armholes to allow the back and front sections to be completed separately. This approach streamlines shaping and ensures consistent stitch counts across the garment. The sleeves are worked flat on straight needles, then seamed to the body. The lace pattern is established using charts, allowing knitters to follow a visual representation of the stitch repeats and yarn-overs that create the delicate openwork design characteristic of lace knitting.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Skylark begins with a classic 1×1 ribbed cuff, which provides elasticity and helps the garment sit neatly at the wrists and hem. The ribbing is worked over 2" before transitioning to the main lace pattern. The body is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st) as the base fabric, with the lace motifs created through strategic yarn-overs and decreases that form openwork sections. The lace pattern is worked from charts, which provide row-by-row guidance for placing increases and decreases to achieve the intended design. Stitch markers are used to denote pattern repeats and key shaping points, ensuring accuracy across the multiple size variations.

Materials and Gauge

The Skylark calls for Berroco Corsica yarn, a smooth and versatile fiber available in color #3647 Fargo. Yardage requirements range from 7 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The pattern specifies US size 4 (3.50 mm) and US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular knitting needles, 29" in length, allowing knitters to adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge. A gauge of 23 stitches and 28 rows over 4" in stockinette stitch on the larger needles is essential for proper fit; the pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to avoid sizing discrepancies. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction.