Berroco Doli Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Doli Cardigan: Seamless Knit Design

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Doli is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is constructed as a seamless knit cardigan with finished bust measurements ranging from 37" to 55" across seven size options, and length measurements from 19½" to 22½" including the lower band. The cardigan is designed with 5 to 10 inches of ease, allowing for comfortable wearing room over base layers. The finished piece features color blocking with a primary color (Bermuda), a secondary color (Overall), and an accent color (Denim) that create visual interest throughout the design.

Techniques Used

The Doli cardigan employs seamless construction techniques worked flat on circular needles, which provides flexibility and stability during knitting. The garment is constructed in two separate pieces that are worked sideways from the cuffs toward the center back, then joined together using the three-needle bind-off method. This approach allows for strategic color changes and shaping along the way. After the upper body sections are joined, the collar is picked up from the existing stitches and worked downward, followed by picking up stitches for the lower band and working it down as well. This method of picking up and working in the round creates clean, finished edges without additional seaming.

Stitches Used

The entire Berroco Doli cardigan is worked exclusively in Garter Stitch, which is one of the most fundamental and versatile knitting stitches. Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch choice creates a fabric with excellent drape and elasticity, making it ideal for a cardigan silhouette. Shaping is accomplished through strategic increases worked on right-side rows using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) techniques, which are nearly invisible increases that maintain the integrity of the Garter Stitch pattern. Increases are repeated every sixth row to gradually expand the sleeve and body sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Berroco Doli cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Indigo yarn, a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition and durability. The pattern calls for three to five hanks of Berroco Indigo in colorway #6492 Bermuda (the main color), two hanks in colorway #6493 Overall (secondary color), and one hank in colorway #6463 Denim (accent color). The exact yardage required depends on the size selected, with smaller sizes requiring 3 hanks of the main color and larger sizes requiring up to 5 hanks. Knitting is executed on a 29-inch length circular needle in size 7 (4.50 mm), with a spare circular needle of the same size or smaller kept on hand for the three-needle bind-off joining technique. Gauge is critical to this pattern's success: knitters must achieve 18 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when working in Garter Stitch to ensure proper finished measurements.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The seamless construction method and color work require attention to detail and understanding of how to manage multiple yarn colors and pick up stitches cleanly. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as even small variations can significantly affect the final garment's fit and proportions.