Berroco Morrenci Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Morrenci Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Morrenci is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Emily Nora O'Neil. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with finished bust measurements ranging from 36" to 60" across seven sizes, and length measurements from 30¼" to 33". The cardigan is designed with approximately 4 to 6 inches of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method

The Morrenci cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach. This means the garment is knitted in separate pieces starting from the lower edge and working upward, then seamed together. The back and front pieces are worked individually on straight needles before being joined, allowing for precise shaping and detailed stitch work.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The cardigan incorporates charted lace patterns that add visual interest and texture to the garment. The lace sections are established after an initial garter stitch foundation.
• Garter stitch foundation: The lower portion of the garment is worked in garter stitch, providing a stable, textured base before transitioning to the charted lace pattern.
• Raglan armhole shaping: The cardigan features raglan-style armholes that are shaped through strategic bind-offs and decreases, creating a sloped shoulder line.
• Seaming: Individual pieces are sewn together to create the finished garment, ensuring clean, professional seams.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in the Morrenci include garter stitch for the lower body sections and charted lace patterns for the main design element. The pattern utilizes a chart-based approach, allowing knitters to follow a visual representation of the lace design. Stitch markers are used to clearly define pattern sections and maintain consistency across rows.

Materials and Gauge

The Morrenci cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Maya yarn, a worsted-weight fiber available in the colorway Lavanda (#5651). Depending on the selected size, the project requires 11 to 20 hanks of yarn, with each hank weighing 50 grams.

The pattern calls for straight knitting needles in sizes 7 (4.50 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm), as well as a 36-inch (or longer) circular knitting needle in size 7 (4.50 mm) for certain sections. Two stitch markers are required to track pattern repeats and shaping.

Proper gauge is essential for this project. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch on the larger needles, and 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the charted pattern on the larger needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to check gauge before beginning to ensure the finished garment meets the intended dimensions.