Berroco Caelum Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Caelum Cardigan: Knitted Bottom-Up Seamed Design

Garment Overview

The Berroco Caelum is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, crafted using the bottom-up construction method with seamed finishing. This cardigan features a classic fitted silhouette with finished bust measurements ranging from 36" to 60" across seven size options, and lengths from 26" to 29". The design incorporates approximately 4–6" of ease for comfortable wearing, making it suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Construction Techniques

The Caelum cardigan is worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up approach, meaning pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward before being seamed together. This traditional construction method allows for straightforward shaping and fitting adjustments. The garment pieces are worked individually and then joined using seaming techniques, creating clean, professional-looking seams along the sides and armholes.

Stitch Pattern and Gauge

The cardigan utilizes a simple Pattern Stitch worked over an odd number of stitches, alternating between knit and purl rows to create visual texture. The pattern repeats across two rows: the first row (worked on the wrong side) alternates knit 1 and purl 1 stitches, while the second row (right side) is worked entirely in knit. This straightforward stitch pattern is accessible for intermediate knitters and creates a subtle, professional appearance.

The recommended gauge is 10 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches when worked on the larger needles in Pattern Stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit.

Shaping Details

The cardigan features strategic shaping to create a fitted silhouette. The back piece includes waist shaping with decreases worked every 4½ inches, reducing stitches twice from the initial cast-on. Armhole shaping is accomplished through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases on right-side rows, creating smooth, tapered armholes. Shoulder shaping is worked through bind-offs to create the neckline and shoulder structure.

Materials and Tools

The Caelum cardigan is knitted with Berroco Gusto yarn, a worsted-weight option available in color #1985 Hornstone. Depending on the size selected, the project requires 8 to 13 balls of yarn (each ball weighs 100 grams), providing ample yardage for the complete cardigan across all size ranges.

Two sizes of straight knitting needles are required: size 13 (9.00 mm) needles for the initial cast-on and most of the garment, and size 15 (10.00 mm) needles for achieving the correct gauge in Pattern Stitch. The pattern recommends using the needle size that produces the specified gauge, as individual tension varies among knitters. Additionally, two stitch holders are needed to hold stitches during the shaping process, particularly for neckline and shoulder sections.

Skill Level and Pattern Support

Designed for intermediate knitters, the Caelum assumes familiarity with fundamental techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, decreases (k2tog and SSK), bind-offs, and seaming. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF and is part of the Berroco pattern collection, with access to the KnitBits newsletter for additional pattern updates and corrections.