Berroco Catena Knitting Pattern

Berroco Catena Knit Patterns

Berroco Catena is a collection of knit garment patterns featuring five distinct designs: Riasia, Yeva, Devora, Feya, and Arisha. Each pattern is worked using Berroco Catena yarn, a premium merino-based fiber engineered for softness and durability. These downloadable knitting patterns offer versatile options for creating refined knitwear pieces.

Yarn Composition and Characteristics

Berroco Catena yarn is composed of 94% Extrafine Merino Wool and 6% Nylon, providing a luxurious blend that combines the warmth and breathability of merino with the added strength and resilience of nylon. Each ball contains 120 yards and weighs 50 grams, making it suitable for various garment weights and sizes. The yarn is constructed using a chainette construction method, which creates a lofty, airy texture while helping to prevent pilling—a common concern with delicate merino fibers. This specialized construction contributes to the yarn's distinctive squishiness and soft hand feel.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge for Berroco Catena is 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving proper fit across the multiple size options included in the patterns. The garments are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different body measurements and fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Methods

The Berroco Catena patterns employ several professional knitting techniques to create well-finished garments:

• Ribbed Cuffs and Edgings: Patterns begin with ribbed sections, typically worked over 4 inches, using alternating knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 rib pattern. These ribbed sections provide elasticity and a polished finish to garment edges.
• Circular Needle Construction: The patterns utilize circular needles (such as 29-inch circulars) for working body sections, allowing for seamless or nearly seamless construction and the ability to work in the round.
• Flat and Round Shaping: Sleeves are worked in the round to the underarm, then transitioned to flat construction for sleeve cap shaping, which are subsequently sewn into armholes. This hybrid approach combines the ease of circular knitting with the precision control of flat shaping.
• Armhole and Neckline Shaping: The patterns include detailed shaping instructions for armholes and necklines, with specific stitch counts provided for multiple sizes. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases while maintaining cable pattern integrity where applicable.
• Cable Pattern Integration: The designs incorporate cable stitches that are maintained as much as possible during shaping sequences, requiring knitters to keep stitches in their established cable patterns or work them as knit or purl stitches depending on how they face the knitter.

Pattern Features and Specifications

The Berroco Catena patterns provide comprehensive instructions with multiple size options ranging from smaller to larger dimensions. Armhole depths vary from 5½ inches to 8½ inches depending on the selected size, allowing for proper proportioning across the size range. The patterns include detailed shaping sequences for both front and back pieces, with specific stitch counts at each stage of construction.

Care Instructions

Berroco Catena garments should be hand washed and laid flat to dry to maintain the integrity of the merino and nylon blend and preserve the yarn's lofty construction and soft texture over time.

Pattern Support and Resources

Berroco provides ongoing pattern support through their website at www.berroco.com, including a dedicated pattern corrections page to ensure knitters have access to the most current and accurate instructions. Technical editing was completed by Brenda York, with instruction coordination by Alison Green. Comprehensive abbreviations and terms are available on the Berroco learning center for reference during knitting.