Berroco Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Framura Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Framura is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta. This garment is constructed flat in pieces from the bottom up and then seamed together, featuring a distinctive split bottom hem. The cardigan is finished with a button band that is picked up during the finishing process, and it closes with seven 5/8" buttons. The design offers a range of nine finished bust sizes, from 36" to 72½", with recommended positive ease of approximately 2–4" to accommodate comfortable wear over various base layers.

Construction and Techniques

The Framura employs a traditional flat knitting construction method, meaning the back, fronts, and sleeves are worked separately as individual pieces rather than in the round. This approach allows for precise shaping and easier adjustments during the knitting process. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff at the lower edge, which measures 5" from the cast-on before transitioning to the main body stitch pattern. The button band is not cast on initially but is instead picked up from the finished edges during the final assembly stages, a technique that ensures a professional and polished appearance. All pieces are seamed together after completion, with the intentional split bottom hem creating a contemporary design detail that allows the ribbing to frame the opening.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern for the Framura cardigan is Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Reverse St st), which creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface that serves as the main body of the garment. The lower edge features ribbing, specifically a 1×1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches), which provides elasticity and a finished edge. The ribbing is established with a set-up sequence: Row 1 on the wrong side begins with a purl stitch followed by alternating knit and purl stitches, while Row 2 on the right side begins with a knit stitch followed by alternating purl and knit stitches. This ribbing is repeated until it reaches the specified 5" measurement.

Yarn and Materials

The Framura cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Vernazza yarn, a premium fiber option available in 50-gram balls. The colorway shown in the pattern is #10635 Zumaia. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 12 balls for the smallest size (36") to 23 balls for the largest size (72½"). The pattern specifies two needle sizes: size 5 (3.75 mm) needles for the ribbed cuffs and a 40" circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) for picking up stitches during finishing, and size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for working the main body in Reverse Stockinette Stitch. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows per 4" when measured in Reverse Stockinette Stitch using the larger needles after blocking. Additional notions include removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and seven 5/8" (15 mm) buttons for closure.