Berroco Albany Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Albany Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Albany is a classic cardigan sweater designed by Amy Christoffers for intermediate-level knitters. This garment features a button-front closure and is available in eight sizes ranging from 35" to 63" bust circumference, with finished lengths between 23" and 26½". The cardigan is shown in Berroco Farro yarn in the Blush colorway and is suitable for a range of body types with recommended positive ease of 2–4 inches.

Construction Techniques

The Albany is worked using a bottom-up, seamless construction method that maximizes efficiency and minimizes finishing work. The garment begins as a single piece worked flat on circular needles from the cast-on edge up to the underarms. At the underarm point, the piece is divided into separate back and front sections. The shoulders are shaped using short-row shaping to create a custom fit across the upper back and shoulders. Once the front and back pieces are complete, the shoulders are joined using the 3-needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, invisible seam. After the body is complete, sleeves are picked up directly from the armholes and worked downward, eliminating the need for sleeve cap shaping and seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Albany features two primary stitch patterns. The lower body begins with a ribbed cuff worked in 1x1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches), which creates a fitted, elastic edge that hugs the body. This ribbed section measures approximately 2½ inches and includes a buttonhole worked using a yarn-over and knit-two-together decrease. The main body of the cardigan is worked in Garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row when working flat. Garter stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that is durable and lies flat, making it ideal for a classic cardigan silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Farro, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirements range from 8 balls for the smallest size (35" bust) to 15 balls for the largest size (63" bust). Knitters will need circular needles in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm), with the smaller needles used for the ribbed cuff and the larger needles for the main body. A set of double-pointed needles in both sizes is required for working the sleeve caps and other small circumferences. Additional notions include a spare needle for the 3-needle bind-off, 2 stitch markers to denote pattern sections, 2 stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches, waste yarn for securing stitches, and 8 buttons for the front closure. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in Garter stitch on the larger needle, making gauge checking essential for proper fit.