Berroco Apropos Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Apropos Cardigan by Norah Gaughan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Apropos is an intermediate-level cardigan pattern designed by Norah Gaughan from her eleventh volume collection. This garment is a classic cardigan construction available in seven sizes to fit bust measurements from 30 inches up to 54 inches, with the sample shown in size 42 inches. The cardigan features a back width at the bustline ranging from 16 to 28 inches depending on size, and back length to shoulder measurements between 24 and 27 inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, where knitters begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pattern incorporates lace work, which adds an elegant, openwork element to the design. Individual pieces are seamed together after completion, requiring finishing work to join the back, fronts, and sleeves into a cohesive garment.

Stitches Used

The Apropos cardigan employs stockinette stitch as its primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The pattern also features lace pattern work, which is a decorative technique involving intentional yarn overs and decreases that create openwork designs. The combination of these stitches—stockinette stitch for solid sections and lace pattern for decorative areas—provides both structural integrity and visual sophistication to the finished cardigan.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Apropos cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine and Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarns, which are premium fiber blends. The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine in color 12171, requiring 3 to 4 hanks of 100 grams each depending on the size being made. Additionally, Berroco Ultra Alpaca in color 62171 is needed in quantities of 2 to 4 hanks of 100 grams each. Knitters will need straight knitting needles in size 7 (4.5mm) or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge, along with stitch markers and a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Pattern Specifications

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern to fit correctly. When working in stockinette stitch with Berroco Ultra Alpaca, the gauge is 20 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches. The lace pattern sections have a different gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when blocked with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine. These gauge measurements ensure that the finished cardigan will meet the intended finished measurements specified in the pattern across all seven size options.