Berroco Arda Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arda Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Arda cardigan is a seamless, bottom-up knit design from Berroco Booklet #402, created by designer Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level garment is available in seven sizes, ranging from 38" to 62" bust circumference when closed, with finished lengths between 20" and 25½" depending on size. The cardigan features a sophisticated construction method that joins the body and sleeves at the underarm to complete the yoke in one continuous piece.

Techniques Used

The Arda cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to create a refined, professional finish:

• Bottom-up construction: The body is cast on and worked upward from the lower edge to the underarms in a single piece, eliminating the need for seaming the body panels together.
• Worked flat and in the round: The body is worked flat on circular needles without joining, while the sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of both methods for optimal fit and drape.
• Seamless yoke: Once the body and sleeves reach the underarm, all stitches are joined and the yoke is worked in one piece in the round, creating a seamless transition from sleeves to body.
• Lace integration: Seven-stitch lace motif panels are strategically placed and set up in the first round after the ribbing, with a 24-row chart that repeats to the end of the yoke section.

Stitches Used

The Arda cardigan utilizes fundamental and decorative stitches to build its structure and visual interest:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch that forms the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance.
• Ribbing: A 1×1 knit-purl rib (alternating k1, p1) is worked for 2" at the lower edge to provide elasticity and a neat, finished edge.
• Lace chart stitches: A 7-stitch repeating lace motif is charted and worked over 24 rows, adding delicate openwork detail to the yoke area.

Materials

The Arda cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Vibe, a yarn that requires 6 to 12 balls (50 grams each) depending on the finished size, shown here in colorway #1535 Crocus. The pattern calls for circular needles in sizes 9 (5.50 mm) and 10½ (6.50 mm) for the body and yoke, as well as double-pointed needles in the same sizes for sleeve construction. Additional notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, 5 one-inch buttons for the cardigan front closure (provided by Katrinkles), a tapestry needle for finishing, and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches. Gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4" in stockinette stitch on the larger needle, with 7 stitches measuring 1½" over the lace chart on the larger needle.