Berroco Atwells Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Atwells Cardigan: Intermediate Knit Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Atwells Cardigan version 2 is a classic button-front cardigan designed by Alison Green, featured in Berroco Portfolio Vol. 5. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a versatile layering piece available in nine sizes, ranging from 33¼" to 57¼" finished bust measurements (closed). The cardigan features a length range of 22" to 24¾" depending on size selected. The design incorporates approximately 2–4" of ease for comfortable wearing, making proper size selection important for the desired fit.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes circular needle construction, a method that allows for seamless or nearly seamless garment assembly. Knitters will work with both 29" and 16" circular needles in different gauges, as well as double-pointed needles (dpns) for smaller circumference sections. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases (k2tog and SSK—slip, slip, knit) to create decorative eyelet details. Stitch markers and waste yarn are used to hold stitches during construction, and the pattern requires careful gauge checking to ensure proper fit and drape.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: A fundamental textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. Worked over 4 rows with an even number of stitches, this stitch creates a dense, reversible fabric with visual interest and excellent structure. The Atwells Cardigan uses Moss Stitch as a primary stitch pattern.
• Eyelet Pattern: A decorative openwork stitch pattern worked over 12 rows that combines yarn overs with decreases to create small holes in the fabric. The pattern includes two variations: one using k2tog (knit two together) decreases paired with yarn overs, and another using SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases. Eyelet patterns are worked both in rows and in rounds, adding visual dimension and breathability to the finished cardigan.
• Basic decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) are used throughout, particularly in the eyelet pattern sections to create the characteristic openwork effect.
• Yarn overs (yo): These create the decorative holes in the eyelet pattern and contribute to the garment's elegant, feminine aesthetic.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Atwells Cardigan is designed to be knit with Berroco Remix Light, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The colorway shown in the pattern is #6927 Old Jeans. Yardage requirements range from 3 balls for smaller sizes to 5 balls for the largest sizes, making this an efficient project in terms of yarn quantity.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need a 29" circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) for the main fabric, a 29" circular needle in size 3 (3.25 mm) for ribbed edgings, and a set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 5 (3.75 mm) for smaller circumference areas. Additional supplies include waste yarn for holding stitches, five stitch holders, and removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 24 stitches and 36 rows = 4" in Moss Stitch on the larger needle (size 5/3.75 mm), and 20 stitches and 38 rows = 4" in Eyelet Pattern on the larger needle. The pattern emphasizes that checking gauge before beginning prevents sizing issues and ensures the finished cardigan meets intended measurements.