Berroco Baltica Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Baltica Cardigan

Overview

The Baltica Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Alexis Winslow. This garment is a classic cardigan worked from the bottom up using a seamed, flat construction method. The finished cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from 41" to 61" bust measurement (closed), with a finished length of 28". The design features approximately 7–9" of ease, creating an intentionally oversized silhouette for a relaxed, contemporary fit.

What Is Being Made

The Baltica Cardigan is a full-button-front cardigan sweater. The garment showcases a sophisticated Swiss Dot stitch pattern throughout, creating visual texture and interest. With finished bust measurements of 41", 45", 49", 53", 57", and 61" (closed), this cardigan accommodates a wide range of sizes and body types. The 28" length provides standard cardigan proportions suitable for layering over various garments.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, beginning with the back piece and progressing through the sleeves and front panels
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and shaping
• Seamed assembly: Completed pieces are sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques, with selvage stitches included on all sides to facilitate neat, professional joins
• Ribbed edgings: Knit-purl ribbing is used for the neckline, front bands, and cuff edges to provide structure and elasticity
• Stitch markers: Two removable stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process

Stitches Used

• Swiss Dot Pattern: A textured stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches across 8 rows. The pattern combines knit stitches with slipped stitches worked with yarn in front (wyif), creating small raised dots across the fabric. Row 1 features *K3, sl 1 wyif* repeats, while Row 5 uses *K1, sl 1 wyif, k2* repeats. Rows 3 and 7 are worked entirely in knit, and all wrong-side rows are purled, creating the characteristic dimensional texture
• Stockinette stitch: Used for selvage stitches on all sides of pieces to facilitate seaming
• Ribbing: Knit-purl ribbing (K1, P1) used for cuffs, neckband, and front button bands to provide structure and recovery

Materials

The Baltica Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Modern Cotton, a 100% cotton yarn. Depending on size selection, the project requires 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, or 8 hanks (100 grams each) of yarn in colorway #1624 Salty Brine. This yarn choice provides excellent drape and breathability, making the finished cardigan suitable for warm-weather wear.

Needles required include straight needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm) for the main fabric and ribbing respectively. A 36" circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm)—or two sizes smaller than the gauge needle—is essential for working the neckline ribbing, which accommodates a large number of stitches. The pattern notes that very long straight needles may be substituted if a circular needle is unavailable. Two removable stitch markers assist in tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when working the Swiss Dot Pattern on the larger (size 7) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure proper finished measurements and fabric characteristics.