Berroco Bixby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Bixby Cardigan: Seamless Knit Design

Garment Overview

The Bixby is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, featuring a modern seamless construction that combines flat and circular knitting techniques. This cardigan is worked primarily from the bottom up, with sleeves and body components strategically joined at the yoke for a polished, professional finish. The finished bust measurements range from 39½ inches to 61 inches (100.5 cm to 155 cm) with recommended positive ease of 2–4 inches, making it adaptable to various body types. Length options span from 23½ inches to 26¾ inches (59.5 cm to 68 cm), providing versatility in proportions.

Construction Techniques

The Bixby employs a sophisticated hybrid construction method that showcases advanced knitting techniques. The sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles, extending to the underarm before being set aside. The body is simultaneously worked flat in a single piece using circular needles, also extending to the underarm. This strategic approach allows the knitter to manage multiple components efficiently. Once both sleeves and body reach the underarm, all pieces are joined together and the yoke is worked in one continuous piece in the round to completion. This seamless yoke construction eliminates the need for seaming and creates clean, professional-looking shoulder lines.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Bixby is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape. The pattern calls for working with two yarn strands held together—combining Berroco Artesia and Berroco Providence—to achieve the specified gauge and create visual interest through color work. The use of multiple yarn colors (Morning Glory as the main color, with Water Fire and Rosecliff as contrasting colors) suggests potential colorwork or striping elements within the stockinette base.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Requirements: The Bixby utilizes three distinct Berroco yarns to create its finished fabric. Berroco Artesia (100 grams per hank) serves as the primary yarn, with quantities ranging from 2 to 3 hanks depending on size, in colorway #4801 Morning Glory. Berroco Providence (50 grams per ball) is used as a complementary yarn, held together with Artesia to achieve proper gauge. Providence is required in two colorways: #1119 Water Fire (2–4 balls depending on size) and #1115 Rosecliff (3–4 balls depending on size). This two-yarn combination held together creates a fabric with a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger needles.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in sizes 8 (5 mm) and 9 (5.5 mm), with the smaller size used for ribbing or edge work and the larger size for the main fabric. A 32-inch (80 cm) or longer circular needle accommodates the body width. Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 8 and 9 is needed for working the sleeves in the round. Six stitch markers aid in tracking pattern repeats and construction points, while waste yarn is essential for holding stitches when pieces are set aside during construction.

Skill Level and Gauge

Rated as an intermediate project, the Bixby requires solid foundational knitting skills including comfort with circular needle techniques, working in the round, and managing multiple yarn strands. Achieving the correct gauge—15 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles with both yarns held together—is critical for proper fit and is strongly emphasized in the pattern instructions.