Berroco Carden Top Knitting Pattern

Berroco Carden Knit Top

What is Being Made

The Berroco Carden is an intermediate-level knit top designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is a versatile pullover available in nine size options, ranging from 33½" to 70" bust measurement. The finished back length varies from 22½" to 25½" depending on size selected, with the front cut approximately 1" shorter for a modern, slightly cropped silhouette. The pattern offers approximately 2–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Techniques Used

This knit top employs several intermediate-level construction techniques. The garment begins with a cast-on using the backwards loop method, which is worked flat rather than in the round despite the use of a circular needle. The pattern incorporates strategic increases worked using the backwards loop cast-on method across multiple rows to shape the body and create the desired silhouette. Stitch markers in different colors are used to track pattern repeats and shaping points. The pattern also utilizes waste yarn to hold stitches, a common technique for managing live stitches during construction or for later seaming and finishing work.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the main body of the garment. The pattern begins with a purl row on the wrong side to establish a textured hem edge. The backwards loop cast-on method is used multiple times throughout the initial shaping to add stitches incrementally, creating a structured increase pattern that shapes the garment's proportions.

Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Zinnia yarn in colorway #7131 Bay. Yardage requirements range from 5 to 11 balls depending on the size selected, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The recommended needle size is a 32" circular needle in size 6 (4 mm), or whatever size is necessary to achieve the required gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows over 4" in stockinette stitch. A size 3 mm (D) crochet hook is also required, likely for finishing details such as edging or seaming. Additional notions include two stitch markers in contrasting colors and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 21 stitches and 30 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning ensures that the finished measurements will be accurate. The pattern provides detailed finished measurements for bust and back length across all nine sizes, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired fit and ease.