Berroco Chamomile Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Chamomile Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Chamomile is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a top-down construction with overlapping fronts that create a forgiving, comfortable fit. The cardigan is available in multiple sizes ranging from 35" to 63½" bust measurement (closed), with finished lengths between 28" and 34" depending on size selection. The design showcases a classic cardigan silhouette with set-in sleeves and a full front band with collar worked as one continuous piece.

Construction Technique

The Chamomile cardigan employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length to personal preference. The yoke is shaped using raglan shaping techniques, creating smooth, tapered lines from neckline to underarm. Once the yoke reaches the appropriate width, stitches are divided to separate the body from the sleeves. The body is then worked downward in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming at the sides. Sleeves are worked separately in the round from the divided stitches, and the front bands along with the collar are picked up around the entire front and neck edge and worked as a single integrated piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Chamomile cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. This foundational stitch is worked on the larger needles and forms the main body of the garment. The pattern utilizes stitch markers to denote raglan increase lines and pattern sections, helping knitters maintain proper shaping throughout the yoke. The gauge for this project is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle size, making it essential to knit a gauge swatch before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Chamomile cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint, a 100-gram ball yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 balls for the smallest size (35" bust) to 14 balls for the largest size (63½" bust). The yarn shown in the pattern sample is colorway #33303 Mojito.

Needles and Notions: This project requires a combination of circular and double-pointed needles in two sizes. Knitters will need a 36-inch circular needle in both size 6 (4 mm) and size 8 (5 mm), used for different sections of the garment. A 16-inch circular needle in size 8 (5 mm) is used for working smaller circumferences. One complete set of double-pointed needles in both size 6 (4 mm) and size 8 (5 mm) is required for sleeve construction. Additional notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking raglan increases and pattern sections, and waste yarn to temporarily hold sleeve stitches while the body is being completed.

Difficulty Level and Recommendations

Rated as an intermediate project, the Chamomile cardigan is suitable for knitters with some experience in garment construction. The top-down raglan method requires understanding of increases and stitch manipulation, while the in-the-round construction using circular needles demands comfort with this technique. The pattern recommends 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable fit. The overlapping front panels provide a forgiving silhouette that accommodates various body shapes and sizing preferences, making this an accessible intermediate project for knitters ready to tackle structured garment shaping.