Berroco Easton Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Easton Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Easton is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is available in ten sizes, ranging from a 35" bust measurement up to 62", with finished lengths between 21½" and 24½" depending on size selection. The cardigan features a classic construction with functional pockets and is worked primarily in garter stitch for a textured, reversible fabric.

Construction Method

The Easton cardigan uses an efficient one-piece construction technique for the body. The body is knitted flat in one continuous piece from the cast-on edge up to the underarms, where it is then divided to create separate sections for the back and front panels. This approach minimizes seaming and creates a seamless transition from the lower body to the armhole shaping. Sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles up to the underarms, after which the sleeve caps are completed by working in rows. This hybrid construction method combines the advantages of circular knitting for the sleeve body with traditional flat knitting for shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

Primary Stitch: Garter stitch forms the foundation of this design. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, producing a reversible fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. This textured stitch is worked consistently throughout the body and sleeves, creating visual interest and a sturdy fabric suitable for a cardigan.

Pocket Construction: Pockets are integrated into the garment using a slip-stitch technique combined with the backwards-loop cast-on method. Stitches are slipped onto waste yarn to hold them temporarily, then new stitches are cast on using the backwards-loop method to create the pocket opening. This technique allows for clean, functional pockets without disrupting the overall stitch pattern.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Gingham yarn in the colorway Jasmine (#3106). Yarn quantity ranges from 3 balls for the smallest size (35" bust) to 6 balls for the largest size (62" bust), with each ball weighing 100 grams. Berroco Gingham is the recommended yarn for this pattern.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires multiple needle sizes and types to accommodate different sections of the garment:

• 16" circular needle in size 11 (8.00 mm) for the body ribbing or initial cast-on
• 29" circular needle in size 11 (8.00 mm) for the main body knitting
• 29" circular needle in size 10 (6.00 mm) for ribbed edging or finishing
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 11 (8.00 mm) for working sleeves in the round
• 4 stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and construction points
• Waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during pocket construction and other shaping

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches when worked in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining accurate finished measurements. The pattern recommends 2–4 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement should be 2–4 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for comfortable fit and movement.

Skill Level

Designated as intermediate difficulty, the Easton cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction techniques. The pattern requires understanding of circular needle work, working in the round, gauge measurement, and basic shaping methods. The one-piece body construction and pocket integration provide good practice in intermediate garment-making techniques without excessive complexity.