Berroco Fidelia Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Fidelia Cardigan: Intermediate Knit Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Fidelia is a fitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, available in eight sizes ranging from 32" to 60" bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction method where the body is worked in one piece to the underarms, then seamlessly joined with separately constructed sleeves to shape the yoke. The finished cardigan length ranges from 23½" to 26" depending on size, offering a classic, wearable silhouette. The cardigan closes with six ¾" buttons, making it a practical layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Techniques

Fidelia employs advanced knitting techniques that require intermediate skill. The sleeves are worked in the round from the cuff upward to the underarm, utilizing double-pointed needles for seamless construction. The body is knit flat in one continuous piece using circular needles, then joined with the completed sleeves in a yoke-shaping method. This approach eliminates seaming and creates smooth raglan-style decreases. Raglan decreases are marked with four different-colored stitch markers to track shaping progression. The pattern incorporates multiple stitch charts (Charts A through F) that create textured and patterned sections throughout the garment, requiring knitters to work from written instructions and charted stitch patterns simultaneously.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The foundation of Fidelia is Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which serves as the primary fabric base and creates a smooth, refined surface. The pattern integrates six distinct stitch charts (A, B, C, D, E, and F) that introduce cable work and textured stitch patterns. Ribbing, worked as K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) in the round, creates the cuff at the sleeve opening and measures 3" in length. The ribbing provides elasticity and a finished edge. Cable stitches are manipulated using a cable needle, adding dimensional texture and visual interest to specific sections of the cardigan. Each chart has its own gauge specification, indicating that the pattern sections vary in stitch complexity and density.

Yarn and Materials

Fidelia is designed to be knit with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural, a premium yarn that provides warmth and luxury. The yardage requirement ranges from 4 hanks (for the smallest size) to 8 hanks (for the largest sizes), with each hank weighing 100 grams. The specific colorway shown in the pattern is #62501 Sunflower Seeds, a natural-toned option that complements the sophisticated stitch patterns.

The needle requirements include:

• Two 29" circular needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm)
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm)
• One cable needle for manipulating cable stitches
• Twelve stitch markers, with four in a contrasting color for tracking raglan decreases
• Waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction
• One tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing
• Six ¾" buttons for the cardigan closure

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate finished measurements. The primary gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4" in Reverse Stockinette Stitch on larger needles. However, because the pattern incorporates multiple stitch charts with varying stitch densities, knitters must also check gauge over each chart section: Chart A measures 11 stitches = 1¾", Charts C and D measure 22 stitches = 3¼", Charts B and F measure 16 stitches = 2¾", and Chart E measures 27 stitches = 6½". Taking time to swatch and verify all gauge measurements before beginning ensures that the finished cardigan will have accurate bust and length measurements across all eight size options.