Berroco Gavell Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Gavell Lace Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Gavell is a women's open-front lace cardigan from the Berroco Summer Silk Spring 2018 Collection, designed by Alison Green. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated lace pattern and is available in seven sizes ranging from 34" to 58" bust measurement (closed). The finished lengths range from 25½" to 28½" depending on size. The cardigan is designed with 2–4" of ease, and the fronts meet but do not close, creating an elegant open-front silhouette.

Construction Technique

The Gavell employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length. The cardigan begins with the Left Front, followed by the Right Front, and then the Back piece. Shoulders are shaped using short rows for a custom fit. Once the front and back pieces are completed, they are joined and worked in one piece down to the lower hem, creating seamless integration. The design features a drop-shoulder style with underarm gussets, providing comfortable movement and a classic silhouette. Sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked downward to completion.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the body is stockinette stitch (St st), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. The cardigan features a lace pattern stitch that repeats over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3. The lace pattern is worked over 4 rows and includes yarn overs (yo) and a centered double decrease (CDD) to create openwork details. The pattern stitch rows alternate between knit and purl rows on the wrong side, with the lace motif appearing on right-side rows where the yarn overs and decreases create the characteristic eyelets and texture of lace knitting.

Materials Required

This project calls for Berroco Summer Silk yarn in colorway #4019 Archive. The yardage requirements vary by size: 5 balls for the smallest size (34"), increasing to 9 balls for the largest size (58"), with each ball weighing 50 grams. Needles required include 16" and 29" circular needles in size 7 (4.50 mm), along with one set of size 7 (4.50 mm) double-pointed needles for working smaller circumferences. Additional notions include stitch markers and waste yarn for holding stitches. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, and 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the pattern stitch.

Knitting Techniques

• Worked flat: The front and back pieces are initially worked flat on circular needles, allowing for easy shaping and pattern placement
• Worked in the round: Once fronts and back are joined, the body continues in the round down to the hem; sleeves are also worked in the round using double-pointed needles
• Lace knitting: The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create openwork lace motifs
• Short-row shaping: Used to contour the shoulders for a tailored fit
• Picking up stitches: Sleeves are created by picking up stitches from the armhole edges and working downward

Knitters are advised to check gauge carefully before beginning, as proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the lace pattern displays correctly.