Berroco Keeler Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Keeler Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Keeler is a seamed cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Book #413. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic cardigan with a fitted silhouette achieved through strategic shaping. The cardigan is available in six sizes, ranging from a 40" bust (closed) up to 72", with finished lengths varying from 25¼" to 29¾" down the center back. The garment is shown in the smallest size (40") and is designed with 6–10" of positive ease for comfortable wearing.

Construction Techniques

The Keeler cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward. The garment is worked flat in pieces rather than in the round for the main body sections, allowing for easier shaping and seaming. Key shaping techniques include:

• Short-row shaping used to contour the shoulders, creating a more fitted neckline and professional shoulder line
• 3-needle bind-off to join the shoulder pieces together securely
• Picked-up sleeves that are worked downward from the armhole after the body is complete
• Applied I-cord finishing on the hem and sides for a polished, professional edge

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Keeler cardigan is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (St st), the foundational stitch pattern that creates the smooth, classic look characteristic of traditional cardigans. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked at the beginning and end of rows on the right side, with the pattern noting "Inc Row (RS): K2, kfb, knit to the last 3 sts, kfb, k2—2 sts inc'd." These increases are repeated to build the necessary width. The garment also features a purl row at the beginning for texture variation and uses standard knitting abbreviations including knit (k), knit front and back (kfb), and working even.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Keeler cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky, a substantial yarn that creates a warm, durable fabric. Yardage requirements range from 8 balls (for the smallest size) to 16 balls (for the largest size), with each ball weighing 100 grams. The sample shown uses colorway #4329 Butternut, a warm neutral tone.

The needle requirements include:

• One 29" circular needle in size 10½ (6.50 mm) for the main body—this is the larger needle used to achieve the working gauge
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.50 mm) for sleeve work
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 10½ (6.50 mm) for sleeve work
• One 40" or longer circular needle in size 9 (5.50 mm) for the neckband

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming, removable markers or safety pins for tracking stitch placement, and waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle (size 10½). Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit, as the finished measurements depend on accurate stitch and row counts. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the cardigan will fit as intended.