Berroco Mariette Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Mariette Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Mariette is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is a button-front cardigan available in nine sizes, ranging from 35¾ inches to 72½ inches in bust measurement (closed). The cardigan features a classic construction with finished lengths ranging from 20 inches to 23½ inches, offering a versatile fit suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction and Techniques

The Mariette cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The body is worked in one piece to the underarms, creating a seamless foundation before being divided into separate back and front sections. Once divided, the back and fronts are worked flat in rows to the shoulders, allowing for shaping and button band placement.

The sleeves showcase a different approach: they are worked in the round to the underarms using double-pointed needles, creating a tubular construction. The sleeve caps are then worked in rows to complete the armhole shaping. This mixed construction technique—combining circular knitting with flat knitting—is characteristic of modern cardigan design.

The cardigan features a seamed construction, meaning pieces are joined together using traditional seaming methods for durability and a polished finish. The design incorporates horizontal stripes throughout, created using Stripe Sequence A, which alternates between two colors in a four-row repeat pattern (two rows of one color, two rows of a second color).

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in the Mariette cardigan is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional knitwear. Stockinette stitch consists of alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, producing the familiar V-pattern texture. This fundamental stitch is worked at a gauge of 21 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches using the larger needles, ensuring proper fit and fabric drape.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Mariette cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Arno yarn, a premium yarn option from Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for three coordinating colorways: #5003 Biscotti (C1), #5096 Dulce de Leche (C2), and #5002 Cream (C3). Each ball of Berroco Arno weighs 50 grams, with yardage requirements varying by size. For example, the smallest size requires 2 balls of Biscotti, 5 balls of Dulce de Leche, and 2 balls of Cream, while the largest size requires 5 balls of Biscotti, 11 balls of Dulce de Leche, and 3 balls of Cream.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires a 32-inch circular needle in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm), allowing knitters to choose the appropriate size based on their gauge swatch. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings or cuffs, while the larger needles are used for the main body fabric to achieve the specified gauge. Additionally, knitters will need one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 5 and 7 for working the sleeves in the round.

Finishing notions include stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches during construction, six ¾-inch buttons for the front closure, and six removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process.

Sizing and Fit

The Mariette cardigan is designed with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement is 2 to 4 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement. This ease allows for comfortable layering and movement while maintaining a flattering silhouette. The nine available sizes provide comprehensive coverage for different body types, with bust measurements from 35¾ inches to 72½ inches.