Berroco Maritsa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Maritsa Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Maritsa is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is available in seven sizes, ranging from 39" to 63" bust circumference (closed), with finished lengths between approximately 26" and 29½". The cardigan features a classic construction with set-in sleeves and includes functional patch pockets, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Techniques

The Maritsa cardigan employs a strategic combination of knitting techniques to create a well-fitted garment with minimal seaming. The body is worked bottom-up and flat on circular needles from the cast-on edge up to the underarms as a single continuous piece. This seamless approach to the body eliminates the need for side seams in the lower portion of the garment. Once the body reaches the armholes, it is divided into separate back and front sections to accommodate the armhole shaping and front opening.

The sleeves are constructed using a pick-up method, where live stitches are picked up around the armhole edges and then worked in the round using double-pointed needles. This circular construction for the sleeves creates a seamless tube from the armhole down to the cuff, enhancing both the comfort and the polished appearance of the finished cardigan.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Maritsa cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision. The ribbed edging at the lower body is created using a 2x2 rib pattern (alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches), which provides elasticity and helps the cardigan maintain its shape. This ribbed section measures 3" in length from the cast-on edge.

The primary fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves is worked in stockinette stitch (abbreviated as St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and a bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is the foundation of most fitted knitwear and provides an excellent canvas for showcasing yarn color and texture.

The pattern includes pocket linings constructed separately before being integrated into the garment. Each pocket lining is cast on with 18 stitches and worked in stockinette stitch for 5" before the live stitches are transferred to waste yarn for later attachment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Maritsa cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Vibe, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for 7 to 12 balls depending on the size being knitted, with the sample shown in size 39" requiring 7 balls in colorway #1537 Sunflower.

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles measuring 29" in length are used for the ribbed cuff sections, while size 10 (6.00 mm) circular needles of the same length are used for the main stockinette stitch body. Additionally, one set each of size 8 and size 10 double-pointed needles is needed for working the sleeves in the round after stitches are picked up from the armholes.

The recommended gauge for this project is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger (size 10) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Additional Notions and Finishing

• 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming sections
• Waste yarn or stitch holders to temporarily hold live stitches during construction

The Maritsa cardigan represents a well-designed intermediate project that combines multiple construction techniques—flat knitting, circular knitting, and strategic seaming—to create a polished, wearable garment with excellent fit and minimal bulk from seams.