Berroco Morton Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Morton Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Morton is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Donna Yacino. This garment is a classic cardigan construction available in eight sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 42 inches to 72 inches and a consistent length of 32½ inches across all sizes. The sample shown is knitted in size 50 inches with approximately 18 inches of ease, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its intermediate skill level. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming to join the pieces together. The bottom-up construction method means you begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Cable work is featured prominently in the design, with a cable chart that spans 31 stitches and measures approximately 5½ inches wide. The cables incorporate both increases and decreases—adding 4 stitches per repeat over rows 1–6, then decreasing 4 stitches per repeat over rows 25–32—creating dynamic shaping and visual interest. The finished pieces are seamed together, requiring careful attention to matching gauge and tension for professional results.

Stitches Used

The Morton cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns. Moss Stitch serves as the main fabric texture, creating a subtle, bumpy surface that provides excellent drape and visual depth. The pattern includes instructions for working Moss Stitch over both odd and even numbers of stitches, with a four-row repeat that alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence. Over odd stitch counts, the pattern alternates K1, P1 across rows, while over even stitch counts, the pattern shifts by one stitch on alternating rows. Cable stitches are worked according to a provided chart, requiring the use of a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture that defines the cardigan's visual appeal. The combination of these stitches creates a balanced design with textured interest without overwhelming complexity.

Materials

The Berroco Morton cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Mercado yarn, a worsted-weight yarn sold in 100-gram hanks. Yardage requirements range from 10 hanks for the smallest size (42 inches) to 16 hanks for the largest size (72 inches). The sample shown uses color #4153 Agua Marina, a blue-toned shade. Knitting is worked on size 10 (6.00 mm) needles or whatever size is necessary to achieve the required gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows equaling 4 inches in Moss Stitch. Additional notions required include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, 2 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points. Achieving proper gauge is emphasized as essential for accurate finished measurements.