Berroco Pinora Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Pinora Cardigan: Intermediate Knit Pattern

What is Being Made

The Berroco Pinora is a seamless cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction with the body worked flat and sleeves worked in the round, all joined together at the yoke for a polished, professional finish. The cardigan is available in eight sizes, ranging from 35½" to 63" bust measurement, with finished lengths between 25" and 27¾", making it suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Pinora employs a bottom-up construction method combined with both flat and circular knitting techniques. The sleeves are worked in the round from the cuff to the underarm using double-pointed needles, while the body is worked flat in a single piece up to the underarms. Once both sleeves and body reach the appropriate length, all pieces are seamlessly joined together to work the yoke in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a smooth, integrated fit across the shoulders and upper chest.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This cardigan is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (St st), the foundational stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates stripe detailing created through the strategic use of multiple yarn colors held together during knitting. The gauge is established at 21 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle after blocking, with yarn held double (one strand each of main color and contrast color combined).

Yarn Materials

The Pinora pattern calls for two distinct Berroco yarn products. Berroco Providence (50-gram balls) is used for the main color components, with three coordinating shades: #1130 Cliffwalk (MC1), #1108 Thayer (MC2), and #1107 Ives (MC3). Quantities vary by size, requiring between 3 to 5 balls each of the main colors. Berroco Aerial (25-gram balls) in #3423 Charcoal serves as the contrast color, with 4 to 7 balls needed depending on size. The pattern specifies holding one strand each of main color and contrast color together throughout construction, creating a blended, nuanced colorwork effect.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need a 29-inch circular needle in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 6 (4 mm), with the larger size used for the main fabric and the smaller size for ribbing or edge work. Additionally, one set of double-pointed needles in both sizes 5 and 6 is required for working the sleeves in the round. Essential notions include 2 stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches, 6 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn for securing stitches during the transition between sections.

Skill Level and Pattern Characteristics

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Pinora cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex garment construction. The pattern requires understanding of working in the round, managing multiple yarn strands, reading garment schematics, and executing seamless yoke construction. The recommended positive ease is 2 to 4 inches, allowing for comfortable wear with a close but not tight fit. Blocking after completion is essential to achieve the specified gauge and ensure accurate finished measurements.