Berroco Sorcar Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Sorcar Cardigan: Lace Knit Design

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Sorcar is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Alison Green. This garment features elegant lace patterning throughout and is available in 12 different sizes, ranging from 36 inches to 69 inches bust measurement (91.5 cm to 175.5 cm). The cardigan is designed to be worn with 2 to 6 inches of positive ease, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction and Techniques

The Sorcar cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat for the body sections, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and lace pattern work. The body is knitted in one continuous piece from the bottom up to the underarm, where it is then divided into three separate sections: left front, right front, and back panel. Each of these sections is completed independently to the shoulder line.

The sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and worked in the round using double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles, creating seamless sleeve caps. The cardigan features seamed construction where necessary to join the divided body sections. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of flat knitting for lace pattern clarity with in-the-round construction for efficient sleeve completion.

Stitches and Lace Patterns

The primary stitch pattern featured in this cardigan is lace, which creates an openwork, decorative fabric with yarn overs and decreases forming geometric designs. The lace pattern is worked flat across the body of the garment. In addition to the lace sections, the cardigan incorporates 2x2 rib stitch pattern, which provides structure and elasticity, likely used for cuffs, waistband, and button bands where a fitted, stretchy fabric is desirable.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Mistico yarn in the colorway #2546 Imaginary. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 balls to 8 balls of Berroco Mistico, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The yarn choice creates a beautiful drape suitable for lace work while maintaining stitch definition.

Knitting needles in two sizes are required: size 4 / 3.5 mm needles for the ribbed sections and size 6 / 4 mm needles for the lace pattern work. The pattern also requires one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction. Blocking after completion is essential, as gauge measurements are taken post-blocking.

Gauge and Fit Information

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this intermediate project. The lace pattern gauge is 16 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on the larger size 6 / 4 mm needles. The ribbed sections have a tighter gauge of 19 stitches and 33 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on the smaller size 4 / 3.5 mm needles. Gauge is measured after blocking to account for the lace pattern's final dimensions.

Finished measurements range from 36 inches (91.5 cm) to 69 inches (175.5 cm) in bust circumference when closed, with lengths varying from 19¼ inches (49 cm) to 23¾ inches (60.5 cm) depending on size selection. The pattern is shown in the 39-inch (99 cm) size.