Berroco Spencer Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Spencer Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Spencer is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in multiple sizes ranging from 36" to 68" bust circumference (91.5 cm to 172.5 cm). The finished length varies from 20½" to 24¼" (52 cm to 61.5 cm) depending on size selected. The cardigan is shown in a size 40" (101.5 cm) bust with recommended positive ease of 2–4" (5–10 cm).

Techniques Used

The Spencer cardigan employs several key construction techniques. The garment is worked flat on circular needles without joining in the round. It is constructed bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders. The cardigan uses a seamed construction, with separate pieces joined together. The body is worked in one continuous piece to the underarms, then divided for the back and front panels. Sleeves are worked flat as separate pieces and later seamed to the body. The collar is picked up around the front and neck edges and worked in one piece to complete the garment.

Stitches Used

The Spencer cardigan features two primary stitch patterns. The lower edge begins with Garter Stitch, which is worked for 5" (12.5 cm) and creates a textured, reversible fabric ideal for edging. The main body and sleeves are worked in Stockinette Stitch (St st), the most fundamental knit stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinct right and wrong side.

Materials and Gauge

The Spencer cardigan is designed to be knitted with two yarns held together throughout the entire project. The primary yarn is Berroco Sesame, a yarn requiring (5, 6, 7) [7, 8, 9] {9, 10, 10} balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 100 grams. The secondary yarn is Berroco Aerial, requiring (4, 5, 5) [6, 6, 7] {7, 8, 8} balls per project, with each ball weighing 25 grams. The pattern shown uses #7457 Chestnut Sesame and #3444 Copper Aerial held together.

Needles required include 29" (73.5 cm) circular needles in both size 6 / 4 mm and size 8 / 5 mm, or sizes adjusted to obtain correct gauge. The smaller needles are used for the Garter Stitch edging, while the larger needles are used for the main Stockinette Stitch body. Additional notions include waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch on the larger needles with both yarns held together. Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure measurements are correct.