Berroco Unadilla Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Berroco Unadilla Crochet Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Unadilla is an intermediate-level crochet cardigan designed by the Berroco Design Team, featured in Book #415. This garment is worked from the bottom up in a flat construction method and features elegant lace detailing throughout. The cardigan is available in eight sizes, ranging from a 36" bust (closed) up to 64", with finished lengths varying from 22½" to 26½" depending on size. The design is shown in size 40" and is recommended with 4–8" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key crochet techniques to achieve its finished design. The bottom-up construction method means the piece is worked starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the neckline and shoulders. The garment is worked flat, using rows rather than working in the round, which allows for easier shaping and seaming. Lace techniques are central to the Unadilla's aesthetic, creating openwork sections that add visual interest and breathability to the fabric. The cardigan uses a seamed construction, meaning individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are crocheted separately and then joined together with seams, a traditional approach that provides structure and clean finishing.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Unadilla features a distinctive Pattern Stitch that repeats over 12 stitches of the foundation chain. This stitch combines several fundamental crochet stitches to create the lace effect:

• Double crochet (dc) forms the structural foundation and edges of the pattern sections
• Chain stitches (ch), particularly chain-5 spaces, create the openwork lace elements
• Single crochet (sc) anchors the chain spaces and adds definition to the lace

The Pattern Stitch is worked over four rows that repeat continuously: a set-up row, followed by rows 2–4 which are then repeated throughout the garment. The stitch pattern creates a rhythmic openwork design where chain-5 spaces alternate with solid double crochet sections, building a balanced lace fabric. Although the actual stitch count varies across the rows of the pattern, each Pattern Stitch section is counted as 12 stitches for measurement and sizing purposes.

Materials: Yarn and Tools

The Berroco Unadilla is designed to be worked in Berroco Farro, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The project requires 9 to 17 balls depending on the finished size, with the sample shown in size 40" using an appropriate yardage for that size. The cardigan shown in the pattern is worked in #6421 Copper, a warm, rich colorway. A 4.00 mm (size G) crochet hook is recommended, though the pattern notes that you should use the hook size that helps you obtain the correct gauge. Removeable markers are also recommended as notions to help track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 16 double crochet stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches after blocking, and 12 stitches = 2 inches in the Pattern Stitch. The pattern instructions emphasize taking time to check gauge before beginning, as this ensures accurate finished measurements. Blocking is part of the finishing process and helps even out the lace pattern and set the fabric's final dimensions.