Berroco Yarden Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Berroco Yarden Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Yarden is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a classic button-front closure with six ¾" buttons and is available in nine size options, ranging from 35¾" to 72½" bust circumference. The cardigan is shown in a lavender colorway using Berroco Zinnia yarn and offers a finished length between 21" and 24½" depending on size selection.

Construction Techniques

The Yarden cardigan employs a practical bottom-up construction method that maximizes efficiency and fit customization. The body is worked in one continuous piece to the underarms using circular needles, then divided for the back and fronts and worked flat in rows to the shoulders. This seamless approach to the body creates a smooth, comfortable fit through the torso. The sleeves are worked in the round to the underarms using double-pointed needles, then the sleeve caps are worked back and forth in rows to create proper shaping at the shoulders. Seaming is used to join the various pieces together, providing structural integrity and a polished finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Yarden features a lace pattern stitch that adds visual interest and texture throughout the garment. When worked flat over an odd number of stitches, the pattern stitch follows a four-row repeat: Row 1 consists of knit stitches on the right side, Row 2 is purled on the wrong side, Row 3 incorporates yarn overs and knit-two-together decreases in a repeating sequence (K2, *k2tog, yo; rep from * to the last 3 sts, k3), and Row 4 is knit across. When the pattern is worked in the round over an even number of stitches for the sleeves, Rounds 1 and 2 are knit. This lace pattern creates an elegant, breathable fabric with subtle openwork details characteristic of refined knitwear design.

Yarn and Needles

The Yarden cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Zinnia yarn, a lightweight fingering-weight yarn that requires between 9 and 19 balls depending on the finished size (each ball weighs 50 grams). The pattern calls for color #7139 Lavender. Knitting needles include a 32" circular needle in both sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4 mm), as well as one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 5 and 6 for working the sleeves in the round. The larger needles are used to achieve the working gauge of 21 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in the pattern stitch. Additional notions include waste yarn for holding stitches, one stitch marker, and six removable stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Sizing and Fit

The Yarden offers generous sizing with recommended positive ease of 3 to 6 inches, allowing for comfortable layering and a relaxed silhouette. Bust measurements range from 35¾" through 72½" in nine graduated sizes, with corresponding length options from 21" to 24½". This range accommodates a wide variety of body types and preferences for garment length.