Bixby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Bixby Cardigan in Berroco Artesia & Providence

What is Being Made

The Bixby Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a sophisticated construction with overlapping front panels and is available in eight sizes, ranging from 39½" to 61" bust measurement (closed). The cardigan offers a modern silhouette with finished lengths varying from 23½" to 26¾" depending on size selection. The design incorporates positive ease of 2–4" for comfortable wearing.

Construction and Techniques

The Bixby Cardigan employs a contemporary knitting construction method that combines circular and flat 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 to the underarms. This modular approach allows the knitter to manage multiple sections before joining all pieces together for the yoke, which is then worked in one continuous piece to completion. This technique minimizes seaming and creates a seamless yoke integration.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Bixby Cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern is worked at a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needles. This gauge specification is critical for achieving accurate finished measurements and should be verified before beginning the project.

Yarn and Materials

The Bixby Cardigan calls for a sophisticated three-color yarn combination from Berroco:

• Berroco Artesia (100 grams per hank): Used as the main color (MC and MC2) in #4801 Morning Glory, requiring 2–3 hanks depending on size
• Berroco Providence (50 grams per ball): Used as contrast color 1 (CC1) in #1119 Water Fire, requiring 2–4 balls, and contrast color 2 (CC2) in #1115 Rosecliff, requiring 3–4 balls

The Artesia and Providence yarns are held together throughout the project to create the specified gauge and fabric characteristics. This technique of holding two yarns together allows for color blending and textural variation while maintaining structural integrity.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires the following needle sizes and notions:

• One pair of 32" (80 cm) or longer circular needles in size 8 (5 mm) for ribbing and initial setup
• One pair of 32" (80 cm) or longer circular needles in size 9 (5.5 mm) for the main stockinette stitch fabric
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 8 (5 mm) for sleeve ribbing and initial stitches
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.5 mm) for working sleeves in the round
• Six stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections
• Waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction

The circular needles accommodate the large stitch counts required for the body and yoke, while the double-pointed needles allow for seamless in-the-round sleeve construction. Proper needle selection ensures even tension and comfortable knitting throughout the project.