Braith Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Braith Cardigan in Berroco Andean Mist

What Is Being Made

The Braith Cardigan is a button-front cardigan designed by Emily Nora O'Neil, offered in seven sizes ranging from 32" to 56" bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project features a finished length between 18½" and 21" depending on size selection, with approximately 2–4" of ease built into the design for comfortable wearing.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Braith Cardigan employs a strategic construction approach that maximizes efficiency and fit. The body is worked in one continuous piece using circular needles up to the underarms, eliminating side seams in the lower garment. The sleeves are worked separately in the round using double-pointed needles, also to the underarms. Once the body and sleeves reach the underarm point, they are joined together and the yoke is worked as a single integrated piece. This method ensures seamless integration between the body and sleeves while maintaining consistent stitch patterns throughout.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Braith Cardigan is Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface. The garment features a Stripe Sequence worked consistently across the entire piece: 2 rows in the contrasting color followed by 2 rows in the main color, repeating these 4 rows throughout the garment for a coordinated striped effect. Ribbing is used at the cuff and hem areas to provide structure and elasticity, using a K1, P1 ribbing pattern on the smaller needle size.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Braith Cardigan is designed specifically for Berroco Andean Mist yarn. The main color (MC) is #6307 Nieve, requiring 4 to 7 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 25 grams. The contrasting color (CC) is #6386 Azul Profundo, requiring 2 to 4 balls depending on size. This two-color combination creates the signature striped pattern throughout the finished garment.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires 29" circular knitting needles in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm), with the smaller size used for ribbed sections and the larger size for the main fabric. Additionally, one set of four double-pointed needles in both sizes 4 and 6 are needed for working the sleeves in the round. The pattern calls for 4 stitch markers, 4 stitch holders, waste yarn for holding stitches, and 6 to 7 buttons measuring 1" in diameter for the front closure, depending on the size being made.

Gauge and Sizing

The specified gauge for the Braith Cardigan is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Reverse Stockinette Stitch when worked on the larger needle size following the Stripe Sequence. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and the pattern strongly recommends checking gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing discrepancies.