Bryony Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Bryony Cardigan in Berroco Tillie

What is Being Made

The Bryony Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Alison Green. This garment is available in 11 sizes, ranging from 32½ inches to 72½ inches in finished bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a classic open-front construction with a length ranging from 16 to 21 inches depending on size. The design is shown in size 5 (48½ inches / 123 cm bust) and is meant to be worn with 2–4 inches of positive ease for comfortable fit.

Construction Technique

The Bryony Cardigan employs a practical one-piece construction method worked from the bottom up. The body is knitted flat to the underarm, at which point the piece is divided into three separate sections: left front, right front, and back. Each section is then worked separately to accommodate the shoulder shaping. After the body is complete, sleeves are picked up from the armholes and knit in the round down to the cuffs, creating seamless sleeve caps and a polished finish.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Bryony Cardigan features a repeating pattern stitch that works over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 9 additional stitches. The pattern stitch combines knit and purl stitches with yarn overs and slip stitches to create texture and visual interest. This stitch pattern is worked flat across the body sections, allowing for consistent patterning throughout the garment. The combination of these techniques creates a fabric with both structure and decorative detail suitable for an intermediate knitter.

Yarn and Materials

The Bryony Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Berroco Tillie yarn. Depending on the finished size, the pattern requires between 2 and 6 hanks of yarn (each hank weighs 100 grams). The recommended colorway shown in the pattern is #10981 Citron. Knitters will need 32-inch circular needles in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 6 (4 mm), as well as one set of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in the same sizes for working the sleeves in the round. Additional notions include waste yarn for holding stitches and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch when worked on the larger needles (size 6 / 4 mm). This gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important step for achieving accurate finished measurements. Knitters are strongly advised to knit and block a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their finished cardigan will be the correct size.