Caelum Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Caelum Cardigan in Berroco Gusto

What is Being Made

The Caelum Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with a finished bust measurement of 36(40-44-48-52-56-60)" and length of 26(26½-27-27½-28-28½-29)". The cardigan is designed with approximately 4–6" of ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Caelum Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The construction includes decreasing techniques such as k2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) to shape the waist and armholes. The pattern incorporates armhole shaping with bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases on right-side rows. The cardigan is worked in separate pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) that are later assembled, a standard construction method for structured garments. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches for later finishing, such as neckline and button band work.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Pattern Stitch (Pat St), which creates texture through an alternating sequence worked over an odd number of stitches. The Pattern Stitch consists of two rows repeated throughout:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): K1 (knit 1), then *p1 (purl 1), k1 (knit 1), repeat from * across the row
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit all stitches

This two-row repeat creates a subtle textured fabric with alternating knit and purl columns on the right side, adding visual interest while remaining accessible for intermediate knitters. The pattern also employs standard decreasing stitches (k2tog and SSK) for shaping, as well as bind-off techniques for armhole and neckline edges.

Materials

The Caelum Cardigan is knitted using Berroco Gusto yarn in the colorway #1985 Hornstone. Depending on the size selected, the pattern requires 8(9-9-10-11-12-13) balls of Berroco Gusto, with each ball weighing 100 grams. The yarn is worked on straight knitting needles in sizes 13 (9.00 mm) and 15 (10.00 mm), or whatever size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 12 rows equals 4 inches in Pattern Stitch on the larger needles. Additionally, 2 stitch holders are required for holding stitches during construction. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure proper finished measurements and fit.