Chara Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Chara Cardigan in Berroco Catena

What Is Being Made

The Chara Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Palmer. This garment is available in seven sizes, ranging from 36" to 60" bust (closed), with a finished length of 30" across all sizes. The cardigan features a classic construction with a structured fit and approximately 4" of ease built into the design.

Construction and Techniques

The Chara Cardigan employs a traditional flat-knit construction method for the body pieces. The back and front panels are worked flat from the bottom edge upward to the shoulders, which are then sewn together. Once the shoulder seams are complete, sleeves are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round down to the cuffs. This mixed approach—combining flat knitting for the body with circular knitting for the sleeves—is a common technique in garment construction that provides both structural stability and comfortable sleeve shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Chara Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Ribbed Stitches: The garment begins with a 3" ribbed cuff at the lower edge, created using alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib). This elastic ribbing helps the cardigan sit snugly at the hem.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Chara Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Catena yarn, a premium fiber option from Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for two colors: #5492 Monet (main color) and #5434 Obsidian (contrast color). Yardage requirements vary by size, with the main color ranging from 7 to 12 balls (50 grams each) and the contrast color requiring 4 to 5 balls, depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the garment:

• 29" Circular Needles: Available in sizes 9 (5.50 mm) and 11 (8.00 mm), used for working the flat body panels
• 16" Circular Needle: Size 11 (8.00 mm), used for working sections with fewer stitches
• Double-Pointed Needles: One set each of sizes 11 (8.00 mm) and 9 (5.50 mm), used for working the sleeves in the round and for sections where circular needles become impractical due to stitch count
• Stitch Marker: One marker to help track pattern repeats and construction points

Gauge and Sizing Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger (size 11) needle. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the cardigan to ensure accurate fit across all seven available sizes. The pattern notes that taking time to check gauge will save time during construction and ensure the finished garment fits as intended.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Designated as an intermediate skill level, the Chara Cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches, gauge checking, and garment assembly techniques. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions and notes that as decreases are worked, knitters should transition from circular needles to double-pointed needles when there are too few stitches to fit comfortably on the circular needle. This adaptive approach ensures comfortable working conditions throughout the project.