Galba Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Galba Cardigan in Berroco Aurelia

What is Being Made

The Galba Cardigan is a knitted button-front cardigan designed by Mel Kennelly. This intermediate-level project is available in 11 sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 31¾ inches (81 cm) to 71¾ inches (182.5 cm) when closed. The cardigan features a classic silhouette with a recommended positive ease of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), allowing for comfortable layering. The finished length ranges from 19½ inches (49.5 cm) in the smallest size to 24 inches (61 cm) in the largest sizes, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Technique

The Galba Cardigan is constructed using a practical bottom-up method worked in one continuous piece. The knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward until reaching the underarm, where the piece is strategically divided to create separate sections for the back and front panels. This seamless construction method minimizes finishing work and creates a cohesive garment. After completing the body, sleeves are picked up directly from the body edges and worked downward in the round, a technique that eliminates the need for sleeve seams and ensures a smooth, professional finish. This construction approach is efficient and produces a well-fitted garment with minimal seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Galba Cardigan is Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, refined fabric with a subtle texture. The cardigan features an asymmetrical cable pattern as a design element, which measures 9 stitches wide and approximately 1½ inches (4 cm) in width. Knitters have the flexibility to work the Cable Pattern Stitch either by following written directions provided in the pattern or by using a corresponding stitch chart, accommodating different learning preferences and skill levels. The combination of Reverse Stockinette Stitch with cable detailing creates visual interest while maintaining the intermediate difficulty level.

Gauge and Needle Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Reverse Stockinette Stitch using the larger needles, measured after blocking. The 9-stitch Asymmetrical Cable should measure 1½ inches (4 cm) wide. Two sizes of circular needles are required: a 40-inch (100 cm) circular needle for working the body in the round, and a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle for working the sleeves. The pattern calls for size 6 (4 mm) and size 8 (5 mm) needles, though knitters should select the larger size to obtain the specified gauge. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Yarn and Materials

The Galba Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Aurelia, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern shown features Berroco Aurelia in colorway #11710 Powder Blue. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 balls for the smallest sizes to 9 balls for the largest sizes. Additional notions required include a cable needle for working the asymmetrical cable pattern, 4 stitch markers for marking pattern repeats and construction points, 4 removable stitch markers for tracking increases or pattern changes, waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction, and four 1-inch (25 mm) buttons for the button band closure. Berroco recommends using the specified yarn to ensure the pattern works as intended, though substitution is possible with careful gauge adjustment.