Karla Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Karla Cardigan in Berroco Millstone Tweed

What Is Being Made

The Karla Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in ten sizes, ranging from 34" to 70" bust measurement (closed). The cardigan features a sophisticated construction with featured cable panels and is designed to be worn with 2–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The finished length ranges from approximately 24¼" to 29" depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Karla Cardigan employs a modern, efficient knitting construction method that minimizes seaming. Sleeves are worked in the round from the cuff upward to the underarms using double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles. The body is knitted in one piece from the bottom edge up to the underarms, creating a seamless lower section. Once the sleeves and body reach the underarms, all pieces are joined together to work the yoke in one continuous piece. This integrated yoke construction provides excellent fit and eliminates the need for traditional set-in sleeves, resulting in a more polished, professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary fabric of the Karla Cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The design features a prominent 21-stitch cable panel that measures 5" wide when worked to gauge. Cable stitches add textural interest and visual depth to the cardigan, making it an elegant choice for those seeking a garment with more visual complexity than basic stockinette. The pattern includes strategic use of stitch markers—12 total stitch markers are required, with 4 distinct markers designated specifically for tracking raglan shaping lines. Removable stitch markers are also recommended for marking pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Yarn and Needles

The Karla Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Millstone Tweed, a worsted-weight yarn in the colorway Library Oak (#11196). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 balls (50 g each) for the smallest size to 19 balls for the largest size. The pattern calls for two sizes of circular needles: size 7 (4.5 mm) needles and size 9 (5.5 mm) needles, both in 32" length for working the body and yoke. Additional size 7 and size 9 double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles are needed for working the sleeves in the round. A cable needle is required for manipulating cable stitches. Gauge is measured at 16 stitches and 24 rows per 4" in stockinette stitch using the larger (size 9) needle, measured after blocking. The 21-stitch cable panel measures exactly 5" wide at proper gauge.

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the Karla Cardigan requires seven ¾" (20 mm) buttons for the front closure, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming any necessary sections, and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF and has been copyrighted in the USA and Canada as of 2025. Berroco recommends using the specific yarn called for in the pattern instructions to ensure accurate gauge and finished measurements. The pattern notes that gauge should be checked carefully after blocking to save time and ensure the cardigan meets the intended finished dimensions.