Keeler Cardi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Keeler Cardi in Berroco

What is Being Made

The Keeler Cardi is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Berroco Book #413. This garment is a classic cardigan sweater available in six sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 40 inches to 72 inches and lengths from 25¼ inches to 29¾ inches down the center back. The cardigan is designed with positive ease of 6–10 inches for a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for layering.

Construction Technique

The Keeler Cardi is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the garment is worked in separate pieces beginning at the hem and progressing upward. The body and sleeves are knitted as individual components before being joined together. A key structural feature of this cardigan is the use of short-row shaping at the shoulders, which creates a custom fit across the upper body by gradually increasing the number of stitches worked on successive rows. Once the shoulder shaping is complete, the front and back pieces are joined using the three-needle bind-off technique, a professional method that creates a secure, flat seam. After the main body is assembled, sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and worked downward to the cuffs. The hem and side edges are finished with an applied I-cord, a decorative and functional edging that adds a polished detail to the garment's perimeter.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Keeler Cardi is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and a bumpy texture on the wrong side. The pattern also incorporates knit-front-and-back increases (kfb), a common increase method used to shape the garment. Additional fundamental stitches include basic knit and purl stitches, which form the foundation of the construction. The I-cord edging uses a specialized technique for creating a tubular cord that is applied to the finished edges of the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Keeler Cardi is designed to be knitted with Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky yarn, a bulky-weight yarn that creates a substantial, warm fabric perfect for cooler seasons. The yardage requirement varies by size, with the smallest size requiring 8 balls (100 grams each) and the largest size requiring 16 balls, all in colorway #4329 Butternut, a warm, neutral tone.

The needle requirements include:

• One 29-inch circular needle in size 10½ (6.50 mm) for the main body pieces
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.50 mm) for smaller circumference areas
• One set of double-pointed needles in size 10½ (6.50 mm) for sleeve work
• One 40-inch or longer circular needle in size 9 (5.50 mm) for the neckband

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when working stockinette stitch on the larger (size 10½) needle. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining accurate finished measurements. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, removable markers or safety pins for tracking stitch placement, and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction.