Liva Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Liva Cardigan in Berroco Topaz

What Is Being Made

The Liva Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a sophisticated construction method that combines geometric patchwork with fitted shaping. The cardigan is available in nine sizes, ranging from 34" to 70" bust circumference (closed), with a consistent length of 27" across all sizes. The finished cardigan is shown in size 34" with approximately 2–4" of positive ease recommended for comfortable wear.

Construction Technique

The Liva Cardigan employs a distinctive modular construction approach. The back panel is created first using three mitered cross square blocks that are sewn together, with each completed block measuring 9" square. After the back panel is established, the front pieces are cast on, and stitches are picked up along either side of the back panel to form the side seams. This innovative method allows the fronts and sides to be worked as one continuous piece rather than separately.

Shoulder shaping is accomplished through decreases worked down the top of the shoulders, echoing the miter shaping established in the back blocks. The body sides are then joined using a three-needle bind off worked on the wrong side. The sleeves are worked downward in the round, continuing the shaping established at the shoulders for visual and structural continuity. A hem is picked up from the body edge and worked before binding off. The collar is picked up last and worked for 6" in length.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Liva Cardigan is Garter Stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and durability. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, resulting in horizontal ridges on both sides of the fabric. The gauge for this pattern is 16 stitches and 32 rows over 4" in Garter Stitch on the larger needle, measured after blocking.

The mitered cross square blocks that form the back panel utilize decrease techniques to create the distinctive diagonal lines characteristic of mitered squares. These decreases are strategically placed to form the geometric pattern and are echoed in the shoulder shaping of the fronts and sleeves, creating visual harmony throughout the design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Liva Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Berroco Topaz, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for (6, 6, 7) [7, 8, 8, 9] {9, 10, 10} balls depending on size, in colorway #1218 Landscape. Berroco Topaz is the recommended yarn for this pattern to ensure proper gauge and finished measurements.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to achieve proper gauge and fabric texture. Size 6 (4 mm) circular needles are used for ribbed or edging sections, while size 8 (5 mm) circular needles are used for the main fabric in Garter Stitch. A 32" circular needle length is specified for working the body. Additionally, one set each of size 6 (4 mm) and size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles are needed for working the sleeves in the round. The pattern also requires 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, as well as waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Sizing and Fit

The Liva Cardigan is offered in nine sizes with finished bust measurements (closed) of 34", 38", 42", 46", 50", 54", 58", 62", 66", and 70". All sizes share a consistent finished length of 27". The pattern recommends 2–4" of positive ease, meaning the finished garment should measure 2–4" larger than your actual bust measurement for comfortable layering and movement.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Liva Cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The pattern requires competency with circular needle techniques, picking up stitches, three-needle bind offs, and working in the round. The mitered square construction and modular assembly process offer an engaging challenge while remaining accessible to experienced beginners.