Mallow Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Mallow Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Berroco

What Is Being Made

The Mallow Cardigan is an open-front cardigan designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment features a contemporary silhouette with approximately 2 inches of open space between the front edges, creating a relaxed, layered aesthetic. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from 36 inches to 64 inches bust measurement (closed), with finished lengths between 26 and 27.5 inches depending on size. The design accommodates 0 to 6 inches of positive ease, offering flexibility in fit selection.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several key techniques. The back and front pieces are worked flat on straight needles in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, classic fabric base. The pattern incorporates charted colorwork or textural elements that are integrated into the body of the garment. Stitch markers are used to establish and maintain pattern placement across the width of the piece. The construction method includes a circular knitting needle for working sections, demonstrating a hybrid approach to garment assembly. The pattern includes special instructions for managing double yarn overs, requiring knitters to purl the first yarn over and knit the second on subsequent purl rows, indicating the inclusion of lace or decorative eyelet details.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch throughout the cardigan, creating the smooth, flat fabric that forms the foundation of the garment
• Charted Pattern Stitches – A multi-row chart is worked over 89 stitches, integrated into the body sections
• Double Yarn Overs – Decorative increases that create openwork or lace elements within the pattern
• Purl Stitches – Used for reverse stockinette sections and for working the second yarn over in double yarn over sequences

Materials and Tools

The Mallow Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Linen Stonewash yarn, a linen-blend fiber available in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for 7 to 14 balls depending on size selection, with the sample shown in colorway #7370 Basalt. The original design was created using Berroco Maya in colorway #5635 Tierra, offering an alternative yarn option. Knitters will need size 8 (5.00 mm) straight needles for working the flat pieces and a 36-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) for sections requiring circular construction. Two stitch markers are required to track pattern placement. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.