Marianne Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Marianne Cardigan in Berroco Vellina

What is Being Made

The Marianne Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta. This garment is a versatile layering piece available in ten sizes, ranging from 32" to 68" bust circumference (81.5 cm to 172.5 cm). The cardigan features a flattering A-line silhouette and is designed to be worn with approximately 0–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The finished length ranges from 27" to 30" depending on size, making it a standard cardigan length suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Technique

The Marianne Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, worked in one continuous piece before being divided at the underarms. This seamless construction approach creates a cohesive garment with minimal seaming. The cardigan incorporates A-line shaping throughout the body, which creates a gently flared silhouette that flatters many figures. Shoulders are shaped using short-row techniques, a method that creates smooth, contoured shoulder caps without visible steps. Sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked downward, a technique that ensures proper fit and eliminates the need for traditional cap shaping. The cardigan is fastened with seven ¾" buttons, providing a classic closure that complements the garment's refined design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This intermediate knitting project utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic appearance. Moss stitch is also incorporated into the pattern, adding textural interest and visual depth to specific sections. Moss stitch, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, provides a denser, more structured fabric compared to stockinette. The combination of these two stitch patterns demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skills, requiring competency in basic stitch work and pattern reading.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Marianne Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Vellina yarn, a premium yarn choice that contributes to the cardigan's quality and drape. The project requires 6–9 balls of Berroco Vellina (100 g per ball) in colorway #5013 Camouflage, depending on the selected size. The yarn quantity ranges from 600 grams for the smallest size to 900 grams for the largest size.

Knitting needles required include a 32" circular needle in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 7 (4.5 mm), allowing knitters to work the body and sleeves comfortably. Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in sizes 5 and 7 are needed for working the smaller sections of the garment. A spare size 7 (4.5 mm) needle is required for the three-needle bind-off technique used to join shoulders.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured over 4" (10 cm). For moss stitch sections, the gauge is 20 stitches and 32 rows or rounds over 4" (10 cm) on the larger needles. Gauge must be measured after blocking to ensure accurate finished measurements. Knitters are strongly advised to check gauge before beginning the project to avoid potential sizing issues.

Additional Notions and Supplies

Beyond yarn and needles, the Marianne Cardigan project requires several additional supplies: waste yarn for holding stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points. Seven ¾" (19 mm) buttons are needed to complete the cardigan's button band closure.