Maritsa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Maritsa Cardigan in Berroco Vibe

What is Being Made

The Maritsa Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is available in seven sizes, ranging from 39" to 63" bust measurement (closed), with finished lengths between approximately 26" and 29½" depending on size. The cardigan is shown in the smallest size with approximately 4" of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting layer piece.

Construction Technique

The Maritsa Cardigan uses an efficient one-piece construction method for the body. The garment is worked flat to the underarms in a single continuous piece, then divided into separate back and front sections. Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round down to the cuffs, eliminating the need for seaming on the sleeves. This hybrid approach combines the simplicity of flat knitting with the seamless advantages of circular knitting, reducing finishing work while maintaining structural integrity.

The pattern includes pocket linings that are worked separately before being integrated into the body. Two pocket linings are created by casting on 18 stitches and working even in stockinette stitch for 5" before the stitches are held on waste yarn for later attachment.

Stitches Used

The Maritsa Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for intermediate knitters:

• Ribbing (2x2 rib): Used for the body cuff and structural shaping. The set-up rib alternates purl 2, knit 2 across the row, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and a finished appearance.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric throughout the garment, including the body, sleeves, and pocket linings. This classic stitch creates a smooth, flat surface on the right side with a bumpy texture on the wrong side.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Maritsa Cardigan is designed specifically for Berroco Vibe yarn in the colorway #1537 Sunflower. Berroco Vibe is a worsted-weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The pattern requires 7 to 12 balls depending on the finished size selected, with larger sizes requiring proportionally more yardage.

The pattern calls for two sets of circular needles and one set of double-pointed needles in complementary sizes to manage gauge and construction:

• Size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles: 29" length, used for the ribbed cuff sections where a smaller gauge creates elasticity and structure.
• Size 10 (6.00 mm) circular needles: 29" length, used for the main body and stockinette stitch sections where a slightly larger gauge creates the proper fabric drape.
• Size 8 and 10 (5.00 mm and 6.00 mm) double-pointed needles: One complete set of each size, used for working the sleeves in the round from the armholes to the cuffs.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger (size 10) needles. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan's finished measurements depend on consistent stitch and row gauge. The pattern includes standard notions such as 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn for holding stitches during the transition between body and sleeves.

The pattern note emphasizes that the body is seamed after completion, and knitters are advised to download the most recent version of the pattern PDF to ensure they have any corrections or updates incorporated by the designer and Berroco, Inc.