Medellin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Medellin Cardigan in Berroco Mykonos

What Is Being Made

The Medellin Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is constructed in two separate pieces that are joined at the center back, creating a sophisticated layering piece. The cardigan is available in six sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 36" to 60" (closed), and lengths from 21½" to 24½". The design incorporates approximately 4–6" of ease, allowing for comfortable wearing over other garments.

Construction Techniques

The Medellin Cardigan employs a distinctive two-piece construction method, with both the right and left sides starting at the sleeve cuffs and worked toward the center back. This technique allows for symmetrical shaping and controlled increases. Once both pieces are completed, they are joined using a 3-needle bind off at the center back, a professional finishing technique that creates a strong, invisible seam. The front, neck, and cuff edges are finished with an applied I-Cord, adding a refined detail that frames the cardigan opening and provides structure to the edges.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Medellin Cardigan is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked on the right side using M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right) techniques. These increases are spaced at regular intervals—every 4th row, every 6th row, or every 8th row depending on the size—to create gradual, even sleeve cap shaping. The I-Cord edging is worked separately and applied to finished edges, a technique that requires additional needlework but creates a polished, professional finish.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Medellin Cardigan is designed specifically for Berroco Mykonos yarn in color #8541 Hestia. Berroco Mykonos is a 50-gram skein yarn, and the pattern requires 8 to 15 hanks depending on the finished size selected. Knitting needles required include a 29" circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) for the main body and sleeves, a spare circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) or smaller for holding stitches, and two double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 3 (3.25 mm) for the I-Cord edging. Waste yarn is needed to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning the project. The cardigan's construction begins with sleeve cuffs worked flat (not in the round), with increases worked on right-side rows to shape the sleeve cap. Each sleeve is worked to 14" from the cast-on edge before transitioning to the body section. The finished edges receive the applied I-Cord treatment, which requires working the cord on smaller needles and attaching it to the completed edges for a refined, boutique-quality appearance.