Musselshell Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Musselshell Cardigan in Berroco Suede

What Is Being Made

The Musselshell Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed by Amy Palmer, offered in seven sizes ranging from 32" to 56" finished bust measurements. This intermediate-level garment features a classic cardigan construction with front button closures and is designed to be worn with finished bust measurements of 32(36-40-44-48-52-56)" and a length of 16(16-17-18-19-19½-20)" depending on size selection.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Musselshell Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 2x2 rib pattern to create a fitted edge. Strategic decreasing is incorporated throughout the body to shape the waist, with decreases worked every 8th or 10th row depending on size. Armhole shaping is accomplished through bind-off decreases at the beginning of rows, and the pattern includes separate shaping instructions for both the armhole and neckline on the front pieces. The construction uses both flat knitting on straight needles for the body pieces and circular needles for finishing edges.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — the primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• 2x2 Ribbing — worked at the lower edge to create elasticity and a fitted finish
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used for waist shaping
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) — a left-leaning decrease used for balanced waist shaping
• Bind Off — used to shape armholes and finish edges

Materials and Gauge

The Musselshell Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Suede, a yarn from Berroco, Inc. The yardage requirement varies by size, calling for 6(7-8-9-10-12-13) balls of Berroco Suede at 50 grams per ball in colorway #3763 Tombstone. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles. Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Needles and Notions

Two needle sizes are required to achieve the proper gauge and construction. Size 8 (5.00 mm) straight needles are used for the main body pieces worked in stockinette stitch. A 29" circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) is specified for finishing edges and ribbed sections. The pattern references additional notions typical of cardigan construction, though specific button quantities and other finishing details are referenced in the complete pattern booklet.

Pattern Notes

This is an intermediate-level pattern, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in shaping and garment construction. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as gauge accuracy directly affects the finished measurements and fit of the cardigan. The Musselshell Cardigan is part of Berroco's pattern collection and was published in 2016.