Piave Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Piave Cardigan in Berroco Aero

What Is Being Made

The Piave Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment features a classic cardigan construction with ribbed edging and is available in six sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches in bust measurement when closed. The finished length varies from 29 inches in the smallest size to 32 inches in the largest size. The cardigan shown in the pattern is displayed in size 36 inches with approximately 4 inches of ease, making it a comfortable, wearable fit.

Techniques Used

The Piave Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern uses ribbed edging at the lower edge and cuffs, created with alternating knit and purl stitches to provide structure and elasticity. Shaping through decreasing is incorporated into the back piece, with decreases worked every 10 rows to create a fitted silhouette at the waist. Increasing stitches is also employed to add width in the upper body section, again worked every 10 rows. The pattern includes stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping rows, and uses a slip stitch technique (noted as "sl 2 wyif," meaning slip 2 stitches with yarn in front) for finished edges.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric that forms the main body of the cardigan. This stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture. Ribbing is used for the cuffs and lower band, alternating knit 2, purl 2 (K2, P2) across the row to create vertical columns of texture. Shaping is accomplished using knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) for decreases, which are paired decreases that lean in opposite directions for a balanced appearance. Make 1 Right (M1R) and Make 1 Left (M1L) increases are used to add stitches while maintaining the integrity of the fabric.

Materials

The Piave Cardigan is knitted using Berroco Aero yarn, a lightweight yarn that comes in 50-gram cakes. The colorway shown in the pattern is #8012 Stratus. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (32 inches) requires 4 cakes, while the largest size (52 inches) requires 7 cakes of yarn. Two sizes of knitting needles are required: size 11 (8.00 mm) needles for the ribbed sections and size 13 (9.00 mm) needles for the main body worked in Stockinette Stitch. The pattern specifies that needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include 1 stitch marker and 2 stitch holders for managing stitches, plus a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches when worked in Stockinette Stitch on the larger (size 13) needles. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, and knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper fit. The pattern notes that checking gauge before starting will save time and ensure accurate measurements throughout the construction process.