Ponente Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ponente Cardigan in Berroco Remix Light

What is Being Made

The Ponente Cardigan is a women's button-front cardigan designed by Donna Yacino. This intermediate-level knitting project features a classic cardigan silhouette with seven button closures. The finished measurements range from 35½ inches to 62 inches in bust circumference (closed), with length options from 23 inches to 25½ inches, accommodating multiple sizes. The design incorporates approximately 4–6 inches of ease for comfortable wearing.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suitable for knitters with some experience. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create a fitted, elastic border. The main body transitions to larger needles and features a decorative pattern stitch throughout. Key techniques include gauge checking before beginning (essential for proper fit), yarn overs for lace elements, and decreases worked as SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) to create the openwork pattern. The garment is shaped through strategic increases and decreases at the armholes, and finishing involves blocking to achieve final measurements.

Stitches Used

The Ponente Cardigan utilizes two primary stitch patterns:

• Rib Pattern: A multiple of 7 stitches plus 3, alternating knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat. Row 1 (right side) features p1, k1, p2, k2, p2 repeats, while Row 2 reverses these to k1, p1, k2, p2, k2. This ribbed edging is worked for 1 inch on smaller needles.
• Pattern Stitch: Also a multiple of 7 stitches plus 3, this stitch creates an openwork design. Row 1 (right side) consists of k3, followed by yo (yarn over), SSK, k2tog, yo, k3 repeats across. Row 2 establishes the structure with k1, p1, k1, then p4, k1, p1, k1 repeats. This creates a lace-like texture with paired decreases and yarn overs.

The pattern stitch is worked on larger needles after the ribbed border, creating visual interest and texture throughout the cardigan body.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: Berroco Remix Light, a 100-gram ball weight yarn in colorway #6927 Old Jeans. The pattern requires 3 to 5 balls depending on the finished size selected (3 balls for smaller sizes, increasing to 5 balls for the largest size).

Needles: Straight needles in two sizes are required. Size 3 (3.25 mm) needles are used for the ribbed edging, and size 4 (3.50 mm) needles are used for the main body. Knitters should use the larger needle size that produces the correct gauge, as gauge may vary.

Gauge: Achieving proper gauge is critical for this project. In stockinette stitch on larger needles after blocking, the gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches. In the pattern stitch on larger needles after blocking, the gauge is 27 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements.

Additional Notions: The cardigan requires stitch markers to track pattern repeats and seven ⅞-inch buttons for the front closure.