Potager Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Potager Cardigan in Berroco Millefiori Light

What Is Being Made

The Potager Cardigan is a fitted, button-front cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level knitting project features a tailored silhouette with raglan armholes and is offered in eight sizes ranging from 33" to 54" finished bust measurements, with lengths between 22" and 24¾". The cardigan is designed with approximately 2–4" of ease for a comfortable, close-fitting wear. Five ¾" buttons secure the front closure.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key shaping techniques that define its elegant construction. The pattern begins with a garter stitch border for stability, then transitions to stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. Strategic decreasing creates the tapered waist—the knitter works 24 decrease rows on the right side at regular intervals to shape the lower body. After reaching the narrowest point at approximately 10" from the cast-on edge, the pattern reverses direction with increase rows worked every fourth row to build the bust area. The raglan armhole shaping is achieved through bind-offs at the beginning of rows, creating the distinctive diagonal seam lines characteristic of raglan construction.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (Garter ridges): Used for the initial 10-row border at the lower edge, providing a textured, non-curling foundation
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease used in the waist shaping
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease paired with k2tog for balanced decreasing
• M1L and M1R (make one left and make one right): Directional increases used during the bust expansion phase

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for Berroco Millefiori Light yarn in the colorway #6885 Lupin. Yardage requirements range from 3 to 6 balls (100 grams each) depending on the size selected. The recommended needles include straight needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm) for the main fabric, plus a 29" (or longer) circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) for finishing details such as neckbands and button bands. The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4" in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.