Shaw Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shaw Cardigan in Berroco Millstone Tweed

What is Being Made

The Shaw Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 34½" to 66½" bust measurement (closed), with finished lengths between 19¾" and 25". The cardigan is shown in size 38½" and features a button-front closure with five 1" buttons. The design accommodates approximately 2–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Technique

The Shaw Cardigan employs a strategic bottom-up construction method that maximizes efficiency and seamless integration. The body is worked in one continuous piece from the lower edge up to the underarms, eliminating the need for side seams in this section. The sleeves are then worked separately in the round using double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles. Once the sleeves reach the appropriate length, both sleeves and body are joined together at the underarm, and the yoke is completed in one piece. This construction approach reduces finishing work and creates a cohesive, well-integrated garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Shaw Cardigan incorporates stockinette stitch as its primary fabric base, which provides a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern also features decorative lace elements worked from a chart, with specific stitch sequences including yarn overs and decreases. Key decreases used include k2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit), which create paired decreases on either side of yarn overs. The lace pattern includes techniques such as sl 1, k2tog, psso (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over), which creates centered decreases. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and construction points.

Yarn and Materials

The Shaw Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Berroco Millstone Tweed, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for between 7 and 15 balls depending on size, with the sample shown using #11160 Sangria colorway. Millstone Tweed is a textured, tweedy yarn that adds visual interest and depth to the finished garment.

Needles and Notions

This project requires two sizes of circular needles to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics:

• 32" / 80 cm circular needle in size 7 / 4.5 mm
• 32" / 80 cm circular needle in size 9 / 5.5 mm

Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles or preferred needles for working small circumferences in both sizes 7 / 4.5 mm and 9 / 5.5 mm are needed for sleeve construction. The pattern also requires four stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, five 1" / 2.5 cm buttons for the front closure, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Gauge

Accurate gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 16 stitches and 24 rows equal 4" / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on the larger needle (size 9 / 5.5 mm). For the charted lace pattern, 7 stitches measure 1½" / 4 cm on the larger needle. All gauge measurements are taken after blocking. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit.

Difficulty Level

The Shaw Cardigan is rated as an intermediate skill level project. This designation reflects the combination of techniques required: working in the round, reading and executing a lace chart with yarn overs and decreases, managing multiple stitches on circular needles, and joining pieces seamlessly at the yoke. Knitters should be comfortable with basic increases and decreases, as well as chart reading, before beginning this project.