Fryda Cardigan in Berroco Aerial and Ultra Wool - Downloadable PDF

Fryda Cardigan in Berroco Aerial and Ultra Wool

Garment Overview

The Fryda Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta. This versatile layering piece is constructed using a combination of two Berroco yarn weights held together, creating a fabric with interesting texture and visual depth. The cardigan features a button-front closure and is available in nine size options ranging from 37" to 69" bust measurement, with finished lengths between 19" and 23" down the center back.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The garment is worked using circular needles in the round for the body and sleeves, with double-pointed needles used for smaller circumferences. The construction method allows for seamless or minimal seaming, which is a hallmark of modern cardigan design. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the project. The design incorporates positive ease of 2–4 inches, providing comfortable wearing room over layering pieces.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Fryda Cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. This fundamental knit stitch is worked on the larger needles to establish the main fabric gauge. The cardigan utilizes stitch holders and waste yarn techniques to manage live stitches during construction, and incorporates shaping through increases and decreases to create the fitted silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

The Fryda Cardigan is designed to be worked with two yarns held together throughout, creating a blended fabric with combined characteristics:

• Berroco Ultra Wool in color #3305 Oat (C1): This yarn is used as the primary yarn component. Yardage requirements range from 3 to 7 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 100 grams.
• Berroco Aerial Color in color #34100 Monet (C2): This lighter-weight yarn is held together with the Ultra Wool throughout. Requirements range from 3 to 7 balls per project, with each ball weighing 25 grams.

The combination of these two yarns—an aran-weight and a DK-weight held together—creates the working gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles after blocking.

Needles and Notions

• Circular needles in sizes 7 (4.5 mm) and 9 (5.5 mm), with the 32-inch length accommodating the body circumference
• Double-pointed needles in both sizes 7 and 9 for working sleeves and other smaller circumferences
• Two stitch markers for tracking pattern and shaping
• Two stitch holders for managing active stitches
• Waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction
• Nine buttons measuring 5/8 inch for the front button band closure

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured on the larger needles with both yarns held together. This gauge is measured after blocking, making the blocking step an important part of the finishing process to achieve accurate finished measurements and proper drape of the completed cardigan.