Betta cardigan

Betta Cardigan by Neringa Ruke

Garment Overview

The Betta cardigan is a hip-length knitted sweater designed by Neringa Ruke, created to be simple, fast, and stylish. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a versatile layering piece suitable for wearing fitted with jeans or as a jacket over other garments. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4X, with the pattern shown in size L.

Construction and Design Features

The Betta cardigan is worked from the top down, beginning at the neckline and progressing downward to the hem. The garment features a V-neck collar with a separately constructed front band and V-neck finishing. This construction method means the front band and neck shaping are completed after the main cardigan body is finished, allowing for precise finishing details. The cardigan is a buttonless design, making it an easy pull-over style that requires no closures.

The most distinctive design element of the Betta cardigan is its long balloon sleeves, which are finished with rib stitch cuffs. These voluminous sleeves create a contemporary silhouette while the ribbed cuffs provide structure and a polished appearance at the wrists.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for knitters with some experience. The primary stitch used throughout the garment is rib stitch, which appears in the balloon sleeve cuffs and the front band finishing. Rib stitching creates vertical columns of texture that provide elasticity and a refined finish to the edges of the garment.

The top-down construction method used in the Betta cardigan requires knitters to work increases to shape the sleeve caps and body width as they progress downward from the neckline. This technique allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as it develops.

Yarn and Materials

The Betta cardigan is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn. The pattern sample shown uses BettaKnit Woolpaca, a blend of 50% baby alpaca and 50% wool. This fiber combination provides softness from the alpaca while the wool adds durability and structure to the finished garment.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• XS and S: 200g (7oz) or 4 balls; approximately 400m (436 yards)
• M and L: 250g (8.8oz) or 5 balls; approximately 500m (546 yards)
• XL and 2X: 300g (10.6oz) or 6 balls; approximately 600m (656 yards)
• 3X and 4X: 350g (12.3oz) or 7 balls; approximately 700m (765 yards)

The pattern was photographed in caramel and pearl colorways of BettaKnit Woolpaca yarn. Each ball contains 100 meters (109 yards) of yarn per 50 grams (1.8 ounces).

Pattern Format

The Betta cardigan is available as a downloadable PDF pattern from designer Neringa Ruke, whose independent design label has been creating knitting patterns since 2011. This format allows immediate access to the complete pattern instructions for knitting this intermediate-level cardigan.