Berroco Ponente PDF

Berroco Ponente Cardigan by Donna Yacino

What is Being Made

The Ponente is a DK-weight cardigan designed by Donna Yacino for intermediate knitters. This garment features a classic button-front closure with seven ⅞" buttons and is available in seven sizes, ranging from 35½" to 62" finished bust measurement when closed. The cardigan is designed with approximately 4–6" of positive ease, making it suitable for layering over fitted garments. Finished length ranges from 23" to 25½" depending on size, offering a versatile silhouette for various body types and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

The Ponente is worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted from the lower edges upward. The design incorporates lace stitch work as a primary design element, creating an elegant, openwork texture throughout the garment. All pieces are seamed together after blocking, which provides structure and durability to the finished cardigan. This construction method allows for precise shaping and professional finishing details.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan employs stockinette stitch (St st) as a foundational stitch, with patterned stitch work (Pat St) incorporated as the primary design feature. The lace elements create visual interest and texture variation throughout the garment. Stitch markers are used during knitting to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all pieces.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Ponente is designed to be knitted with Berroco Remix Light yarn in the colorway #6927 Old Jeans. This DK-weight yarn requires 3 to 5 balls (100 grams each) depending on the size selected, with larger sizes requiring more yardage. The pattern calls for straight needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 4 (3.50 mm), with the larger needles used for the main fabric. Gauge is critical for this design: 24 stitches and 32 rows equal 4" in stockinette stitch on the larger needles after blocking, while 27 stitches and 32 rows equal 4" in the patterned stitch on the larger needles after blocking. Proper gauge checking before beginning the project is essential to ensure the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements.