Galba Cardigan in Berroco Aurelia - Downloadable PDF

Galba Cardigan in Berroco Aurelia – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Galba Cardigan is a beautifully structured knitted cardigan designed by Mel Kennelly and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern offers an impressive size range spanning 11 sizes, making it accessible to a wide variety of body types. The finished bust measurement (closed) ranges from 31¾ inches (81 cm) up to 71¾ inches (182.5 cm), with a recommended positive ease of approximately 4–6 inches (10–15 cm). The sample shown is knitted in size 3 at 39¾ inches (101.5 cm) with approximately 6 inches of positive ease, giving the garment a relaxed, comfortable silhouette.

About the Garment

The Galba Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan with a polished, wearable design suited to everyday wear. Its finished length ranges from 19½ inches to 24 inches depending on the size chosen, making it a cropped-to-hip-length layering piece. The cardigan features four 1-inch (25 mm) buttons for closure, lending it a clean, tailored finish. With its combination of textural stitch work and structured shaping, this is a project that rewards knitters who are ready to move beyond basic construction and explore more refined techniques.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Aurelia, a worsted weight yarn sold in 100 g balls. The colorway used in the sample is #11710 Powder Blue, a soft and elegant shade that complements the cardigan's refined aesthetic. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 5 and 9 balls of Berroco Aurelia, making it a moderately yarn-intensive project.

• Yarn: Berroco Aurelia, worsted weight, 100 g balls
• Colorway shown: #11710 Powder Blue
• Yarn quantity: (5, 5, 5, 6) [6, 7, 7] {8, 8, 9, 9} balls depending on size

Needles and Notions

The Galba Cardigan requires both 40-inch (100 cm) and 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles in two sizes: US size 6 (4 mm) and US size 8 (5 mm), or whichever size is needed to achieve the correct gauge. Using two needle sizes is common in garment knitting — the smaller needle is typically used for ribbing, borders, and finishing details, while the larger needle handles the main body fabric, ensuring proper drape and stitch definition.

In addition to needles and yarn, knitters will need the following notions:

• Cable needle (cn) — essential for working cable crossings
• 4 stitch markers — for tracking pattern sections and shaping points
• 4 removable stitch markers — for flexible placement during construction
• Four 1-inch (25 mm) buttons — for the front button band closure
• Waste yarn — for holding stitches during construction

Techniques and Stitches Used

Rated as an intermediate knitting pattern, the Galba Cardigan incorporates a range of techniques that go beyond basic knit-and-purl construction. The inclusion of a cable needle in the notions list confirms that the pattern features cable knitting, one of the most beloved and visually striking techniques in the knitting craft. Cables are created by temporarily placing stitches on a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then knitting them in a reordered sequence — producing the signature twisted rope or braid effect that adds dimension and texture to the fabric.

The use of circular needles in two lengths suggests that portions of the garment — such as sleeves or neckline edging — are worked in the round, while the longer circular needle accommodates the full