Kalona Cardigan in Berroco Ultra Wool Fine - 403-1 - Downloadable PDF

Kalona Cardigan in Berroco Ultra Wool Fine – Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Kalona Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco as part of Booklet #403. This elegant cardigan is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters ready to cast on. With eight size options spanning a finished bust measurement of 35½ to 58½ inches and a length ranging from 19¾ to 23½ inches, the Kalona Cardigan is designed to flatter a wide range of body types. The sample shown is knit in size 38½ inches with approximately 3 inches of ease, giving it a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Construction and Techniques

The Kalona Cardigan is constructed bottom-up, beginning at the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pattern combines both seamless and worked flat methods, meaning portions of the garment are knit in the round while other sections are worked back and forth in rows. This hybrid approach is common in contemporary cardigan construction, allowing the body to be worked efficiently while front bands and other flat sections are shaped with precision.

• Bottom-up construction: The garment begins at the cast-on edge and builds upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as they go and adjust length easily.
• Worked in the round: Circular knitting is used for seamless sections, reducing finishing work and creating a smooth, even fabric.
• Worked flat: Certain sections are knit back and forth in rows, typical for cardigan fronts and other shaped areas.
• Lace: Decorative lace detailing is incorporated into the design, adding delicate texture and visual interest to the finished cardigan.

Stitches Used

The primary fabric of the Kalona Cardigan is worked in Stockinette stitch, which forms the smooth, classic knitted surface used as the gauge reference — 24 stitches and 32 rows to 4 inches. In addition, lace stitches are featured as a design element, typically involving yarn-overs and decreases to create an open, airy pattern. Knitters comfortable with reading lace charts or written lace instructions will find this pattern a rewarding challenge at the intermediate level.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Berroco Ultra Wool Fine, a high-quality 4-ply (fingering/sport weight) yarn sold in 100-gram skeins. The colorway used in the sample is #53147 Stonewashed, a soft, muted tone that complements the delicate lace detailing beautifully. Depending on the size being knit, the pattern calls for 3 to 5 balls of yarn, making it a relatively economical project even in larger sizes.

• Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool Fine, 100g skeins, color #53147 Stonewashed
• Needle size: US Size 5 (3.75 mm), 40-inch circular needle
• Double-pointed needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm), one set, for working smaller circumferences such as sleeves or cuffs
• Notions: Stitch markers

Who Is This Pattern For?

The Kalona Cardigan is best suited for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with circular needles, basic lace techniques, and transitioning between flat and in-the-round construction. It is an excellent next-step project for knitters who have completed simpler garments and are ready to explore more refined shaping and decorative stitch work. The generous size range and the use of a reliable, well-loved yarn like Berroco Ultra Wool Fine make this a pattern worth returning to again and again.