Sintra in Berroco - Downloadable PDF

Sintra Cardigan by Amy Christoffers – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Sintra is a beautifully crafted women's cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern offers an impressive size range spanning eleven sizes, with a finished bust measurement (closed) ranging from 34 inches up to 70 inches (approximately 86.5 to 178 cm). The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in the 38-inch / 96.5 cm size, and the designer recommends approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Finished lengths range from approximately 19 to 22½ inches depending on size, making this a cropped-to-hip-length layering piece suitable for a wide variety of body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Sintra cardigan is constructed using a classic bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat approach. This means the individual pieces — typically the back, two fronts, and sleeves — are each knitted flat as separate panels and then joined together with seams. This traditional construction method is favored by many knitters for the structure and stability it lends to finished garments, and it allows each piece to be blocked individually before assembly for the most accurate and polished results.

• Bottom-up construction: Knitting begins at the lower hem edge and works upward toward the shoulders, a familiar and intuitive direction for shaping bust, waist, and armhole details.
• Worked flat: Each piece is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which is well-suited to a cardigan's open front structure.
• Seamed finishing: Separate pieces are sewn together after knitting, producing clean, durable seams that help the garment hold its shape over time.

Stitches Used

The pattern is worked in a Pattern Stitch that gives the fabric its distinctive texture and visual interest. While the specific stitch combination is detailed within the PDF, the gauge is measured over this Pattern Stitch, indicating it is the primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan. Ribbing or a similar edging stitch is typically used on borders, cuffs, and button bands in garments of this style, providing a neat, tidy finish. Stitch markers are listed among the required notions, suggesting the pattern involves stitch placement or repeat tracking that benefits from careful marking as you work.

Sizing and Fit

• Sizes available: 34, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53½, 57½, 61½, 66, and 70 inches bust (closed)
• Recommended ease: 2–4 inches / 5–10 cm positive ease
• Finished lengths: 19 to 22½ inches depending on size
• Closures: Six ½-inch / 15 mm buttons

Yarn and Materials

The Sintra cardigan is designed for DK weight yarn and is shown knitted in Berroco Gaia in colorway #3028 Forest. Berroco Gaia is a 50-gram skein, and depending on size, the pattern calls for 7 to 16 balls — with smaller sizes requiring 7 balls and the largest size requiring 16 balls. This yarn quantity range reflects the broad size inclusivity of the pattern.

• Yarn: Berroco Gaia, 50 g skeins, color #3028 Forest
• Yarn weight: DK
• Yardage needed: 7–16 balls depending on size
• Needles: US size 3 / 3.25 mm and US size 5 / 3.75 mm knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Six ½-inch / 15 mm buttons, stitch markers

Gauge

Achieving