3/4 Sleeves Cardigan in Bergere de France Ideal - 72680-03 - Downloadable PDF

3/4 Sleeves Cardigan in Bergere de France Ideal – Pattern 72680-03

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Bergere de France guides you through creating a beautifully textured 3/4 sleeve cardigan, available as a downloadable PDF. The design is worked in five sizes — S, M, L, XL, and XXL — making it accessible to a wide range of knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable with shaping, lace patterning, and working multiple stitch types within a single garment. The finished cardigan is an elegant, wearable piece that combines classic structure with delicate lace detailing.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Bergere de France IdéAL, a DK weight yarn, worked throughout with two strands held together. This double-strand technique gives the fabric extra body, warmth, and stitch definition while keeping the finished fabric relatively lightweight and drapeable. The colorway specified in the pattern is Persan 24257. Depending on size, you will need between 13 and 19 balls of IdéAL — 13 balls for size S, rising to 19 balls for size XXL.

In addition to yarn, the pattern calls for:

• 4.5 mm knitting needles — used for ribbing and border sections
• 5.0 mm knitting needles — the primary needle size for all main fabric sections
• 1 flat nylon press stud, 20 mm diameter — referenced as ref. 67701 (pack of 2), used as a closure at the neckline or front opening

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated gauge is 17 stitches and 23 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in Reverse Stocking Stitch, measured on 5.0 mm needles with two strands of IdéAL held together. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension square before beginning, as the sizing of each piece depends on hitting this gauge accurately. Even small deviations can significantly affect the finished dimensions across the five available sizes.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This cardigan is a rewarding intermediate project because it incorporates several distinct stitch patterns worked simultaneously across the fabric panels. The combination of textured and lace elements gives the garment its visual interest and sophistication. The stitches and techniques used include:

• Reverse Stocking Stitch (Rev St st) — the primary background fabric of the cardigan, worked with the purl side facing outward on right-side rows. This creates a soft, matte, textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the lace panels.
• Stocking Stitch (St st) — used in smaller sections, particularly as edging or transitional columns between pattern panels, providing smooth, classic knit fabric.
• Lace Pattern A (Lace Patt A) — a 16-row repeat lace panel worked over 22 stitches using yarn-overs (yo) and purl two together (p2tog) decreases on right-side rows. The pattern creates an open, decorative lace effect integrated into the body of the cardigan. Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 are right-side rows with active patterning; all even rows are worked as set. The lace repeat begins again from Row 3 after the initial 16-row setup.
• Lace Pattern B (Lace Patt B) — a second lace panel used alongside Lace Pattern A, worked over 18 stitches with two strands of yarn held together on 5.0 mm needles. This panel adds further textural and visual layering to the design.
• Slipped stitch edging — a 1-stitch slip technique worked purlwise with yarn on the wrong side of the work, used to create a neat, professional selvedge edge along front openings and borders.
• 2-stitch edging panels — referenced as 2-sts edging A, these narrow border stitches frame the front edges of the cardigan for a tidy, structured finish.