Berroco Anita PDF

Berroco Anita Cardigan by Margaux Hufnagel

What is Being Made

The Berroco Anita is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Margaux Hufnagel. This garment features a classic button-front closure with five buttons and is available in nine size options ranging from 35¾" to 71¾" bust circumference (not including front bands). The cardigan offers a fitted silhouette with approximately 4–6" of positive ease recommended for comfortable wear. Finished lengths range from 20" to 23", making this a versatile layering piece suitable for various body proportions and style preferences.

Techniques Used

The Anita cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create visual interest and structural integrity. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and easy access to stitches. The design employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Lace patterning is incorporated throughout the design, adding an elegant, openwork element to the finished piece. The cardigan is seamed, with individual pieces joined together using traditional seaming techniques to create clean, durable seams that contribute to the garment's professional appearance and longevity.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used in the Anita cardigan is referred to as the Pattern Stitch, which is worked over a 16-stitch and 31-row repeat on the larger needles. This pattern stitch is the foundation for the lace elements that define the cardigan's aesthetic. The gauge for this pattern stitch is 16 stitches and 31 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on size 7 / 4.5 mm needles after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring proper fit.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Anita cardigan is designed to be knitted using Berroco Chai yarn in the colorway #8626 Delft. Berroco Chai is a DK to worsted weight yarn (50 grams per ball), offering a versatile fiber option for this project. Yardage requirements vary by size, with smaller sizes requiring 8 balls and larger sizes requiring up to 16 balls of yarn.

The needle requirements include size 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths for the main fabric, a size 6 / 4 mm circular needle (32 inches) for ribbing and finishing edges, and one set of size 7 / 4.5 mm double-pointed needles for working smaller circumferences such as the neckline. Additional notions include waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction and five buttons for the front closure. Proper gauge checking on the larger needles after blocking is emphasized to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit of the completed cardigan.