Papakolea Cardigan in Berroco Medina - Downloadable PDF

Papakolea Cardigan in Berroco Medina – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Papakolea Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Donna Yacino and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a relaxed, open-front cardigan with a flattering silhouette. Because the fronts do not meet at center, each size offers generous, forgiving coverage, making this a versatile layering piece suited to a wide range of body types.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written in seven sizes, with finished bust measurements of 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, and 60 inches. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in the 40-inch size with approximately 6 inches of ease, demonstrating a comfortably relaxed fit. Finished lengths range from 23 inches up to 25½ inches depending on the size chosen, providing a hip-grazing proportion that works well over both casual and elevated outfits.

Techniques Used

The Papakolea Cardigan is worked using seamed, flat construction, meaning the individual pieces — such as the fronts, back, and sleeves — are knitted flat and then joined together with seams. This traditional approach gives knitters precise control over shaping and results in a structured, polished finished garment. Seamed construction also tends to add stability and helps the cardigan hold its shape over time.

• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making this accessible to knitters comfortable with reading flat pattern instructions.
• Seamed finishing: Completed pieces are sewn together, a technique that rewards knitters who enjoy the assembly stage and want a clean, tailored result.
• Stitch holding: Waste yarn is used to hold stitches at certain points during construction, a common intermediate technique for managing live stitches during shaping or joining.

Stitches Used

The body of the cardigan is worked in a Pattern Stitch as specified in the instructions, which is set at a gauge of 30 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches on the larger needle. This relatively dense stitch count for a DK-weight yarn suggests a textured or structured stitch pattern that contributes to the fabric's drape and definition. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully, as achieving accurate gauge is essential to matching the stated finished measurements across all seven sizes.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Berroco Medina, used in colorway #4720 Meknes. Berroco Medina is a DK-weight yarn sold in 100-gram balls. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern calls for 5 to 9 balls — specifically:

• 5 balls for sizes 36" and 40"
• 6 balls for size 44"
• 7 balls for sizes 48" and 52"
• 8 balls for size 56"
• 9 balls for size 60"

Berroco Medina's DK weight lends the finished cardigan a lightweight yet substantial hand, ideal for a garment intended to be worn as a layer across multiple seasons.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires 32-inch circular needles in two sizes: size 4 (3.50 mm) for ribbing or border sections and size 6 (4.00 mm) for the main body, to be adjusted as needed to achieve gauge. Additionally, two double-pointed needles in size 6 (4.00 mm) are called for, likely used for working small sections such as applied trims or i-cord edging. Waste yarn is also listed as a required notion for holding live stitches during construction.

Who Is This Pattern For?

The Papakolea Cardigan is rated intermediate