Berroco Saphiret PDF

Berroco Saphiret Cardigan by Amy Christoffers

Project Overview

Saphiret is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. This garment is worked flat from the bottom up using a seamed construction method, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to develop their shaping and finishing skills. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with seven buttons and is available in twelve different sizes, ranging from 35" to 70" bust measurement when closed.

What Is Being Made

The Saphiret cardigan is a versatile layering piece designed with finished bust measurements of 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, or 70 inches (89 to 178 centimeters). The length ranges from 21½ to 25 inches (54.5 to 63.5 centimeters) depending on size. The pattern recommends approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The cardigan features a button front and is shown in the size 44" / 112 cm option in the pattern photography.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and adjust length as needed
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, simplifying the construction process
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, requiring careful finishing work with a tapestry needle
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates stripes using three coordinating colors from the Berroco Zinnia yarn line, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished garment

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Saphiret cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern on the right side. Stockinette stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat. The gauge for this pattern is 22 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, and knitters are encouraged to swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Saphiret cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Zinnia, a yarn available in 50-gram balls. This pattern calls for three colors from the Zinnia line:

• #7109 Nimbus (main color / MC): 5 to 10 balls depending on size
• #7133 Peach Cobbler (contrast color 1 / CC1): 3 to 5 balls depending on size
• #7138 Denim (contrast color 2 / CC2): 3 to 5 balls depending on size

Berroco Zinnia is available in both DK and worsted weight options, providing flexibility for different yarn preferences and resulting fabric weights. The pattern requires two sizes of knitting needles: size 6 / 4 mm needles and size 7 / 4.5 mm needles, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Seven buttons, each 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, are required for the front closure. A tapestry needle is essential for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends. Gauge should be checked after blocking to ensure accuracy before cutting yarn or binding off.