Berroco Trellis PDF

Berroco Trellis Crochet Cardigan PDF by Alison Green

The Berroco Trellis is a beautifully crafted crochet cardigan designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. This downloadable PDF pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level and offers an impressive size range spanning ten sizes, with finished bust measurements from 34" to 74½" (86.5–189 cm), including the gap between the fronts. The recommended ease is 2–4" of positive ease, making this a relaxed, comfortable layering piece. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in the 39" / 99 cm size.

Construction Method

One of the most distinctive features of the Trellis cardigan is its unconventional construction approach. Rather than being worked in pieces from hem to shoulder, this cardigan is constructed from the right sleeve cuff, across the entire body, and finishing at the left sleeve cuff — a technique sometimes called a "sideways" or "wingspan" construction. This method creates a seamless flow of fabric across the back and fronts while still incorporating seaming at the side and sleeve seams after the flat pieces are complete.

Because of this construction, the wingspan — the total width from cuff to cuff — remains consistent across the first six sizes. For the four largest sizes, the wingspan increases by 4½" / 11.5 cm to accommodate the larger bust, which means sleeve length naturally adjusts as size increases. This is an elegant engineering solution that keeps the pattern efficient while maintaining proper fit across a wide range of bodies.

Techniques Used

• Lace crochet: The pattern features a lace stitch pattern that gives the Trellis cardigan its namesake open, lattice-like texture. Lace crochet typically combines chain spaces, skipped stitches, and decorative stitch clusters to create an airy, feminine fabric with visual interest.
• Worked flat: All pieces are crocheted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, producing a flat fabric that is later assembled.
• Seamed construction: Once the flat pieces are complete, side seams and sleeve seams are sewn together. This seamed approach adds structure and stability to the finished garment.
• Edging: After seaming, decorative edgings are worked along the sleeve cuffs, hem, front opening, and neck edges to finish the garment neatly and add a polished, cohesive look.

Stitches Used

The pattern stitch is built primarily around the double crochet (dc), with the gauge specified as 19 dc and 9 rows = 4" / 10 cm in the pattern stitch after blocking. The stitch pattern alternates between right-side and wrong-side rows, incorporating a repeating sequence of lace rows that introduce chain spaces and decorative elements alongside solid double crochet rows. The turning chain of 3 (ch 3) is used consistently at the beginning of rows to bring the work to the correct height for double crochet fabric.

Stitch Summary

• Double crochet (dc) — the primary structural stitch throughout the body and sleeves
• Chain spaces — used within the lace pattern rows to create the open trellis effect
• Turning chains — ch 3 at the start of each row to maintain proper row height
• Edging stitches — worked along all finished edges for a clean, decorative border

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for Berroco Pima Soft, a DK weight yarn, in colorway #4630 Ocean. Pima Soft is a smooth, lustrous yarn that lends itself beautifully to lace crochet, allowing the open stitch pattern to drape gracefully and show off the trellis design clearly. Yardage requirements range from 9 balls for the smallest size up to 18 balls for the largest size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The drape and sheen of a Pima cotton blend yarn like Berroco Pima Soft is particularly well-suited to a lace cardigan intended for warmer weather or layering in transitional seasons.

Hook and Notions

• Croc