Breton Cardigan in Berroco Modern Linen - Downloadable PDF

Breton Cardigan in Berroco Modern Linen – Knit Pattern Summary

The Breton Cardigan is a beautifully relaxed, open-front cardigan designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. Despite appearing in a collection that references both knitting and crochet, this particular garment is worked entirely in crochet, using a structured combination of basic and textured stitches to create a fabric with elegant visual interest. The pattern is rated Intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal next step for crocheters who are comfortable with foundational techniques and ready to explore more refined garment construction. It is available as a downloadable PDF, and all PDFs are updated by Berroco when corrections are made, so downloading the most current version is always recommended.

Garment Overview

The Breton Cardigan is a casual yet refined layering piece with a relaxed silhouette. It is offered in a wide range of 10 sizes, labeled (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6, 7] {8, 9, 10}, with finished bust measurements ranging from 29½ inches (75 cm) to 65 inches (165 cm). The finished length ranges from approximately 19½ to 22½ inches depending on the size. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in size 3, with a finished bust of 36¾ inches (93.5 cm), modeled with approximately 3 inches of positive ease. The designer recommends wearing this cardigan with approximately 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of positive ease, which contributes to its comfortable, relaxed drape.

Construction Method

The Breton Cardigan is constructed using a practical and efficient bottom-up, worked-in-one-piece method for the body. The body is begun at the lower hem and worked upward in a single piece until the underarms, at which point the work is divided to create the back and two front panels separately. This approach minimizes seaming on the body and helps maintain consistent stitch pattern alignment throughout.

The sleeves are worked separately as individual pieces and then sewn to the body using a tapestry needle. This set-in or sewn sleeve construction is a classic technique in garment making that allows for precise shaping and a clean, polished finish at the armhole join.

Stitches and Pattern Stitch

The primary stitch used throughout the Breton Cardigan is the double crochet (dc), which forms both the foundational fabric and the basis of the decorative Pattern Stitch. The Pattern Stitch is worked over a multiple of 14 double crochets plus 3, making it important to maintain accurate stitch counts throughout the project.

• Double crochet (dc): The core stitch of the entire garment, used for both plain fabric rows and as the building block of the Pattern Stitch.
• Chain spaces (ch 1): Used within the Pattern Stitch to create openwork or lace-like effects between double crochet clusters.
• Shell-style clusters: The Pattern Stitch incorporates groupings such as (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) worked into a single stitch, creating a fan or shell motif that adds texture and visual rhythm to the fabric.
• Skipped stitches: Strategic skipping of stitches (skip 1 dc, skip 2 dc) is used in conjunction with the shell clusters to maintain stitch count and create the openwork patterning.

The Pattern Stitch alternates between plain double crochet rows and textured pattern rows, giving the finished fabric a subtle stripe-like rhythm of solid and lace sections. This combination of dense and open stitchwork is well-suited to the lightweight, breathable nature of the yarn used.

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for this pattern. The stated gauge is 18 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), measured in double crochet and the Pattern Stitch. Importantly, gauge is measured after blocking, which means swatching and blocking your gauge swatch before beginning the garment is strongly advised. Berroco emphasizes taking time to check gauge to ensure