Gabrielle Cardigan in Berroco Vellina - Downloadable PDF

Gabrielle Cardigan in Berroco Vellina – Pattern Summary

The Gabrielle Cardigan is a sophisticated open-front cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern offers an impressive size range spanning ten sizes, with finished bust measurements from 34" to 70" (86.5–178 cm), making it one of the more inclusive patterns in Berroco's catalog. The sample shown was knitted in size 3 (42" / 106.5 cm) with approximately 7" / 18 cm of positive ease, and the designer recommends planning for 4–8" / 10–20 cm of positive ease for the best drape and fit.

What Is Being Made

The Gabrielle Cardigan is an open-front, relaxed-fit cardigan designed to be worn without buttons or closures, draping elegantly at the front. Its silhouette is clean and wearable, suited to everyday styling as well as more polished occasions. The finished length ranges from approximately 20¾" to 24¼" (52.5–61.5 cm) depending on size, providing comfortable hip-length coverage across the full size range.

Yarn: Berroco Vellina

The pattern calls for Berroco Vellina, a worsted weight yarn sold in 100 g balls. The sample is worked in colorway #5004 Beach Day. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 4 and 8 balls, making it a relatively efficient project for a full cardigan. Berroco Vellina is known for its soft, plush hand and subtle sheen, qualities that lend the Gabrielle Cardigan its refined, tactile appeal. The yarn's worsted weight ensures the fabric knits up at a satisfying pace while still producing a drapey, wearable fabric.

Needles and Tools

• 32" / 80 cm circular needles in sizes 5 / 3.75 mm and 7 / 4.5 mm, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs), or preferred needles for working small circumferences, in both sizes 5 / 3.75 mm and 7 / 4.5 mm
• A spare needle in size 7 / 4.5 mm for executing a three-needle bind-off

The use of two needle sizes suggests the pattern incorporates a smaller needle for ribbing or edging details and a larger needle for the main body fabric — a common and effective technique for achieving neat, tidy borders that don't flare or pull.

Techniques Used

• Three-needle bind-off — a technique used to join two live sets of stitches simultaneously, commonly employed at shoulder seams to create a clean, strong join without a visible seam on the right side
• Working in the round on circular needles and double-pointed needles, indicating that some sections such as sleeves or collar may be worked seamlessly
• Shaping techniques appropriate to an intermediate skill level, likely including increases and decreases for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, and neckline construction

Stitches Used

• Ribbing — suggested by the use of smaller needles for edging, ribbing is a classic knit-purl combination stitch that creates elastic, tidy borders at cuffs, hems, and front bands
• Stockinette stitch — the standard knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side construction most commonly used for the main body of garments at this weight and style

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as intermediate, the Gabrielle Cardigan is well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with garment construction basics, including reading schematic measurements, working increases and decreases for shaping, and executing a three-needle bind-off. The wide size range and generous ease recommendations make it an approachable project for knitters